greetings from Liberia

a few weeks ago A.B., my Liberian best friend, called me "to say 'ello". our two-minute conversation went something like this:

A.B.: "i really missing you!"
me: "myself, i'm missing you too!"
A.B.: "ehh, Elena. i can miss you plenty! every day, i pray for you small-small."
(cue lots of laughing--from both of us)
A.B.: "okay, Elena. bye bye."

then, just a few days ago, the infamous Momo decided he wanted to say 'ello too!

Momo: "Leena! how everything?"
me: "everything all right, Momo."
Momo: "how your family, your ma?
me: "everyone's doing well. what about you? how the Passawe family? how's Liberia?"
(short pause)
Momo: "ehh, man. we still here. Liberia still here. it not easy but tank God."
me: "sorry, yeah? i'm missing you all, and i'm praying for you, all right?"
Momo: "yeah, man. alright-o. tell America 'ello! later on."

is it any wonder i miss the crazy ridiculousness of Liberian life?!

Liberia, I missing you-o!

Some days (like today), I really, really, REALLY miss Liberia. I want to be with the kids. I want to hug them, listen to them sing, pray with them--all those things brought (bring?) me such incredible joy. So today, I decided to pull out a few of the goodbye letters some of the kids wrote me. And, well, they're just so precious that I had to share!

(thanks to Deb, I even got a video of that song; check it out below!)

so long, Liberia!

well, everyone. this is it. my plane leaves tonight. 23 hours and four airports later, i'll be home. my heart is feeling so many emotions right now, my mind racing with thoughts. i'm excited. i'm hopeful. i'm sad. i'm scared. i'm thankful. i've had some of the most beautiful moments with my kids, my team, my Liberian family these past few days, and part of my heart is breaking as i say goodbye. yet i also rejoice as i look at the relationships that have been built, the bonds that have been strengthened, the incredible work i've seen God do in me, around me, and through me.

i truly believe a new chapter, a new season has begun for me, and i can't wait to see what God has planned. whether i'm in Liberia, Canada, the States (or anywhere in between), i can say with peace and confidence that He is with me. so today, i say so long to Liberia--until He decides to lead me back.