Thursday morning when I awoke, everything was very quiet. As I lay there in bed I was trying to decipher if I was dreaming or awake. Rationalizing the events of the past two weeks an wondering if it had occurred or been a dream. So real in my mind, but so different than my previous experiences....in so many way I wanted to be dreaming, but I came to my senses knowing it has been real.
Thursday was a holiday in celebration of Tubman ( a past president of Liberia). Like holidays all over the world, Liberia was to enjoy a day of rest from normal activities of school and work. This led to less traffic and noise and the quiet I was enjoying so early in the morning.
I went on to hold two class session with my students. They all showed up and were committed to learning the skills being presented. I was impressed by their tennacity and desire to learn. I am constantly impressed by those I interact with here and it is their desire for knowledge that is the magnetism to draw me back. It is the common bond among those I serve with here and regardless of the situation around us.....it is what pulls each of us back.
Last week Dr. Miamen started one of his reprimand addresses to the students and faculty letting them know that Liberia is a 3rd world country and we should understand this and set our expectations appropriately. In all of the time that I have been here, I have not looked at the operations of ABCU as 3rd world. Conversely, I have always admired the faculty and staff because they would not look at ABCU as being 3rd world, they would look beyond and strive to do more than this.
My experiences this trip have been 3rd world and noticeable above any other trip. Was it being in a 3rd world country, the events that have taken place, or just the influence of the attitude coming from its leadership....more thought would be needed but I can't escape the wish....that I was dreaming.
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