Kayla’s Liberia Story

Fear crept into me the second I stepped off the Brussels Airline Plane. The thick humidity of Liberian air was surprisingly welcoming, considering we had been traveling for 30+ hours, but the unfamiliarity of the country and even with my team really struck me at this point. I had no family, close friends, cell phone, computer…and oddly enough, I hadn’t thought about lacking any of these comforts until this moment. I felt trapped and helpless. My panic caused my insides to cringe. I resorted to silence all the way to Christine’s, hoping that no one would see my fear.

After a night of tossing and turning, I managed to prepare myself for our first full day ahead. We had the chance to walk around the compound and play with the neighborhood kids. I was still feeling anxious and completely consumed in myself; quite frankly, just being selfish. I prayed that God would take away these feelings that continued to gnaw at my heart. I wanted to take the focus off myself and pour all I had into these precious children. Our first encounter with the kids was a little hard for me. I didn’t really know what to say and was lost in my own thoughts. Then I met her. Princess, which I later learned her real name was Kenny, was a quiet soul. I was drawn to her. Her eyes were kind and strangely familiar. She and her best friend, both 13, sat close to her grandmother, Ester, who was joyfully washing their clothes.

One of the first things I noticed about them was their kindness and hospitality. When I knelt down and began sitting in the dirt, everyone quickly jumped up and grabbed a chair, leaving me with five to choose from. Their willingness and concern for my comfort took me off guard. I thought to myself, “I am here to show love to these people yet without any hesitation, they are showing it to me?” While I was processing this, I watched Ester. I was so intrigued by her work and the joy that came so naturally. Despite their living conditions and the filth that consumed her home, she had endless amounts of joy and love that she continually showered over her children and grandchildren. It was remarkable. I then turned my attention to Kenny. I asked her, “What is the one thing you absolutely LOVE to do?” She smirked and looked at her best friend with her shining eyes. I can still see her beautiful face. She lit up when she answered, “Singing!” I will never forget that smile. She jumped up and literally almost sat in my lap as she snuggled close to my side. She wrapped her arms around me and rocked me as she sang.

“This is my desire, to honor you. Lord with all my heart, I worship you. All I have within me, I give you praise. All that I adore is in you. Lord I give you my heart, I give you my soul. I live for you alone. Every step that I take, every moment I’m awake, Lord have your way in me.”

Tears were streaming down my face. It was the first time since stepping off of the plane, where I felt completely free. The comfort of the Lord was flowing from her presence and love. Jesus met me and gave me a peace that was indescribable through Kenny. We just held onto each other, cried tears of joy, and continued to sing His praises. What a beautiful moment it was.

Liberia has forever changed my life. The beauty of the country, the remarkable people, the countless miracles that took place and the endless joy gleaming from a child’s smiling face will remain engraved in my heart. God revealed himself and worked in ways I never knew were possible. My faith, comfort and dependency in Him have enormously transformed. My prayer is that whoever reads this, will allow Christ to reveal His ultimate peace, joy, love, comfort and strength that He desires for all of His children. He is the sole source. It is His utmost desire.

-Kayla