Heading Home

Last day in Liberia, it  is a day mixed with bitter sweet emotions. I cannot wait to get home and see my .beautiful wife and my wonderful children, and yet I am sad to leave my Liberian friends behind. I have truly been blessed by the people of Liberia, from Augustine and his crew of YFC volunteers that made sure that my stay was safe and comfortable, to the smiling faces of the many people I have had the chance to meet  and always being greeted by welcome to Liberia.  It has been amazing to see the great work being done by YFC Liberia,  how far it reaches into the many communities around Monrovia, and how many lives are being affected.
I will be travelling for the next day and a half so please pray for safe travels. Thank you all for the continued prayers and support.
I will leave you with a few pics from the worksite today.
Blessings
Don

Quick Update

Hello All

Just a quick update on what hs been going on since Tania, Cameron and Kat left. Saturday I returned to the worksite and moved some more bricks, for the masons who were laying them until rain forced the work to a halt for the day. Sunday  I was privileged to spend the day with Augustine, Amos (a YFC Liberia volunteer and Augustine's right hand man who we have spent much of our time in Liberia with) and  his fiancee Jeanette. First we went to very spirited church service with much praise and dancing where Augustine preached. Then I we went back to Augustine's house and we spent some time with Augustine  and  his family. Then some time to rest in the evening hours.
This morning was back to the worksite where the form work began so we can hopefully cast the upper beam tomorrow. I am excited to get this done. I will take pics of the process and post them tomorrow. This evening I met with Augustine and he introduced me to 2 of the YFC Liberia board members. It was an honor to meet them and we had a good time getting to know each other.
I feel very blessed to be here in Liberia and I want to thank all the partners that have helped to make this possible. I feel s though you guys are right here with me helping the people of Liberia. God is truly at work here and it is humbling to see his hand in the things that we have done here and in the people that he has led us to. Please continue to pray for me so that I can run with perseverance the race that is laid out for me. Thank you

Blessings
Don

Amos and Jeanette

We made it!

It was a long couple of days in transit. We got in yesterday at 3:00 and were  asleep by 7:00 lol. God gave us travel mercies and helped us along the way. I figure now that I have led a team through some pretty tough airports, without loosing anyone, thing, or my mind, I can do anything!!  :)

Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for Don. 

Tania

More pics!

The children of the Doe community

Berea Christian Institute. A school offering tuition free education

Augustine jr aka Happy!

Rossini's garden

Our friend Rossini showing us around his garden

Sweet baby pineapple!

More worksite pics

Liberian Scaffolding

Some of my little friends from the worksite

More Pics!

Add caption

Some construction sight photos: Walls up to height ready to start casting upper beam tomorrow! :)

County Boy

                                                                 

I will try to keep the pics coming
Blessings
Don

Meeting former General Butt Naked

Over Wednesday the team and I had the chance to meet Joshua Milton Blahyi the former General Butt Naked. During the Liberian civil war he was one of the most feared and ruthless warlords. He got his name because he and his brigade of mostly child soldiers used to fight naked because they thought it made them invisible. Joshua was willing to sit down with us and shared his story. It was an amazing story of a misguided boy who was born to be a warrior, trained from an early age to commit unspeakable acts and how God's great power s able to overcome the evil, change this mans life and turn him into a positive roll model. Joshua is now  helping hundreds of  former child soldiers, war affected youth, and young boys who live on the street, and are rejected by society. He gives these boys dignity, hope, and shares with them the love  that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. Joshua invited us to visit his compound  on Thursday where he and other former child soldiers have built a house where they live and train leaders for the many projects that his organization Journey Against Violence are working on to rebuild Liberia. We spent a couple hours there and he showed us around. It is great to see the work that he is doing. He told us that before he was saved that he caused much pain and suffering now he is trying to make up for the pain that he caused. It is inspiring to see how he is trying to rehabilitate former child soldiers that fought for him and against him. A true lesson in repentance and forgiveness

Don

Heading home

Well, we are heading home tomorrow.  I am happy to be heading home to my family and sad to be leaving my Liberia family behind.  I want to say a big thank you to all the people who have supported us financially and through prayers.  We could not have accomplished what we have without you.  Thank you to Augustine and all of the YFC Liberia staff members that have made our stay very comfortable and welcoming.  I know it has be a busy couple of weeks for you all and I really appreciate what you have done for the team.  I am coming home with a head full of stories from the people here that I cant wait to share.  I have been so blessed by this country.

Don will not be returning with me.  He will remain in Liberia to see to the final stage of the building project.  By final stage I mean having the first section roof ready.

We have had some amazing opportunities here that will hopefully advance the building of the school.  I'll keep you updated on that as it developes :)

Anyway that is all from myself.  Pray for safe travels and for Don while he remains behind.
xo

-Tania

Notes Home

I'm just writing tonight because I have really missed my kids.  I have had the opportunity to meet and play with so many kids.  It has been wonderful but today was hard.  I can't wait to get home and hug my babies!
                           Kieran - I miss your mischievous smile, your silliness, and your kind heart.
                           Callie  - I miss your giggles, your hugs, and your love of God
                           Quinn -  I miss your cuddles soooo much and your jokes
Just know that I'm praying for you everyday and I love you soooo much xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
 
To Clare,
Thank you for watching over my babies and keeping then safe and loved.  xo

-Tania


Heya!
Today we went to the Doe Community. We told these little children about the story of Jonah. We had some little ones come act it out with us. It was really fun! We told them that they are children of God and the Jesus died for them. And they understood!

Mom- I miss you and Jonah and the weird one. I love you guys and I can't wait to see you...when I'm not super jet-lagged! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Jonah- Stay in school. Don't give up. I know it is hard sometimes but you are brilliant. I know you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to! God's given you that gift. Kids here can't all afford go to school and have to stay home. I'm sure you think that sounds great but it's not. They can't get the education they need and desperately want. Nothing is easy here. We are so lucky for the things we have ESPECIALLY free education. I have a lot more to tell you and share with you but please think about what I've said. I love you and I'm proud of you punk.

Dad and Gen- I miss talking to you and will call you when I get back! Also after jet-lag sleep. I lovvvveeeee youuuu! I have a lot to tell you!

-K@

hello everybody. We had a pretty restful day today, I got to read for like five hours give or take. After lunch we spent part of the afternoon with some of the cutest, nicest kids you will every meet, it was amazing. Kieran, Callie, and Quinn don't worry you are still my favorite kids, but they were a close second XD.
I'm sad my time in Liberia is almost done, but I am very happy to be coming home on Friday.

- Cameron

Hello all,
Today was a great day! I was soo happy to spend some time in the Doe community today. This community touched my heart when I was here in 2013 and it was nice to be able to spend some time with the children. This also left me missing my own children.
To Kieran, Callie and Quinn Daddy loves you and misses you. When Daddy misses you at night I look up at the moon and it makes me smile that you guys can look at the same moon from the other side of the world and it also reminds me that God's love shines through the darkness for all to see whether you are in Africa, Canada, or anywhere else in the world. So Kieran, Callie, and Quinn as you get ready for bed tonight look out your window at the moon and know that Daddy is looking at the same moon and thinking about you and praying for you. I love you xoxoxoxo
Dad: I love you and I am thinking of you as well.
Aunt Clare: Thank you for watching the kids I am truly blessed and comforted to know that they are in your care.  Thank you!


Blessings
Don

Ebola update

I wanted to update everyone on the Ebola crisis that effected Liberia during this past year.  The disease itself is gone but the memories of this terrible epidemic remain.  There are signs painted on buildings and hand washing stations in various parts of the capital.  It has been painful walking through areas of the city that suffered so many losses.  Learning where you are standing is were a person has passed away.  Before Ebola, Liberia had two ambulances.  That is TWO in the entire country!  Other countries have donated more to help with the crisis but that number is far short of a country this size.  Medical professionals were turning away anyone who had any symptoms that resembled Ebola.  That included many that were treatable.  The country did not have the capacity.  If the parents of a home died, their bodies were removed from the home and everything in the home was burned.  Their children were just left behind.  My heart breaks to think of a government so heartless as to do this to its people.  2000 Ebola orphans have been identified across Liberia thus far.  These poor kids ranging in age from 6 months to 17 years.  The organization responsible for locating and placing these children is working with YFC Liberia to raise support and awereness of this huge issue.  We were fortunate to sit down with four of the children that were orphaned by this horrible disease.  The money sent in to YFC Liberia from our Ebola relief supporters has helped fund all four to be in school for the year.  The school these kids are in is a Christian school and lead by a group of teachers and principle who have such a heart for them, and heart for Jesus. 

Just a Reminder

Just wanting to send a quick reminder to everyone.  We are still able to collect and resieve donations while we are in Liberia.  If you would like to donate to any of the following that would be AWESOME!!!!

YFC Liberia - to keep programs running and staffed

Ebola relief - towards orphan children school fees

School building project - Brewerville (YFC Project)

Supply children with desks and supplies at Berea Christian school - a free school for underprivileged children.

Please give if you can.  Most importantly Liberia needs prayer!

Donations can be sent to QYFC Youth Unlimited 

                                        PO Box 233, Belleville, On

                                        K8N 5A2

or on line at www.QYFC.com

Thursday

Today we started moving blocks for the school, it was very satisfying and fulfilling to see our efforts yield results. After working for a few hours we got the opportunity to go to see a large garden that belongs to a man from the work site named Rossini. He grows limes, pineapples, sugar cane, hot peppers, bananas, and lots of other fruits and vegetables. While we were there we got to smell some lime leaves they smelt awesome. When we got back to the work site and worked for about half an hour, then we had an amazing lunch. After a short rest we were up doing things again; we went to the Doe community. I felt bad for the people living in the community because there was water every where. One of my  thoughts was why don't they just move some were dryer but then I realized they can't just move. In Canada if we don't like were we are living we can move but they don't have that luxury. Another thing that really hit me when we were there was that though the people have very little and struggle to get the things they need they are so happy and joyful. People in Canada, my self included, have trouble with that. We get upset when we don't get the nicest or newest things, or we can't have some of the luxuries we are accustom to, and we take what we have for granted. I pray that God helps us as a country to be happier and have more joy in our situations no mater what they may be. I also prey that God blesses the people of Liberia.

-Cameron

Late night reflections

Hello all,


Tonight I  have some time to reflect, as we have been here almost a week now and have been privileged to have seen many different areas of Monrovia, visited schools, NGOs, ebola survivors,churches and had the chance to see what everyday life is in Liberia. What is apparent in all we see is there is soo much need in Liberia. I have met so many people dedicated to change, dedicated to making the country better for the next generation and doing the best they can with what they have. We visited a school today that is free to attend because one woman saw great need in her community. The teachers all work for free there because they know the impact education will have on these children. She is also starting a sewing program for the mothers so that the families of these children will prosper and hopefully be able  to continue the child's education when they grow out of the school.
I am finding the need here heartbreaking, we just don't have the time or the resources to help everyone. God is doing great things here in Liberia and that is encouraging, but it is soo hard to pass, hungry children, or orphans with no family, on your way to go help someone else. I am trusting that God is leading our team to where He needs us most and I am trying to find comfort in that. Please pray for great change  to come to this beautiful country. Please pray for our team and that God will use us in a mighty way, and please pray that we have the wisdom to do this.

Blessings and goodnight
Don

PS Aunt Clare: Please tell the kids that I love them and miss them and give them a big hug and kiss for me.

Rememberance Day

Today is Rememberance Day is Canada.  We are going to follow the honour and respect of this day along with our fellow Canadians.  At 11:00 we will be stopping along with our Liberian friends to remember those who have given their lives for our Countries.  Here war and loss are a lot fresher in the people's minds. The carnage of war has left such a strong mark on Liberia.  Everywhere you look there is reminders of it.  Bullet holes in buildings and bridges, execution posts, abandoned barracks and buildings.  Liberia is a country trying to rebuild from devastation with no help from the Government.  There is no social assistance here, no safety net for those who loose there jobs.  We witnessed an accident yesterday that was horrific.  There is no health coverage for those hurt or unemployment/disability.  We take so much for granted.  I am so thankful to all those that have fallen fighting for whats right and just.  Today I will listen to the pounding of the rain and remember.

-Tania

Pics, Pics, and more Pics

New Krutown, Monrovia

Can you spot Don?  

New Krutown, Monrovia

This little guy wanted his picture taken so bad :)

Augustine Fridricks (Director of YFC Liberia) and hi family.  Hope, Deborah, Happy (Augustine Jr) and wife Veronica.

November 10th

Hey all!
Today the team went to a school. I was able to talk a bit at one of the christian schools here. I told the kids here about what school in Canada was like. I didn't realize how much we took for granted. I explained that kids in Canada can go to school for free and don't value it. This confused the class. A boy raised his hand to ask me a question. He said since kids don't care about going to school could he go to Canada and get some free education? Everyone laughed...and I waited for Augustine to slow down their English for me. I laughed. Another child explained to me what it was like in Liberia. He said many of his peers can't go to school because they can't afford it. The value of school was really evident in these children's lives. I stepped out of the classroom and started to cry. I skipped school so many times while these kids fight to go to school. They love and treasure the education. I've only been here for a little bit but the longer I am here the more I see what fighters the Liberians are. Nothing comes easily here but you can see God at work with these people. Liberians don't give up they work with what they have and are grateful for what they receive. I thank God that I am able to meet these incredible people and learn more about them.

-K@

Day 1 on worksite

Hello all,
   It is great to be back in Liberia! It feels like my home away from home. I have had an incredible time catching up with old friends, it is so great to see that they are healthy and doing well. Along with catching up with old friends we are able to build relationships with new friends.
   We have been in Liberia for five days and I am now re-acquainted with Monrovia and the sights and sounds. As familiar as much of it is,  it is still hard to see the living conditions of many. It leaves me with a heavy heart that I cannot help everybody that I see. God is helping me to see the abundant beauty in Liberia. Liberia is a rich country,  not in monetary ways as we think of in North America, but it is spiritually rich and rich in family and I find this truly inspiring. God has presented us with many opportunities to see this wealth first hand.
   Today we started at the work site clearing overgrowth. It felt great to start work, even though the sun was hot, I mean really hot (which only deemed as warm here in Liberia) With frequent water breaks the team did a great job and accomplished a lot of work. I am impressed by their strength and determination.
   I am sorry that we are not posting more pictures but we are finding that our internet connection is not the best but we will upload photos as we can.
   We are staring to meet more children here which is bitter sweet for me, as most of you know I love little kids especially babies, but it leaves me missing my own children that are at home.
Kieran- Daddy loves you and I think of you all the time
Callie- My princess I hope you are having fun with Aunt Claire Daddy loves you
Quinn- I miss your silliness and I love you
Sending big hugs and kisses to all of you xoxoxo


Blessings
Don

enjoy

Sunday

We were very fortunate today to attend Amas's church today.  It was wonderful to see people shaking their bodies for the Lord!  Praising God for what they have even though it may not be much.  I love church in Liberia!

We have been fortunate enough to meet with a Presidential candidate set to run in 2017.  This was a great honour and hopefully we will have an opportunity to sit down again and fully discuss his platform.  Augustine says he is a good man and wants change for Liberia.  Listening to him speak he really has a love for his people and country.

Construction of the school began Saturday.  First materials had to be purchased and the sight had to be cleaned up.  Today is a day of rest so we begin on Monday with the hard labour.  We are all getting excited to get our hands dirty.

Today was hard for me.  I miss my kids and hope they are well.  Seeing children working that are the same ages as my younger siblings and my own children is difficult.  Mommy loves you guys, miss you.  You too Owen and Bri. XO from Liberia.

-Tania




I am alive and made it to Liberia safely! Thank God! It's been a busy few days or at least it feels that way with jet lag. It's been exciting and eye-opening so far. I love meeting the people here and can't wait to meet many more! As Tania said we start building the school tomorrow! Cameron and I are going to be hanging out with the kids on the work site, as well as helping with construction. All the little kids I've met/seen are super adorable and I'm excited to get to spend time with them. Thank you everyone for your prayer support, it is so appreciated! I love you mom, dad, Jonah, and Gen! Type you more later!

-Kat




Hey everyone, I survived the trip to Liberia with just some sore muscles. The trip here went well, there were some nights with very little sleep but other then that every thing was good. I have been here for three days, it has been amazing. I have been, as Augustine would say, getting sufficient rest. Something really interesting I noticed is that a lot of the taxis have hand painted messages on them, its really cool, for example GOD IS GOOD and IN GOD WE TRUST.  I've enjoyed reading these because it is not something you would see at home.  Hope all is well.

-Cameron

We are here!

Plains, trains, and automobiles!  We have made it to Liberia.  It took 8 hours on the train, a subway ride, a sky train, 15 hours at JFK Airport, and two airplane rides (13hrs).  All that and all went smooth.  Praise the Lord.  Augustine met us at the airport with a wonderful group of volunteers that helped us load our luggage and got us to Brewerville.  Brewerville is where we are building the school/trade center.  My favorite part of the day was the hour drive through Liberia.  It was full of all the sights and sounds of Africa that I love.  There were so many people going about there daily lives, women carrying baskets on their heads and babies on their back.  People on the side of the road selling Palm Wine, fish, gasoline, cell phones, clothes, chicken's feet, you name it.  Children in uniform making their way to school.  While other children were working in iron yards, fruit stands, or just playing.  My heart felt at home and I am blessed.  I wish my children were all here to see what I see and experience what I am experiencing.  One day babies, mommy loves you and misses you all. xoxo

-Tania

  

It has begun!!

Train to Manhattan