In my 2012 visit to Liberia, I met a woman on the Fistula Ward who had been incontinent for 20 years.  I did not ask her about her past or the cause of her fistula, but I wonder.  She began leaking urine in 1992 – during Liberia’s first civil war.  Had she been a soldier’s “wife,” forced to provide sex at his whim?  I don’t know.  I can’t even imagine.  Most of us can’t. 
 
To get an idea of what such a life was like, you may want to see “Eclipsed” which will be presented at the Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, MO from March 8 – April 2, 2017.  Per their website:
 
          Five extraordinary women are brought together by the upheaval of civil war in Liberia. Four
          are held captive as wives of a rebel commanding officer, while the fifth works to free them in
          this stirring tale of hope, humor and resilience. This Tony Award-nominated drama comes
          from playwright Danai Gurira, who plays Michonne on AMC’s “The Walking Dead.”
 
For more information, please click on this link.

I like to pick up the coins I find on my walks.  A penny here, a quarter there – they all add up!  Similarly, your financial gifts add up.
 
One way you can support us is to register with Amazon Smile and select Dignity:Liberia as the charity you designate to receive donations, based on the purchases you make through Amazon. 
 
If you are a member of Thrivent Financial, you can register to have your Choice Dollars directed us.  Go to Thrivent Choice to see how it works.
 
You may also support us directly by going to our Giving Page.
 
All of our donors care about women suffering from the physical, emotional, and financial difficulties caused by an obstetric fistula.  Some people are able to give more than others.  One donor provided us with the money for a 4-wheel drive vehicle that helps us navigate the bumpy rural roads we travel in Liberia.  Other benefactors have limited funds but give what they can.  We are so grateful for that.  How do you think our 4-wheel drive got to Liberia?  In a shipping container paid for with the $5- and $20-gifts. 
 
Each gift we receive is an act of generosity.  Every dollar adds up!

Whatever your background, whatever your skill set, if you feel called to help the people of Liberia, there is a place for you to serve as a Dignity Advocate.  Dignity:Liberia’s goal is to end fistula in Liberia.  That might make you think you need a medical background to serve.  If so, re-read our mission statement:
 
Dignity:Liberia is a  ministry dedicated to bringing restoration and hope to women with fistula and their communities through healing, education, and prevention.
 
A woman kicked out of her home and ostracized from her entire community because of the smell from constant leaking, may have low self-esteem.  As a Dignity Advocate, you can show her she is loved and valued as a human being.  An operating room can be a scary experience for a young teenager.  As a Dignity Advocate, you could alleviate her fear, and comfort her by holding her hand during her fistula operation.  A woman needing glasses may be unable to learn a trade that will help her earn a living.  As a Dignity Advocate, you can help distribute glasses. 
 
You have a gift to offer.  You can make a difference!