Love for Liberia – What of the Children? Ponderings of a Nail-Bender
Posted under: Global Outreach, Love for Liberia, Outreach Ponderings
When Jesus spoke of the children, he must have had Liberia in mind. Everywhere, in every village, in every town, on every road, there are children. Most, at least at first, will eye you warily, looking like a frightened cat, an intense stare, muscles tensed, ready to take flight from this unknown threat that we represent, white folks with note books in hand and cameras by our side. Of course, had I the misfortune of being born into a place where over the last twenty years there has been at least as much warfare as peace, I suspect I might look a bit cat-like as well. For here, even during the times of peace, marauding bands of rebels, or the over-zealous thugs known as government forces, never remained too far from one’s periphery, always seeming to inject themselves with shakedowns and roadblocks and violent outbursts that would bring another moment of anguish or an additional point of death. In such an environment, I imagine that skittishness is a desirable trait if one wishes to extend one’s life into the next minute. But sometimes, if one is indeed fortunate, even a frightened cat will find its way to gently nuzzle your leg, and then you will know, you have been well-adopted indeed. Read more »
