Waiting

I recently got my second COVID vaccine.  It’s been just over a year since the pandemic took off in the United States, and it seems as if we’ve been waiting for a long time for things to get back to “normal.”  I went to a mass vaccination center for my shots.  As I stood in the quick-moving, but long line, I was reminded of my first trip to Liberia as a dignity advocate.  On that trip, we gave vaccinations and distributed reading glasses at Charles Luke Town.  I remember the many villagers lining up to receive vaccines or glasses, much as I lined up for my shots.  That was nine years ago!
 
While we have engaged in various ministries (menstrual hygiene cup distribution days, sewing reusable menstrual pads, an agricultural trip) over the years, our main involvement, the heart and soul of Dignity:Liberia, has been working with survivors of obstetric fistula, trying to restore their dignity while engaging in craft projects and other fun activities.  We have never lost sight of our goal to combat obstetric fistula at its source by building a maternity waiting home in rural Liberia. 
 
We will soon meet that goal!  In February, many dignitaries attended the ground-breaking ceremony on the future site of House of Hope and Dignity.  The land has been cleared.  Blueprints are being drawn, and soon the yellow trucks (bulldozers) will be at work!  In October, a team of dignity advocates will go to Liberia to help with the building.  In partnership with First Baptist Church, Oldest Congo Town, we will be sifting sand, laying rebar, pouring the foundation, and placing plumbing.   
 
We have been waiting for this a long time.  We are so grateful to you for your unwavering support, prayers, donations, for spreading the word about us, and waiting with us.  

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Kathy Beth Stavinoha
Kathy Beth lives and works in Austin, TX.  She graduated from high school in Monrovia, Liberia in 1977.