We met some birth moms at the guesthouse this morning. I went downstairs to settle our debt with the Lukeyn Guesthouse and Saide handed me this beautiful darling 7 month boy. I cuddled and admired him and it reminded me of my 7 month old baby girl that we adoopted 5 years ago. The baby took one look at me and cried. I think "Oh no, he's never seen a white woman before." So I handed him back to his mother so she could nurse him. I went upstairs and told Marsha how I just held this most adorable baby boy downstairs and how I would love to keep him. A few minutes late, Agnes from the office tells me there is someone waiting to see me downstairs. She's the one with the baby. Oh my! How could I have missed this ... she's the birth mother of our two daughters. I apoplgized profusely for not having recognized her. So many women here look alike, it baffled me all day!
The Lukeyn House where we stayed has treated us very well and we thank them for hospitality, safety , and undending kindness, not to mention all the contacts they have helped us with. God is amazing at putting the right people on our path!
Chris arrived at our guesthouse nicely on time but us Canadian women are getting the hang of African time and we left 2 hours later for the airport. We still made it in plenty of time as we were planning on making few other stops on the way.
Our one hour drive to the airport was spent encouraging Chris for his hard work, faithfulness, and his love for God. We encouraged him to remain obedient to what God is calling him to do. We encouraged one another in the Word as we all need accountability in our lives. He was quick to thank us for entrusting him with the work of God and we quickly reminded him to give all the glory to God! We encourage Maurice, our driver, to remaine faithful to his wife and two children. It's rare to see a man working hard here to support his family. They are so blessed to be such great friends.
It was challenging checking in and leaving the airport without a few bribes. Thankfully we found someone who called us his "friend" who helped us out and it only cost us about $5. Marsha was tough on these guys - you should have seen her!!
After checking in, we realized we had plenty of time before the flight left Monrovia so Morris insisted we visit the Firestone Rubber Plantation just next to the airport. At the entrance to the plantation, we are asked to pull over at the checkstop. Morris tells us to not say a word; he jumps out and speaks to the police and we were on our way. Did you know that rubber is made out of the milk of a rubber tree? We never did. The plantation is huge and most of the housing is horrible. President Ellen Johnson condemned these buildings and has demanded they build new ones for the workers. It's in the process and the new houses look good. Of course, this plantation is owned by wealthy North American companies, making larger profits from the Liberian rubber trees. One our way out, a relationship is stronger and a bribe is paid in one handshake. Normal? Yes. Liberian police can make life as easy or as miserable for you as you like, depending on what you're willing to offer. If you're a difficult person, your simple situation can turn into a nightmare, anywhere from trumped up charges to paying large fine or jail.
The dreaded few moments when we actually say our goodbyes to Chris and Morris, left a lump in our throats and we fought back the tears. We took one last photo (see below), embraced one another with tears and wave as we walked away. We reminded Chris that this is not a farewell, but a "goodbye for now, see you soon!"
Our plane arrived early in Accra, where we are ready to end this emotional day. We notice a huge difference in Ghana compared to Liberia. More on that tomorrow ...
Love, Jackie, Marsha, and Ariel
L to R: Jackie, Chris, Morris, Marsha, Ariel at the airport in Monrovia just before leaving.
The poor living conditions at the Firestone Plantation.
Ariel next to a rubber tree at the Firestone Plantation.
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