A Month in a Life in Liberia

Ko ma ze?

Our newest call and response conversation starter in the native language of Mano asks, “What’s new?” Generally you respond with “ze le se,” meaning “nothing is new.” In our case, much is new since we last wrote to you all, but unfortunately we don’t know how to say that in Mano.

The rainy season is “officially” over. It really only rains at night, which is wonderful because it really cools down the temperature. The hawks and butterflies are coming out—a signal of dry season according to Therese’s counterpart Albert.

Last time we wrote you, we promised to report on Bobby’s experience cutting grass the Liberian way, known simply as “brushing.” Usually you’ll only find men and boys brushing with their “whippers” and “cutlesses.” Basically these are large scythes and machetes that you swing around to cut the grass. Bobby found it therapeutic and a good way to let out any pent up frustration or anger.

Fun fact: It took 4 years for us to both “officially” get sick with COVID-19, which gave us a 10 day stay-cation at our house in Ganta. During this time, we couldn’t go outside to haul water or do our shopping so Therese’s coworkers, students, and the community children were very kind in helping us.

Before getting sick we got to celebrate Therese’s birthday at the end of September with some DIY Liberian hot pot. Therese’s sister-in-law was kind enough to mail us hot pot soup bases, and we were able to get some frozen vegetables, bacon, and even made egg noodles to cook in it. Therese was extremely happy by the end of the meal, while Bobby was sweating profusely. We also had a delicious dinner at our favorite bakery in Ganta, Stanley’s, with Therese’s coworkers to conclude the birthday celebrations.

Thanks to many of Bobby’s friends back home rallying together and pooling money to send us packages, we received a large care package full of ramen, beef jerky, Mio, and a board game we love called “Clank Catacombs.” Thus in our spare time we’ve been competing to see who can win the most Clank games.

Bobby has been busy visiting and further exploring the more rural communities his clinic services. Some recent highlights include using a plethora of different “quee toilets” while working and learning about one of his community’s fishing culture.

A big push among NGOs and health clinics alike is to encourage the construction and use of what Americans would call “outhouses,” or “quee toilets.” Progress seems to have been made over the years as many communities now sport signs proclaiming “public defecation field free community.”

A few of Bobby’s communities sit close to the large St. John River, which can be fruitful for their fishermen and women. The net seen above is often dragged near the shore to scoop up fish. Fishing rods constructed from large wooden sticks and string are also commonly seen. According to Bobby’s coworkers, there are even crocodiles lurking.

While Bobby is exploring more of his communities, Therese’s work usually keeps her at the school. To celebrate the conclusion of the first period’s exams, the students had an activities week where it was all “jolly jolly,” meaning no classes and the students were drinking and having fun (remember they’re aged 14-28). The activities included each grade competing in football, kickball, “quizzing” (sort of like Quiz Bowl), a spelling bee, and a talent show. The 11th grade won both the kickball and football games after some hard fought competition with the 6th and 9th graders.

One of the week’s highlights was the talent show Friday night. We got to watch rapping, dancing, singing, and even original skits written by the students (super entertaining).

During activity week Bobby was busy at the clinic. Not pictured below were the children who scream in terror of the white man while Bobby takes their measurements and vitals. Many small children have never really interacted with a white person, so Bobby can come off as very scary at first.

To help with Bobby’s “scary” features of lots of hair and white skin, Therese gave him his second haircut. Conducted on our front porch, the community children quickly circled around to enjoy the show. They loved touching the hair as Therese cut it off and kept on saying that his hair was “fine.”

After teaching over 480 students in the lab each week, some 10th grade students asked Therese if she would host a weekend study session to help supplement their STEM classes. Last weekend, Bobby joined the session and helped with adding improper fractions and the origin of the atom.

A funny token that Therese found in the lab after class one day was a sheet of paper that two students were allegedly passing back in forth while she was teaching. Please read and enjoy, it seems that the act of passing notes doesn’t just apply to American classrooms.

The last update we have for you is that Bobby, unfortunately, had to attend a traditional Liberian funeral. One of his coworkers passed away, and the whole medical community of Ganta rallied to support his family. The funeral included a traditional memorial at the funeral home in Ganta, not all that different than what you would see in America. After this a caravan of cars and motorbikes carried the body back to the family’s farm where the funeral festivities continued.

From what we understand, the traditional funeral festivities of the Mano people include a 5ish day celebration where many family and friends come together to sing, dance, eat, and drink in celebration of the deceased. An animal is usually sacrificed and eaten on the last day and its customary to bring an offering for the family.

Hope you’re enjoying the Fall weather and festivities back home. We sure did miss the Halloween candy.

Missing all of you,

Bobby and Therese

Faces covered due to privacy reasons. Any photos with faces revealed, expressed consent by person/guardian. The content of this website and blog is Therese Joffre’s and Bobby Housel’s alone and does not reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the Liberian Government.