Liberia

There is a feeling of displacement here but a striving to rise again out of the rubble.  The war is over by many years now "but we are not back yet to how we were before".
We were to meet Grace at Amazing Grace - but Grace was not there.
The luxurious apartment organised for us did not accept us after all as we changed 4 days to 3 days.
Resettled now in a small Hotel. Very pleasant and welcoming Hotel and highly recommended HOTEL VELDINA near REHAB JUNCTION on airport highway. and just a block away from the sea/beach.
We went out to a rural village Sanoyea District in Bong County. I was struck by the beauty of nature - so abundant. There was a big forum happening where a PEACE TREATY was signed - reconciliation between two political parties both lead by women.
Here we met with forum of farmers and were taken to see a woman's initiative - see pics below.
Thereafter we went to Cuttington University where we met with the Dean, lecturers and some students in the Agricultural Faculty
All were VERY INTERESTED in IPMT and the Biodynamic approach, and ALL wanted to attend. I asked that they chose the responsible ones who could learn and later share the fruits of IPMT with those who could not attend.
Meeting he Head of Central Agricultural Research Institute later was an interesting experience - he, a learned man, who has been active all over Africa.
An inspiring day and my birthday. Thank you Jonathan for all you organised for us on this day.
The following day we met a woman, Harriette, who is involved in Monrovia Consolidated School System MCSS -   arm of Ministry of Education that operates all public schools in Monrovia. She took us to one of the schools 1400 students in high school, 1500 children in Primary. We met with both heads who were very interested in the Waldorf approach.
Later meeting the Superintendent at MCSS, I was again met with a deep interest in IPMT and the Waldorf approach.
Later meeting a group of women, including YALI fellows, Amazing Grace and we4self organisation, all active in health, human rights for women and children, social work, economic structure and empowerment for women.  A nurse who has worked in the EBOLA crisis and helped all to find a compassionate way of treating, touching and helping those with Ebola.
This country has been hard hit with war and then Ebola.
Also Shannoh for all your assistance in getting us to Liberia and Sierra Leonie - next blog.