Turns out I'm a field girl...

To those of you who know me, it should be no surprise that I prefer to be out in the communities conducting trainings and workshops than to be stuck in the office!  So I apologize for the lack of communication lately, but as my coworkers have figured out that I'm good at this training business and that my English is not too "high" for the people (and they usually translate to Mano anyway)... I spent last Tues. and Wed. helping with a Human Rights and Liberian Law Awareness workshop in two communities and then Thurs. and Fri. facilitating a training on community grants with two border communities (border with Guinea).  Got back on Fri. evening and left again on Sat. afternoon for another community and then Sun. finally got to make the trip I've been lobbying for to the waterfall!  Whew, I was in bed fast asleep by 9pm last night... exhausted!  Today in the office trying to catch up/finish up everything because tomorrow is Liberian Independence Day and we will be celebrating (not working!) all day!  Then I'm supposed to be facilitating a training of trainers for Community Action Plans Wed.-Fri. - and that's it... I'm done.  Can you believe it???  I absolutely cannot!  So then we will have a going away party this weekend and I will be on the road to Abidjan, Ivory Coast by Sun! (I hope)!  And flying to Burkina Faso to see Jessi as of Aug. 4th!  Prayers for the ability to finish everything up well, as well as for safe travel would be appreciated!

More photos, because as they say; a picture is worth a thousand words! :)

The road project... see all the villagers out to watch?!

My visit to the adult literacy school in one of the communities!  SO many women want to learn!  It was truly touching!

What can I say?  There are children everywhere!  And when they see me... it's all over!

Presenting a role play or skit as part of the workshop

This old woman gave us her bedroom to sleep in while in their community.  She said it was an honor to have the first white woman sleep and eat in her home!  Then she challenged me to carry things the "African way!"

Kinnon community - we walked across the border to Guinea

Everyone works here - children pounding cassava or rice or any number of food products

The market on Sat. was CRAZY because of the upcoming holiday!

Most locals have never made this trip... and it's really not far!  About an hour's drive, and then an hour's hike on a forest path, but LOOK!  These two coworkers of mine have lived here for almost three years and it was their first time getting to see the waterfalls!

The local boys who helped show us the way!  It was an amazing afternoon!  I'm the only one that could swim, but it was great fun hanging out and enjoying nature... away from work! :)

Ok, I really have to get back to finishing these training materials and documents for the office now!  Hope this update finds you doing well too!

Kate