Yesterday I was reading over a number of old emails. I came across the emails my boyfriend and I wrote to each other while I was in Africa in September. As much as I love Africa, that trip to Liberia was horrible. At this point, Alex and I had been dating for 3 months (in fact, we hit the 3 months mark, while I was gone.) Anyways, having some letters with me from him and being able to get internet twice to check my email was a huge thing that kept me together. (Now before you think I hate Africa or something, you could not be more wrong. I love Africa and have since I began sponsoring this beautiful boy in Tanzania my freshman year of high school. I've been there twice. And I'm praying that the Lord will bless enough to adopt at least one African baby.) This trip was difficult for many reasons. I remember having a countdown of hours going in my head with at least two days left. (You may be losing respect for me as I continue to type, I'll be happy to share my experience with you, I just don't want to share it with the world.) And then I boarded the plane, leaving my mom behind, where she would stay for the next 3 weeks. The flight was long and sleepless, 18 hours next to the air vent. I didn't care I just wanted to be home. Sometime around 6:30 AM Monday morning September 13, I stepped off the train of the Atlanta Airport and headed up that long escalator. I ran up it. I saw Alex and dropped everything I was carrying and landed in his arms (It could have been in a movie).
Relief.
I was home.
I'm sure you are wondering why I'm telling this story. Well as glad as I was to be home, as hard as the trip was, Liberia had etched itself on my heart. I perk up anytime someone mentions the country. From being there and immersing myself in the culture and people, as well as studying the country, I know a lot about it. I not only had the honor of loving the poorest (of the world), I also sat in government officials' offices. I heard a sorts of stories from the war and life after, I heard the current struggles.
To say this country is in real trouble is an understatement. The only electricity in the country is from generators. Running water ANY where in the country is a rarity and a luxury. About 80% of the workforce is unemployed. The mother/child mortality rate is the highest in the world. This country is continually ranked in the top five poorest nations. Corruption and greed are rampant in the government. Three million people live in the country. It is the size of the state of Tennessee and there are 3 hospitals. I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the picture.
Anyways, I read this article today about the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association holding a revival/meeting there in March. Click here to read Billy's Experience
I thought it was very interesting. The vice president, Tolbert later became president of the country and he was assassinated while in office, which started the beginning of the civil war for this country.
Just pray for this nation and people. They are lost and more than anything else, they need Jesus. Christianity is there and there are many churches, but they still need Him. I'm going to post a little background on the war and an interview I had with a member from Parliament that survived it.
Thinking about Africa today.
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