September 29, Liberia

Yesterday, as part of our daily Outdoor Movement/Adventure time, we hiked up the hill behind Robertsport to a beautiful and peaceful old Episcopalian mission. The main chapel there is still functioning, looking like something straight from the 1800s in rural New England. (see photos on the link to the right). But most of the rest of the buildings were damaged or destroyed during the war, and just the skeletons remain, ghostly yet majestic looking out over the sea. I want to go back for the Sunday service at some point, just to experience it. And bring a picnic for the lawn overlooking the town and ocean. And do yoga on the wrap-around porch. And renovate one of the buildings and start a yoga center. But one step at a time.

The hospital, St. Timothy's, is also up there, we walked around it and observed the nurses' quarters and saw the one "ambulance." Medical treatment is free in Liberia, but you probably get what you pay for...

On the way back down, we ran in to the American doctor/nurse couple running a volunteer organization at the hospital, which was fortuitous because I've been trying to get in touch with them for several days. I want my aunt to come volunteer at the hospital while I am here...we shall see if all the pieces fall in to place for that.

Today, conversations with Timmy and the Fellows about how to make yoga more accessible to the general population here, and what the benefits of yoga are, as they experience them, and who might most benefit from yoga here in Liberia. And how it might be possible to make a "living" by bringing yoga to Africa. A little overwhelming to think about, until I remembered that if the Universe wants that to happen, I will be shown the way if I am willing. I brought The Alchemist here with me, and of course that is the book that Timmy has been wanting to read for years. So relevant to the conversations we are having here with the Fellows about following one's dream, listening within for guidance, and having the courage and will to do what is being asked of you.

A good Learning Circle today, wherein I taught the Fellows the Greek alphabet and we dissected words to find their roots. Opening up the world of words to people is fun for me, but not as fulfilling as the deeper conversation we got to have about the concept of LIGHT (the first Greek root was photos - light). That which brings us from darkness to light - awareness, guidance, willingness to look within...

Sat Nam,

Rachel