Liberia

Desks are arranged, pictures are being hung and final preparations are being made at our new state-side office in Burien, Washington. We are kicking off this coming project year with an Open House this Wednesday, September 1, 2010 from 4pm – 8pm. If you are in the area stop by our office, located at 1416 SW 151st St, Burien, WA. 98166. Come hear stories of the children we are diligently trying to save, learn ways you can get involved and meet some of our Liberian field team staff that are in town for this event. We are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

With rainy season in full downpour, our field team has been shrinking. Several of our staff are taking some much needed time off to rest and reset for another busy program year.

As in the rest of the continent, HIV/AIDS is a growing problem in Liberia. For the last six weeks, a group of kids from Francis Gaskin Orphanage and their school mates have been in a special HIV/AIDS education course created just for them.

Rainy season has officially hit Liberia. The rains bring cooler temperatures that are enjoyed by all. They also bring days and days with no sun and turn football fields into lakes. With all that water around, the mosquito population also increases exponentially. More mosquitoes increase the risk and incidence of malaria.

Malaria is a parasitic infection that is spread between people by a certain type of mosquito. Symptoms can range from vague to severe but usually include a fever, severe body aches and a headache.

It is with mixed emotions that I announce that our dear, sweet Michael passed away last week. Complications from his liver disease caused him to lose a lot of blood. On Wednesday afternoon, he desperately needed a blood transfusion. Even though we were able to find a donor, it was too late. After sharing some last words with loved ones at his bedside, he slipped into a coma and died early Thursday morning. 

Timothy is a shy, soft-spoken little boy who is in my small group on Friday afternoons. He's usually pretty quiet, but he always gives me a hug when he sees me and flashes me a smile that just melts my heart.

Unfortunately, seeing malnourished and suffering children is part of life in Liberia. It is our vision at Orphan Relief and Rescue to be a voice with action for orphans that no one else will help. Being that voice is not always easy, but it is necessary. Being that voice has given Korpu a new chance at life. 

Last Tuesday Jeremiah, Joshua, and Fumbeh received life-changing hernia repair surgeries, thanks to the amazing team of surgeons and medical staff from Children’s Surgery International (CSI). The CSI team was here for one week and performed hundreds of facial, hernia, and burn surgeries. And they did it all for free!

We often get distracted by the big things that happen here- a boy who is sick, a girl who is barely getting by, the lack of food or clean water, even the joyous giving and celebrating of Christmas. We are anxious to report those needs and milestones to everyone because they seem measurable. The truth of the matter is that we are seeing miracles and reaching milestones everyday. The children in our homes are growing, going to school and playing with their friends. They are eating balanced meals and staying healthy. They are learning and coming up with new ideas.

Today we delivered Christmas to two more orphanages. It was absolutely spectacular. The children cheered as they received their bundles. Giggles and smiles abounded and they were so happy that they broke into spontaneous singing. Each bundle included an apple in addition to the pencils, toothbrushes and candy. In Liberia, apples are a sign of love. We were able to tell them how much we love them, but more importantly they are greatly loved by God.

Thanks to all who donated Christmas bundles. Each child felt truly loved and they were touched by the notes that you wrote.