I'm Still Alive!...

I know it's been a while since I've updated but I wanted to let everyone know that I'm still alive! So much is happening and we're in the busiest part of our journey. We're currently in Monrovia to work on footage, interviews, audio and a wedding! It's going to be a lot in a little bit of time but we're motivated and excited for everything.

Gbarnga has been good. We've hit some bumps on the road with the documentary (not taping as much as planned or hoped) but the Lord is faithful and protecting our film. The kids are still amazing and I've realized I have become comfortable around Liberians. Before, I wasn't use to the language and could barely understand anyone and wouldn't respond for fear of making some ridiculous comment or cultural no-no. Thankfully, the Liberian people are forgiving and patient with me. But now I feel comfortable in my language and using typical "Liberian" words like, "The people are plenty!" or "I coming be going now" or "I will get down here from the car" or "It is spoiled!" ...random, I know, but it really helps to say phrases that they understand so they don't stare at you blankly. It's actually a lot of fun.

The orphanage is great. I've been spending a lot of time with the older girls. Their ages range from 16 to 23. They have so much wisdom and an amazing faith. They are my Pelle teachers and will constantly challenge me by asking me questions in their native language. Unfortunately it's a hard language to learn. My mouth is unable to make some of the sounds it requires. So everyone gets a kick and giggle out of me trying. Like I said, they're patient with me.

As for our team, our health is good. Although, Willie has been feeling a little sick lately and not eating much. Imagine a 6'7" football player not eating much for weeks on end. No protein. Just a diet based on rice, peanut butter, eggs, bread and speghetti. One would think all the carbs would make us gain weight, but actually, all of us have lost 5-10 pounds each. We've stumbled upon the new diet craze. The African diet. Where you eat to survive and since you have no options you eat what you have. Eating isn't enjoyable anymore ...you just do it because you have to or you won't have any energy. And there's no snacking ...it's been a good lession on hunger because a lot of people here go days without eating. And when they do, they eat a meager amount of rice.

Every part of this experience is teaching me something about life. About what it means to have much and to have little. About hunger. About happiness. About faith. About love. About the global church. Everything is a learning experience.

And I'm loving it ...One thing I can tell you is I won't be the same person after this experience in Liberia.