Friday was the day I was anxiously awaiting: Heading to Liberia! Friday was nice. Bro. Markus the mission driver came and picked me up at the Wellington apartment near noon last friday. I was traveling with Elders Obinna, Coffie, and Iyieuware (yeah, the last name is insane. Pronounced "you-are-eh"). We arrived in Kenema in the evening to stay the night around 8pm after passing through Bo to drop off some few things. I got to see my old apartment on Bo #2 5th Street. Yeah, that was crazy. It was interesting to have all of the old memories flood back into my mind of the place I once called home.
When we reached Kenema, we were starving, so Markus took us to the Capitol Hotel for the crappiest and most expensive casava leaf I've ever had. However, we were filled, so I was okay.
The next day we woke early, around 6 am to start our journey again. It was amazing to listen to the stories that Bro. Markus told us about his time as a soldier in the Sierra Leone civil war. He was a true hero at that time. I was so inspired by him and his example of how to be satisfied in life. His life isn't that extravagant, and his job isn't very glorious, but he's perfectly happy because he has time for church and for his family. I'm grateful for the wisdom I gained from listening to him.
The road to Liberia, however, is 86 miles of horridness. I've never hated traveling so much in my life. It took us about six hours in the Ford Everest to reach the border. The dirt road is composed of themost turbulent array of muds, stones, and who knows what else. It seriously looked like a motocross arena. It was terrible. I was in the back seat, so I spent the whole time fighting car sickness. Poor Elder Obinna lost his own battle and threw up all over the jungle (which was staggeringly beautiful by the way. We got to drive through the Kola National Forest Reserve, which was awesome. It's a HUGE JUNGLE! Sweet.
Needless to say, I was grateful to arrive in Monrovia. This place is like a third world America. I'm struggling to find a way to describe this place. Well, I live the high life, compared to other Elders around here. We live smack in the middle of town, which is very nicely made and paved. We have dozens of super nice super markets here in town where you can get almost anything you can care to think of! Problem of course is the price. This country uses two currencies: The USD, and Liberian Dollar ("Liberty"). $1USD=$70-73LD. We don't use coins here. I dunno, just a few differences.
We have elecricity, which is a definite perk. We also have running water in the compound, which is a rather nice change. Hmph! Freetown? Forget about it. There is no running water there. I'm really liking this place. I had my first Dr. Pepper in 13 months. Yeah, sweet.
As far as my calling as office Elder goes, there's not much to it. Mostly scanning and emailing baptismal records. It's not bad. I like the office work because it gives me a little chance to change things up every once in a while. I can get pretty discontent with routine. I'm amazed to this day that I survived Njaie Town for so long. As of right now, I'm enjoying sweet air conditioning in my office and an amazing computer all to myself for free. Yeah, the labor of office elder has some definite perks. Our office is in the Sinkor district center, so we get to come to the church all the time. This place is really nice, and the church has done really well here. I'm happy about that!
My companion is amazing. He really knows his stuff, is a humble guy, and works his tail off. He certainly keeps me on my toes! It's great. He's from Texas, has been on mission for 2 transfers now, and is just excellent. I'm really enjoying being with him. After being with a branch missionary for so long, it sure is sweet to be with a legit Elder again. I'm really loving this place.
Yesterday and the day before was our Christmas conference, hence why I'm emailing today, rather than Monday. We had loads of fun, played games, all that jazz. We watched Megamind again, which was just as good the second time, and A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey. The food was so good too! I had my first turkey and cheese sandwhich in I don't know how long! Then I had a legit CHEESEBURGER! Man, I can see why everyone calls this place "Sweet L.I.B."! We're enjoying like crazy. I got to see some old friends like Elders Svongwa, Tims, and Appleby. All in all, I really had a great time.
As far as the people go, I don't know too much yet. I've only taught like 5 lessons since I've arrived because of the conferences and things. I do know, however, that these people speak the worst English I've ever heard. You can't even excuse it by saying it's a different language. It sounds like English from the deep south gone horribly wrong. I'm doing my best to keep up with it. They call it "coloqua." It's not a written language, so I can't really send any examples. They basically cut off the last syllable of any word they speak. It's bad. I'll try to give you some samples on the phone when we talk at Christmas. ;)
Alrighty, everyone, I love you! Have a wonderful week! can't wait to hear from you! :)
Love,
Elder Vaughan
No comments:
Post a Comment