February 20th

Today, for an unplanned day, was busy. I woke up in the morning to have devotions with Pastor Dennis and family. After this we had pancakes for breakfast with tea to drink. (Real tea this time).

We then headed over to the women’s center for the impromptu meeting called out on the radio the night before. We arrived for our 9:00 a.m. meeting with the leaders of Women of Purpose, Saclepea branch. This meeting went from a devotional time to business of how to conduct their training for each division. One of the teachers, Pastor Joe, is the only male teacher in this branch and he teaches soap making so the women can make their own soap to sell in the market. He knows how to make all different kinds of soap. I thought that was interesting in itself and that a man thinks enough of this program to dedicate time to teaching. Then of course the other women teachers are so involved and hearing from many of the ladies later on are also patient and great teachers.

One thing that struck me early was a lady named Patricia who is a student, but was there for our devotion time. Emmanuel had everyone in our circle say something they are thankful for and some way Women of Purpose helps them. Patricia, during her time to speak, said she was afraid to come for fear because of her lack of education. She cannot read or write (she is probably 30-40 years old) and as she told us that Women of Purpose told her that didn’t matter. They encouraged her to join and assure her they could teach her skills that wouldn’t need reading and writing ability. She said she never had the chance to learn anything before. I could see a woman who felt she had no worth now feeling like she could learn something that would help her and her family. That is the reason Wintee started this originally because she witnessed that same attitude in many women.

After the leader’s meeting we had only to wait 30 minutes for the student meeting that started at 1:30 p.m. promptly. I was able to lead these ladies in a Bible study before they got to their business. After I finished the devotional there were probably 30 women there. As is typical in Liberia people kept coming until there were over 60-70 women present. The radio interview definitely reached who they wanted to reach. It was fun to see all the ladies there from young 20’s to over 50 all wanting to learn some skills. This meeting went till after 3:00. It turned into a long day.

(I feel like this is ‘Where’s Waldo’)

As I type at 8:30 at night Wintee and Estella (financial lady) are going through all the paperwork as once Wintee leaves they are on their own again. The whole purpose is to empower communities to undertake this with guidance from Wintee, but not where she needs to be present.

Tomorrow is our travel day with me and the goat in the backseat. It should be an interesting ride. I just found out Pastor Joe will be traveling along with us. That will be good to get to know him better.