Hey, Mom, Don't Look Now!

Last weekend we had quite an adventure! It was one that no one's mother would have approved of, I am sure! We, along with about 25 others from the ship took a trip to the Bong mines where iron ore used to be mined. In our 3 Mercy Ships Land Rovers, we drove a short distance to where we eventually loaded onto a flatbed train car. The vehicles (with passengers inside) were driven onto the train by our brave drivers, one of whom was John! The hand brakes were applied and the tires were secured with large rocks on either side to prevent the cars from rolling. Then, we all climbed on top of the vehicles to enjoy the 1 1/2 hour (plus waiting time for various reasons) trip up-country. We were quite high up and Bethany, especially, was very nervous in the beginning. But we were up and down and inside the vehicles as we travelled and generally had fun.

The vegetation was lush and green after we left the city behind. There were little villages here and there that I imagine must be fine living compared to city life in Monrovia.

We felt a little like we were in a parade as we rumbled past the towns and villages. Children, and sometimes adults, would run down the paths and wave to us as hard as their hands could wave as they yelled out their greetings.

Once we got to the mines, our guide, Odecious, gave us a good history lesson as he pointed out what each structure once was. He had been employed at the mines before the war broke out. He was in charge of the large dump truck that you can see in the photo.

Odecious said that one day they were working and rebel forces came in and held weapons to their necks. They demanded to know which tribe each worker was from. If the answer was an opposing tribe, they shot them right then and there. Six men lost their lives that day. Those who lived left the mines and never returned. Only the framework of the buildings that once were a thriving industry remain.

It seemed very sad and such a shame that it has all gone to waste. I was tempted to feel that Liberia's situation is hopeless. How can you rebuild a place that has seen such devastation? But we know that with God, all things are possible, and we have a reminder from the Psalmist:

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5

And I would like to pray for the year of the Lord's favor for Liberia, according to the scripture we find in Isaiah 60:2-4:

"...to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness for mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated for generations."

This lake was at one time a valley where many dead were laid to rest. Now there is beauty for ashes here.

Our adventure to the Bong mines ended as the sun dipped low. It was a good day and we all returned safe and sound...and quite sooty!

Jenny