Today we had the opportunity to spend the first half of our day revisiting the Diana Davies Orphanage. This has been an orphanage we have frequented since the first WE Liberia trip. The first group from 2 and a half years ago laid the foundation by spending almost all the time installing a generator and building a generator shed for it. What we found there this year was more than encouraging.
First off, I’d like to state that even though the majority of us had never been to Diana Davies before, as soon as we arrived after our long ride, we felt like we were returning home to family and were welcomed and loved beyond what we could have asked for. What was amazing about Diana Davies not solely the love they showed us, not just the gratitude they had for our visit, the beautiful songs they sang for us, or the beautiful character the kids have been developing exhibited, what amazed us the most was the great stewardship and progress of the orphanage. Two and a half years ago, the first team installed the electricity generator. This was great obviously because it gives the orphanage electricity and light. However with the generator they have not simply lit up their orphanage. They have developed a cold water/ice business where they use the electricity and freezer that was donated to them to produce and sell cold water to the community, the revenue they get from the business not only sustains their generator and allows more fuel to be purchased, but these young orphans are being taught simple and crucial sustained business and self discipline. In addition to the cold water business they had sewing machines donated to them a couple of years ago, and not only have the kids learned how to sow, but they are able to sell things they make and make money off of that too. And since we have last been to Liberia, with the money they have been able to make, Diana Davies has expanded their clinic and made themselves available to the community around them that need healthcare. And not only that, but they have now built a school that has taken in hundreds and hundreds of children to provide an education! So, in sum, starting 2 and half years ago with a generator donation and installation, not only have these kids been trained in business and sustainability, but they have made themselves accessible to their surrounding community as a beacon of light in the darkness. Absolutely beautiful, what hope, what progress.
While we were there we were able to sing songs with the kids, today we added “Father Abraham” to the mix and it was quite the hit. Then Brad shared the Bible lesson, and then we colored and spent some time with the kids. After the coloring we broke off into small groups and spend time in discussion with the kids. I personally loved this, I had a group of 5 guys, ages 14 to 15, and I went into it having no idea where discussion would go, I simply left it in the Lord’s hands. The guys quickly started asking me deep questions that stirred good spiritual discussion, questions such as “why is God a jealous God? “ or “what exactly does it mean to have an idol in your life?”. Unfortunately we had to cut our time at Diana Davies short today, because we were invited to be a part of a conference by Freedom in Christ Ministries with Dr. Neil Anderson. So we ate some donuts that they kindly made for us and headed on out.
It was quite a ride in traffic on the way to the conference, but absolutely worth it. First off, what an honor to be a part of this conference, not only because Dr. Neil Anderson was in Liberia, but because we had the opportunity to be in a room full of church leaders from across Liberia that gathered together to hear Dr. Anderson speak. He has great content, if you have not heard of him or read any of his books I would personally greatly advise it. After the conference was over we returned home here, and to our surprise our host Christine invited Dr. Anderson back here, so we had the honor of having dinner with him. And that concludes our day; tomorrow we spend the majority of the day with Diana Davies orphanage again, looking forward to that. Right now it’s raining, and it’s great. The end. I love you mom.
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