4th of July – Independence Day in the USA – though we are in West Africa, the crew from the United States – about one hundred adult and children – gathered on the dock for our dinner and then dessert along with patroitic music, flag and balloons and then this photo of us all in the front of the Africa Mercy.
Graduation 06July08 Meal Afterwards
Following the graduation ceremonies and the return to the orphanage, it was time to have a special dinner – most of the graduates are sitting with me here at a table inside the home. Many in Liberia are behind in their education due to the civil war (’89-’03)and lack of finances to send the children to school. At the orphanage, they are doing their best to have the funds to send the children to school, though they are relying on outside assistance for tuition and fees.
Graduation 06July08 Party at the House
After the graduations from KII and 6th grade at three different schools, we all gathered together for a party at the orphanage. They borrowed a generator and sound equipment from the church. Kennedy, the orphanage director, is giving a short speech, before the music, fun and food of course.
Graduation 06July08 Dancing on the lappa
A custom here in Liberia is that during the celebration after graduation the mama puts down her lappa (a piece of cloth) and the children dance around it. In this photo, Jojo, Estella, MaJ, Samuel, Kollie and Moses are celebrating together.
Graduation 06July08 Jojo’s Speech
JoJo was the dux (highest grade) for his KII class and had the opportunity to give a speech – written by the owner of the school – in the photo to the right, Mama Comfort. I taught him some things I have learned from Toastmasters. He memorized his speech, had a good voice, maintained eye contact and did a great job. The subject was on the importance of childhood education. I am real proud of him.
Graduation Ceremony 06July08
Four of the children from the Liberia Children Rescue Education Foundation orphanage graduated from KII on Sunday – in the photo from the left Estella, JoJo, Kollie and MaJ. They are attending Christiana Bedell Preparatory School and the graduation was at the New Georgia United Methodist Church.
Save Them Young Ghana
This is the last picture I have from the orphanage Save Them Young in Ghana – from February ’08 – this was the orphanage I most involved with during my time in Ghana. I still stay in touch with Wofa who is on staff there. He has shared in a recent email the prayer request for the children and teens as they need our prayers – there has been some spiritual darkness exhibited by the teens. Please email me if you like more details.
Eye Presentation Leo’s and Lion’s
Last week, I help to organize a visit of the local Lion’s and Leo’s club for the ship for a presentation by Dr. Glenn Strauss. Dr. Glenn shared primarily on eyes and what they could do as a club to help raise awareness related to eye care – some believe that if you go for eye surgery, the doctor takes out the eye ball, places it on your chest and cleans it and puts it back inside.
Owin looking at himself in the mirror
While at the orphanage this morning, Joseph was taking pictures with my camera for Brenda who is down in South Africa. Brenda has a long relationship with this orphanage. In this picture, Owin is on the step railing of the ship’s Land Rover looking at himself in the side mirror. Other times when he or the others wanted to see themselves, I would hold them up to take a look and say ‘See that great looking young Liberian boy’…
JoJo and Tommy
JoJo and Tommy come from an orphanage located only 10 kilometers from where the ship is docked. JoJo has polio that has affected his right arm. Tommy is the boy behind JoJo. Joseph, who is 14 years old, was my photographer and I love this photo of the boys. I have been seeing them and spending time with them regularly for over a year now.