why i came to liberia...

the experiences from today i think are just too close, so i think i will introduce you to my dear friends that we have come to see... i want ya'll at home to understand the full ministry (even though i don't think i will ever fully know) that they do here beyond what is done at the clinic. meet the chapmans:

first there is keith, aka daddy, aka dr. keith: not only is he the only licensed dentist at trinity, but he is also the main administrator for the clinic. and then at the end of the day he comes home to his family and is a wonderful father and husband, but then also has to be the caretaker of the house. (for instance today he discovered that there were a few leaks in his roof, which is never a good thing during rainy season.) but today i got to observe him essentially, in laymans terms, reconstructing the top row of this girl's teeth. the girl was one of the orphans from the orphanage, which is such a great way to give to them if you ask me. he was so good at explaining what he was doing and trying to keep her at ease, and despite her fussing he did a wonderful job and completely changed her teeth. but the job doesn't end when all the patients leave. he is in charge of all the books and keeping things in stock. i don't know how he does it.

but then there's kristin, aka mommy: if there were ever a woman who defined supermom, it would be kristin chapman. i feel like she has supersonic hearing. no matter what she is doing, she can still hear her kids saying "mommyyyy..." she is also excellent at driving and maneuvering through the downtown traffic that includes everything from cars that make up their own lanes, to people, to chickens, etc. it's really amazing. but she is also one of the most genuinely caring people that i have ever met. today when keith was working on that girl's teeth, she went to the girl, who was obviously terrified, and put her hands on this girl's hands and reassured her. on a typical day she is teaching her children but then also fielding questions from people around the campus. she is also really good at including everyone and making sure everyone's voice is heard.

taylor, aka tay, aka taywuh (if samuel is calling her name): taylor is the oldest of the three kids, and is so good at looking out for all of them. she is very compassionate and is quick to help out her brother or sister if they ask.

lauren: lauren is the silent helper. she always seems to be asking her mom if she needs help in the kitchen. she is so patient and genuine and has such a sweet heart. the girls are so good at playing with each other, and it's beautiful to see how true their friendship is.

samuel: samuel brings the laughter to the bunch. he's a lot like his dad. he has no fear, and with him what you see is what you get. half the time he is running around the house making light saber noises and singing the entire theme of star wars, yes the whole thing.

this family is incredible, and i feel blessed to know them. they are doing so much to be the church to the people of liberia. when nicole was talking to some of the other workers at the clinic the one thing they all had to say was that money here is put to good use. they are saving lives every day, and they wanted people back home to know that their money will not go to waste.

people at work kept asking me why i wanted to come all the way to liberia... this is it.

peace and love,
julia