Liberia

When I visited Liberia in 2012, most people hadn’t heard of it. Now when I talk about the trip and I catch that look in people’s eyes, I am quick to add “pre-ebola” to the timeline. The ebola outbreak of 2014 was particularly devastating to me as I watched from home, so far away, its impact on the places I had visited, and the people I had come to consider my friends.

I won’t even try to fill you in on the history, politics, economy or demographics of this little country in West Africa. That’s what Wikipedia is for. I will tell you that Liberia suffered two civil wars over the span of 14 years. When we visited 9 years later, Liberia was rebuilding. Running water, electricity, public sanitation, shelter and safe travel were once again on the rise.

I met a hopeful people: soldiers who had traded guns for tools to make chairs for schools; youngsters in orphanages smiling big for our cameras; doctors, nurses, teachers; and the most joyful faith I have ever encountered.

Here are just a few of the pictures I took. Follow the links for lots more…