The adventure begins! Arrived safely and with little sleep but was met by Antoinette and friends. However, on the way from the airport we managed to have a small fender bender and ended up at the police station for over an hour! It was crazy for quite some time with everyone arguing and shouting at the top of their voices. I didn’t get involved because it was important that the guy that hit us didn’t find out there was an American in the car. If he had known he would have demanded some serious cash! Things finally were resolved and we were able to leave without any further trouble. Quite an exciting beginning I thought!
I was able to go out to Mt. Barclay on Thursday and Friday to see the women and get re-acquainted with everyone. Most of them didn’t know I was coming so they were surprised and happy to see me. That was a lot of fun. Be praying that my time at Mt. Barclay will be useful and a blessing to the women.
I was also challenged to drive the first day here. I drove into downtown Monrovia to get a phone and then through a busy market at night. I had someone to direct me but it’s just a tough place to negotiate as all the “roads” that have no signs or lights and no one knows or follows any traffic rules. It makes for stressful driving! I can’t say I’m driving with confidence yet, but Saah thinks I’m ready to drive his 4x4 vehicle while I’m here. The boys next door to where we live already washed the truck for me this morning before I went to church! Inside and out!! Please be praying that I can drive without any problems.
On Saturday Antoinette and I moved to the guest house that is about 20 minutes from Mt. Barclay. We are living with just a couple of mattresses on the floor and candles and flashlights but we are happy to be here. It’s a great place! The compound is surrounded by a high wall with razor wire and a huge iron front gate. It looks like prison from the outside but it’s really awesome inside! The teams are going to love it!
This coming week will be a busy one. We are frantically trying to get the house ready for the team that comes Oct. 2nd and I will still be going out to Mt. Barclay each day. After spending an hour at the market yesterday, I’m intimidated with the prospect of buying things for the whole house. Pray that the house gets in order in time for the teams arrival. It’s going to take a miracle!
Sorry for no pictures but I hope to get my act together once we’ve gotten more settled here. Thanks for all your prayers.
In His grip,
Jill
