Beauty in Liberia

Two beautiful things happened today. As we returned from Cuttington to Monrovia, we stopped and visited with the Liberian artist Lawson B. Sworh. He talked about the beauty of God's creation all around him, and how he wanted to communicate that to others. We looked through his oil and watercolor paintings and selected a variety to bring back to the US. Now that I've been to Liberia I'm even more impressed with how Lawson captures the grace of the people in colorful detail.

Liberians Talking in Front of a Dried Mud-Brick Home

And then, after we were back in Monrovia, we went to the "Office Restaurant" for dinner. I saw that same grace and colorful beauty. The restaurant and plaza in front of it were alive with music and families. Women were dressed in elegant African attire. Gifford, Lissa, Don and I thought we were interrupting a wedding, or some other family event. Instead we found out the women were graduates of a Cuttington program called, "10,000 Women." This is an initiative to educate women—the goal is to reach 10,000—and teach them business skills. Some might go on to own and run their own enterprises. Simultaneously raising literacy levels and lowering unemployment. These women all were part of a ceremony earlier today and were celebrating with friends and relatives. One graduate was the proprietress of the restaurant. She enthusiastically welcomed us—folding us into the festivities.

So over the past 12 days we've been confronted with constant signs of poverty and destruction, but also met people wise beyond my understanding as they demonstrate reconciliation. We are surrounded by beauty and hope. Thank you God.