President Bush Provides One Million Books to Liberia

Monrovia — United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi E. Frazer has formally handed over 10,500 pieces of school furniture and one million books to the government and people of Liberia at the Montserrado County Learning Resource Center, behind the City Hall in Monrovia.

The donation of the books and furniture was in fulfillment of US President George Bush's commitment to providing Liberian schools with desks and one million books during his historic February 2008 visit to Liberia.

To read the entire story go to .....http://allafrica.com/stories/200812230909.html

.

Another Surprise

Yesterday I picked up the mail while heading into town. While opening Christmas cards a very dear family to us sent a wonderful Christmas card and a check for $2000. My oldest daughter and I began to cry. This family is amazing. They truly have a heart for adoption. In the card it said that each member of their family (8 total) dug deep into their piggy banks to help bring home our little girls from Liberia. What a blessing!

I was able to sell ten goats and one sheep this week. I am a bit sad to see them go but so excited to see the money coming together to bring the girls home.

I spoke with our agency as well as our social worker on Friday. Our agency is very excited and expects, Lord willing to have us ready to travel within two months. Our social worker has sent our homestudy to our agency for approval. We are making a couple of small changes to our homestudy. It is a beautifully written twenty page document expressing our desire to adopt children into our family and show them the love of God. The changes will allow us flexibility as to the number, age and sex of the children we adopt.

.

Thank You

Yesterday I went to the mailbox and found an envelope containing cash and a gift card. It came from California with only a note saying "Merry Christmas!"

I want to say thank you so very much to whomever sent the gift. Each and every bit helps to bring our little ones home from Africa.

.

Liberian Dinner

Last night we had a wonderful Liberian meal. We tried three new recipes. One we are going to have to change a bit (think one cup molasses, one cup oil, three cups sweet potato shredded) but the other two were new favorites in our home .

Stewed Mangoes with Cloves

A simple fruit might be added to the dinner or served later in the evening. You can make this with fresh or canned peaches or apricots if mangoes are not available. Use two 24-oz. cans of peaches or apricots for eight servings.

In a 1-quart saucepan:

Place 4 large MANGOES peeled and cut in large pieces.

Add: 1 cup SYRUP from a can of peaches and
6 WHOLE CLOVES.

Simmer for 15 minutes or until mangoes are tender.

Cool and serve.


Eggplant stew with ham and fish

2 pounds eggplant, thinly sliced*
4 to 6 tablespoons oil
1 pound white fish fillets, cut into pieces
½ pound cooked ham or bacon, chopped
2 ½ cups water
1 onion, chopped finely
salt and pepper to taste

* In a flat pan with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil and gently cook the fish fillets until they are golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
* Adding more oil if necessary, cook the onion a few minutes and then add the bacon or ham.
* After this, replace the fish and add the water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then toss in the eggplant slices.
* Cover the pan and turn the heat to low, simmering for 20 to 30 minutes until the eggplant is tender and the flavors have blended.

.

Liberia Movie

Last night I watched a movie called Liberia: An Uncivil War. Two filmmakers from the US went to Liberia in 2003 to get a first-hand account of the war between Liberian President Charles Taylor and the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy. The movie was excellent. I was especially struck by how young the boys were that took up arms to fight for the freedom of their country. When asked why they were fighting many replied their only choice was to join sides or sit by and starve. As a mother of six young men I can't begin to imagine the pain these mothers endured. In the end the war was over and the young men on both sides shook hands and went on to help rebuild their country. The people of Liberia take great pride in their country.

Because of a war that some say went on for over 13 years, the country of Liberia is in shambles. Many children lost parents to stray bullets and mortars, others lost their job and home and can no longer care for their children. This has led to a huge number of orphans.

As we enjoy our warm homes, food and gifts this Christmas season, please remember that their are children around the world that don't family, food or a home.

.

African Gospel

Men's African Group singing a native African song "KUO"(The Devil is a Liar). These Christian singers have struggled as a group throughout Liberia, Africa during the civil war, and are now trying to come to the U.S. and share their song and stories.

"Kuo" means - The devil is a liar Chorus - The devil can fool you the devil is a liar and he will take you to hell if you are not careful

1st verse - During the time of the war nothing happen to us because the Lord protected us with His hands

2nd verse - I want you to know that the devil is defeated forever he can not save you

.

Donations

Yesterday was a little disappointing. We were scheduled to sell a good number of goats, with the funds going to our adoption. The lady that was purchasing them backed out last minute. We still have 14 goats to sell. As much as I enjoy the goats, we are happy to sell them to raise money for our adoption.

I have been doing some mystery shopping on the side to help raise funds. Thankfully the Lord has provided many shops available close to home. This last month I raised $700 by mystery shopping various companies around town. As soon as my check comes I will add it to the donation thermometer!

My children are so very sweet. They all desire to bring home their new sisters from Liberia. One of my sons came to me this morning and asked me to take money from his bank account to add to our adoption account. I am so greatful that my children know what many adults have yet to learn....children are a blessing from the Lord.

Well I trust you will have a wonderful weekend. Our family is spending time together both on our farm and off!

.

Neighbors From Around the World

Today while in Atlanta, I met a man named Mamadou. I asked where he was from and he said, "West Africa." When questioned further he shared that his home was the Ivory Coast. In excitement I shared about our girls in Liberia. He said, "then we are neighbors!" The Ivory Coast is adjacent to Liberia.

Andrew spoke with a lady at Starbucks this afternoon. She knows a large community of Liberians in Atlanta.

Andrew and I have had many wonderful opportunities to share our story with people, but more importantly we have shared about God's heart for adoption. I am ever so thankful that God chose to adopt me into His family!

.

Praise

Our appointment with Kelly went well this morning. Andrew and I shared our family history, a little about our biological children and why we feel God is moving us to adopt from Liberia.

Thursday morning Kelly will come to our home and visit. We will show her the sleeping arrangements and verify that our home is safe for children. We will have four childrens' bedrooms, two for the girls and two for the boys. This will mark the end of the homestudy phase of our adoption.

Next our paperwork will be heading to Atlanta to be processed for immigration. I will keep you up to date as we progress.

Please continue to pray that the funds will be available in God's timing. We are beginning to plan a fundraiser in January. If anyone is interested in helping me organize please let me know. We would be honored to have you as a helper!

.