Today began with a "private" workshop for the members of the Youth for Human Rights International - Liberia Chapter. As you'll see, this was a poolside presentation for a small group and quite a bit more informal and interactive. Xane contributed a great deal. In addition to chiming in on the presentation, he led the drilling at the end of the session.
Colin speaking, presenting.
Jamus and Calvin drilling.
Xane leads the way.
Xane drilling with Eustace and Jefferson
Xane and Jefferson working it out.
Tim and Jay conferencing, planning, plotting.
Final conference with everybody.
Final words from Jay.
YHRI - Liberia!
With the workshop complete we headed to the city for some errands. But before I present the travelogue, I ask that you visit our GoFundMe page. One last push is needed to complete the funding of the project. The golden opportunity for Tim to stay a few extra days in order to meet the Minister of Education on Monday needs to be supported. Please do. Everything helps.
On to the day's highlights...
A typical three-wheel, open cab that is all over town.
Most every day we pass the Dubai Club which features this statue out front. We never figured out what the sculpture is depicting. Is he reading her belly button? Is he ducking a punch? I think the sculptor used the wrong photo to model his work after. He should have used the one right AFTER this one. That would be the one where he is lifting her in the air. aloft by the belly. This is the before shot.
A roadside barber at work. They're quite common.
Tailors inside the tailor shop. Note the foot treadles they pump to power their machines. This is the shop from which Jay ordered three custom-made garments for Xane, his sister and me. (Surprise LouElla!)
One of the custom-made, African shirts. A gift from Jay.
And here is one of Xane's friends he met on the beach tonight. He was very friendly and helpful.
~~
Likely, this will be my last post from Africa. Tomorrow afternoon Xane and I begin our return trip home. We depart the airport tomorrow (Sunday) in Monrovia at 3:10 pm. We land in Tampa Monday at 10:34 pm: thirty-one hours of travel time. This includes an overnight stay in Accra Sunday night.
Our final destination before climbing aboard that plane tomorrow afternoon will be a visit to Jay's church first thing tomorrow morning. We are very much looking forward to it. Our first chance to wear our African shirts!
That's a look ahead. But how about a summary of the last two weeks or so. The last twelve life-changing, eye-opening, exhilarating, unreal days we have experienced.
Workshops and presentations:
- Mar 31 and Apr 1: Two-day event in Monrovia for about 70 youth group leaders and students from across Liberia.
- Apr 4: About 80 high school students and faculty In Ganta.
- Apr 4: About 30 staff and faculty of the Nimba County Community College in Senniquellie.
- Apr 6: About 40 college students and faculty from AME College in Monrovia.
- Apr 9: Six YHRI leaders in Monrovia.
- Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism for Liberia
- Principal of Cathedral Catholic School
- Former Miss Liberia
- Assistant Minister of Labor for Liberia
- Assistant Minister of State for Liberia
- Associate Vice-President AME University
- Head of the Institute of Innovation for AME University
- Immigration Commander, Bo Waterside Port of Entry
- President Nimba County Community College
- Chief of Staff for the Vice-President of Liberia
- Senior Senator
- West African Human Rights Hero
- Nominee for President of Liberia and former Ambassador to the United States and U.N.
- And, scheduled for Monday, after Xane and I leave, Tim will meet with the Minister of Education and Assistant.
New friends
- Every child, student, teacher, faculty, opinion leader and politician we met. Liberia is full of good people facing unfathomable obstacles and hardships who want to make this country great in every respect.
New Heroes
- Tim Bowles: Undeniably, the driving force behind everything accomplished in the last two weeks. Someone to emulate. A beautiful blend of optimism, insouciance and top-notch professionalism. A great sense of humor and he's a music lover! All our drives were filled with funk, blues, rock and gospel.
- Jay Yarsiah: The kind of person everyone needs to meet and get to know. His passion for his people, country and mankind is true and without limit. Competent. Fearless. Strong. And he shares Tim's love of a good story and a hearty laugh.
My life has been enriched a thousand-fold by working with and getting to know Tim and Jay. My son's life will never be the same. Without a doubt, I will cross paths will both these fine gentlemen in the years to come. I will make sure.
Thank you, Tim and Jay! Thank you, Liberia!
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