3.14.07

Wednesday 3/14
(6:45pm)

It’s over. I’m still standing on Liberian soil, but that soil is covered by the dilapidated concrete of Roberts International Airport outside the city. Standing outside, and at least three security checkpoints away, are a vanload of Liberian brothers and sisters in Christ, some of them born into God’s family only days ago. Those believers, once faceless names to me, embody the burden in my heart that continues to intensify. They made this trip and this day very special.

The morning fittingly began with our “favorite” breakfast: cold egg and onion patties. We left just after 9am for the Bookstore opening. The construction crew was still working hard as we arrived and we let them stop so we could gather the crowd of 20-30 people for the official ribbon cutting. Dr. Allison read from I Timothy and gave a brief challenge, prayed God’s blessing on the endeavor, and posed for pictures and video coverage of the ceremonial cutting of the decorated,woven paper towels stretched like a ribbon between the door frames. He introduced Evangelist Jones as the local man in charge and proceeded to make the first purchase, a leather-bound Thompson Chain Reference Bible for Pastor Kowah – Kowah frequently smiles, but rarely that wide! Jones invited the crowd in and all those Liberians – most of whom had never seen, let alone owned, a good piece of Christian literature – held such works in their hands for the first time. Several made purchases as George and I distributed Bibles to those with whom we had counseled. (I bought a hard-bound pocket Bible for Forkpa for $300 LD / $5 US). After Dr. Allison, George McConnell, and some of the local pastors gave statements to Kelvin (one of the reporters who was saved the second night of the crusade) Paulcy left to handle a business meeting while Dr. Allison, George and I drove back to the EGH.

We enjoyed a great lunch of BBQ chicken and chocolate cake. Lots of packing still had to be done, so we all retired to our rooms for that task. I finished well before we had to leave, so I showered and gathered excess, non-packed items to give away (a bagful to Kowah, a shirt to Mike Miller, and my too-small-to-possibly-be-comfortable hat to Mike the gatekeeper.) Then, for the first time in two weeks, I just relaxed – watched Manchester United’s 50th Anniversary game along with Rufus, Kowah and Moses (Manchester United 4, Euro All-Stars 3).

Once Paulcy arrived and finished packing, we all loaded our luggage and ourselves in to the van for one last hair-raising, white-knuckle ride. A van chartered for about 20-30 church folks followed us and we drove past giant termite hills, shack communities, and the Firestone Rubber Plantation on our way to Roberts International.

When we arrived, I held back tears as I said goodbyes and exchanged Liberian handshakes one last time. The people sang, “See Where He Took Me From” while we filed through the check-in door, and that was the last time I saw or heard them.

We marched through the most haphazard security process I’ve ever experienced, with one guard following us and whispering instructions into Dr. Allison’s ear. Miraculously our guard ensured that none of our bags were subject to a thorough (and apparently costly) search. At the end of the line, $20 changed hands and we checked in without incident.

Carry-on security was next, but the only item lost was one of my Listerine sprays, which I gave to the curious security official – he tried and enjoyed it on the spot.

For about an hour now we’ve been sitting in an air-conditioned but crowded and therefore increasingly fragrant waiting area. The Airbus A330 just roared in and I think all passengers are off. We should be boarding shortly. As much as I miss my Liberian friends already, I can’t wait for a trip to begin that I know will end with a reunion with my wife and sons!