President’s Report – Liberia Visit 12/19/12 – 01/06/13
My family and I arrived safely back in the U.S. on Monday January 7th with no luggage, lost going to and returning from Liberia! As you know, I returned to Liberia with my wife and two college‐age children after almost three decades (28 years) of being away from my homeland. We arrived in Liberia on 12/19/12 and departed on 01/06/13, spending a total of 18 days in country with Dr. Chris Hena and many other family members.
As you can imagine, our visit was amazing in many ways, including many wonderful reunions with many family and friends, some of whom my wife and I hadn’t seen in almost 30 years. One of the highlights of my visit was spending time with Dr. Chris and learning first hand about HWHL work in Kakata City, including the many opportunities and challenges facing us. As such, the rest of the report will focus on my impressions and assessment as they relate to HWHL work in Kakata City, Margibi County.
My initial and abiding assessment is that the 14 year civil war left the country severely damaged in many ways – the country is seriously broken! The damage is extreme and widespread and almost everything seems to be in a state of disrepair and disorder.
Essential basic infrastructures and services like roads, electricity, etc, are seriously lacking in many cities and towns, including Kakata City, HWHL base of operation. My perspective is one of a native Liberian who lived in the country almost 30 years ago when the country was on the rise in West Africa with significant development in many areas, including education, infrastructure, healthcare, electric grid, etc. It seemed to me like the country has fallen back 50 or more years in terms of infrastructure!
Having said the above, many family members and friends who experienced and survived the civil war and saw the initial destruction/devastation immediately after the war told me that development in the country has been rapid and on‐going in the years after the war. Therefore, the people on the ground have significant hope that Liberia is on the rise again
A large sign placed across from the University of Liberia on Capital Bypass has this message from the President, Ellen Johnson‐Sirleaf – “Liberia Will Rise Again!” It is with this background that I emphatically state that Dr. Chris and her team have made enormous progress in a relatively short time in not only establishing HWHL as an international NGO in Liberia, but also in starting to provide the people of Kakata with much needed quality medical services under extreme conditions.
Upon my arrival in Kakata, I delivered to Dr. Chris the much needed medications purchased from Blessings International and several packs of sterile gauze and pads purchased with donations from a HWHL Board member.
I also delivered some dental supplies (toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, etc.) and several large bottles of Motrin sent by Dr. Rodney Morrow, my Dentist friend. Inventory of all medications and supplies were recorded and stored in one room in Dr. Chris’s house, which is used as storage.
Dr. Chris held clinic during the first week of my visit, so I had the opportunity to observe as she and her nurse delivered medical care to the many patients who came during this week.
Dr. Chris provides medical care in a makeshift tent made of sticks, covered with tarps and enclosed by pieces of tarp and an assortment of different pieces of cloth. Patients gathered early in the morning and wait under a tree for treatment.
Some of the medications I delivered were put to use immediately. Dr. Chris’ heart for medicine and for the people has compelled her to begin providing medical service immediately without waiting for ideal conditions. Her ability to improvise under these sub‐normal conditions is truly inspiring!
As the pictures below show, the conditions are basic and rudimentary. I was obviously taken aback upon first seeing the conditions under which medical care was being provided.
However, as a missionary doctor who has treated patients under various sub‐normal conditions around the world, Dr. Chris does not mind providing much needed medical treatment under these temporary rudimentary conditions. I also observed some patients seeking medical care on any and everyday of the week, including Sundays and even on Christmas day. They come at various times of the day or night expecting Dr. Chris to attend to their need!
Dr. Chris and I visited the good land (one acre) the Board purchased for HWHL Clinic in Kakata City. She and I also met with the architect and his team. Dr. Chris and I reviewed and revised the clinic blueprint. Approval to begin drafting the building, which will produce a complete estimate of the building project is pending receipt of the final blueprint of the ground floor plan.
I trust you find this brief report both informative and useful. Dr. Chris’ work is making a real and immediate impact on the lives of the people of Kakata. HWHL is making a significant difference in the lives of the sick and impoverished people of Kakata City in the Name of Jesus. With the help of the Lord, I believe we will continue to be a lasting blessing to the people of Liberia.
As we begin a new year, I pray you are inspired as I am to work harder and more purposefully to accomplish our goals and objectives in Liberia.
Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Theo Kollie, HWHL Board of Director in charge of Global Giving and former President of the Board
