Danielle's Video Blog Updates

Now that we're home I've had a chance to upload all the little videos I've taken over the past couple weeks. Several of them are completely pointless as you'll find out, but at least they're short so you'll only have to sit through the pointless ones for a few seconds to get to the other ones that have a little bit more purpose behind them. Either way, I hope you enjoy them. I'll put them in chronological order here:

Here is Amy Lyford, who has contributed to this blog quite a bit this go around.  Here is her reaction 17 seconds into the trip.




Here we are just taking a drive through town on our way to go do some planning for our upcoming seminars.  



On our first day of Leadership Training Dave Bearchell taught on the "Diamond Life" Personal Leadership Idea, and had Jonathan help him teach segments of it.  Here we see Jonathan's bundle of nerves on display, or his he kidding?



The evil smirk on my face is because I realize that Rodney never voluntarily jumps in front of the camera. We have to make him, just to prove that he came with us.  Rodney is the President of Service to Servants which is the organization that has brought to life every Liberia project that we've thought to do this far.  Otherwise this short video is one of the most pointless in the bunch.



Here we are Erica, Zac, and I on Friday afternoon looking for a place to get some gifts for people back home in downtown Monrovia. Just ignore the hot mess that is my hair.



Here we are: Miatta, Erica, Amy and I in the backseat coming back from Diana Davies Orphanage where we spent some of our free time.  A few years ago we went their to install a generator, and we at least wanted to touch base with them while we were in town.



The Friday that we were flying out to go back to Atlanta, Dave, Jonathan, Erica, and I stopped by THINK to visit the kids that I had met a few years ago.  Here's a short little hello from them to you.



Dave is so good with these kids it's ridiculous.  These kids at this organization are all rescued from abusive situations, many of them have been traumatized, but Dave bring a light to these kids that's unexplainable.  Here he is discussing their kickball game.



Crazy to think I taught these kids this song 2 1/2 years ago, and they still remember it.  We took a group picture, and then they started to sing.  I couldn't help but video it.



Here is the last video I got in Liberia. It's a goodbye song from the kids at THINK.

We're back home!

Yup we're home! After our 15 hour flight we made it back around 5:30 this morning. Everything went well, no problems at all. It's hard to believe the trip is over, it was such an incredible experience. What a blessing it was to go back, and have such a wonderful team. It was amazing to see God so evidently throughout our time there. I can't wait to see what he will continue to do in Liberia, and how he will continue to grow us after the trip from the experiences we had there.

Now we have been resting and getting reacquainted with the U.S. again. It's always such an eye opening experience when I come back to how good we have it here in America, even little things that I never would have thought of as a luxury prior to going to a third world Country. I pray that we will not forget what we have seen and learned throughout our time in Liberia.

Thanks again for all of your support and prayers, we couldn't have done it without you all.

God Bless,

Amy

Our last meal during our stay in Liberia.

Zac and Danielle playing an intense game of chess on Zac's phone before we loaded the plane.

Look we're back in Atlanta everybody!!

The last day of seminars

We woke-up this morning and before we got in our vehicles to head to REAP we had one last meeting to make sure we were on the same page for out last seminar. After getting to the seminar we had some extra time to and Danielle and I headed to the local village to see some of our friends there and spend time with the kids. My new friend Janet showed me around and showed me her and her brothers house. While being at REAP for the past 2 weeks we have been able to really get to know the cooks and the locals who hang-out around the area. They are such beautiful genuine and hospitable people who we are going to miss dearly.

We began the seminar for the day with Miatta going over the diamond life and giving her personal touch by relating it to her personal experiences. Most of the seminar was focused around going over the business plan the attendees created together the day prior. They spent time yesterday individually creating business proposals of what project they think would be beneficial for the community and feasible to create as a team. We went through all of the proposals and the majority decided on a water well plan. So then today we went into more details of how that plan could be feasible. We also spent time going over what the attendees liked about the seminar, what they felt like we could improve upon and any questions they still wanted answered. It was great to hear all of the positive input, many people wanted to know when we will be back and wished the seminars we even longer.

After we finished for the day we had a special surprise that Pastor Tolbert presented. They thanked us for the seminar and presented us with some wonderful gifts made of wood, they gave us a thinking man sculpture a Palava Hut sculpture, and two letter openers. What a wonderful group of people we were blessed to spend time with. We built many strong relationships together and learned so much from each other and all of the speakers at our seminars. The presentation and lunch together was a great ending to the seminars. Afterwords the core team of the Liberian Leadership council met to discuss what this project will look like after we leave and how it will continue to grow.

We headed back to the compound and got some needed rest and then said bye to Miatta. She is staying in Liberia for another week to spend time with her family. We already miss her a lot, we are so thankful she has been to be apart of our team.

We had our last Liberian dinner together of my favorite rice and had a special treat of orange soda and coke! Of course we had our yummy pineapple with dinner, I'm really going to miss all of the fresh delicious fruit we've had available on our trip. Especially the Liberian plums (what we call mango's).

We had one last meeting for the day and discussed our seminars. Dave looked back on an email Tony had sent a couple months prior that laid-out the goals of our trip and as he read it, it was awesome to realize we have done what we have set-out to do. This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey here in Liberia. I can't wait to see what will continue to develop from it.

Tomorrow we are flying back to Atlanta at 5:55 p.m. (Liberian time) 1:55 p.m. (Atlanta time). Please pray for a smooth safe trip back over the pond. Before we leave we are stopping by THINK which is an organization we have worked with on previous trips that takes in sexually abused children. We are going to hang-out with the children for a little while before we leave. Well it's past my bedtime. Next time you hear from us we'll be back in America! Thank you all for your support and prayers, we can't wait to tell you more about how God's favor has shone through so evidently and all of the experiences we have been blessed with.

God Bless,

Amy

My friend Janet in front of her home.

attendees of the seminar working hard.

Pastor Tolbert showing off the gifts that he and the
other amazing attendees gave us in appreciation for our
 hard work throughout the seminars.

look at all those delicious Liberian plums!(mango's)

Tony meeting with the core group of the Liberian Leadership Council.

Danielle humbly presenting Tony with the sculpture the
 attendees gave to our team in appreciation for the seminar.

Week 2, Day 2

At the REAP facility we entered Day Two of Tony's teaching. In a reversal from yesterday, there wasn't a drop of rain poured over the entirety of Liberia. But, we did get a PA system. This certainly helped, especially when it came to answering questions. Hogan actually got behind the pulpit, adding a pulse to the seminar that helped get us through the day. Project Management has landed successfully among the Liberian crowd, and tomorrow ought to be interesting as we get to see how they plan their first community project.

In my most triumphant moment of the day I climbed the one-hundred foot tall concrete cistern. Gotta say, it was gorgeous. The clouds rolled ahead like mountains and the wind gave me a breath of some of the freshest air I've had in my lungs.

To top the night off, we had the Orphan Relief and Rescue folks over for a time of worship. Some mingling later, we played a game of Mafia with them, which was a smash hit. That's all there really is to say about today without drowning you in sweaty details. The team is doing great, health is at 1000% percent. Yes, 1000%.

So, relax. Chill. Hang out and eat a slice of pizza for all of us.

Zac

This is where Platoon was filmed

Hogan 

Discussion 

Smile with the village ladies

Our lives are in their hands

Here is a picture

A little rain can't stop us!

Last night was a beautiful stormy night, it was the loudest storm I have ever heard. It was beautiful and maybe a little scary(for me) to watch the lightning light up the Liberian sky and the Thunder roar.

In the morning we headed back over to REAP to begin the first day of our project management seminar which Tony lead. It was wonderful to see many excited familiar faces and many just as excited new faces. After starting the seminar, it began to rain heavily outside and it was very difficult to hear Tony speaking. We decided to first rearrange the tables to be closer to him, but it still was very difficult to hear him. We then moved everybody into a much smaller room. It ended-up being a very good intimate setting for the seminar. Tony did an amazing job sharing his skills and passion of project management with the attendees and us as well. The attendees were so eager to learn more that when Tony would suggest a break they would request to keep going.

During lunch we prayed for the rain to die down and for the attendees to really get involved during the rest of the day. The rain cleared-up enough to hear Tony without him having to yell and there was great involvement from the attendees! We did an activity where each attendee had a partner and they sat back to back while one partner described the shapes and the other tried to draw the exact same shapes in the same places on their paper with only hearing descriptions from their partner. It was interesting to see what some of the drawings ended-up looking like and also to see how much fun everybody was having. We also had a chance to break down into small groups to process and discuss the information together. Towards the end of the seminar Tony put together an example project of baking a Liberian cake. He connected all of the process with the project management terms and skills that he taught us throughout the day. It was a very applicable way to connect what we had learned to a real project. At the end he told us to discuss what we had learned together and that he would be right back. A minute later he came in with Ester holding cake that was baked for us!! Everybody was so excited! It was very delicous.

Overall it was a wonderful day at the seminar, it was great to see so many attendees excited about learning project management and there desires to apply their knowledge to projects that can be done all around Liberia. The possibilities are endless!! We will focus more on the business side tomorrow.

After fighting through traffic at red light in the rain we made it home for a delicious meal and relaxation time together.

Please pray that God will continue to show his favor over us and the seminar tomorrow as well as do more through these seminars than we could ever imagine. Also a couple of us have had some stomach problems (nothing serious) please pray for healing over our tummies.

Well once again I am the last man standing (last person up) and should probably get to bed to be well rested for tomorrow. Night everybody!

God Bless,

Amy

Two attendees attempting to draw what the other is describing.

Tony doing his thing.

Felicia serving our delicious Liberian cake.

I figure by now you know our morning routine almost as well as we do: wake up sweaty, eat breakfast, head out. Today was more or less the same. Actually, I'm lying. Rodney, Hogan and Tony went out to the REAP facility to get a head start on setting up for tomorrow. Tony got a chance to meet with Emmanuel, the director of REAP, exchanging thoughts and plans for the future of the leadership chapter here in Liberia. Everyone else stayed at home until around one, where we left for Orphan Relief and Rescue's Headquarters.

After meeting their team of seven, we followed them to one of their Orphanages in the area. Before we even pulled all the way into the walled-up compound we could hear the children shouting. These kids were ecstatic, like something from a Toys-R-Us commercial or something.

The whole time I was there, I really only talked to one kid, Jeremiah. I don't know how a personality like his could come out of an orphanage in Africa. He was born to perform, sticking out amongst the kids with his innate showmanship. Social, fun-loving, he was talkative, and I say that in comparison to the other children, harboring the only opinions during story time.

Now, this “story time” was fun for them, not so fun for me. As much as I love telling a story, using a Children's Bible to entertain not only fifteen kids but a few adults as well is achingly tricky. If you can imagine Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese having a conversation about crappy illustrated Bible passages, that's probably what it sounded it like.

After that was done, everyone filled to their liking with stories, we got to experience these kids dancing skills. With a slight rain accompanying them, the girls came out first to the beats of two drums. It was certainly the best piece of impromptu dance that I've seen this side of the Atlantic. To follow, was the boys, led by none other than Jeremiah. They slithered out in a line and stopped in front of us, looking like a boy band smiling to their fans. And of course, we ate it up.

The day out came to a close shortly after that, we climbed into the cars with a crowd around us handing out high-fives and goodbyes. As sentimental as it was, I think we all understood that those kids won't stay in a place like that, potential growing everyday.

At home, we crashed. After an indiscriminate amount of time (seriously, I don't know), we got up and killed some time before dinner. At this moment, eleven fifty six, it's raining. It's times like this, eleven fifty six, that I do my deep thinking, and by thinking I mean sleeping, so goodnight and good luck.

Zac

Danielle breaking it down with some of the girls

Miatta playing a rope game with some of the girls.

Me and my new buddy Jerimiah, what an awesome kid!

A delightful Sunday

What a great Sunday. :) Today we went to Robert Cuppah's Church, he is a long time friend of ours and also one of our drivers who helps us get around. It was a wonderful experience with much joyful worship and such a welcoming congregation. We had a time of walking around meeting people and shaking hands as well as each one of us standing-up and stating who we are, where we're from and who invited us. We also were blessed to be apart of the service. Dave said the opening prayer; Hogan, Miatta and I each read verses from the bible; Zac and Erica shared their testimonies; Danielle sung and played a worship song; Dan delivered the message; and Rodney said the closing benediction. The message was about servant leadership and the verses that we read were: 1Kings 12: 1-13, Acts 6: 1-4, John 17: 1-22. Dan did a wonderful job talking about the importance of servant Leadership and how to apply it to your life.

After church we said bye to Dan as he headed off to the Airport to head back home. We are so incredibly thankful to have him as a part of our team and have him teach two days of leadership training. We then headed to the Royal Hotel for a delicious Sunday buffet, we really enjoyed the food, it's amazing how much you appreciate things such as broccoli, and salad when you haven't had it in over a week. We got full on lots of yummy food from hummus to fettuccine Alfredo and of course delicious eclairs for dessert.

We then headed back to the compound and Dave, Miatta, Danielle, Zac and Erica headed to the beach for some relaxation time (except for Zac who went to do an intense running work-out). While Me, Jonathan, Hogan, and Miatta stayed at the compound- had some great discussions relaxed at the house and spent time in the neighborhood. Jonathan and Hogan played futbol with Jerimiah (who works at our compound). Miatta and I watched the boys play Futbol and walked around and met people in the neighborhood.

After we got back Tony was arriving!! We were so excited to see him and were glad he arrived safely with no trouble getting here. We had a great dinner with much laughter and random conversations (which is pretty normal). We spend some good time discussing the day together after-wards. I always enjoy hearing how God is working in everybody's lives each day and revealing himself in such unique ways.

Now I am sitting in the living room with Danielle, Zac, and Jonathan: Danielle and Zac have been having a good time attempting to writie a song together and Jonathan and I have been amused by their ideas. Everybody else is back in their rooms getting rest for the next day ahead of us. Tomorrow we'll be heading out to orphanages with Orphan Relief and Rescue to work with the younger children. Can't wait to share about it with you tomorrow!

God Bless,

Amy

Dan delivering the message.

The SEC choir during service. 

Our team at the Royal Hotel for lunch.

Walking to the Futbol field.

A local boy climbing a coconut tree.

Jonathan giving a futbol to a Jerimiah's Coach.

*Rain strummed against the house before the sun could say anything this morning. The resulting humidity hung to everything. First thing after breakfast was an hour and a half car ride out to Diana Davies' Orphanage.

As some of you may know, and for those of you that don't, this orphanage holds one of 12Stone's generators, installed by a team a little more than two years ago. So needless to say, there were some familiar faces, and as Jonathan put it “they were bright, with welcoming eyes,” creating a comfortable reunion/introduction for us all.

Thinking back now, it's all very light and dreamy, baby blues and soothing yellows, in my mind. In a way, I think it was the Spirit on that place. Diana Davies, as Dave was telling us, is a very influential woman, raising up this orphanage, developing these children burned by war and abuse into refined gems, people of great potential and character. The facility schools a thousand children from the orphanage to the outstanding area, providing night classes to those who work in the daytime and is still growing. I think I overheard the talks of a cafeteria and a computer building. Who knows what God can accomplish?

Speeding across town, weaving in and out of the way of motorbikes, we made it back home just in time for the NGO Party. I've personally been waiting for this all week. Rodney gathered some of the areas non-profit organizations to our place, serving burgers from the grill, to give us a little perspective on what others do here all the while networking everyone in the area. We met some interesting people, including the head of the local radio station that sends out Pastor Kevin's messages everyday and a group of women staying at Orphan Relief and Rescue.

Amy and I were recruited to do voice-over work for the radio station, reading for advertisements on a school and church in the area. So, Mom and Grandma, if you're reading this, know that your boy is famous now; consider the farm paid for, we're moving to Beverly Hills. Alas, it was fun, albeit tedious.

So, we danced. We sang. The party carried us until around seven. I think it was a critical success, I don't know a person that didn't eat their weight in burger. Surprisingly, the weathered swayed in our favor, spreading the rain clouds and setting in a soft breeze, making this all possible in the first place.

Sunday is church the Liberian way, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig in tomorrow night. Thanks for reading.

Zac

*Best read while listening to your favorite 90's Dance Music

I got worms!

On the way out of the Orphanage

Going to the market and relaxing

Today started off great, with 2 more hours of sleep than normal and pancakes, cheese, scrambled eggs, plantains, bologna and oatmeal for breakfast at the compound. We then went into an hour of quiet time to just spend time taking in the week and connecting with God. I ended up spending some of that time walking around the compound and just taking in a different type of nature than I am used to seeing in America. It was wonderful to just think about all of the different plants and animals that God has created around the world.

We then headed to the Market, on the way to the market there were so many different sights to be seen. We drove by the Executive Mansion, and also a church that didn't look incredibly important from the outside but we learned from our driver Robert that it was the oldest Church in all of Liberia and where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Then at the market Robert and Victor (our wonderful drivers) guided us around to the types of shops that we were interested in going to. Erica and I found beautiful lappas (fabric) and others bought bracelets, soccer Jerseys, and scarfs. The market is a very busy place where you have to be on alert to what's going on at all times, there's always something interesting to see and interesting people to meet. Robert and Victor were very helpful in showing us around and helping us get the best deals possible- bargaining is defiantly an important thing to know at the market, I think I'm starting to get a little better at it.

On the way home we stopped by a tailor for Erica and I to drop off our lappas to have a couple of things made, I decided on a dress suit and Erica had something made for her mom (I won't reveal what so her mom doesn't know by reading our blog and spoil the surprise). It was very interesting to see the equipment they used and how their shop was set-up. One very interesting thing that we noticed is that they use irons with charcoal in them to iron the fabric.

While driving home we drove by Service to Servants and saw all of the containers covering the land, that were full of materials that had been recently shipped from America. It was awesome to see the containers full of materials covering the land! Service to servants is a non-profit which Rodney from our team founded. They focus on figuring out what materials those who serve in Liberia need and doing what they can to provide for them.

After getting back to the compound we relaxed and some of us napped while others played an intense card game of spoons. We then spent time together before dinner eating yummy coconuts that we bought earlier in the day.

We had a special guest, Florence at dinner who went around with us to all of the orphanages during the winter 2009-2010 team and was a huge help in us understanding the culture throughout that time. Danielle, Rodney, Dave and I were very excited to see her again after 2 ½ years! Last time we saw her she was having trouble with conceiving and ended-up getting surgery which some of our team members helped to provide for financially and we prayed for. Shortly after greeting each other Florence shared with me a beautiful picture of her nine month old son! It was such an amazing answer to prayers. We spent time catching-out and enjoying Florence's company and beautiful spirit.

After dinner we decided to watch a movie and now we are finishing up our second movie of the night with just four of us left up and everybody else off to bed. We had a wonderful day of relaxation and exploration around the city. Well I guess it's bed time for me, can't wait for us to be able to share with you about tomorrow. We're so thankful for you all :)

God Bless,

Amy

Walking into the market.

Me and the sweet lady I bout 3 lappas from.

A boy learning how to sew outside of the tailor.

Jonathan enjoying a fresh coconut and Rodney enjoying the company.

Danielle with Florence right after she stopped by to see us.

There is a Lizard on my wall

This'll be a short update:

We've had a really good day.

Everyone is just unwinding from the day in the living room right now.

A lizard just crawled across the wall and ran into the air condition vent next to my pillow on my bed.

It was our last day that Dan taught about leadership, and these men and women LOVED him, and from what I can tell they really learned a lot too.

The continuation of the seminar doesn't begin again until Tuesday. So we've made plans to go work with Orphan Relief and Rescue and Diana Davis Orphanage this weekend and on Monday.

The Levels of Leadership group after the seminar was over.

First day of the 5 Levels Of Leadership training

Today was a wonderful productive day! The alarm in the girls room didn't go off when it was supposed to and luckily Danielle woke me up and asked what time it was and I didn't even realized we were waking up late. I was grateful for the 15 more minutes of sleep and we got ready with enough time. I knew after that it was going to be a great day.

As we got to REAP today Dan was setting up for the first day of teaching the 5 Levels of Leadership and we all worked to make sure we had everything good to go for the day. We got to start the day there with a lovely breakfast of oats, boiled eggs and Liberian doughnuts! The doughnuts were delicious! As the seminar was starting people started to trickle in starting off with one woman who slept there stating that she wanted to make sure to not miss any of the teaching. I was excited again to be able to greet our guests, take their photos and show them to their seats. There were many familiar eager faces from the day prior and some new faces as well.

When the seminar started we had already passed out most of the books and workbooks covering the material. I started off at my table from yesterday but then realized people were still coming so I needed to get back to sitting by the door and signing in more people that were coming in. We then ran out of books and work books and were starting to run out of room at the tables! We all gave-up our books and I gave-up my seat because we ran out of chairs, it was awesome! I really enjoyed using my greeter and usher skills to help people feel welcome and get everybody the materials they need and a place to sit. We ended-up with 43 participants as we started off the seminar!

Today our group mainly consisted of people from the church such as deacons and also some people from the education field as well. Just like yesterday I was awed by the knowledge wisdom that the participants exemplified throughout the day. I feel as though I learned so much from them. It was also amazing to see how engaged and enthralled they all were throughout the time. Dan did an exemplary job teaching the overview and the first two levels of leadership. It was the same training that our team received from him in May(when he decided to join our team), but it was impressive to see how he changed things such as examples so that the Liberian's could relate it to their everyday lives and culture and it went over very well. One of the activities that they did was the values cards, where you start off with about 32 cards with different values written on them such as integrity and wisdom. Then you slowly narrow it down to 5 cards to exemplify what values you care about most and then finally pick your top value. It was beautiful to see everybody discovering their values through the cards. We then had a moment where we walked around and told our top values to people individually and described why that value matters to us. I found it very intriguing and personal how while we were going around meeting different people to tell our values to they would shake hands and keep holding the persons hands throughout the discussion and always look your straight in the eyes.

We also had a chance to do an activity where we would decide whether we are more production oriented or relationship oriented and each group went to one side of the room and wrote down positive and negatives of the other group. All of the participants got really into it, it was a great unifying experience and also triggered a very lively discussion after wards. The seminar ended shortly after that with everybody eager to come back tomorrow to finish learning the 5 Levels of Leadership.

As we were driving home we saw a bad motorcycle accident where the driver did not survive. It was a very eye opening moment of the blessings we have in America of just having access to things such as helmets. We then got back to the compound and all seemed to get very much needed rest and quiet time. At dinner I was so excited to see pasta and mango juice and of course the regular delicious cornbread, chicken and pineapple. After dinner we ended-up having a very God-driven prayer time where we prayed over our time here and prayed over individuals of the group who needed prayer. It was so freeing to have the team pray over the worries I currently have in my life.

Now everybody else has gone to bed to get some rest for the finishing of the 5 Levels of Leadership training tomorrow. Please pray for the attendees to continue to grow in their leadership throughout the training and to continue to be such encouraging participants. Also for our team to continue to follow to Holy Spirit fully throughout our trip and that we will have unexplainable energy and enthusiasm tomorrow that could only have come from God. Guess it's bed time for me now too :) Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. God is shining through in miraculous ways!!

God Bless,

Amy

Dan and Philip before the training began.

Ester the amazing, who has such a beautiful spirit, cutting the pineapple for lunch.

Danielle looking over the value cards that two participants were choosing.

Some curious onlookers, waiting outside of the door peeking into the seminar.

Two participants discussing their values with each other.

The relational group overlooking the productivity groups positive and negatives about them.

This morning had more than few surprises as it started shortly before six thirty. To be honest, I really didn't want to get up, even with the anticipation of our first seminar. By the time I actually did get out of bed, everyone else had pretty much gotten ready. Despite my lagging, when I stepped outside everyone was standing around. One of our cars had decided to not cooperate, giving only an empty grinding sound when the key was turned. Our group of drivers went to work hurriedly trying to find the problem. After switching batteries and relay-switches, still nothing stuck.

With only one functioning car and our backs against the wall, Rodney, Hogan and I chose to stay behind. To the others, this seemed to be the noble choice, the right choice. Unbeknownst to them though, we all enjoyed a nap, lounging around in the sunlit living room.

While we were unconscious at home, the others were putting in the work at the facility. They informed me later of the stress-filled first moments when our starting time came and went, with no one showing. A suggestion from Amy led the group to began to pray, Erica personally feeling the warmth of the Holy Spirit calming their nerves. But at the door, still no one.

Back at the homestead, the car took its first breath, letting us settle down inside. Hogan and I in the backseat, Rodney taking shotgun. We looked at each other and knew, knew we'd make it. Our only worries were those for our teammates.

Moment after moment passed and still the facility was empty, their thoughts running wild with anxiety. Dave went to the wide double-doors, looking up to the hilltop at the mouth of the compound. Coming over the hill, like wanderers from Egypt, a small group appeared. Amy and Erica met them with smiles and warm greetings, an answer to prayers given only moments ago. Soon, more stepped into the horizon.

As their numbers grew, we were pushing through the madness of the Red Light District.

Horns blaring, motorcycles weaving in front of us and exhaust from nearby Mack trucks passing through our windows. Victor, our driver, laid on the horn. For any of you who haven't been in the RLD, it's as close to the combination of a junkyard and an outlet mall as earthly possible, jam-packed with people. At any given time of day it could take you three minutes to an hour and half to pass through this main road.

Back at the facility, the seminar kicked off with a demonstrative game of kickball, explaining the Diamond Life in local terms (they don't play Baseball here). With a few Liberian's playing, and our guys, especially Dan, giving it their all, the proverbial ice was broken. After the game, the people were split into groups which each held a “facilitator,” one of us who would kindly guide the discussions and answer any questions.

As Dave began to teach his way around the diamond, the people gradually began opening up to their assigned groups. The teachings began to gain some real ground! 

It was at this point, the point where God had really begun to provide for our teammates, that we showed up. As quietly as we could, we took our seats, mine being in the back, so that I could maneuver around with the camera without disrupting.

From my perch, I was able to grab a real bird's eye view of the whole seminar, catching glimpses into people's hearts from afar. I can't explain it as well as I'd like but there are just so many tiny emotions that go into a person's eyes and face that tell what they are thinking. I could tell, as Jonathan and Dave spoke, an impact was being made. One reoccurring question, which may sound familiar to those of you at home, kept coming up: what is the difference between my calling and my purpose?

To my surprise, many of the locals stood up to answer this question as it was raised by their neighbors, aiding Hogan and Rodney in their explanations. Looking back, this was definitely the work of the Holy Spirit. I could tell for sure when we broke for lunch, walking by the many conversations and introductions, trying my best to be low key. It was in their vernacular, their curiosity between one another at how the Diamond fit so well into their lives.

As the four o'clock sun held high in the sky, we packed up the projector and cleaned off the tables. But, to our delight, the people weren't leaving! No one left without us getting their registration information, which was something we never expected. This just goes to show the power of God's presence. The Diamond Life was a hit, with two-thumbs up, way up! Well done, Pastor Kevin. Well done.

Zac

P.S. Karen,

Dave loves you.

Dave holding a book

Jonathan throwing some fire

William Tolbert Jr. talking about the Diamond

A day of planning and the beach

After a much needed good nights rest, we all woke up to a very yummy breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, and cinnamon bread. We then headed off to the REAP offices to see where the teachings for the next couple of weeks will be taking place. We had a couple hours to get together as a group to refine a few of the plans and go over the itinerary for tomorrow. Dave and Jonathan will be teaching the Diamond Life series. We also took some time to walk and pray over the building and those coming tomorrow. We are all so excited for those coming to hear this teaching and apply it to various aspects of their lives as well as share it with others. After that we returned to Norman's home and headed off to the beach for the afternoon. It was so amazing to sit on the beach, listen to waves, and be awed by all the beauty God created. Jonathan and Hogan played soccer with some of the children on the beach. The rest of us took walks on the beach, played in the water, and talked to some of the children that passed by. Dinner was delicious and full of great conversations between us and our guest, Philip. Philip is the Director of Western Africa for EQUIP. It was more than a pleasant surprise to have him join us, encourage us, and give us some last minute advice for tomorrow. Our evening was spent in group prayer and then just some down time before bed.

Please pray for continued rest and energy for this week and the next. Pray that God would speak in and through Dave and Jonathan as they present tomorrow. Pray that the guests would be receptive, open, and that their would be a clear understanding of the teaching regardless of the language barrier. Pray that our team would be fearless in establishing relationships with the guests tomorrow. And lastly, thank God for his hand in all of this.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and supports.

God bless!

Erica

Hogan, Rodney and Dave during our planning for tomorrow.

 

 Jonathan playing futbol on the beach with locals.

Me, Amy and Miatta at the beach.

The team with Philip after dinner.

We're here!!

We made it to the Normans home safe and sound everybody! No problems at all, the only delay we had was when we we're leaving Atlanta due to a delay in getting all of the luggage loaded which wasn't a big deal at all.

It's wonderful to be back here, it was awesome to see the progress that has been made just driving back from the airport, and also to see how the landscape is flourishing during this season vs. when I came last during the dry season. We had a delicious spaghetti and meatball dinner with amazing cornbread and pineapple for dinner, to give us the comforts of home for our first meal here in Liberia. Everybody is tired and off to bed to be well rested for tomorrow.

Thank you all for your prayers for a safe trip over here.

God Bless,
Amy

About to board

We are about to board the plane! The first picture is of our last bag being put into the bus to the airport. We hope you enjoy our last group photo before we leave, we like being a little goofy. We had a great ride to the airport and everything has gone smoothly. We've had such a fun together just getting to the airplane, I'm so excited for the rest of the trip. The last picture is of our caboose's of our team bringing up the rear. It's so amazing to have such great spiritual leaders to be apart of our trip. Here goes a 15 hour flight! Liberia here we come!