Monrovia, Liberia - As I am nearing the end of my time here once again, leaving next Monday to bring Moses to college in America, I am reflecting on the specialness of these two beings of light – and how “It’s a God-thing” as we all say here that we are connected. Victor Frankl discusses in one of my most treasured books ever, Man’s Search for Meaning, “…human beings’ motive is not money or even happiness, but for meaning. We are driven above all to understand the purpose of our lives. Once that is understood even the most miserable conditions cannot upend inner peace.”
Author/journalist David Brooks recently quoted a world-wide Gallop Poll survey saying, “that Liberia was the country where the most people felt a sense of meaning and purpose. This is not because life was necessarily sweeter in Liberia. On the contrary… In the turmoil of their lives, they are compelled to make fierce commitments to one another merely to survive. They are willing to risk their lives for one another. And these fierce commitments gave their lives a sense of meaning. That’s the paradox of privilege.”
As I now reflect on almost 13 years of being connected to Moses, I see his love and sense of service that is pervasive, despite at times horrific personal circumstances This photo shows who Moses is – love. He exudes it, especially with children and in service to others. For the last several days he has been helping a very dear and special friend, who is a most prominent national judge, navigate a very challenging issue because he has the computer skills to be of assistance. Love and service.
And Deborah – how honored I am to be her namesake. I recently passed her a small locally made purse I purchased from long-time friend Steven who sells small things on the beach in front of my home to support himself and his family. I put a special bracelet and US$5 inside the purse. Today I heard from her mom, friend Amelia: Deborah wanted me to take her to a supermarket yesterday. She bought 2 eggs, some butter and milk, bread, and strawberries. She took her items to the cashier as the Lebanese market owner surprisingly watched on. When she was told the total bill, Deborah reached into her new purse and paid, and then accepted her change. The owner and all were amazed. This morning she made us all breakfast – stirring the eggs and milk together, she then put the bread into the mixture, and then after putting butter into the frying pan, she put the egg-soaked bread in the pan to cook. She served us this with the strawberries. She explained that she has seen this online and wanted to try making something special for all of us. Deborah is 11. I explained to Amelia that Deborah had just made French toast, a common breakfast food, other than here in Africa. Deborah took her small purse money to delight her family, not for a personal something. Love and service.
Thanks you for believing in the work of the Foundation for Women for more than two decades now. You have helped birth Moses and Deborah, and so much more.
With great love and appreciation,
As I now reflect on almost 13 years of being connected to Moses, I see his love and sense of service that is pervasive, despite at times horrific personal circumstances This photo shows who Moses is – love. He exudes it, especially with children and in service to others. For the last several days he has been helping a very dear and special friend, who is a most prominent national judge, navigate a very challenging issue because he has the computer skills to be of assistance. Love and service.
And Deborah – how honored I am to be her namesake. I recently passed her a small locally made purse I purchased from long-time friend Steven who sells small things on the beach in front of my home to support himself and his family. I put a special bracelet and US$5 inside the purse. Today I heard from her mom, friend Amelia: Deborah wanted me to take her to a supermarket yesterday. She bought 2 eggs, some butter and milk, bread, and strawberries. She took her items to the cashier as the Lebanese market owner surprisingly watched on. When she was told the total bill, Deborah reached into her new purse and paid, and then accepted her change. The owner and all were amazed. This morning she made us all breakfast – stirring the eggs and milk together, she then put the bread into the mixture, and then after putting butter into the frying pan, she put the egg-soaked bread in the pan to cook. She served us this with the strawberries. She explained that she has seen this online and wanted to try making something special for all of us. Deborah is 11. I explained to Amelia that Deborah had just made French toast, a common breakfast food, other than here in Africa. Deborah took her small purse money to delight her family, not for a personal something. Love and service.
Thanks you for believing in the work of the Foundation for Women for more than two decades now. You have helped birth Moses and Deborah, and so much more.
With great love and appreciation,
RSS Feed