I could write an article on the trip itself, what with negotiating our way through French-speaking Ivory Coast, an exciting trip in a dug-out canoe at the Liberian border, and weaving around abandoned trucks through 6-foot deep gumbo-filled potholes. Suffice it to say that it was a while before certain parts of our bodies stopped feeling the effects of the trip.

When we finally arrived in Harper, the capital city of Maryland County, where our house was located, we were given a warm welcome by our beloved Bishop Boniface Dalieh, an associate bishop of Madonna House, and his secretary, Fr. Dennis Nimene.

We were given a grand tour of the city and, naturally, our first stop was Madonna House. Though many buildings are in ruins, miraculously it is in pretty good shape. It needs some work and a good cleaning, but it is structurally sound.

The beautiful grotto that Genevieve Enoe, former director of the house, built, is standing pretty much as she left it, except for one thing, The hands of Our Lady are missing.

The garden even still has some cassava growing, and Ronnie MacDonell’s efforts with bananas and plantains are still evident.

The house belongs to the diocese and, at this point, a caretaker and a couple of students are staying there.

In 2003, after ten years, the war finally ended. During our brief stay, we saw much destruction. Both the diocese and the people of Cape Palmas are suffering from the effects of the war, spiritually, materially, and psychologically. We were told about some of the challenges facing the people in beginning again, and about some of the impressive work being done to meet these challenges.

There is much need, obviously, for reconstruction and repair of the buildings, and one challenge has been to get in the various materials needed. Some things are available in Harper, but are very expensive. Most people prefer to bring needed items in from the Ivory Coast or on boats coming from Monrovia, if space is available.

The UN and a number of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are helping with some of the many needs. One program we heard about is for children who lost out on schooling due to the war. This accelerated program will enable them to complete the six grades of elementary school in three years and to hopefully catch up with their peers by the time they reach high school age—or at least not be too far behind.

We also heard that the United Nations has established, equipped, and staffed a hospital in Harper.

The Liberians we met and spoke with are very grateful for the presence of the UN, which has contributed towards bringing much needed help and stability.

One example of aid offered by an NGO was seen on posters advertising for Liberians to work on the restoration of the sewer and water system.

Throughout our time there, we also heard about many little signs of hope and grace active in the lives of individual people.

We went to visit the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s sisters) who returned in February 2006, and are still working on the reconstruction of their convent. Though they didn’t know any of us personally, they knew of our community’s previous presence in Harper, and they gave us an exuberant welcome.

On Sunday we attended Mass at the cathedral and were introduced to the congregation. Many people came up to greet us afterwards and told us of their affiliation with Madonna House.

We preached two retreats: a five-day retreat for the priests and religious, and a two-day one for the laity.

The horrendous road conditions made it impossible for many from other parts of the diocese to attend.

Fr. David gave most of the talks, and I helped with two of them on each of the retreats. Darrin was a prayer support.

On Saturday, the second day of retreat for the laity, we had exposition of the Blessed Sacrament while Fr. David and Fr. Dennis heard confessions for almost three hours. We were all amazed that a number of people stayed through all three hours silently praying before the exposed Blessed Sacrament.

The day ended with a healing service during which Fr. David carried the Blessed Sacrament around the Church and asked the people to place their needs and intentions before the Lord. The healing presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament was palpable. We concluded the day with Benediction. Some people were in tears and so thankful for what was taking place.

The retreat revealed how hungry people are for spiritual input and healing.

The closing Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Dalieh at the cathedral, was beautiful and the joy was tangible.

Throughout our stay, we met and visited people who had known our house—such as Mr. Harris, who told us about the need of people to have someone to talk to, Larry and Lawrence Wilson, who are living out so beautifully the Madonna House spirit that was planted deep in their hearts, and Nadie Sarpong, a friend of MH and proud mother of two grown children.

It was so wonderful to hear about their love, and the love of many others we met and talked with, for the former staff of MH Liberia, and about the fruits of that house in their lives. Our God is so good.