Settling in

Hello everyone!

Wow, there is so much to say about this experience that I don't know where to start. I'll try to keep this to a manageable length, partly for your sakes and partly because the power is due to go off in 20 minutes! :) As I mentioned in my last post we are all settling in nicely at Cuttington. We have moved into our own houses (Robin and me in one, Tom in another) and ours is beginning to feel like home. I have begun to see why it is that so many people fall in love with Liberia. I asked several people before I left what it is that they liked so much and it was difficult for most people to say, but now I completely understand. I'm enchanted. It's partly the warmth and community of the people here, partly the physical beauty of the landscape and the villages that seem exotic to my Western eyes, but there's more to it than that, and I can't exactly put my finger on what that is.

Orienting at Phebe Hospital has been an eye-opening experience to say the least. The incredible patient loads and lack of resources are frustrating and discouraging for the staff there but I have been impressed for the most part with what they can do with what they have. I'm certainly learning a lot about tropical medicine! :) Yesterday was a very difficult day for me, as I witnessed some things at the hospital that I never want to see again. But I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by my little missionary family. They were incredibly concerned and supportive. It's so reassuring to know that they are here to catch me when I fall! And having people to share this experience with makes it even richer.

Two things I miss about my life in the States (other than people): 1) A ready supply of CHOCOLATE! and 2)playing my oboe...SSSB must be getting started soon. I'll be thinking about you guys! Don't go playing any pieces with great oboe solos while I'm gone! :)

Well, I am almost out of power-time and I want to try to attatch a picture or two so I'll stop. I hope that you are all doing well, and you remain in my thoughts and prayers.