The Farm & BD Party at Sajj House

Ade Capitan is a prominent person in Liberian society, and the primary supporter of the HEARTT program here in Liberia. She is the owner of a favorite live music bar (Groovy's), a rubber farm, and several factories. As a very well connected person of means in Liberia, she is a fantastic resource and a constant help to us here in country. She invited us to her "farm" yesterday... come to find out it is a large rubber plantation with a spanish style plantation home. As the private driver carried us in the new Chevy SUV through the famous redlight district (not what you think... it's called red light because it has Liberia's only red
light) we were reminded of the object poverty of the region. Thestreets were lined with markets, broken cars and litter.

The Coca-Cola factory was on the outskirts of town, boasting a 15 foot tall plaster coke bottle. Ironic that likely 90% of the coke consumption is by expats. Large trucks stacked with people blast music into the streets as their matching T shirts encourage passer-byes to vote for their party in the up-coming elections.

Also along the main road is a large, eerie looking skeleton of a building. There are several stories surrounding its demise, ranging from incomplete construction decaying over time to burned reminents of the war. It was the national defense headquarters - so anything is possible.

When we arrived at the farm, we drove down what seemed like endless rows of rubber trees. A small school and community of huts supported the dozens of workers that cared for the trees. A paper mill and other factories were also on the property. The gates opened by private security revealed the rows of luxury cars with their drivers eagerly awaiting further orders. Inside the home was lavash furnishings and a fully staffed bar. Within minutes I was introduced to the most influential people in the country and armed with aged single malt scotch and a cigar. Not bad for a "farm." Many of the people there had been trained in the US or the UK, and had returned with a pasion to re-invest in their home country.

The following day was my birthday! It was a normal day at work, but then we hosted a joint birthday party for me and going away party for my co-resident. Many of our contacts from the "farm" came, as did our expat friends and nurse colleagues. We bought pizza for everyone. The owner of Sajj found out it was my birthday, and free of charge, had a huge cake made, decorated with local fruits. It was enough to literally feed the entire restaurant. The best part? Topped

with blazing fireworks! It is quite possibly the most interesting birthday I have ever had.