Kevin Castner reflects on his travels to document the work of Foundation for Women (FFW) in Liberia with Phil Borges and WTYSL.
My final reflections? This was an actual adventure for me, something I’ve never done and well outside my comfort zone. I missed not being able to ‘move’, since we always had to be ferried by car due to the location of our hotel. Normally, I learn an area through my feet, but I was told it was too dangerous, etc. and besides we were always busy. Anyway, that is something I’ll change next time.
Kevin in West Point Curiosity of WTYSL
I’ve learned a lot. About myself. That I should be careful about judging or drawing conclusions using only my own previous experience as a guide. I’ve seen that people, kids in particular, can be extremely happy in extremely reduced economic circumstances. Should we tell them they shouldn’t be happy?
I’ve thought a lot about Mama Liberia and her recent history. I’ve jogged along her ocean beaches, seen her war-ravaged coastline, climbed through the guts of her former #1 hotel. I’ve see her lush tropical beauty and I’ve read about her abundant natural resources, to which the cure/curse of oil may soon be added. And my thought was and still is….how could you screw this up? You had so much and it took such a short time to ruin it, to ruin your country and its progress and your children’s future. HOW COULD YOU SCREW THIS UP?
Ducor Hotel, once one of few 5-Star hotel's in Africa, since the war has been extensively damaged.
But I’ve also thought about the ‘developed’ world I came from; the United States of America. Liberians could ask us the same question writ larger. About our carbon footprint polluting the world. Our utterly wasteful habits it would be so easy to change. Our obesity. Our over leveraged financial system and white collar criminals. What about Europe’s wars and financial crisis? The Mid-East. The kleptocrats running Russia? The list is endless and includes every nation and region on earth.
The shell of the Ducor Intercontinental Hotel from West Point
What I take from these reflections is that homo sapiens, here in Liberia or anywhere else, have a lot to answer for regarding its stewardship of our planet. We should do better. And, if Liberia is also a testing ground for empowering women through microcredit and education and changing gender roles then I’ll all for it. The male of the species has had over 5,000 years to prove they don’t deserve to be running things. Let’s give the women a shot!
Kevin Leaving Women's Summit with Hawa, Behsheba and Theresa
Phil is now off to document another NGO in Liberia. Check back soon to learn about the next project and keep a look out at www.stirringthefire.org for media from Phil once he is home!
Danielle Prince
Kevin, I’ve really enjoyed reading your blogs and seeing your perspective change during your time in Liberia. I think it was very courageous of you to venture forth in this way, not having previously had similar experiences. As the blogger on the previous trip to Cambodia, I understand how powerful the experiences, interactions and stories are. Thank you for reporting so methodically about the wonderful women you’ve met (including the president!), the good work that is being done and highlighting the work that is left to be done. If chance allows, it would be great to meet you either states-side or in Deutschland.
Janeen
Danielle Prince — I his sister do hope you have that privilege! It sounds like a fun treat idea. Maybe He & Anja can have you over for a meal & a long hike. ////
Kevin — it’s not easy but you were successful at being outside that comfort zone. And, there is so much more than meets the eye. // Maybe the next place you end up at will be mule or camel transport. And, cars will be nigh impossible on the narrow paths. We will see what comes. // Whoever did the picture captioning, your camera asst. (correct?) was on your rt. hand side, but his name (Moses) was absent from the listed names. // Gender leadership of a country etc. is not so important as wisdom & responsibility being applied to leadership. This goes for either gender. Liberia has sure shown good strokes for the ladies’s lead. Countries have had their kings, as well as, queens. // This concludes the blog commentary on my brother’s blogs. What a privilege to read of what he experienced and the blogs that went with it.//Janeen
Stirring The Fire
Janeen, I am glad you enjoyed Kevin’s blogs! Thanks so much for following! He may have mentioned it already, but it looks like another trip is in his future. We look forward to hearing more from him!
Janeen Castner
Stirring the Fire,
That’s so awesome of you to have noticed my commentary factor to the point as to write & share that personal note. I’m a little bit biased about following his blogs, I’m his sister. And, he also graciously included me, via the bcc’s on the “A role email letters”. What a wonderful treat to have both the shared email, to which I gave responses, as well as, these blogs. My responses have taken some time to write — & thankfully that time was opened up for it. Well, I look forward to his being able to enjoy another blogging trip. He certainly is a wonderful person. So glad he has that uniquely developed friendship with Phil. (Maybe it was you who wrote this note.) Never underestimate the power & hope of the gospel music, God the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — is so very real! That is why it is realized as an icebreaker — be it in Liberia, USA, or anywhere. There continues to be amazing stories of His reality. I’m even alive due to His setting up a divine appt. in July this Summer, just after Kevin had arrived in Liberia. His Skype phone call to me was so awesome, & surprising.//Take care everyone and the Lord’s encouragement blessings.//Janeen Castner
Stirring The Fire
Hi Janeen! We really appreciate your thoughtful comments. I, Sandy, work with Phil on Stirring the Fire and moderate the blog. Thanks again for following!