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.