Sunday in Liberia

Liberian Sunday
We woke this morning fresh and ready for the day of worship ahead. Dunc was NOT feeling too sweet, and the cute cuddly character we’ve come to know and love had a hard time( notable irony...) as the day continued. We spent breakfast with our African-American Liberian friends and all enjoyed the scrambled egg and cake. From here on the day of Sunday continued as it began.
As soon as we reached the church, greeted by many church folk and Canon Robertson (the white American missionary) who tends the church, Parks began to feel slightly ill. He spent most of the service outside exercising his stomach muscles whilst we exercised our vocal chords within the church. The service lasted two and a half hours, during this time we enjoyed the blend of Episcopal standard worship and African vigour which comes from their amazing tunes, where clapping is vital to survival. The sermon was given by some Canon named Mark who delighted us with a story that none of us had heard last Sunday.....it was, in fact, enjoyable and very appropriate to the scene and situation. The peace was the definite highlight of the service when everyone began singing and cheering in a unique African style with enthusiasm only they can portray.
After the service we rejoined Iain and spent a time in Mrs Robertson’s quaint house. It’s crazy to imagine how someone can dedicate their lives to a continent far from their American home, it soon became clear however, that Liberia was much more of a home to her than American soils. Although she spoke of returning to America, in my mind she may well spend the remainder of her days here at Piso Lake as her husband had before her. Lunch passed without Iain and Dunc who returned to the motel to recover, whereas Laurence, Mark and Fatta enjoyed lunch of Rice and meats...a food that we have become accustom to during our African adventure. Loz enjoyed a relaxing time in the hammock outside, whilst Mark kept the Bishop entertained around the dinner table.
After lunch we decided to hit the beach British style. Accompanied by the priest of the church as our guide, we found a place to swim and chillax. This beach is by far the most beautiful of beaches we’ve seen so far, and to the sound of many fishermen fixing their nets, we did battle with the waves and wished we’d robbed Malamo of its’ Frisbee. Lozza trod on a crab and with the most manly of growls scared the poor crab away.....part truth. There was little rejoicing from Loz as he found that Man U had drawn with Chelsea but everyone knows that the best team in the history of the land always start slowly......
The saddest point of the day came with our introduction to Via. A 23 year old man who has, in short, had it very rough. During the war the rebels forced him to become a child soldier. Fortunately for him he fled with his girlfriend into the bush. He lived there for 3 months and she basically saved his life. Unfortunately after the war she left him alone with their child. Now, an orphan who lost his father last year, is caring for himself and his daughter alone. He has no money to his name and stomach ulcers at the age of 23. IF this guy had been brought up in England, he would no doubt have flourished. Unfortunately, he is a talented singer and intelligent guy who in Liberia will never fulfil his potential....not even slightly.
With much to ponder we spent the evening in a relaxed fashion. On the balcony of Hotel Piso the sweet sounds of Justin Timberlake escape from Club Piso and drift off into the African night sky.