All right! So as many of you may have realized this blog has not been updated... I do sincerely apologize for this, although my situation did not allow for updates! Throughout my adventure to Liberia, I had no access to the internet AND I managed to break my computer while there! (Picture Below) Over these next couple days I will be doing 2 - 3 posts a day to make up for it - stay tuned! I am SUPER excited to share this life changing experience with you all!
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The children of Liberia are unlike any other children that I've encountered. Their passion for everyday life, their care for one another, and the gratitude in simplicity for the littlest of things has made me understand that they are the gems of this world.
As Michelle Hicks and I walked the streets of our local community here in Liberia, we were guided by a kind man who had randomly approached us. I was carrying my camera, something the people here have been often taken back by - and for obvious reasons. The man introduced us to his brother and as we began to walk back towards the main road, I glanced to my left. The kids you can see in this photo were huddled together on the ground, surrounded by dusty air in this hot & humid weather. They were all snickering at each other, and looked up at me as I walked by. Their lives were so simple. One of them shirtless, many without shoes; finding happiness in the simplest of things: human life. Something we all take for granted daily. The presence of each other was more than enough to make all the kids smile with joy. Almost in unison they looked up at me and smiled, some turning away as if to be hiding from me in plain sight, but all of them happy. I waved. Every single one of them was stoked by my simple gesture of saying "hello". Something so simple made their lives so full, something so easy and natural had made this group so content. I pointed to my camera, smiled, and made an expression saying "picture?" This blew them away. Immediately they assembled together, almost as if they had planned this, and posed for an awaited photograph. I ran over and got this shot, along with a couple others (which may actually be better), and it reminded me that we don't need very much to be happy in life, we just think we do. As I walked away they smiled, waved, and got back to being kids. Beauty comes in all forms, but often times the largest representation lies in those with the simplest of hearts. "With all our dirty deeds and evil thoughts Jesus is begging his father Jehova Jireh for his mercy towards us."
Today was our first day in Liberia, and we treated it like a rest day, only going into Monrovia for the supermarket. But despite this, let me tell you that it was very impactful nonetheless. The resilience, the culture, the drive, the everyday life of people living in Liberia is so abstractly different from any other place I've experienced. Today was truly an eye-opening experience of the need for support in this country. From the need to combat political corruption, to an everyday cry for basic properties of life, the people of Liberia need your help. I am excited to bring you all more content as I can - stay tuned. Donate Today: http://growingliberiaschildren.org/donate.php Let's explore his background together. Judge Willie lives in Liberia and has worked extremely hard to achieve opportunities that led him to where he is now. He has a passion for helping other people, rebuilding the justice system in his country, and fighting corruption. In 2010 Judge Willie was admitted into the University of San Diego's International Peace and Justice masters program, and lived with my family while he studied. He received his masters and graduated with honors. In fact, this year (2017) he is returning to San Diego to receive a special award for the work he has done in Liberia. He is a key part of GLC and helps maintain relations, work out problems, and oversee St. Paul's Elementary School--the school GLC has been supporting in Liberia since 2008. Moving to present day, this is a photo of us, screen-shotted from a video you will all be able to view soon. We were in his chambers chatting, and later moved on to explore downtown Monrovia. Judge Willie now works in the Temple of Justice, located in Monrovia, Liberia. He remains committed to rebuilding the judicial system in Liberia, and aiding the process of educating the youth, spurring progress, and helping his country.
Judge Willie is an incredible man, facing adversity head on and tearing down any obstacles in his path; I'd call him the definition of "determined." He has come a long way from humble beginnings, and has no plans to stop anytime soon. The day that this specific blog post was due, I was not in Liberia yet. Basing my information off of that, I was not surprised by anything.
Although that was the case, it is Monday, January 9th now and I am in Liberia. Surprised would be an understatement - but then again I really did not know what to expect at all. I was kind of headed into this situation blind and that is totally okay. Today was our first real day here, yesterday and the day before were all travel. The way of life, the everyday tasks, the way people interact and carry themselves - everything is different from America and I knew that going in. It's hard for me to say what surprised me most, considering I am one day into this adventure and came in with no expectations. As this experience evolves I will keep everyone updated! As far as pictures go - there will be some. Once I am done with the blog prompts I will do my own post explaining the aspects I feel necessary, and there will be photos! ~Cheers!~ |
AuthorI'm 16 years old, living life and attending High Tech High International as a Junior. Living in San Diego, following my dreams and pursuing entreprenuership along with photography. ArchivesCategories |