School in Monrovia

I interviewed some more child combatants, current students at a Wesleyan school. Larry, Uriah, Cindy, and I squeezed into the teacher's tiny, dark, cement office with barely enough room for us to move. The students came one at a time to answer my questions, sharing stories similar to the ones I had already heard. That didn't diminish the effect they had on me. Two things in particular struck me: first, they were looking forward, not back; second, they were smart and savvy. One girl, after I told her why I was here (i.e., to teach kids in America to be more aware of others so they'll be motivated to help), asked pointedly: "How can people in America help us?" I'm glad Cindy was with us to talk about the wells they are digging and the schools they are building. All the more now, I am sincerely praying that the people who read my book (and this blog!) will be inspired to serve others.

There are many schools in Monrovia, sponsored by many different groups, but no public education. The families must come up with the school fees and means of transportation. The teachers are paid only about $20 US per month—not nearly enough for the important work they do. Still, they pull it off: Everywhere you go, you see kids in uniforms (with pure white socks—I don't know how they stay so clean).