Everything's Fah-Fah

We arrived in Zwedru, located in the southeastern corner of Liberia on Wednesday, February 11. After a ride through Liberia’s country side, we were greeted warmly by Tiyatien’s staff members, including Project Coordinator Weafus Quitoe and Technical Advisor Bernard Togba. First impressions last, and our first impression of Liberians are of warmth, openness, friendliness, and charisma. We were treated to a meal of cassava leaves with game (i.e. venison) and rice. After our stomachs were full, our hosts took us on a tour of Zwedru, including the center of town, or the “triangle,” which boasts street side shops, cell phone charger booths, and bars. We arrived on Armed Forces Day, a national holiday, so the night was not as lively as it would be on any other night, but still, the streets were buzzing with activity.

Gia and I are staying at the Tiyatien Guest House, located across the road from Tiyatien Health's Office and only a short five minute walk from Marth Tubman Memorial Hospital. While accommodations are sparse, they are comfortable. We are thankful to be surrounded by such good company in our Liberian hosts, who have made us feel at home and free (as they like to say here in Zwedru). We are both fah-fah (translation from Liberian English - We are both cool and everything's okay).