I have learned many things; some very disturbing, about the organization we used for our adoption.  I WOULD NOT recommend using them to anyone!  I will be elaborating on the details of my experience with WACSN and some of those affiliated with the organization in posts to come!  However; for now I will leave it at that!

Blessings and I hope you enjoy taking this journey with us!

Bryan Bishop

We have been remodeling our home to prepare for our three new family members. We are in the process of adding on a master bed and bath to make enough bedroom space. We have dirt and dust from the construction all over the house and in what seems like every crack and orifice. We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We will be shooting texture tomorrow and its downhill from there. We should be finished before we leave for Africa, February 2nd, but way over budget. Praise God we will be finished soon!

We will land in Monrovia, Liberia on February 3rd and begin our three-week adventure in this primitive land. Monrovia is a city with over a million people and less than 1% of the citizens will have electricity. Their power will come from gas-powered generators, as the power lines were scavenged and sold during and following the civil war. Roughly, 3.5 million people live in Liberia. The entire country only has 1500 landline telephones and less than 150,000 cell phones. Unemployment in this country is around 70% and life expectancy is only 40 years. This is truly a third world country.

My wife and I will be staying in the WACSN guesthouse. We can expect to have electricity for about 6 hours a day. We will enjoy our power in the late evening and night hours. We will have the pleasure of sharing a five-gallon bucket of heated water for bathing with our 3 new children. The WACSN cook will serve us three meals a day, consisting primarily of American food. We will pay $1.00 for bottled water and soda. We will be living like kings compared to the way our adopted children have been living.

Our children will experience American food for the first time with us in the guesthouse. Our children’s diet prior to joining us will have consisted of rice, three meals a day. On special occasions, they get a little fish with their rice. Chances are they will have never tasted pop, dairy products, beef or french-fries, but there’s a good chance, they will have eaten dog, cat, snake, monkey and God only knows what else, just to survive. Their quality of life will dramatically improve the moment we arrive.

Our kids, Rita, Solomon, and Mark will have never owned their own clothes, shoes, or toys. They will have never seen or used a crayon or coloring book. They will not know their colors, shapes, letters, or animals. They will not only be suffering from malnutrition, but from no education, and no health care. Their lives are about to dramatically change, as is ours. Life as they know it and as we know it, will soon, never be the same. We can’t wait to embrace them, love them and provide for them. We are just trusting in Lord to protect and provide for them until we get there. But, we also know it always has been and always be the Lord who provides for them, as well as us.

Tracy and I are very excited about meeting our new children! I can’t wait to embrace them and love them. I can’t wait to share life with them. Then my mind screams, “Oh shit, what have I done?” I have brief moments of panic and fear, but quickly come back joy. God has prepared our hearts to love these children. We are ready to bring them home as God has already made them our children in our hearts and minds. I just hate leaving my kids behind to go get my new children. I wish we could experience Africa and meeting our new family members together. But, I just trust in God and know this is his perfect will.

Today, I was driving down the road thinking about everything. I could feel my anxiety building. I found myself dreading this trip. I was already dreading the flights and stressing about the 21 days I have to spend in Africa. All at once, I was so disappointed in myself. I prayed for God to forgive me for not embracing this experience. I realized, if I didn’t embrace this trip and all the experiences, I would miss God’s blessings. I want to be used by God on this trip! I want to minister and serve him during my stay. I want to see God and know him more intimately through this whole experience. I must embrace my struggles and trials, so I may grow closer to God through them.

We have been able to get a sneak preview of the new WACSN guesthouse. People staying there now, have posted a few pictures on their blogs. I have to say, I’m impressed! WACSN has really out done them selves! The facilities appear to be far more than we expected! I’m not sure, but I think we will have electricity nearly all day and night. We will only have air conditioning at night while we sleep, but that’s great. I think we are even going to have running water! This place has to be one of the nicest facilities in all of Liberia. They have a big screen TV and a DVD player. We are taking a ton of kid movies to pass some time, during our 21 days. I praise God and yet feel guilty, for my pampered American life. I dread living for a short time, like most of the world lives everyday. Something is just not right about the way this pampered American feels. I pray the Lord changes me through this trip.
Bryan

We are now a world away from our home in Oklahoma. We arrived in Monrovia, Liberia at about 5:30 PM, Liberia time. The poverty was more than visible from 5,000 feet as we circled to land. Our Airbus 330-300 landed on a runway not fit for use as a secondary blacktop in Oklahoma. The bright white UN helicopters sitting idle in the compound had us surrounded as we taxied down the runway. Children ran along the outside of the razor wire fence waving to us while we moved slowly down the bumpy taxiway headed for the war torn airport. The heavy 90 degree temperature greeted us as we walked down the stairs and stepped on to African soil. The spirit of poverty and oppression was as heavy as the 70% humidity weighing on our tired bodies after our 24 hour journey.

The stench of sweating bodies filled the air as we crowed into a tiny room with hundreds of others waiting to escape the captivity of the airport. We quickly realized we were helpless in this third world country. We seemed unimportant to the armed officials working at a snails pace. After being questioned as to why we were invading their land, we were escorted to the customs tent to sort through piles of luggage in search of our bags. A dozen eager bag boys argued and fought for the chance to help us with our suitcases. The few white people seemed to be the target of power hungry customs officers. For a brief moment in time, I realized what it’s like to be a minority, foreigner, and the target of unjust harassment. Thank God, our agent Fred came to the rescue. He escorted us past the officials shouting, “WACSN”. As each tried to stop us or question us, our guardian stepped in to argue. I’m not sure what he said, nor do I really care, as it worked and we were a few steps closer to escaping the compound.

Fred escorted us out the back gate to waiting vehicles. As we hurried to load our bags and make a break for it, we were mobbed by desperate, teenage boys trying to sell us phone cards and begging the “white man” for U.S. dollars. They surrounded our beat up car reaching in the window, desperately asking for dollars, tips, and help. They all stepped away with long faces as our guardian shouted for them to go. My heart sank as we pulled away. I hung my head in shame, wishing I could somehow make life better for them.

Our ride from the airport was exciting to say the least. Our vehicles sped down the narrow road, weaving in and out of traffic with flashers flashing as if to say we are important, move out of our way. I gazed out the window with a heavy heart. The poverty was staggering and made my soul hurt. People were walking on the edge of the road with nowhere to go. We passed hundreds of huts constructed of grass panels, mud brick, tin, cardboard, and scrap wood. My friends, I’m a world away from the middle class neighborhoods of Enid, Oklahoma. What I see here can’t really be put into words, it makes my heart ache for these hungry, desperate people.

The smell of poverty was overwhelming as we made our way down the rough, crowed streets. I felt as though I was traveling the roads of hell. The streets lined with hurting souls and broken down buildings, led us to the safety of the WACSN compound. The gates opened, inviting us behind the high walls that will protect us from the outside world for the next three weeks. As we rolled to a stop, I felt a tiny sense of relief. We were tired, hungry and overwhelmed. This journey was draining and with little sleep, we were in need of rest. I’m not sure how much we will sleep as we wait to meet our children, but at least, we are here. We are safe and we praise God for this opportunity. We can’t wait to embrace our new family members, to love them and get them out of here.

Pray for us! Pray the Lord will use us while we are here. Pray he will change us and be glorified in this journey. We love you all and will keep you posted as we can.
Bryan

The food over all is good. They do stretch it as supplies and money to buy them can be in short supply. We eat the usual breakfast foods such as French toast, eggs, and some really good homemade bread. Lunch is always Liberian food. I must admit if I were not so hungry, I would never have tried most of it. For lunch, it’s rice, rice, and more rice. I think most of you know I hate rice, but I’m eating it. It’s really amazing what you will eat when it’s all you have! I have eaten Liberian, crawfish gravy over rice and it was excellent! Yesterday for lunch we had potato greens with fish chunks over rice. It looked like hell, smelled like hell, but it was really pretty fair. Would I eat it ever again? No, not unless I have to eat it again while I’m here. The Liberian lunches are very spicy, it’s amazing what these Liberian babies can eat. Supper is always American food. Well, sort of anyway, I guess you would say American but with a Liberian flair. We’ve had pizza and fried chicken and both were very good. My kids ate their first French fries and ketchup last night. They all fell in love with the ketchup.

The food is in short supply as there are two families still here from the last group. They are in week number four here due to problems with paper work and some other issues I’ll explain at a later time. Anyway, they are preparing the same amount of food for five families as they did for three. We are all doing fine, it’s just much less than we fat Americans are used to eating. Tracy and I have given a large portion of our food shares to our kids as they need it far more than we do. Wow, these kids can eat! I can’t allow myself to complain about the food, as I’m sure this is by far the best my kids have ever eaten. Well, without going into too much detail, they budget is tight and we must do our share to make things stretch. Let me tell you, these people know how to get the most from every dollar!

Our kids are so amazing. They are all starting to warm up to us and we can see their beautiful spirits and personalities. They are responding to our love and affection and are quickly starting to love us in return. I can’t even put into words what a blessing they are to us! They are truly beautiful souls! Tonight, we got to see them worship and it made both Tracy I cry! They clapped and sang with all their hearts! I must say Rita has a beautiful voice, but she is still a little shy.

Rita is a really good helper. She looks after the boys and will even offer them a share of her food or candy, without being asked. She does like to torment Solomon a little once in awhile, but I guess that’s what sisters are for. She loves to color and watch leap frog videos. We have been shocked at just how smart she is. She can count to what ever, knows her numbers, colors, many animals, and some shapes. She can write her name and we are working many other things. She is very eager to learn and wants to go to school. I can’t wait to watch her bloom! Rita can walk with a full two liter bottle on her head, it’s really amazing. I think I may have an athlete on my hands, or at least, I hope. Oh yeah, and she is eight years old.

Solomon, just turned three years old. He is potty trained! Yippie! This little guy loves attention. He is so hungry for affection. Solomon was a little whiney, but he and dad had a minor collision and it came to a quick halt. He loves to sit on our lap and snuggle. He is very ticklish or at least lets on to be, so we will do it every thirty minutes or so. He has a beautiful smile and is brilliant, just like his dad. We gave him a car when we got here and I don’t think he has set it down yet. We have to pry it out of his hands at bath and meal time. He even sleeps with it in a death grip. Rita likes to hold up out of reach once in a while to make him screech. Let me tell you, this kid can eat. He hardly stops for a breath.

Mark…Well have you seen the pictures? This kid will melt your heart! He is absolutely super cute. I think he knows it! Wow, what a smile and laugh he has! He is also a big eater, we have to make him stop. I think he can stand more spice to his food than I can. It’s crazy how this kid can eat such spicy hot food. He is 18 months old and not walking yet, but we are close. He is starting to talk. Yup, he says dad! I’m just not sure America is ready for a kid this cute!

I have been to the nursery twice to play with the future Watkins kids. Oh buddy, Emmanuel is the bomb! This kid is fun and has a killer smile. I’m sure he will be; by far, the best looking in that family! He loves to play!! Angel is so tiny and super cute. She smiled and laughed for me today. Look out white boys, this girls got it goin on!

I had the honor of preaching in an incredible Liberian church this evening! The worship was out of this world! These people can sing! The whole service was tremendous! God was in the house! I kid you not, when I finished, I was standing in a puddle of sweat. There was a literal puddle of sweat on the floor and my clothes were soaked! I preached my tail off and it was damn hot! I was exhausted when I left the building. God really moved and touch many hearts! They asked to come back and preach on Friday night and Sunday morning. I guess, they must have liked it. Is God not just amazing, I have now preached in Africa. My new kids were a pretty amazed when I got up to preach. They just sit and quietly gazed at me, I’m not sure they ever blinked.

Well, I have so much to share but it’s time to crash! I’m dead tired!

Jordyn and Payton, I love you both and miss you like crazy! I can’t wait to see you both!

God is GREAT!! Bryan

I think I have found a place where the people are friendlier than they are in Oklahoma. Almost everyone waves, winks or gives the thumbs up as we pass by on foot or by car. The Liberian people are so amazing. They are kind, caring, and eager to interact with us. When we venture out into the city the word travels fast. You can here them spreading the news…White man come. Before you know it, we have as many as 30 or 40 people following and crowding around us. They are eager to shake hands, and talk with us. The children flock around shouting, “candy, candy, candy”. They point and laugh, wave with big smiles, and will even stop their motorcycles to check out the Americans. Sometimes, children run in fear or burst into tears, as they have never seen a white man and we are scary to them.

Friends, these people love America. They already know an abundance about our country and are enthusiastic to learn more. The people of Liberia are loyal to the U.S. and they look to us for help, guidance, and direction. These beautiful people view America and her people with great respect, admiration, and even love. When we pass by their broken down, one room shacks, they even offer us food. A people with so little are willing to share what little they have. They are starving not only for food, but for our friendship and fellowship. They are truly beautiful people in great distress and in need of our help.

Eighty percent of Liberians are without jobs. The national police have not been paid in over six months. The Liberian government is franticly fighting corruption. But, the people are just desperately trying to survive and doing it the only way they know how. The Chinese and Lebanese are here taking advantage of these hurting people; holding them captive to greater oppression. These people are gazing through the haze of oppression, poverty, and starvation; they are looking to us for much needed assistance.

The Liberian children are eager for education. Girls often resort to prostitution just to pay for school tuition. I just can’t get my mind around such desperation. Parents know the value of education and do everything they can to provide it for their children, but so few can afford it. Two hundred U.S. dollars a year can put a child eager to learn through a year of school and provide the required uniform.

Blessings, Bryan

Our day began just as each and every other day in this country has begun. As we opened our eyes, the same heat was waiting to embrace us for the day. The same dull ache of hunger gripped my stomach. The same runaway bowls gurgled inside. All things, we’ve quickly accepted as part of our lives for the time being. But, for me, turbulence was waiting just down the road.

I made the decision to exchange breakfast for much needed sleep, as I have been staying up very late fighting the internet, trying to keep you up to date and stay somewhat connected to the outside world. After dressing to face the day; I began praying my Liberian lunch would, at least, have the appearance of food and I wouldn’t have to choke it down. My prayers were answered, with a big fat NO. I don’t know what it was, I just knew there was no way I could put it in my mouth. I promise, I eat more food each day in America than I have in the past five days. My stomach was screaming for food but my mind won the battle. I drank another spark and convinced myself I could make to supper.

I made my way down the back steps. As I arrived at the bottom, the sweet aroma of food lured me around the corner. I thought I had stumbled on to a gold mine. A few of the staff were brewing a pot of soup over a fire. I just knew if I hung around long enough they would offer me a bowl. Sure enough, one of the nannies from the nursery asked if I would like to try some real African food. I enthusiastically accepted the offer. She dipped me a bowl and kindly handed it to me. I gazed into the bowl, the substance it contained resembled ham and beans. But, something was looking back at me just below the surface. I asked my new friends, what it was, I was about to eat. Each of them answered with a giant African smile, as one of them giggled, she mumbled the words, eye soup. You heard me right, eyeball freakin soup. Needless to say, I’m not that hungry yet!

Afternoon brought with it an unplanned trip to the medical clinic. The staff social workers were able to arrange and early medical exam for our children at a new clinic. This good news carried with it a sliver hope; we might get out of here early. We embraced this opportunity and rushed franticly to load the kids in the only working WACSN vehicle. We piled six kids, four parents, a social worker and a driver into a small Toyota station wagon, designed to seat five people. Do the math, that’s twelve people in a five-passenger car with no air conditioning. Bryan and I squeezed into the wagon part of the station wagon. Yes, there’s another Bryan here. We drove down the highway with the back hatch up on mini station wagon packed with twelve people. I couldn’t make this stuff up. I have pictures to prove it.

TO BE CONTINUED…

I to tired to continue for tonight. I’ll save the emotional stuff for my next post. I’m just too tired to do it justice.

Blessings,
B

Our African doctors seemed eager to help the Americans. One of them came out and turned on the air conditioning to cool the room from what was easily 100+ degrees. They worked quickly to meet our needs. Soon after our arrival, Rita announced she had to use the restroom. After getting directions, Tracy led her down the dim hallway. Upon her return she was speechless and teary eyed. She refused to share the experience in detail and I settled for… It’s bad. The receptionist called out my boy’s names and we were led down the hall to two empty lawn chairs pressed against the wall. Inches from me; a mother was restraining her young daughter who was screaming at the top of her lungs, as the nurse gave her injections. Needless to say, my boys were looking for the exit. The fear was evident in their eyes and on their faces. I tried to calm them, but I refused to lie, as I had no idea what our visit would entail. The nurse approached Solomon to place a thermometer under his arm and he nearly went ballistic. After calming him, we quickly finished this phase of their exam with temp, blood pressure and weight.

Our nurse served as our guide to the second and final stage of the exam. This phase was to be completed in a tiny make shift lab. Let’s just say I have seen truck stop restrooms much cleaner than this tiny medical lab. As the lab tech filled out the paper work he shared with me the fact that he had a three month old, baby, girl at home. He said her mother took off and left the child with him and with his job he had to leave her at home while he worked. I clarified with, “ALONE?” He said, “Yes, I have no choice, I have to work.” He then asked me to take her with me to America. I explained to him, it’s just not that easy. But, he insisted he wanted me to take her home, so she could have a better life. My body went numb, my head pounded, and my heart hurt for this man and the struggles he faces in this country. He finished the tests on my boys for Hepatitis, HIV, and Syphilis. As I headed for the door, He made one last plea for me to take his child. I just shook my head side to side as tears escaped the corners of my eyes.

After completing the exams, we gathered the children in our arms and made a break for the waiting car. Before we could get our troop loaded in the car we were mobbed by several hundred people surrounding the car. Bryan and I worked quickly to get the women and children loaded, so we could climb in the back and make our escape. Women in the crowd were trying to hand us their children, pleading with us to take their children to America. Young children were tugging at our clothes, pleading for help. They pointed to the sky and said, “We go with you to America!” The crowd was growing by the second with desperate people shouting. My fellow Bryan and I jumped in the back as the car was already moving forward with the horn sounding. We turned onto the street, breaking free from the crowd. I looked out the back in disbelief, as the mob ran down the street behind us crying out, “America, America!” My mind was spinning, overwhelmed with emotion, and I sat motionless in my own little world. The sound of the horn awoke me from my daze, as we once again we pulled safely behind the walls of our compound.

I grabbed my Ipod, cranked Jamie Smith and headed for the quiet, dark living room to sort through my emotions. I had to get my thoughts together and spend some time in prayer, as I had to preach in less than fifteen minutes.

To Be Continued…
The most powerful, emotional, and moving part of my day is yet to come.

Blessings,
Bryan

Just as David’s writings in the Psalms are filled with raw emotion, so are my posts. I’m sharing short segments of my emotion and this will not always be balanced. It’s hard to be away from your family in America this long. The emotions of experiencing a new and different place can be overwhelming. The raw feelings of what you see in a war torn, poverty stricken country can be powerful. All these things combined can weigh on my writing and for short periods tip the balance to only sharing the pain, suffering, and inconveniences of a third world nation. I guess what I’m saying is stay with me as I have many stories to tell of great blessings, great people, and great experiences. We are blessed to be here. We are happy we came and we have no regrets. We have embraced this whole experience and pray you will join us in this journey. But know what you read here is not, nor will it ever be, the whole story. I can’t write everything, but I will write about what moves me and what I think will benefit you to know.

I can’t even put into words how blessed we are to be here, and I want you to understand that fact. But, things here are not like they are America, It’s a third world, war torn country. Not being like America is not necessarily a bad thing, as the way we live compared to the rest of the world is just plain gross.

We are safe and healthy. We have been a little freaked out a time or two, but we have never felt threatened. We walk to the store and to the beach and for the most part the people are friendly and eager to interact with us. As a whole, the Liberian people we have met are very smart, hard working people. They are looking for a hand up not a hand out. They are desperate for opportunities to better themselves and their country.

We have solved our hunger problem. We talked with the staff and they are going to put out more food to meet the demand of having more people here at one time. Part of my hunger was a personal issue I have with eating rice. I was skipping lunch and combined with small portions at the other meals, my body was screaming for food. I discovered a store near here that carries Ramen noodles and a few other things, so I can now feed my belly. Tracy and I have both dropped a good amount of weight, but again that’s not really a bad thing. I have gained two notches on my belt and I no longer have to unzip to pee, I just undo my belt and my pants slide right down. HA!!!

We are having a blast, and we are here with great people. We wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. God has truly blessed us!

Before I continue my story about my hard day, I need to share with you a prayer request. We got a bit of bad news today. We found out Solomon tested positive for Hepatitis B. It was a little traumatic to get this news, but we knew the possibilities going into this. Our understanding is this test was a qualitative test not a quantitative test. So, we don’t know the viral load or anything. We understand it’s possible his body is fighting the virus from exposure and he may or may not develop the disease. I don’t know at the moment if this is true, but we have information telling us there is a chance he could test negative down the road in the states. Please, be in prayer with us over this situation.

We love you all and look forward to seeing again soon!

I will continue my story again very soon.

Blessings,
Bryan

I appreciate so much all your prayers and words of encouragement. Please, continue to do so, as sometimes it’s just what we need to lift our spirits. However, due to the limits I have already mentioned, I can rarely respond. I try to save any extra time on the Internet to talk with and respond to Jordyn and Payton. By the way, should you see either one of them let them know we desperately miss them and love the more than they could ever know.

I have to share with you the worship services have been a huge blessing. I have now preached three times in the Spirit of Truth Church. The people have been amazing! God has really moved and the Holy Spirit is working in many hearts! Praise God, I can’t believe I have now preached in Africa. One of the Pastors told me he was going to have my paper work delayed, so I would have to stay and preach to them. They are so kind, loving, and hungry for the word of God. They just have so few resources. It’s been a true blessing to be able to pour into them while I’m here. They have asked me to meet with them in Bible study while I’m here and we are starting in the morning. Please, be in prayer over this time of study, as we need to address some specific things and I’m concerned as to how they will receive what I have to say.

The prosperity doctrine is alive and well in Liberia. The three pastors of this church plant are working to overcome, being misled by this false doctrine. However, I still detect it’s presence in some areas. I can also tell you T.D. Jakes, the Unitarian, has a grip on many in this network and ministry. I don’t really think they know just what his positions are, but we are going to talk about this in our study time. They are men of God, but they are in need of theologically sound materials and resources. It’s easy to see God at work in these men and in this church. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for them in the future.

Today, I went out into the neighborhood around the WACSN compound with three of the young leaders in the church. We wondered through the rows of huts and shacks talking with the people. I’m so amazed at the response and hospitality of the Liberian people. Many invited us into their homes and we where able to share the Gospel and do devotions with several families. We were only rejected one time. We were able to pray with every family we talked with, it was so incredible. I did a little street preaching over 1 TM 1:15-17 and shared my testimony through the verses, it was so cool. We invited everyone to church on Sunday and told them we would pass through the neighborhood and lead them to the church on Sunday morning. At least eighty percent said they would join us, if they all show up there will be many sitting outside around the windows. It was such a blessing to serve God in this way and he gave us great favor with the people.

As we were walking through the neighborhood, several people yelled out, “Beeeshoop” and waved to me. One young lady even ran up to give me a hug and thank me for the message on Sunday. I can’t even put into words how awesome it was to be in Monrovia, Liberia today.

The kids are doing so well. They are warming up to us quickly. You can see the trust grow each and everyday. The length of our stay is difficult, but has many benefits. I think our flights and transition to life in America will be much smoother. The kids are dying to meet their new, white brother and sister. They have been practicing their names and are looking forward to greeting them at the airport.

Rita, is very athletic and has a beautiful smile. She is a huge help with the boys and watches over them like a hawk. She takes very good care of herself, loves to color, and is a joy to be around. It appears she really likes sports and is gifted in this area. Who knows, maybe she will be in the WNBA.

Solomon is a quiet kid who loves affection. He is very kind and gentle. He looks so healthy, it just kills me to think he has Hepatitis B. But, I just put my trust in the Lord. He is a great kid with giant brown eyes and beautiful giggle. He is very smart, but as of now, not very athletic.

Mark, Mark, Mark, this kid is just awesome! Man he is cute and has a killer smile! He loves to play and wrestle around. He is already a mamas boy. This kid is a heartbreaker in the making!

God truly selected three perfect kids to join us in our family. I just know both Jordyn and Payton will love them to pieces. The grandparents are gonna flip over them and I know you will all love, as you love us!

Thank you for your love and your prayers! Please, continue to pray for Solomon’s health. Pray, his body has fought off the disease and he is immune rather than chronically infected.

We love you all!
Blessings,
Bryan