All Hail, Liberia, Hail!

Two weeks ago I left the States to return to Liberia, with mixed emotions, after a 3+ month visit home. After being home for a long period of time I wondered how quickly I would adjust back to life in W. Africa and on the ship. My return to the ship began with a tearful good-bye in Tampa, Florida. I flew to Washington D.C and ran to my connection that would take me to Brussels, Belgium. In Brussels I would have a long layover before getting on a flight to Monrovia, the capital of Liberia.

While sitting on the plane in D.C., I felt a familiarity and soon realized that many of the people sitting around me were Liberians, living in the USA, returning to their homeland for the inauguration of the newly elected president. There was a festive mood and I immediately felt a connection to my fellow travellers. I was able to chat with them and felt included in their group of about 15. They asked about the ship and wanted to know more. One gentleman sitting behind was a doctor and wanted to see the ship. I told him I'd be happy to show him around while he was in Monrovia and he gave me his card. When I looked at the card his name was very familiar, I asked him, "any relation?" And he said quietly, "I'm her son". It seems I was sitting with Dr. James Sirleaf, the son of the new president of Liberia.


The flight from Brussels to Monrovia was full with many people planning on attending the inauguration of the first elected president since the end of a brutal civil war. Again, there was such a sense of excitement for what this means to their beloved country.

After over 30 hours of travelling, the wheels touched down on the runway of Roberts International airport and the majority of the passengers broke out in song, loudly singing the Liberian national anthem. All Hail, Liberia, Hail! It was very moving and brought a tear to my eye.

At that point I felt a reassurance that this is where God has me for this time.

What's Happening?

As some of you may have noticed, it's been a while since I've updated my blog. I guess you can say I've been a little "distracted" with other things. So for those of you who don't know yet, on January 1st, 2006 I said yes to spending the rest of my life with a wonderful man!!

Yes, I'm ENGAGED!

Jim and I have been spending a lot of time together recently but that will come to an end this Saturday because I will be heading back to the ship in Liberia (Jim lives in Jacksonville, FL). I will finish my time with Mercy Ships and return to the States in May. We plan to be married in August.

I've been home for 3 1/2 months and obviously have enjoyed my time here. Along with spending time with Jim, I was home for the first time in 6 years for the holidays. I do look forward to getting back to W. Africa though and finishing well. I also hope to get back into the swing of updating my blog more frequently. I arrive in Liberia on Sunday, the day before the presidential inauguration. Stay tuned for more.............