After some nearly comical aeronautical electrical problems, we departed JFK 1.5 hour late. More comical electical problems in Accra, but ultimately made it to Monrovia only 1.5 hours later than expected.
The flight was great! Slept a bit, and had very good company of a young gentleman (Abdullah Nasser) who was returning to Liberia to live an help with the family businesses. He left in 2002, just 1 year before the second civil war ended, and graduated with a degree in informationa managment from Wayne State Univ. in MI? I think that's what he said...
Also, met three guys from MI who are going to an underserved area of Liberia (Fishtown) to look into building a middle school. Interensting connetion to aquaculture (shrimp and talapia perhaps), and as it happens, I know someone! AND, they are looking for a 4-H exchange student to come to the U.S. and I am supposed to be meeting with someone about a 4-H program in Liberia, so...match made in heaven maybe! AND one of the guys is an ex-science teacher and may have some lab supplies to donate. So, we'll see. So many folks trying to help. Gratifying.
Still a few snafus...yes...'nuf said there. I may have dreadlocks when I come home. Short ones, but dreds nonetheless.
Oh! Wait!!! The best part! Finally, finally met Festus and Pedelers. Such incredibly nice and kind young men. We are in the best of hands.
I cannot believe I am here. I cannot believe my good fortune. I cannot believe the warmth and kindness of the Liberians (including a young man who grabbed my small carryon as we were deplaning and going down a set of stairs...carried it for me...wow).
I've only been here a day. I will whine about the shower that merely trickles. But I will likely wax on and on about Festus and Pedelers, and probably Abel and Yark and Mardea...the list goes on. Such warm, lovely, honest people. The feel like family. It was worth the long trip and months of preparation just to meet them.
Off to zzzzzzland. Early day (with dirty, damp hair no doubt). Don't expect pictures of me...no way to look even remotely cute right now The REST of the team is a different story. They look great!!
Nighty night!
