Tired

July 10, 2006


I am so tired. I wish it was bedtime, but it is only 6:30. This morning we had a rain storm. I finally decided it was time to get out of bed at 7:15 when the hugest crack of lightening, and thunder roll happened right over head. It shook the house. Not much sleeping after that. We left the house just before 8, and were on our way, up to Kakata again. This time we went farther up the highway, and through a rubber plantation to the village of Baypolu, a village of about 3000. Like Chemainus, but everyone living in mud huts, just try and imagine that. On the way up, we met some stupid chickens, who didn’t run off the road like they’re supposed to. I heard a squawk. I didn’t look back, but like to think the squawk was that of fear, and thank goodness that truck didn’t hit me, instead of the alternative. We did five interviews this time, but I think there was a bit of nepotism (sp?) going on, the people were selected by the town chief, and should have been people with the greatest need, but the people on the list were his daughter, his clerk, himself and one other woman with the same last name, and another woman, I am not sure how she fit into the picture. Anyhow, it was disappointing, as these people didn’t seem to have as great of need as perhaps some others in the community. While doing one interview, a fight broke out between some lady passing by, and the chief and his daughter. Unfortunately for me, I don’t speak Kpelle or Kissi. Anyhow, we have to decided now, what we are going to do. There is need everywhere, and I am sure the people we interviewed have needs, but in comparison to others, they are doing okay. It is a tough call. On the way home just as we were leaving it started to downpour. To leave the village we had to do some off roading as the road was too muddy, and so we were driving in between the rubber trees. We were spinning out in one spot, but yay, the 4 wheel was working, and we got through with no problem. We only stalled once when we drove through a really big puddle and got water on the engine. Once it dried out, we were good to go again. At one point a small pig ran on the road in front of us. I was cheering it on, “run to the side, run to the side”, but it kept running down the centre of the road, then another little pig joined it. Finally they veared off to the right so we could pass them. They were obviously too young to have learned about traffic safety yet.
Some thoughts as we drove home:
-if they put some randomly placed potholes on the highways in Canada, it would really decrease the speed problem
-I bet my friends would be jealous that I am 4 wheeling in Africa
-I think my oxygen intake is about 50% less driving with Kathleen, I keep having to remind myself to breathe.
-according to many Liberians the way to get through a tight situation, or very muddy road is to “take your own time” apparently taking your own time can overcome almost any obstacle. So far so good.
Well that is about all for now.
PS. On arriving home, as I was taking off my shoes I had an unfortunate discovery. Now, remember, this is the 2nd day in a whole month that I have worn shoes, I usually wear flip flops. Lo and behold between my third and fourth toe on the left foot, a crack. Ack, athletes foot. Up until this point in my life, I have remain fungal free. Let me tell you, I am not pleased. I have started treatment, I will keep you updated. Suddenly my feet feel hot and itchy.