Liberia
The low hanging sun danced hazy off the morning fog. Moisture, draped temporarily over cotton and rubber trees, softening the edges of cassava leaves and muting popo (papaya) trees in the distance. From a distance, in a blink, behind the cool mist, it looked like the Africa of storybooks, of every old movie and cliché. […]
I’ve been trying to write about my Brightspots. Words evade me despite the sincerest appreciation I have. And appreciation is dull and lifeless in my explanation. But I continue to try to clarify how family is sometimes blood and sometimes choice. And that far away from home and the people who love you because you […]
“when will you leave Liberia? What will you do after?” Common enough questions. I responded as usual, “April. If I don’t find a job somewhere in Africa then I’ll return home to the States.” I then volunteered that I have friends in Uganda and Tanzania who might have employment information for me there. He mused […]
Belecca’s friend was fussing. I didn’t understand why and Belecca didn’t look upset. Instead she shook her head in agreement and smiled at me. “What’s wrong?” “They are making that bag into two bags instead of one big one for her to carry her market things.” The bag in question, held lightly in her hands, […]
“I want to ask what country you are from.” He had been staring at me while I searched out taxi prices to kakata. An older man, slender, graying, with a sort of lean that I assume was palm wine induced, and a cigarette dangling from his fingers. When I replied he said, “but you are […]
There are no eggs. I’m still fuzzy on why but there are no eggs. Ok no is a slight exaggeration. But there is definitely an egg shortage. What usually sustains me during the course of the day, two sometimes three of the boiled buggers at a time, have all but disappeared on the compound. For […]
Liberia takes everything back. The land, the people. They are all seemingly swallowed, digested, and then sprout anew. Be it the banana peel I throw beside the trail to my house. The next day I see it brown and trampled. in a week it is gone. Eaten or carried away. Ground into the earth to […]
Yesterday the kids, playing who knows what in our front and side yard, screamed with delight when the current finally buzzed on. The last week or so it hasn’t come on until 7pm. Gutz guessed they are saving an hour each night so that we can have current until noon on Christmas. Its as good […]
There is something acutely incongruous about hearing feliz navidad on loop while swerving and dipping down a pot holed road- lush greenery rising up on both sides. This Christmas is definitely green. it doesn’t feel like Christmas, music to the contrary. Although as I write it I’m unsure of what it feels like in adulthood. […]
Firestone: a Brightspot perspective
“some people hear me and think that I’m in constant support of everything that Firestone does, Firestone thinks I’m one of their biggest critics. The truth is I’m practical and I don’t blame any outside person for the condition of Liberia.” I was fidgeting some in my seat, staring at Dad Brightspot as he quietly […]
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