Oct. 29th Wednesday
This was one of those days that all I felt I did was spin my wheels. I started trying to find a way to JFK then when I did I had 10 minutes to be out the door. Took a dry egg sandwich with me (dry means egg on roll that’s it) and a bottle of water. Got to JFK and ended up being supervisor over putting up a sign in the emergency room for nurse procedures as they used plexi glass to cover it. Had to tell them how to not crack it. When that was done I walked around the hospital taking photos. Try that in the US. I did not go in where there was people. I will do that when the equipment is installed and in use. The ER was packed like the US for the same reason, NO money to pay for health care. The difference is they are citizens not aliens. I found some equipment in the hallway and storage room. I think I found a light on a discarded incubator that looks like it still works. I showed them how to test it and what can be done if it works. By now it is 2:30pm and they go home at 3pm so tomorrow (menyona) I hope they will do it. Providence was to pick me up between 3:30 & 4:00 and they didn’t show - called Sam, said the driver went home sick he would get someone. At 6:45 I get picked up to go to the church then back across town the Snow's home. At 8pm water was on so I got to shower only cold water here but it still feels good as you don’t get one every day. Only when the generator is on and the pump is turned on. It rained here today. It has been raining but only at night. I did find a way to send photos to Sharon. Hope that she can see them well.
Oct 30th
It has rained most of the night and is still raining this morning. Was told this is unusual for the rainy season to last this long - should be hot and dry. Am Blessed I get to have my bones ache with stormy weather to help remind me who is in charge. I have some time this morning while waiting for Pastor Sam as I am going to the seminary with him today. He is teaching there. This maybe my only chance to see it. With God's Grace they think the container should be release on Friday 31st. That means on Monday we will get to open it. Also found out that some of this should have been done before the container hit port. It would have made the wait shorter. More learning! Was told between March & July Delta will be flying direct. I have heard that before and maybe it is true this time. P.M. - Went to the seminary with Pastor Sam today, he teaches classes there and found out that the Southern Baptist Convention has left here and the Liberian Baptist are who operate it at a diminished capacity. His classes were interesting as to the points of view and what they use to study with. I didn’t have time to tour the campus but hopefully I will before I leave. Sharon Emailed me that our Great post office, after 2 ½ weeks, still have my boxes, with my clothes in them, are in New Jersey. I am trying to get what I put in my back pack "carry on" washed but rain has hampered that. You have to hang them out to dry with 98% humidity making them slow drying so it's now my cleanest dirty clothes. No word on what day we will get the container. Most who have gone through this say "tomorrow-Friday", which means here, if I get it Friday it will be Monday before I will get help to unload it. Just had dinner and their version of steak and French fries are fried to shoe leather, thinned then fried in a pan. But it doesn’t have the African spice so I will not complain. My stomach is much better now that they have been trying to feed me more American type food with out the spice. I do miss having real shoes. Sandals and clogs are hard to get used to but they are still more than most have here so I am grateful for that. I must thank everyone for their prayers as I know that is my safety net here. I am the odd man out but most remember my name and are very nice to me. I got to see Sam & Alice’s new home site and plans. They are putting in the foundation right now and it's two story will be a nice home.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Oct24th 8pm
I have just returned from an afternoon at the hospital. Much different than I had been told. They do have some equipment but are in not so good shape. When I was in the maternity part of the hospital, I saw nothing to support a child. Two nurses were working on a man's amputated leg that was severely infected in the parking lot. Then when they were done they put him out the gate. The gentleman that was showing me around told me that whoever shows up at the hospital are near death before they will come. I was told that much of the problem is the living conditions do to no running water, no sewer & electricity. I traveled at night for the first time. That puts a new perspective on things. People standing on the road in pitch black and no driving rules. Driving here is something you would have to experience as a demolition derby has more rules yet they say, "not that many accidents." I am alone again tonight to eat but the help here are doing better about not making so much for me. Jisu (our Korean student living with us) fixed new foods for me and now I get a new menu of African food. Like hers I had to ask for not so much spice. (sissy) Tomorrow is Saturday. God is making me wait. His plan not mine!!!!
Saturday came and went. I am here but doing nothing - beautiful beaches - not the right clothes or shoes - No sunscreen - got burnt the first time I went out for a short time and still not better.
Sunday Oct 26th
Got up early to watch the sunrise but couldn't see it because of the rain clouds. The temp here is about 92 with 98% humidity. Went to church services from 8am to 12 noon. They do not have evening church but are having a classical music night starting at 5pm. Music here is loud and due to the (accents) I don't understand most of the words. I have a hard time with a lot of the people when they speak. I have to ask them to repeat and slow sown. Others I do not have as much trouble, there are only phrases I don't get. It is 2pm and just had lunch. African food over rice much better than flan which is a starched base, almost like dough but more jelly texture and no flavor. You have to put hot sauce (wow) or soup on it for flavor. *I just want a sandwich*
Still have not heard from Effort Baptist Church and do not have a number to contact them. Am praying God's grace for the containers to arrive tomorrow as I want to see this project move forward.
Oct. 27th
Spent most of the day at JFK working with people and trying to find out what we can salvage and what is trash. Most of the problems stem from the power system. They are now a 220 system and much of what is here is 110 and people forget to use converters. I have meet several Americans here working on long term bases (1 or more years) and puts what I am doing in perspective. One of those persons is Julie Herlihy MD,MPH from Massachusetts General. She is the new pediatric doctor. At the end of the day she found me to ask about some of the equipment. I had found out that the first container has arrived Oct. 23rd and I was trying to get to the Vice President to get it here ASAP. What she had to say is, she arrived on Fri. and has a new born with jaundice and will die without an incubator with a UV light. We have 8 in the containers and only GOD can change this ending. I went to Providence Church for a church planning meeting. When I return to the place I am staying I received a call that I was to meet with the Vice President in the morning to talk about the containers.
Oct 28th
Was picked up by Rev. Langford and taken to the Vice President's office. He made some calls then had us go talk to with the Minister of Health who lead me back to JFK and their broker who I was able to talk to. He is doing the paperwork and the cost to get it out of the port is $1,100.00 US dollars. JFK is paying that fee. With God's grace we will get it in a couple of days. Now it is 1pm and an elderly man introduces himself at Mr. Mathews. He was one of the Bio Med techs before the war and sometime during he was educated in the US and China. He walked me through the items that are just sitting and telling me what is wrong with them and what parts are still in the hospital to repair some lights and small items. He gave me a history lesson. At the end of talking with him the driver from Providence was there to pick me up for a meet at the church till 7pm. Got back to where I am staying at 8pm and catching up on my writing while waiting for dinner. Dinner was great. Pancakes, scrambled eggs with bacon in them. I hope that this is a new trend. I got a chicken sandwich for breakfast. I like being at the hospital all day. I only have 2 meals a day and this way 12 hours apart - much better. Do, though, miss my cookies and I have not had any COFFEE since I left. I guess not a bad thing, no ill affects that I know of.
I have just returned from an afternoon at the hospital. Much different than I had been told. They do have some equipment but are in not so good shape. When I was in the maternity part of the hospital, I saw nothing to support a child. Two nurses were working on a man's amputated leg that was severely infected in the parking lot. Then when they were done they put him out the gate. The gentleman that was showing me around told me that whoever shows up at the hospital are near death before they will come. I was told that much of the problem is the living conditions do to no running water, no sewer & electricity. I traveled at night for the first time. That puts a new perspective on things. People standing on the road in pitch black and no driving rules. Driving here is something you would have to experience as a demolition derby has more rules yet they say, "not that many accidents." I am alone again tonight to eat but the help here are doing better about not making so much for me. Jisu (our Korean student living with us) fixed new foods for me and now I get a new menu of African food. Like hers I had to ask for not so much spice. (sissy) Tomorrow is Saturday. God is making me wait. His plan not mine!!!!
Saturday came and went. I am here but doing nothing - beautiful beaches - not the right clothes or shoes - No sunscreen - got burnt the first time I went out for a short time and still not better.
Sunday Oct 26th
Got up early to watch the sunrise but couldn't see it because of the rain clouds. The temp here is about 92 with 98% humidity. Went to church services from 8am to 12 noon. They do not have evening church but are having a classical music night starting at 5pm. Music here is loud and due to the (accents) I don't understand most of the words. I have a hard time with a lot of the people when they speak. I have to ask them to repeat and slow sown. Others I do not have as much trouble, there are only phrases I don't get. It is 2pm and just had lunch. African food over rice much better than flan which is a starched base, almost like dough but more jelly texture and no flavor. You have to put hot sauce (wow) or soup on it for flavor. *I just want a sandwich*
Still have not heard from Effort Baptist Church and do not have a number to contact them. Am praying God's grace for the containers to arrive tomorrow as I want to see this project move forward.
Oct. 27th
Spent most of the day at JFK working with people and trying to find out what we can salvage and what is trash. Most of the problems stem from the power system. They are now a 220 system and much of what is here is 110 and people forget to use converters. I have meet several Americans here working on long term bases (1 or more years) and puts what I am doing in perspective. One of those persons is Julie Herlihy MD,MPH from Massachusetts General. She is the new pediatric doctor. At the end of the day she found me to ask about some of the equipment. I had found out that the first container has arrived Oct. 23rd and I was trying to get to the Vice President to get it here ASAP. What she had to say is, she arrived on Fri. and has a new born with jaundice and will die without an incubator with a UV light. We have 8 in the containers and only GOD can change this ending. I went to Providence Church for a church planning meeting. When I return to the place I am staying I received a call that I was to meet with the Vice President in the morning to talk about the containers.
Oct 28th
Was picked up by Rev. Langford and taken to the Vice President's office. He made some calls then had us go talk to with the Minister of Health who lead me back to JFK and their broker who I was able to talk to. He is doing the paperwork and the cost to get it out of the port is $1,100.00 US dollars. JFK is paying that fee. With God's grace we will get it in a couple of days. Now it is 1pm and an elderly man introduces himself at Mr. Mathews. He was one of the Bio Med techs before the war and sometime during he was educated in the US and China. He walked me through the items that are just sitting and telling me what is wrong with them and what parts are still in the hospital to repair some lights and small items. He gave me a history lesson. At the end of talking with him the driver from Providence was there to pick me up for a meet at the church till 7pm. Got back to where I am staying at 8pm and catching up on my writing while waiting for dinner. Dinner was great. Pancakes, scrambled eggs with bacon in them. I hope that this is a new trend. I got a chicken sandwich for breakfast. I like being at the hospital all day. I only have 2 meals a day and this way 12 hours apart - much better. Do, though, miss my cookies and I have not had any COFFEE since I left. I guess not a bad thing, no ill affects that I know of.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Paul's Trip So Far
Monday October 20th 7:30pm
I am half way to Accra - left Phoenix Arizona at 6:30 am. There has not been to many things to try my patience, some lines - mostly to check baggage. I know now it is much harder to legally leave this country than to get in. I have not had too much problems sitting on the planes. They have not been full which makes a little more room - 2 people, 3 seats not that bad. Dinner was chicken that was eatable :-). Talked to Sharon when I landed in New York and found that there is a hang up getting the first container out of customs. Am sure that between Michael Fry from Project CURE, Sharon and Rev. Sam they will have it worked out by Wed. when I arrive. Not sure what to expect when I arrive in Accra, Ghana as I received a call from the travel agent to say I would have to find the bus to get to the hotel. This was not what I was told before I left home and I understood someone was to meet me when I arrived in Ghana. *Surprise #1*
That is it until I land.
Tuesday Oct 21 8:30pm - Africa time.
This has been a good day after landing in what you would expect to see in a WWII movie. You get off the plane on roll away stairs to walk in to a building that reminds me of a concrete milk house (I was raised on a dairy farm) as they heard you through the check point that was manned by the army. Took a ride though the streets with horns going instead of blinkers. Pe
ople standing in the street selling and begging even in wheel chairs and little children that I would think should be in school. I chose to go for a walk around the hotel. I am in the middle of the capital city and the poverty is scary when you come from the USA. South Phoenix is luxury. I witnessed babies playing next to the street and mothers pulling up there shirts to feed their children in the open. In mid day you could buy anything from a new suit to fried fish and I saw both men and women carrying things on their head. The people there were nice. I am now sure that GOD has something for me to see and do. Tomorrow on to Liberia
Wednesday Oct. 22
The flight to Liberia was good and I had 3 seats to myself. It was a 1.5 hour flight. Customs was a little more trying in Liberia as I did not have an address and I had to explain why the Project C.U.R.E. stickers were on my bags and that I was not there to work. They finally understood that Providence Baptist Church was where I was going to see Pastor Sam Reeves then they let me go. In Ghana they charged me $50.00 for over weight bags for the Medical Kits. Never said anything about my carry on items. I am not staying with the Reeves I am staying with a member of government, Edwin Snow - Former Speaker of the House now a House Member as the Reeves are working on their home. They told me that at the end of the month they will have room for me. Not yet sure if there are any other reasons for my staying here with Mr. Snow but much has been talked about on how to fund and outfit all the hospitals and clinics in Liberia. God is working in many ways and I don’t know where this road will lead. I came here to serve but I am being served and it makes me uncomfortable as my life style has never been about expecting people to do for me. Too much food served to me and I can’t eat it all which I hope is not rude but I did tell Mr. Erwin Snow that I am not a heavy eater. I still have no internet to send any thing so I hope to do that by Friday when they take me to the hospital. I do have a bathroom and running water here and the power is still a generator that runs from 7pm to 6 am. Mr. Snow tells me that it costs 3000 a month at 50cents a gallon. And he has to have 3 generators working to be sure of power as they break down often. Sam and Alice had dinner here tonight that is why so much talking. I will stop this for now as it is 11:30pm and the house has shut down.
Oct.23 Thursday morning 9:00am
I am already bored as Sam is teaching and the container has not been located so Sam said to take the day to rest. WHY? I need something to do. God's graces have not allowed me to have jet lag at this point. I was told that there are things to do at the hospital even without the containers. I think that, at this pace of things, it's going to be hard for me to accept - miles from nowhere and nothing to do and my wife not with me - not the top of my wish list. I took a long walk on the beach this afternoon and the people on the beach are mostly fishing families. They were very nice. Later went to town with Mr. Snow he showed me hospitals including JFK also Providence Baptist Church. There are as many different stages of reconstruction as you can imagine. Street vendors all over and much of the living conditions would turn most people’s stomach. It is strange, I am now eating most of my meals alone. Tomorrow will be a new chapter, going to work in the Hospital and see first hand what they have at this time. Thank you for praying for me and all the work that needs to be done over here.
I am half way to Accra - left Phoenix Arizona at 6:30 am. There has not been to many things to try my patience, some lines - mostly to check baggage. I know now it is much harder to legally leave this country than to get in. I have not had too much problems sitting on the planes. They have not been full which makes a little more room - 2 people, 3 seats not that bad. Dinner was chicken that was eatable :-). Talked to Sharon when I landed in New York and found that there is a hang up getting the first container out of customs. Am sure that between Michael Fry from Project CURE, Sharon and Rev. Sam they will have it worked out by Wed. when I arrive. Not sure what to expect when I arrive in Accra, Ghana as I received a call from the travel agent to say I would have to find the bus to get to the hotel. This was not what I was told before I left home and I understood someone was to meet me when I arrived in Ghana. *Surprise #1*
That is it until I land.
Tuesday Oct 21 8:30pm - Africa time.
This has been a good day after landing in what you would expect to see in a WWII movie. You get off the plane on roll away stairs to walk in to a building that reminds me of a concrete milk house (I was raised on a dairy farm) as they heard you through the check point that was manned by the army. Took a ride though the streets with horns going instead of blinkers. Pe
ople standing in the street selling and begging even in wheel chairs and little children that I would think should be in school. I chose to go for a walk around the hotel. I am in the middle of the capital city and the poverty is scary when you come from the USA. South Phoenix is luxury. I witnessed babies playing next to the street and mothers pulling up there shirts to feed their children in the open. In mid day you could buy anything from a new suit to fried fish and I saw both men and women carrying things on their head. The people there were nice. I am now sure that GOD has something for me to see and do. Tomorrow on to LiberiaWednesday Oct. 22
The flight to Liberia was good and I had 3 seats to myself. It was a 1.5 hour flight. Customs was a little more trying in Liberia as I did not have an address and I had to explain why the Project C.U.R.E. stickers were on my bags and that I was not there to work. They finally understood that Providence Baptist Church was where I was going to see Pastor Sam Reeves then they let me go. In Ghana they charged me $50.00 for over weight bags for the Medical Kits. Never said anything about my carry on items. I am not staying with the Reeves I am staying with a member of government, Edwin Snow - Former Speaker of the House now a House Member as the Reeves are working on their home. They told me that at the end of the month they will have room for me. Not yet sure if there are any other reasons for my staying here with Mr. Snow but much has been talked about on how to fund and outfit all the hospitals and clinics in Liberia. God is working in many ways and I don’t know where this road will lead. I came here to serve but I am being served and it makes me uncomfortable as my life style has never been about expecting people to do for me. Too much food served to me and I can’t eat it all which I hope is not rude but I did tell Mr. Erwin Snow that I am not a heavy eater. I still have no internet to send any thing so I hope to do that by Friday when they take me to the hospital. I do have a bathroom and running water here and the power is still a generator that runs from 7pm to 6 am. Mr. Snow tells me that it costs 3000 a month at 50cents a gallon. And he has to have 3 generators working to be sure of power as they break down often. Sam and Alice had dinner here tonight that is why so much talking. I will stop this for now as it is 11:30pm and the house has shut down.
Oct.23 Thursday morning 9:00am
I am already bored as Sam is teaching and the container has not been located so Sam said to take the day to rest. WHY? I need something to do. God's graces have not allowed me to have jet lag at this point. I was told that there are things to do at the hospital even without the containers. I think that, at this pace of things, it's going to be hard for me to accept - miles from nowhere and nothing to do and my wife not with me - not the top of my wish list. I took a long walk on the beach this afternoon and the people on the beach are mostly fishing families. They were very nice. Later went to town with Mr. Snow he showed me hospitals including JFK also Providence Baptist Church. There are as many different stages of reconstruction as you can imagine. Street vendors all over and much of the living conditions would turn most people’s stomach. It is strange, I am now eating most of my meals alone. Tomorrow will be a new chapter, going to work in the Hospital and see first hand what they have at this time. Thank you for praying for me and all the work that needs to be done over here.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Paul made it to Liberia
Paul called from Liberia this afternoon and said he had made it. Paul said that God has allowed the trip to be smooth. "You could see Him working everything out with every step". What a relief to have him there with Pastor Sam & his wife Alice. The container's Bill of Lading was found and now they can hopefully start the unpacking and installation of the precious cargo. We cannot say it enough - Thank you all for your prayers!!
Monday, October 20, 2008
He's Off
Well, Paul is in the air and headed for New York where he will have a couple hours layover and then head to Ghana. He will have to stay in Ghana until the 22nd and then fly to Liberia. I will keep you all up to date on any new information when I hear from him.
Container News:
I (Sharon) got a call early this morning from Pastor Sam Reeves in Liberia and he told me that one of the containers has arrived. Great News!
Thanks to all of you who are praying for Paul. I know it means a lot to him.
Container News:
I (Sharon) got a call early this morning from Pastor Sam Reeves in Liberia and he told me that one of the containers has arrived. Great News!
Thanks to all of you who are praying for Paul. I know it means a lot to him.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Africa Mission Trip Update
As of Oct 5th 2008 I am still waiting on my last visa from Ghana. By God's grace I have received both my Liberia visa and my Mozambique visa. I was given a phone number of what turned out to be the senior consulate in New York City by Pastor Sam in Liberia. God's grace with the Mozambique visa, it was just a turn around with a letter of invitation from John Dina. The suitcases have been bought for the medical kits which will be packed Saturday Oct. 11th. These will be going to the Rafiki Orphanage in Liberia. They are my check in luggage as this is the best way to get them there. This is all in God's hands at this point as only He can make all the parts of this come together at the right time and place.
Oct 12th I have all my visas. GOD’S Grace I have the gotten multiple entry good for up to 2 years (not sure what God has in store with this) Now some of the trials have started to grow my faith I had a tooth pulled as it became painful and may have been a problem with over 23,300 miles to fly on this journey. We are finding that shipping my luggage is challenging as cost and the contents are hard to know what is allowed and why costs are so high. The reason for sending them is my check in luggage will be the medical kits. I know that this is to show me to be ready to wait on HIM as I have been told many times, “Time is not that relevant in Africa as it is in the US.” I will need much prayer that I will slow down and hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit. More to come as I prepare to leave.
Oct 12th I have all my visas. GOD’S Grace I have the gotten multiple entry good for up to 2 years (not sure what God has in store with this) Now some of the trials have started to grow my faith I had a tooth pulled as it became painful and may have been a problem with over 23,300 miles to fly on this journey. We are finding that shipping my luggage is challenging as cost and the contents are hard to know what is allowed and why costs are so high. The reason for sending them is my check in luggage will be the medical kits. I know that this is to show me to be ready to wait on HIM as I have been told many times, “Time is not that relevant in Africa as it is in the US.” I will need much prayer that I will slow down and hear the prompting of the Holy Spirit. More to come as I prepare to leave.
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