Paynesville, Liberia: July 2008

Friday, July 25, 2008

Does singing create joy in the human soul?

Perspectives

Do you have a desire to travel to a country you do not currently reside in? Why? Should people visit at least one third world country in their lifetime?

Possible Curriculum Requirement

Should American high school students be required to travel to a third world country to gain an appreciation for their country and to gain an appreciation for the freedoms and privileges they have in America?

Culturally Diverse

Does traveling help students become well rounded?

Liberian Travel Experience

Do you have a desire to travel to a country you do not currently reside in? Should people visit at least one third world country in their lifetime?

Paynesville, Liberia (West Africa)

I always wondered what other countries look like and how it would be to travel to another country. I have always had a desire to travel to France, Mexico, and Jamaica; however, I was not certain if I would ever want to travel to Africa. Due to seeing many negative depictions of Africa in the media, I was not sure if it would be safe and wise for me to travel to Africa. I was given the opportunity to travel to Paynesville, Liberia, in March 2008, during my spring break vacation. I did not know what to expect when traveling to West Africa, but I was determined to visit Africa with my husband, so I could dispel myths and deceptions I conjured up in my mind over the years. I had many reservations about traveling to Africa, but I am very glad I decided to visit Liberia.

After visiting Liberia, I gained a greater appreciation for living in the United States. I also discovered no matter what one’s circumstances are in life, each person can have genuine joy despite their resources, wealth, circumstances, and material possessions. As an American citizen, I discovered many people in America are wasteful and spoil, including myself, because many people let their water run while brushing their teeth and people throw away large portions of food left on their plate after eating a meal.

Due to a fourteen year civil war, Liberia is rebuilding their country, which means a significant number of Liberians are without electricity, running water, and plumbing. Many Liberians do not complain about their struggles and they make the best with the resources they have available to them. As a visitor, I did not stay in a cozy hotel, but I stayed in a home without electricity and running water. It was uncomfortable to be without things I take for granted, but I realized people do not have many things Americans consider necessities.

All in all, the trip was life changing, mind boggling, rewarding, and joyful. People around the globe struggle to get by in life as a result of poverty or challenging circumstances, but remember we can all make it if we hold on to hope and if we commit to preserving through difficult times. If orphanage children can sing and be consumed with hope and joy in a poverty stricken situation, we certainly can be resilient and soar above our challenging circumstances as well. I truly recommend everyone travel to a third world country to gain knowledge and new perceptions about life and people. Liberia is full of people that are warm and humble. Liberians are loving, giving, forgiving, hardworking, and resilent as well.

Paynesville, Liberia

Saturday, July 26, 2008

The Peet Family in Liberia: Floods were worst in Monrovia's history

Friday, July 25, 2008

Does singing create joy in the human soul?

Photos Taken in Liberia

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Liberian Travel Experience

Beach in Liberia

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