On Saturday afternoon, we spent some time in a market near downtown Monrovia. For those who had never experienced the sights, smells and sounds of a third-world market, it was an exercise in multi-sensory over-stimulation. In the end, we came away from the experience with some great memories, refined negotiation skills and cool gifts for our loved-ones.
On Saturday evening, we returned to the ABC Children's Aid Orphanage. This is a pretty incredible place. The orphanage features a nearly-complete medical center that will serve the children as well as the surrounding community. Matthew and his team are also completing phase-one of the school, boys and girls dorms and a cafeteria. Though currently only one level, the buildings are designed to be expanded to three floors. Once complete, the facility will be able to house and educate up to 2,000 orphans.
Matthew and his staff provided supper on the roof of the unfinished dormitory. As the sun set, we had a panoramic view of the Liberian landscape as well as the beautiful children as they prepared for a short presentation.
As the kids assembled, we could feel the excitement in the air. The team was presenting gifts that we brought from the U.S. and the kids were planning a performance of their own. There were lots of smiles and inquisitive eyes.
One of the gifts was a soccer ball. We presented it with one condition; if the kids can beat the Americans in a short game of soccer, then they could keep the ball. On the way to the dirt field, there was and abundance of good-natured trash talk (kids- "We're gonna' beat you 8 to 0... No.... 100 to 0!!!"). Unfortunately, because it was 90% dark when the game began, none of the pictures turned out. In the end, in spite of a valiant effort by the skilled yet aging Americans, the score was Liberia - 3... beat and bloody USA - 0. The kids were very pumped!
A few of the spectators:
When we returned to the guest house, Evan was there waiting on us. He is a friend of Kolegar and a very skilled wood carver. This man needs our prayers though. In his neck, he has what is most-likely a benign tumor that is sizable and growing. As it continues to expand, the tumor will gradually affect his ability to speak, eat and breathe. His hope is that when Mercy Ships returns to Monrovia, he will be able to get it surgically removed.
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