Day 7
Today was a much needed day of rest. We all took things pretty easy today. So easy, in fact, that I don’t have any big news to share. I did sit down inside the gate to Emmanuel’s home and the children took this as a sign to come by us as well. Leo was at the well, pumping water and I sat with the children. This isn’t much, but it was a lot when you think we were given this little time to rest and enjoy these children.
I do want to share how Leo and I were able to witness conflict resolution in a church done in a very good manner that was very God honoring.
Leo and I were all set up go for a walk after a late breakfast when Emmanuel came up to us to request our presence at a meeting with a local Pastor and the board of deacons. Of course we said we’d ride along. As Emmanuel drove to their church, he filled us in on there issues causing conflict. The details are unimportant to the results. As we rode I looked up verses to help with conflict resolution, not knowing if I would be asked to take part. I was all set with Ephesians 4, Romans 12:18, Matthew 5 & 18, having them bookmarked in my digital Bible if necessary.
When we arrived they welcomed us as if we belonged and we were all given an ‘order of service’. As the young meeting leaders laid out the ground rules for the meeting I could tell they were well thought out. In fact, all the Scripture references I hastily looked up were mentioned in the meeting guidelines. The issues were read out loud with both ‘sides’ able to make statements regarding the issues. I still wasn’t sure if this would turn out well or not. They went down their agenda, allowing only acceptable attitudes and tone of speech, or the meeting would be suspended. They came to a break where people got up and walked around and talked a bit. After 5-10 minutes, the next step was suggestions for resolution, which would be followed by each side either agreeing or disagreeing. There were 3-4 more items on their agenda when one deacon got up and went to the disagreeing person and (I couldn’t understand all the words) basically said that they loved this person and hoped these steps would lead to full restoration. The other person begin to quietly drop their head and then the sobs of understanding and relief were evident. This brought all the board together, crying and hugging. What Leo and I witnessed was Biblical conflict resolution at its finest. I didn’t need my words or verses, we just marveled at how God showed us how this was done.
The meeting concluded right then with prayers of praise and a restored leadership. May God continue to use this church to reach their community for Christ.
We returned after the church meeting…I did receive a text from Renee on where Leo and I were. She was in her room when we left and as she was out and about, going through supplies for WOP, she realized we weren’t around. Once she found out we were with Emmanuel, she didn’t worry, knowing we’d be done when he was done.
The late afternoon turned into a time of rest and I laid down and slept a little, but with no power on (typically off during the day) it was very hot. I got about an hour of rest when I woke up and realized LEC was back on, so I turned the air conditioning on and stayed in the room a bit more to cool off. I had a little upset stomach so I skipped eating anything for supper. Leo and Renee are doing well, although Renee realized today that after her intense week of training she was exhausted today. It was a good day.
I look forward to church services again tomorrow. I am privileged to preach again and I hope to feel refreshed and ready tomorrow. We will see what tomorrow brings us.
Day 6
As I write this, it is after 3:30 AM. Yesterday (Friday) was such a busy day that I even forgot to post about things when I went to bed, only to I remember in the middle of the night, so here goes in a shorter, somewhat groggy review of a great day.
Friday morning seemed to start things a little later as Leo and I had time to head out in the community for a long walk. We simply kept taking different roads (trails in some cases) until we realized we should head back since Leo was doing the devotional for WOP and we didn’t want him to be late. It was after 8:00 AM when we turned around, remembering most turns and we made it back. Here’s a few pictures of things we saw.
When we got back breakfast was ready and Renee was up and ready. We ate and Leo waited for his turn to share the devotional.
Leo finished, I took a baby from one of the ladies to help her and we headed down to Leo’s care of the garden. Here are a few pictures of this and the baby ‘Emmanuel’ as we helped out.
Our afternoon seemed to go slow and relaxed as I read through my notes for the final class on Biblical Counseling. Emmanuel had mentioned that he wanted to visit a lady from church whose foot was hurt and made it difficult to walk. So, around 2:00 PM he says let’s go. He says it is nearby when I mentioned we start the class in 2 hours. It turns out it wasn’t so close, but it was great to go. Leo and Daniel (one of the school teachers and ‘son’ of Emmanuel & Wintee) came along as well. I didn’t get a picture of the lady, Deborah, but I did get a picture of where we stopped and walked the rest of the way.
We visited with Deborah for awhile and prayed with her and headed back, making it in enough time for me to shower before the class.
The last class went well and we were all informed we were to be part of the WOP celebration following the class. The ladies, who were from chapters of WOP all over Liberia, were all getting together to celebrate their accomplishments that Renee had taught them.
These ladies were a happy bunch as speeches of appreciation were given. There were gifts given out to all of us during this celebration time, followed by music and dancing.
We’ll have to share some of the videos of the speeches and dancing later as uploading videos here takes longer.
We followed this up with a meal on the porch of American type pizza and fritters with hot pepper sauce on the side. (This may explain my waking up in the middle of the night.)
The music and celebrating continued in the yard as everyone ate and danced around, enjoying the completion of a long, intensive week of training.
The celebration for us three Americans was the ability to go to bed to get needed sleep.
Now as I finish this ‘later’ update, I look forward to a relaxing day without any classes or responsibilities…yet.
Day 5 – Anniversary Day
Every day before it begins, we wonder if it’s gonna be busy or not. We should know not to expect a light day. Renee planned on getting up early to cut out the patterns for WOP She woke up early but wasn’t able to get into cutting the patterns because LEC (Liberia electric company) was off and the solar had run out and they did not start the generator up right away in the morning. All three of us woke up early and Philip came into my room to flip a switch to allow the generator to run so we could have current as they call it here once Philip came in to flip the switch. I decided I might as well get up and I came into the sitting room and Leo and Renee had the same idea. It was before seven and it starts getting light around seven. The power went out around 3:30 in the morning. Since it was beginning to get light, Renee started cutting on the patterns for the work with WOP. We noticed that each day gets a little bit later for everyone to get going as the week progresses.
While Renee was cutting I read through a devotional with both of them and just as I was finishing up there was singing taking place downstairs. There is something special about hearing a group of Liberians singing. The upstairs echoed with ‘Great things He has done, greater things he will do…’ we listened as they sang and prayed. After that they brought up our breakfast and Emmanuel came up and told us, ‘Guess what, it’s my anniversary, and I was just reminded!’ He shared that he and Wintee are celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary. Turns out the singing was for their anniversary. We were very happy for them and this led to other things happening during the day.
Once breakfast arrived, we took our pictures and had our fill.
After breakfast it started to get busy quickly, although a little later than the days before. Leo headed to the garden to dig holes. I watched as he used the tools he was given. We do have a new hammer, but he wanted to use what Aloysius (garden guy) gave him.
I got sidetracked after talking to Leo and waiting to give the devotional to WOP. This is what sidetracked me.
As I waited I went in to the lower level of the Fred Haberland Training Center to see what they were selling today. Fresh muffins and fish meat pies. Although they look and smell good, I’m not sure I would try them (not being a fish eater).
There was also another WOP table out with soaps they had made and they were packaging them for sale.
I also promised a picture of how women use the Lapa to carry their children. It didn’t take long to have a lady stop by with a child in tow.
I went upstairs and gave the morning devotional on Psalm 127:1-2. Afterwards we took a couple pictures and left Renee with her class.
I went downstairs and let Leo know, after letting Renee know (while they worked), that I was going out with Emmanuel and Wintee for their anniversary dinner. I told them I would go along if I could drive, like a chauffeur. Emmanuel agreed, and we headed out. If I thought they would understand the context, I would have said this is like the movie, ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, only it would be ‘Driving Mother Wintee & Emmanuel’. Doesn’t have the same ring to it. I was seriously honored to be part of their anniversary. We went to a beautiful restaurant located on the 5th floor of a hotel (I believe). I wasn’t prepared to go to a nice restaurant in my shorts and T-shirt, but at least I had shoes and not flip flops. I was told to change them before I left because a man, Peter Kanway, told me I’d get arrested if I drove with ‘slippers’. He rode with us part way to head to Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary. Nobody took a look at my feet, but I did hear Emmanuel in the backseat telling me to slow down. He ended up driving home himself. Maybe that is why.
After a good meal, we headed downtown to pick up a few things. I had my instructions from Leo-a belt, and from Renee-a pair of scissors. While Emmanuel and Wintee were in a shop I walked to a couple other shops and found both the items. Emmanuel told me I paid too much (of course). I told him that I don’t care if I was overcharged a bit, and he just laughed at me. Emmanuel won’t let people take advantage of you if you’re a visitor and he can help it.
We got back at 3:40 PM or so with my class starting at 4:00. I was able to shower and get in the conference room by 4:00, but just barely.
After the two hour class I had another meeting with Emmanuel, and when we finished I set out to look for Leo and Renee. I found Leo carrying water buckets and Renee was still in her WOP training.
Leo and I waited for Renee to complete her day to have our supper. She had a long, but enjoyable day. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
Day 4
As I begin writing this, it’s hard to believe that we are only on day four because we packed so much into the first few days. Today I woke up hearing the cutting of materials in the common area outside my room. Renee was busy cutting cloth getting ready for the WOP training that she is doing. Yesterday we bought 10 yards of black material with 3 colorful Lapas, which are around 2 yards of materials each. (Lapas are Liberian wraps used by women as a skirt or holding their baby on their back. I’ll have to post a picture of the ladies carrying a baby using the Lapa.)
As I said, Renee was cutting the material preparing for class and once she got started, it turns out there were 23 in her morning session. Today they were making table runners. Each runner used a half a yard of the black with part of the Lapa. Needless to say she ran out of material pretty quickly, as she had 8 ladies in the afternoon. Here are some pictures of the finished products.
So what did Leo and I do when Renee was busy with the WOP, you may ask? This morning at breakfast Emmanuel let Leo and I know that we will both be giving the devotional, Leo on Thursday and me on Friday for the WOP. Our morning ended up being a study time to find an appropriate devotional to give to the ladies during our turn. I was not surprised by Emmanuel‘s request, but Leo was a little surprised. I’ll give him this, he didn’t say no, he just said he will come up with something. Leo also went out and watered some of the plants to begin the morning.
After we finished preparing our devotional, I suggested we go out for a walk. Leo and I headed away from Emmanuel‘s home just to see what may be interesting. As we walked, we watched some young men making concrete blocks. We talked to some builders who were putting in a foundation (forgot to get pictures), and we greeted many people on the road. Here are a few pictures of some of the things we saw.
When Leo and I walked for a while, I received a text from Emmanuel saying we were to come back because lunch was ready. We came back to some collard green soup over rice and fresh fruit. It was then that Emmanuel explained something he told me earlier, but I misunderstood. My time of teaching is from 4 to 6 PM and Wednesday night there is midweek service at the church. Emmanuel planned that I would do my teaching in the church from four until church started at six and continue teaching until church is over at seven. The evening ended up being quite busy for me after all. After our late lunch I had time for a quick shower and begin teaching shortly after 4 and we finished just after 7 PM. Immediately after the service the garden guy, Aloysius, was there to begin the watering from 7:30 till just after 8 Leo and I carried water so the plants could get watered this evening. It may not seem like a difficult thing, but the water comes from a hand pump and is carried to where the plants are growing and the humidity is really high. When we finished both Leo and I were soaked with sweat. This too is Liberia.
We finished the night with our supper together and talk of the next day. My alarm will be Renee cutting fabric again to begin another day.
Day 3 – Early addition
It is 10:30 in the morning here and things are already busy. Renee started her classes with WOP and she need supplies so Leo and I headed out with Phillip as our driver and guide. We headed to Red Light. For those who wouldn’t know what Red Light represents; this is the marketplace that originated with the first stoplight long ago. I guess the theory is that traffic stops and you have the opportunity to sell to people passing by. Now Red Light is the name only, and the marketplace, let’s just say, is busy all the time, with or without the stoplight.
Renee was underway teaching, wondering how she would handle things today since the participants were going through the fabric she brought from the states quite quickly. One of the items we were picking up was more fabric for her class. she was concerned how she could slow them down and take more time in teaching. She shared how she prayed for an idea of what to do. Enter the unreliable electric current in Liberia. The power went out before she even got started and all the sewing needed to be done by hand, giving her the chance to teach since things moved at a slower pace.
Apple iPhone’s memories of today showed off the morning pretty well.
It is later now. As for the rest of the day, it was busy but enjoyable. The class went well and you’ll see the beginning and ending pictures below.
Overall, we are really enjoying things. We’re still getting used to the heat (doesn’t sound too much of a problem compared to what you in the states just went through). It is 9:00 p.m., I’m the last one up and I’m also headed to bed. Of course the locals aren’t headed to bed. Here’s the activity still happening.
Day 2
As I write this post it is 10:15 p.m. another long day with its own interesting things happening. One thing I just realized, the power didn’t go off today. I think this may be the only day it didn’t go off in all my trips here, or if it did I was gone and didn’t experience the shut down.
I knew Renee would be especially busy in her first day with Women of Purpose. That turned out to be very true, but Renee just stepped in and kept going. We all watch out for one another, as the heat here is not normal for us and we need to watch out for letting the heat get to us. Even though we have power, air conditioning isn’t as available. The Fred Haberland Training Center does not have air conditioning. In fact we picked up a floor tower fan and a ceiling mounted fan to be used in there to keep air circulating. Leo and I started our day after breakfast with devotions with the ladies of WOP (all future reference to Women of Purpose). I was able to hold a little boy of one of the women attending. I’ll take that any day.
After the devotional time we left Renee and the group of women alone so we didn’t get in the way.
Leo and I headed out with Emmanuel to the hardware store to pick up the fans and other items needed for WOP. Both Leo and I were surprised by the assortment of items at the Liberian Home Depot. We found the fans, handsaw and masking tape needed. At a stop down the road at another store we found some nails and a hammer needed for a loom of sorts that Leo is making. We also stopped along the road at a crude shop making desks and other furniture. We asked about some 1×2’s for the frames needed. They were able to cut them for us so Leo has everything he needs to make these. He will simply do his best to make these looms with the materials he now has.
I forgot to mention the set of barbells that we found at this furniture manufacturer. They were made from concrete in a coffee can with the bar set in place in each can.
Leo loved the amount of vehicles on the road from cars, to motorbikes , to K-K’s, or 3-wheeled carts. it is always chaotic out there. Not to mention all the people.
We got home and Leo set out to work on the loom frames and I went to study more for my first Biblical Counseling training. I was still feeling a little tired from our travels and the heat and I laid down after studying with a timer set for 45 minutes. The timer I got was a little boy named Thaddeus (mentioned in an earlier trip), who walked in and said, ‘Dad Robin, Mother says the food is ready for you now.’ Although he surprised me, I couldn’t help but smile at him and tell him I’ll be right out. It was around 1:30 and I wasn’t thinking about eating. Well, we all took the time to eat and it was some form of Lentil soup over rice with fruit and cucumbers. All in all it was very good.
After the late lunch, both Leo and I told Renee not to overdo it in the heat. She enjoyed the time to teach these ladies. Leo also called it quits on the frames as the afternoon is the hottest time. I took a shower and prepared for the class that started at 4:00. At about 4:20 (Liberian meeting time), the class began. We had probably about 10-12 people in attendance. When we finished at 6:30 I counted 23 people. One man showed up at 6:10 for the class that was scheduled for 4-6. This too is Liberia.
I didn’t get any pictures during my training, but Renee shared some from hers.
After my training time that Leo also attended, the garden guy (Aloysius), had Leo come out to care for the plants.
After talking to the kids for a while I decided to show them the elephant video from Thailand we took a few years ago. I got my iPad out and the video drew a crowd. 23 kids laughed at the elephants squirting water at the people.
I will do a special segment on all the kids here. Leo and Renee are enjoying them as well. So many children.
We finally ate a late dinner of omelette and fried plantains. We talked, unwound and decided it was time to head to bed. I needed to do this blog so I laid propped up in the bed to begin when someone knocked on the door. It was Emmanuel saying that he is counseling a young married couple and he wanted me to come out and speak with them. (this too is Emmanuel 🤪)
I guess I need to practice what I was teaching. The couple was very sweet and accepting of my ‘American’ but Biblical advice. I pray that this couple continues to work through the difficult times.
Now it is 11:20 and I will get some rest. I am unsure what tomorrow will bring, but it will definitely be another busy, but enjoyable day.
Day 1 done
I did not publish last night because we had a typical travel day into Saturday. It was long, leaving Green Bay at 2:30 p.m., with a stop in Chicago and the boarding for Brussels, Belgium around 5:30 p.m. Friday. This was a 7-8 hour flight that had us arriving in Brussels around 8:45 local Brussels time. I sat next to Leo and Renee was across the aisle from us. This flight was uneventful, but like any long flight, sleep was difficult. Upon arrival in Brussels we were able to wait at the gate we exited from the US as the gate was one section down.
The second flight we did not choose our own seats, they were preassigned to us. I was located the furthest back of us three, in the middle set of seats in the very middle. Jenny knows how little I would like this. Leo, a few rows up and in an aisle seat, offered to switch with me. That was nice of him and I declined, only to find out the single seat next to him (a window seat) was empty. He slid over to the window and I sat in the aisle seat. The plane was not fully loaded so it worked out well.
We landed in Freetown, Sierra Leone and waited on the plane as those stopping in Freetown got off. The wait turned quite long and we wondered why. The pilot announced that because of the storms in the US they weren’t allowing anyone traveling to the US to board because so many flights were being canceled. The weather in the US delayed a flight from Africa. I found that a small reminder of how small the world really is.
We did take off an hour later for the short 40-50 minute flight to Monrovia. We arrived, got our passport stamped, met Emmanuel, and finally made it through customs and back to Emmanuel’s home. We arrived here local time around 10:30-11:00 p.m. we were greeted by many, and of course we were fed on our arrival. We got to bed around midnight where we all pretty much crashed. It had been a long trip and the rest was needed.
Sunday morning brought the enjoyment of seeing everything in the light. It was fun to meet so many old friends and to watch Leo as he sat in amazement that he was sitting in Africa.
We got to Sunday School as they were teaching from Matthew 7:13-14. As we were sitting in class the church slowly begin to fill. This is the culture in Liberia. People tend to come in a little bit late.
As the church service was about to begin, I was busy greeting old friends and watching Leo and Renee make new ones. Since I was to speak today, I went to sit on their platform with Emmanuel and some of the other deacons/elders. Renee and Leo sat in the front row with an older woman between them.
As the service began I could tell that Leo was moved at what he was watching. The people, the singing and the dancing, it all left him appreciative of worshiping the same God in Liberia that we worship back home. Leo even got up and had Scripture reading.
I was privileged to preach to a familiar crowd and we enjoyed the time at LCMI church on a Sunday morning worship service.
Afterwards we ate some lunch and I took some time to set up a Starlink mini to see how it will work. So far, so good. The cell coverage can get weak, especially in the evening. This seems to be a good solution for allowing each of us access to back home as well as Emmanuel and maybe some others to have internet regularly during our stay. As I was finishing up the Starlink I looked up and saw Mother Mercy walking up along with Yeitoyee Renee, Pastor Titus and Mercy’s daughter. Mercy also had Seth, her sister’s son along. Titus and Mercy are now parents to Seth after her sister died during childbirth. They graciously welcomed this little boy as their own. He is growing well and is now 5 months old and quite a little chubby boy. Pastor Titus is at his church (ULIC) denomination’s national convention in Ganta until Friday. He will be the speaker at the convention tomorrow night. He will travel back on Friday. We will catch up with them more when he returns. After giving them some gifts, I saw them off on the motorbike. I’m not sure many would like to send people off like this, but ‘this too is Liberia’
Leo got very busy in the afternoon helping out with the plants/gardens that are part of the church ministry. I’ll get some pictures later and I’ll have Leo tell you in his own words how his time is going.
I can’t fit every experience in a short blog post, but I want you to know that we are well…well fed, well loved and well blessed. What a great start to this little adventure. Tomorrow will bring Women of Purpose training for Renee, more plant care for Leo and Biblical Counseling training for me. We all have a busy day planned.
God bless all who read and follow along. We are privileged to be the ones here, but we hope you all take part in praying for fruit both from us and to us as we serve in Liberia.
And so it begins! 2026
It is with great anticipation that the day for leaving has arrived. The day, beginning in Wallace, started with a temperature of -17 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a day like this that makes us happy to travel to the warm climate of Liberia.
There are three of us traveling together…Renee, Leo and me (Robin). This trip marks my eighth time traveling to Liberia. For Renee it is her third time, and then we have Leo, the newbie of the group. As we left Wallace with my brother Kevin’s large van, to carry the 8 checked bags, the 3 carry-on’s and our personal bags, and to carry the three travelers, I am grateful for my wife being willing to ride along with our friend Nancy to drive the van back. We left Wallace to pick up Leo first. After saying goodbye to his wife and son, we headed to Renee’s house. We arrived, backed the van up to her garage (all the pre packed suitcases were stored there) to load up. We walked in the door and we were greeted by Renee, all the suitcases at the door and a big smile on her face as she remarked slyly, ‘You don’t think I’m excited to go?’ Of course, me and Leo share her excitement on this new adventure.
We packed all the bags in the van, prayed over our trip, and began what we know will be a great adventure.
Leo, while contemplating the reason ‘why’ he is traveling to Liberia, related to us that after months of asking why, he realized he was asking the wrong question. He said, ‘I should be asking what. ‘What?’ does God want me to do’. As he said this we all realized that that is the question for all of us. We may not fully understand the ‘What?’, but we are simply to be willing. Willing to be pressed, willing to be challenged and willing to be used by God in whatever manner He chooses. That is our prayer and we encourage you to pray along with us.
We are all checked in at the airport with plans of connecting thru Chicago, on to Brussels and finally to Monrovia sometime 24-26 hours from now.
Liberia Mission Trip 