Malik Watkins's Bloglines

Well…my time is winding down.  Professionally, I came here as a Fulbright Specialist to provide specialized ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions to help build capacity.  Personally, I have had so many experiences that have and will continue to push my personal growth.  These are just a few pics I am posting just so you can get a taste of the many views around Cuttington University and Suakoko.

As you can see from the following picture, I am still standing after my accident “New Life”.  I’m still pretty sore, but ready for more life 🙂

The road I’m standing on is the one I walked every morning, afternoon, and evening to go back and forth to work.  The scenery was absolutely beautiful…the greenery is so amazing that is pretty much encompasses everything.  I’ve never seen so many shades of green…don’t get to caught up though looking like a tourist…something may just run along the road with you 🙂

This is a picture of the chapel…’Epiphany Chapel’ where religious services are held.  Cuttington is connected to the episcopal church…so there is a strong religious tradition here.

And of course, what would a church be without the church bell 🙂

Another view of the road I walk.  The ponds are used for the Fish Farm…this picture does not do justice to the view…you will have to download it and blow it up…fresh air, a slight wind…birds, crickets…and plenty of other critters on the way…off in the distance…the forest is thick…makes you think about the locals who still practice tradition and go in and out of the forest…more power to them 🙂

A view of one of the agricultural buildings…as you can imagine…agriculture (food cultivation) is a big deal!!!!

View from the chapel…this area is right next to the administration building…on the main drag.

This is an area situated right behind the campus…well, maybe not behind.  Cuttington University resides on approximately 1500 acres of land…so let’s just say that it is behind the main buildings.  It is a gathering point for some…beautiful sight…some wash there clothes here…some well, like little boys like to do…you can figure out the rest 🙂  Whether in the U.S., Liberia…or anywhere else…Little Boys are Little Boys 🙂

Just a view of one of the living quarters…the campus sits on a hilly area…so the roads weave in and out…and the buildings reside throughout…picture some parts of West Virginia without the hills being so steep 🙂

There is a bank on campus…and of course a ‘Western Union’…

Outdoor meeting area next to the chapel:

Historically, running water was not a problem…but during the War someone had the wonderful vision of destroying the plumbing…Cuttington is gradually restoring the facilities and they are making excellent progress.  This is a tower utilized to capture water…it provides the gravity/pressure to make the water flow in certain areas.

As I mentioned, the agricultural needs are a primary concern…this is a section where some cattle are raised….you can see a delicious looking cow in the distance…ok, a cow…

and of course…lets not forget one of the hugely wonderful benefits of being here…unfortunately…it was not the season for picking.  This is one of the mango trees that are numerous on campus.  There are also plenty of oranges, grapefruits, and avocados….soooo yummmy!

University facilities are also interspersed with local residents that practice their trade.  This is a picture of a woman utilizing a traditional mechanism to make hand woven cloth…beautiful…and she knows how to work it…

We may be in the interior of Liberia….but, every university has to have a Radio Station….and they do it very well!  I did not here John Denver one time while listening to them…not that I have a problem with John Denver…but, please…we are in Africa!

Cuttington University also sports a Television Studio and broadcast capability…they pretty much provide the eye’s and ear’s for the local listening audience…if you keep your eye’s open, you never know where a transistor radio will pop up…do any of you remember what those look like 🙂

While I was there, I also took a look at the farm.  This day, I took a tour with a group from USAID (United States Agency for International Development)…in the background you see the rice fields…rice is the major staple in Liberia…rice is eaten with pretty much everything…generally speaking…I protest rice like people protest the G-8 meetings…but, since I was going through cultural immersion…I took a break…and actually liked it…until I get home at least 🙂  But, I will admit…Liberians know what to do when it comes to rice!

Another view of the rice fields…I believe this section spreads approximately 13 acres.

This is a picture of the Rubber trees grown on the farm…in Liberia…where there is dirt…you are not that far from a rubber tree.

And what set of general pictures would be complete without including the local group of bad azz kids… 🙂  ok, just playing, some days I walked with them as they ran along the road…very energetic, completely funny, and you know as well as I do…if nobody is looking they will be into something…check out the bad boy bad girl stances…the one with the yellow hat was the point voice of the group…and look at the little girl with her hands on her hips to the left…attitude…already 🙂

Well, as I said…the trip is winding down…I’ll be posting more information tomorrow as I get ready to depart…

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