Monrovia, Liberia - An apple – and shelter from torrential rain this evening… I have both tonight and almost four million people do not. I spent this day with our COO David visiting five of our Foundation for Women Liberia partner schools – joy! My masters degree in education and counseling is a life-time ago; at one time I dreamed of being a principal of a school. And now, here I am in Liberia standing up for the poorest of the poor, committed to help share the voices of those who are not heard. And helping low-fee independent school operators like those I visited today!
It was an extraordinary day of contrast and conversation. Our first stop was my namesake Deborah’s school and that of sister Florence and their cousins. I so love these girls – see FB for a photo! The proprietor is a successful business woman and dedicated educator of children for 18 years in this country – and now post-Ebola she thinks she no longer has an obligation to service her partnership with the Foundation for Women. “Ebola changed everything!” she explained. “Yes,” I agreed with her, “but not staying in conversation ends things in an even more awful way.”
After much conversation, Tete and I agreed to be “Family Forever!” I am committed and trust she is as well. I have a very vested interest in her and her school – my Liberian daughters attend, and I want them to attend until they graduate from high school.
From Deborah’s school, we went to several others; OMG the good and the bad. I pray for the children of this nation every moment… we are passing this world to them… are we doing right by them?
I then offered to treat to Friday lunch at our offices as David and I were returning. My offer was received with indifference and question… “I want to treat everyone to Friday lunch,” I said to our program manager Charles. After almost a decade knowing Charles, my offer was what??? Finally I said, “I will buy lunch today!” That was understood. David then explained to me that I should say, “I buy food now!” Still so much to learn here in Liberia…
Tonight, I am sitting outside my living space, after a huge rainstorm, eating an apple and knowing I am going to rest in a dry bed… The FFWL team here today told me that an apple is too expensive for them, nearly 25 cents each, so instead they eat bread and rice. The meal/sandwich and soft drink I provided each of them cost me about $3.00/p/p – way beyond their ability to enjoy, and so not healthy fruits and vegetables but what they wanted – and will be several meals as they closed up their packages after eating small-small.
The contrast. Here I am eating an apple and so grateful for a piece of crisp fruit, a rarity here, and about to have a dry bed. And what of all those I saw and was with today? What is their evening meal and bed like tonight?
There is a solution! Join us! Believe that we are one human family! Hold hands with us! Every moment we are at choice – www.foundationforwomen.org – please, may everyone have an apple and a dry bed.
With love and gratitude from Liberia, Deborah
After much conversation, Tete and I agreed to be “Family Forever!” I am committed and trust she is as well. I have a very vested interest in her and her school – my Liberian daughters attend, and I want them to attend until they graduate from high school.
From Deborah’s school, we went to several others; OMG the good and the bad. I pray for the children of this nation every moment… we are passing this world to them… are we doing right by them?
I then offered to treat to Friday lunch at our offices as David and I were returning. My offer was received with indifference and question… “I want to treat everyone to Friday lunch,” I said to our program manager Charles. After almost a decade knowing Charles, my offer was what??? Finally I said, “I will buy lunch today!” That was understood. David then explained to me that I should say, “I buy food now!” Still so much to learn here in Liberia…
Tonight, I am sitting outside my living space, after a huge rainstorm, eating an apple and knowing I am going to rest in a dry bed… The FFWL team here today told me that an apple is too expensive for them, nearly 25 cents each, so instead they eat bread and rice. The meal/sandwich and soft drink I provided each of them cost me about $3.00/p/p – way beyond their ability to enjoy, and so not healthy fruits and vegetables but what they wanted – and will be several meals as they closed up their packages after eating small-small.
The contrast. Here I am eating an apple and so grateful for a piece of crisp fruit, a rarity here, and about to have a dry bed. And what of all those I saw and was with today? What is their evening meal and bed like tonight?
There is a solution! Join us! Believe that we are one human family! Hold hands with us! Every moment we are at choice – www.foundationforwomen.org – please, may everyone have an apple and a dry bed.
With love and gratitude from Liberia, Deborah
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