We are coming to the end of our second week here in Liberia. Even though it is rainy season, we have had a few days of pretty clear skies. On Sunday, it was rejuvenating to just stroll along the beach letting the waves run up over our toes as we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon.
On Friday night, we had our first house guest. Luke came to Liberia to help fix the Caravan which had some engine trouble. Due to the plane needing to be fixed sooner rather than later, Noel, Luke, our mechanic Jake, and another mechanic Mark worked Saturday and part of Sunday to repair the plane so it would be ready to fly this week. Luke worked in the Congo with MAF for a year so it was fun finding out what a small world it is as he knows some of our friends who work there. Having a house guest has been good for me to figure out what dinners and cooking look like here.
On Sunday, we had a Liberian guy come by our house selling wooden figures. We don’t really have bookcases or places to put any of his beautiful figures but thought it would be good to start our African collection. Even though Christmas is over 6 months away, I decided on the nativity set. Now I at least have one thing to set out at Christmas time to make our house festive. For now, we are enjoying it being on our dining room table.
My week was spent getting a few more things for our house like an ironing board, mop, and hangers. I was also able to participate in two ladies’ bible studies. One of them meets on Tuesday afternoons and is doing a book study. This study has women from all different organizations. I will only be able to attend this one until school starts but it is a nice way to get to meet some different ladies. The other one is for the Samaritan’s Purse ladies and meets on Wednesday evening. They are going through Beth Moore’s study on Daniel. I have enjoyed doing the HW on it this week and look forward to our next discussion.
As we get to know the team here, I would use two words to describe them: gentle and focused. In many ways, the leadership here reminds me of a shepherd leading his flock. Their words are loving and kind but they are also focused on why they are here. Many of the staff have been here for over 5 years so have had lots of experience in this culture. The Liberian people that I have spoken with also seem to be soft spoken but they all like to sing loud. If you walked by the Samaritan’s Purse office about 8:30 in the morning, you would hear the staff making a joyful noise to the Lord. It is not only joyful; it is beautiful to hear their harmony.
David has two weeks of school left. Pray for him as he begins to study and take his semester finals. He will join us here on June 14th. Winter will be starting her summer job this week. On Thursday, she will begin her orientation at Timberlee Christian Camp in East Troy, WI. This is the camp where Noel and I met. Pray for her as she has a different set of campers each week. She is excited to have the opportunity to work at this camp for the summer. Pray for her also as she will be making new friends with the other staff.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Many blessings. Teresa for the Fouts
Thanks for the update! We love knowing what you are up to and how you are doing!
We will be praying for your kids as you have mentioned.
Love and miss you guys!