Pieces of the Puzzle

Dear Friends,

The Atlantic Ocean, gray and angry with waves pounding on shore, is just across the street from our hotel, which is located very near the United States Embassy. The area is unlike the downtown area of Monrovia. It is far quieter, and there are no street vendors to block traffic. Even the number of motorcycles is substantially less than in the center of the city. Obviously, it is a patrolled area because of the embassy. No one is ever on the beach, which seems strange to me because in the US the beach would be covered with umbrellas, kids, and swimmers. I understand that there are very dangerous riptides, but still the beautiful beach is eerie in its quietness.

The workshop went well with a very small attrition rate and a few extra attendees showing up on the doorstep! The lessons today really hit a chord with our teachers. They were fascinated with details about learning styles and lesson planning.

I think what strikes me most about these teachers is that there is a wide sampling of ages, from 18 to 50 and even 60. There is also a huge variance in training, skill level, and experience, but there is one thing that each one has in common. Every single person in that room is passionate about teaching. Talk about their students, and faces light up. Mention a better way to conduct a class, and you can almost hear a pin drop in the room. These men and women are eager for the opportunity to get better at what they do, and they desperately want to teach the children correctly.

I am inspired by their care, their diligence, and their persistence in the face of many problems. Everyone here talks about how much better it is in Liberia now.  There is a cautious optimism as improvements slowly happen with electricity in some parts of Monrovia and with a better road here and there. There is also frustration…..so much talent, willing and able to work but no materials, no means for training, no resources to take on the monumental task of making life better here. Their passion is all they have to work with. But many have said to me, “Now we have you, from St. Peter’s, VA.” It is a huge responsibility to take on a mission trip and work hard to measure up to the expectations. We do our best and leave the rest up to the puzzle that is God's plan.

Jaq and the Team