Hello, my name is
MacDonald Wreh.
The Continuing
Adventures of
MacDonald Wreh who came from the Ends
of the Earth to Galt, California--planning to, one day,
become a U.S. citizen. He hopes that
you will enjoy
reading abut those things you may have taken for
granted all your lives.
Thursday, Dec. 30
Yesterday, I had an
exciting experience when Gary from the Methodist
Church, his wife, along with Lesa Klotz took me to
an area called Arnold to snow slide. This was my
first experience with snow. The snow was heavy and
at certain points on the road we were stopped
because we didn't have chains on our tires. The
chains are used to give the tires a firm grip on the
road so that the car won't slide off the road. We
therefore went to a park called White Pines. At
White Pines, we took photos, slid on the snow and
threw snow flakes at one another. It was fun and I
plan to go back there as soon as possible and spend
a longer time.
Snow doesn't fall in Liberia. There
are two seasons in Liberia, rainy season and dry
season. Rainy season starts from March to August.
During this period, it rains a lot and the sun
hardly shines. Dry season starts from September to
March. The sun shines during this time and weather
is hot. It seldom rains.
I enjoyed myself walking on and
playing with the snow as I imagined my dream coming
to pass.
Wednesday, Dec. 29
I was so busy as the
season drew near and because of my departure from
the Patterson's residence I couldn't write in my
journal. Now I am back.
Seasons greetings to everyone. I
trust that God is going to do mighty things in our
lives this new year.
During Pastor Rob's visit to Liberia
in February of this year, I said at his farewell
that "one day you and I will walk on the streets of
Galt". Not taking this very serious, I later on saw
it come to pass. I came to Galt and saw Pastor Rob
and I walking on the streets. What a prophecy and
what a fulfillment. God is able to do those things
that we ask Him to do if only we "commit ourselves".
Now that I am in America I promise to remain focused
and in the Lord.
This season is very wonderful in that
it is my first Christmas Season ever out of Liberia.
On Christmas day, a family from the Methodist Church
(the Klotz) invited me to have dinner with them. We
had a wonderful time. Another family has invited me
over New Years day for dinner. It is so amazing to
see people inviting me to lunch or dinner with them.
This is a sign of concern and true love. I haven't
seen many differences between Christmas in Liberia
and America. There are lots of similarities.
Though I do not live with the
Pattersons, I still consider them my host family.
Pastor Rob calls me constantly to know how I am
doing or coping with my new home. I miss living with
the Pattersons but I think this is the beginning of
meeting the challenges of living in America. From
where I live presently, I'll be moving to a place of
my own (renting) as I strive hard in looking for a
full-time job.
Thursday, Dec. 23
Wonders, Wondersers,
Wonders and Wonders. Yes, this is what is happening
to me. God, in His infinite greatness is performing
wonders on my behalf. I thank God for the First
Baptist Church family for their gifts of all kinds
presented to me. It was a great surprise. Though I
have no relatives here in America, I consider the
church as my family.
Presently, I have moved to Miss
Parlee's residence to stay as I progress toward
establishing myself and to meet the challenge of
staying in America.
My wife was just discharged from the
hospital because of insufficient funds for her
treatment and plans to continue her treatment at
home. I thank all of those who have and continue to
remember my wife in prayer. I miss her greatly and
pray that VERY SOON God will cause us to be
reunited.
It is a great thing to serve the Lord
and trust Him because He said He knows His thoughts
toward us and has promised to give us an expected
end. His word is true and His promise never fails.
Wednesday, Dec. 22
Today, I have moved to Miss Parlee's
House to live there until Joe returns to college.
This way he can, again, stay in his bedroom and
review his belongings.
Miss Parlee is an African-American. Her home is
decorated with many items from Africa. Pastor Rob
says that I will have many new experiences since
Miss Parlee knows so many people. She is very
popular among the people of Galt. I came to America
with one small bag. Yesterday, I had to buy a large
suitcase at the Flea Market to fit all my clothes. I
drove my bike to Miss Parlee's and Joe carried over
my bags, guitar, and gifts in the car. If anyone
wants to call me, my cell phone number is
209-570-3766.
SUNDAY,
Dec.
19,
2004
I was so
surprised last night. Pastor Rob had told me that I
would be introduced to the community at the
Christmas program. I thought it would be...
"This is
MacDonald Wreh. He has come from Liberia. If you see
him on the street, you will know who he is."
I was so
surprised. Santa Claus came out and called my name.
Then he carried me out. Someone took my music book
and I followed Santa. He carried me to the
Fellowship Hall and said, "These presents are all
for you."
I did not expect
anything like this. People gave me a bicycle light,
a bike rack, a 49ers sweatshirt, a jacket, a
hamburger cooker, many cards with wonderful
messages. Ruth and Jim provided funds to purchase a
calling card. They wanted me to stay in constant
contact with my wife.
I forgot my key to my
bike lock so after the program, I was dropped at
Denny's by Jim Parkinson. I worked until 3:00 AM and
walked home. My brother called me from Liberia. When
Pastor Rob arose, he learned that I had not yet been
to sleep. He asked if I was going to skip church and
sleep in today. I told him that there was some
preparation needed at the Methodist Church and that
I was going to get my bike and head there. He drove
me instead.
Thank you everyone
for such a wonderful surprise at the Christmas
Program last night. I hope to have someone take a
picture of me at tonight's program. I would like my
family to see the beautiful decorations at the
church.
Saturday,
Dec.
18,
2004
Editor's Note:
Mr. Wreh
worked until 3:00 AM, so he is probably still
sleeping at press time. Tonight he will sing as part
of the tenor section in a musical drama entitled
Home for the Holidays. Pastor Dan
Malloy plans to formally introduce him as 'a gift'
to the community of Galt.
Please come
and be part of this very special evening.
Friday, Dec. 17, 2004
I have decided to
summarize happenings every few days instead of
daily. Well, I am grateful to God for His many
blessings of every type (spiritual, financial, &
physical). I continue to receive from people of
goodwill. I am blessed because God is taking me
through and the Pattersons (my hosts) are taking
good care of me.
I thanked God for Pastor Rob who allowed himself to
be used as a channel of blessings from God (to bring
me to America). Pastor Rob, not knowing me for a
good while, decided to risk sending me an "Affidavit
of Support" that no one else could. I could have
lost the opportunity of coming but we (He and I)
prayed so that the Will of the Lord could be done.
After all that process, I am finally in America on a
permanent residence (Green Card) status.
How I pray to continue to remain in
the Lord. Though temptations may come and stormy
winds may blow, I've decided to keep trusting and
depending on Jesus (who has called me to give me an
expected end).
For those who have not learned to put their trust in
Jesus, I urge you now to do so as He is the Author
and Finisher of our faith. He is the one that gives
and provides when no one can. He comes in when all
hopes are gone. This is what He did for me. I have a
testimony that will never end. Put your trust in
Jesus. Now.
Monday, Dec. 13, 2004
On Saturday
I stayed home during the morning hours to do some
work Sister Cathy asked me to do. At about 1:00 pm I
was dressed waiting for Bro. Gary Keisler from the
Methodist Church. He had asked me to go with him
today to attend an African wedding between two
Nigerians.
At the
wedding, I met a couple of Nigerians who I had some
discussions with. I was told that there was a
Liberian who should have been at the wedding but
wasn't well and had to stay home. This wedding was
held in Elk Grove. This was the first time, since I
came to America to see so many Africans. It
was good to see them. At the wedding, I had rice to
eat to the fullest. There were other Nigerian dishes
and we had a great time. Bro. Gary and his wife had
never seen or knew what Kola nuts are but had a
taste. They didn't like the taste. Speeches made by
the Nigerians at the reception were not understood
by Gary and his wife. I had to interpret due to
their accents.
The entire event was
wonderful but we left early due to other
engagements. It was a great time and experience for
the Keislers and me.
Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004
Yesterday,
I had the day off from Denny's but went to the
Methodist Church to do some work. Pastor Rob called
me and said that we should meet later at the house
for a rehearsal of Christmas songs that the FBC
Choir will be performing during an upcoming special.
Though I don't read music, Pastor Rob tried to
show me those things I need to know. I tried my best
to understand and apply what I was shown.
It all went well.
I am supposed to sing with the Choir on December
18th and 19th. I am glad for that.
By 7 PM, we were at Choir practice
and it was amazing. From there, Pastor Rob took me
to the Greene's
residence (where there would be some 'mouth
fellowship').
We were greatly served and, for me, it was not a
mistake to accept the idea of going the Greene's.
They are so generous and always entertaining.
From there, Pastor Rob dropped me at
the church to pick up my bike. This bike is a great
help to me as I go anywhere within minutes. I thank
God for the bike He gave me because it means so much
to me.
Wednesday Dec. 8, 2004
Yesterday, Pastor Rob told
me that we were going to the Royal Oaks Home
(for a regular monthly fellowship on
every first Tuesday of the month).
The church uses this time to pray,
sing, and minister the Word of God, and to give
courage to those seeking medication there. I was
told by Deacon
Jim Fugate that those there are mostly old age
people who are not really well and need to be
treated and catered to. He introduced me to a lady
who lives at the home and said that the Galt Library
is named in her honor. Pastor Rob told me that she
had been a school teacher.
During the Fellowship, I was
introduced by Pastor Rob and asked to say a word. I
told them that I am happy to be in America and to
visit Royal Oaks. I share a little of my experience
at the Christmas Parade. Our time there was great.
My sister-in-law in Atlanta, Georgia (on yesterday)
sent me some money to enable me to get a cell phone
so as to be in contact with my wife and friends. I
received the money and got the phone the same day.
When she earlier told me about this, I told her to
send me the money instead so that I can pay some of
my debts owed for my plane ticket (and was not
interested in a phone now). She offered to pay the
monthly bills for up to six months. I later on knew
that getting a phone will also be useful as those
wanting to contact me for some contracts (part-time
or full-time) and on-the-spot jobs will get to me
quickly through my cell phone. Well, the number is
209-570-3766. I'll be glad to be contacted
for a piece of job that will help me get established
as soon as possible.
A Summary:
America, as I expected is going cool as God in His
power is working on my behalf. California, as I see,
is very expensive but one has to live and spend
according to one's income. The Pattersons are doing
extremely well. At a certain time I will have to
find another place to stay; the Pattersons are a
nice family to be with and I will miss them.
Another place that is giving me peace and joyfulness
is the church (First
Baptist Church of Galt).
I am always greeted with joy and the concern about
my wife is highly appreciated. I am always
recognized and spoken to (even in the street).
Sometimes I wonder where I know the person from (and
later learn that he/she is from FBC). What a
friendly church--a church that does not discriminate
but accepts all who come. I am a witness.
My job at Denny's is another area
that I appreciate so dearly. I am grateful to God
and Denny's management for the opportunity to get
something to do. I have been in America for six
weeks now but it seems like a year (due to the
friendliness of the people I find myself amongst). I
feel at home here. Praise God for great things He
continues to do. I know 'He is in control.'
Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004
Last Saturday evening, Sister
Cathy and her friend, Christene, asked as to whether
I wanted to go along with them to watch the
"Christmas Parade." We decided first to walk and
take a shortcut to get ahead of the parade (but
missed the direction to which the parade was
moving). We hurried back home as Sis. Cathy
suggested that we get in her car to get there on
time. We did and was right on time to see the first
car in the parade.
I was told that this parade takes place every year
and the City of Galt has chosen that particular day
to do theirs. It was exciting to see Businesses,
Churches, Government agencies, Police, Girls and
Boys Scouts, Fire Service (and other organizations)
decorating their vehicles with Christmas lights and
themselves in Christmas attire. Some began waving,
some sang, and others said, "Merry Christmas." This
was a great and exciting moment for me as the
importance of the season clicked to my mind. I
realized that even people who don't know Christ
celebrate this season.
During the parade, I saw Sis. Barbara
Payne, an elected Councilwoman (on the Galt City
Council) who attends First Baptist Church. I first
met her at the Rotary Club. She stood in one of the
cars and waved. It was a good time. All along the
streets of Galt I can see Christmas lights and Santa
Claus images.
In Liberia, at this time of the year,
similar decorations are going on and the spirit of
the season is very high. Friends and relatives in
Liberia are emailing and calling to America for help
from friends and relatives. The usual request is "I
want my Christmas." For me, I have received numerous
emails with requests for 'the season.'
I just received an email from my
brother stating that my mother is very ill. Please
join me in prayers for the recovery of my aged
mother who is 71 years.
Day 65: The leaves are
many. So, this morning I have to go to Miss Parlee's
place to assist her and clean the leaves from her
yard.
Yesterday, she asked me to come over to her house so
that she could show me what is to be done. She
then took me to Raley's and bought me some fried
rice and chicken, some chocolates, then to the
dollar store (adjacent to Raley's) and bought me
some notebooks to use for my journal (and to record
phone numbers and addresses).
After I work for Miss Parlee, I plan to go home and
do some work in the yard and rest. Today is my day
off from Denny's. Plans for church include attending
both services at First Baptist Church. I will be at
the Methodist Church to clean on Monday.
I am available for anyone who has some jobs for me
(as my hours at Denny's is about 20 hours). I am
usually available during the morning hours. The
desire of my heart is to have a full-time morning
job as this would help to get me established. I
would prefer to maintain the job at Denny's (during
the evenings) and work full-time in the morning.
Day 62:
Monday, I had a day off at Denny's but worked at the
Methodist Church. That morning, Sister Cathy told me
that she and Pastor Rob may be driving Joe back to
his campus (a 7 hour journey) and would stay over
the night. That afternoon, Pastor Rob charged me
with the responsibility to serve as head of the home
while they were away. He gave me his cell phone to
be in contact (and Sister Cathy give me her car keys
for keeping).
I was instructed to make sure things
were under control and that the children go to bed
on time. As if the parents were here, the kids
behaved and things were fine with us. I made as
series of calls to know how the children were doing
when I was out to work. I considered it a trust when
I was given responsibilities to take care of the
home. I praise God for that. Later, Pastor Rob
called me to learn how things were going and whether
we had something for supper. We made contact Tuesday
morning as well. The days have been good at work and
at home.
Day 60:
(submitted Sunday night) On
Saturday morning after the regular men's prayer
meeting, we went to Denny's to have breakfast. Joe
is still here and so he joined us for the prayer and
at Denny's. During our breakfast, Pastor Rob asked
us to read and reflect on some studies. We had a
good time at Denny's.
From there, I had to go to the
Methodist Church to do some work to preparer the
place for Sunday.
Sunday was a sad day for me becaus
e
this day (November 28) should have been my late
daughter's birthday. I continue to try overcoming
the death of my daughter but each time I call my
wife, I worry because of how sorrowful she talks
(most especially about our Eunice).
Today, I called Joyce and
I heard nothing but crying. It breaks my heart and I
am greatly worrying about her. You see, my wife is
suffering from 3 things:
1) She's suffering
from a kidney problem.
2) She's mourning the
loss of her daughter 2
months ago and
3) The husband that
should have been around her
is millions of miles away. Your prayers will keep
my wife up. I am missing her greatly and she
misses me. I pray we will be reunited soon.
After church, Ron Shindy,
my good friend, asked to take me for lunch at
Denny's and our time there was good. Afterwards, I
came home, took a nap, and prepared to attend Randy
Stonehill's concert.
Randy sang amazingly and
I was so happy to see him because I have heard about
him. He's wonderful, full of actions, and is very
funny. After the concert, Pastor Rob introduced me
to him and he asked how long I have been here. I
said, "One month," and he told me that there are
lots of adventures that I have yet to explore. He's
a nice guy.
Randy plans to go to Denny's for
supper. Pastor Rob asked me to go along, but because
I was tired (and also needed to talk to my wife) I
told him I wanted to come home. He and Sister Cathy
brought me home, then went back to meet Randy at
Denny's. Please pray that God will make a way for my
wife to come over to join me. I am missing her so
much.
Day 58:
editor's note:
MacDonald was up for the 6AM
prayer meeting and then, Breakfast at Denny's, but
he hasn't submitted a journal entry; he has
experienced the American custom of enjoying
post-thanksgiving day leftovers and
the after-meal nap:
Day 57: It was a big day
in America:
Thanksgiving Day
--a day set aside for
all Americans to give thanks to God for all He's
done for them.
At the Patterson's house it was
amazing. I mean, the food was so much...and I had
all I could...and there was ten times more the
balance.
To start the day, I woke up around 9 AM as I was
scheduled to work at 10 AM (at Denny's). Here in
America, it is traditional for every family to have
a special turkey dinner. The Pattersons (my host
family) had to delay their turkey dinner because I
wouldn't be home until 4 PM. Since I live with them,
they wanted me to be a part of it and adjusted their
schedule. Praise God for their love for me.
Pastor Rob offered to drive me to
work and would send Joe to pick me up after my
shift. At Denny's, I was asked by many of my work
mates if my family was going to have a turkey
dinner. My answer was YES to all. I have never
experienced having a turkey dinner but did for the
first time here in America. It was great.
When I got home for the dinner, I met Pastor Rob and
Sister Cathy at the completion of the dinner
preparation. Pastor Rob called me to show me some
ways turkeys are prepared and gave me a piece to
taste. It was nice.
After a few minutes, all was set and we were around
the table for the participation of this wonderful
and historical meal. During the meal, I was told the
names of the kinds of food prepared. I chose to have
a taste of each but it was impossible as the food
was too much. By the time I got through with just a
few, I was already filled. The ones I started with
was so nice that I forgot that I planned to taste
the others. It was marvelous.
After the dinner, we watched a certain kind of movie
on TV called Charlie Brown. This movie was
all about Thanksgiving.
Since I came to America I have noticed similarities
between Liberia and America in lots of areas. For
example, our flags; Independence Day in July;
Thanksgiving in November--just to name a few. I
promise to write a l
ittle
on the founding of Liberia by freed slaves from
America (and how the first Governor of the
Commonwealth of Liberia came from America).
Praise God for these experiences.
Day 56:
Editors Note:
Today is Thanksgiving Day in America.
Mr. Wreh has been
scheduled to work at Denny's at 10:00 AM so his host
family has planned to delay the annual Thanksgiving
meal until he returns from his shift. He may have a
journal entry but at press time, he is still asleep.
Check back...or
if you are
within driving distance of the Epicenter, stop in at
Denny's
(Galt Central Exit) and extend your greetings.
JUST IN:
Yesterday, Pastor Rob
woke me up and told me that we (Sister Cathy, Joe,
he, and I) were going to take a walk
(and at the same time
read Day 7 from "The Purpose-Driven Life")
We have started that reading through that book
again. While walking on the streets of Galt with the
Pattersons, I remembered saying (while I was back in
Liberia), "The Pattersons and I will walk together
on the streets of Galt one day in Jesus' Name." I am
very happy that my dream had come to pass (through
the help of the Pattersons and the First Baptist
Church).
During our walk, we
took turns reading as we made our way to the Galt
Cemetery (where Pastor Rob and I planted one of 27
Redwood trees--our tree is just southwest of the
California flag). We showed Sis. Cathy and Joe the
tree we planted and went on viewing the memorials
posted in honor of the U.S. War Veterans.
On our way back, Pastor Rob took us to Denny's for
breakfast. He had an idea to buy 2 Ultimate Omelets
and divide them four ways. The Owner (who is called
Bobby) came to our table and greeted us. He promised
a certain portion of our order would be discounted
since I work there. Our time at Denny's was
exciting.
Editor's Note:
For that
very reason, any reader who desires to take Mr. Wreh
to a restaurant ought to consider Denny's.
I stopped at the
Methodist Church and finished some work started the
day before.
My presence with Pastor and his
family is no different than being with my family
back in Liberia. It's like a home away from home.
Praise God for all that He is doing for me. As you
read my journal daily, please pray for the
Pattersons, the officers and members of the First
Baptist Church of Galt, California--and for me--as I
believe that God is going to do mighty things.
Day 54: Yesterday, I had
an appointment to meet with Pastor Craig to
officially take over the custodial duties at the
Galt United Methodist Church. This morning, we
loaded 41 Shoeboxes (from the
Methodist Church) in a van and
took them to the Calvary Baptist Church in Manteca
(a town about 35 miles from Galt). Calvary Baptist
Church is a very large church with large facilities.
We made a stop over at McDonald's to have lunch.
What I noticed at McDonald's, unlike other
restaurants--or at Denny's where I work--it's 'serve
yourself.' You walk to the counter, get your food,
and take it to your seat--serving yourself with
drinks you want, etc. Well, it was (and has been)
good to visit all the restaurants to know how they
work.
We drove home and, at the Methodist Church, I was
instructed of my official duties and days most
important to do them.
Joseph, the oldest son of Pastor Rob was scheduled
to come home for the Thanksgiving celebration
holiday. I tried to ask Pastor Rob to go along with
him to the airport to get Joe (but was tied up with
some work--washing my clothes, straightening up of
my room, and going to Denny's to know my schedule
for the week). So, I stayed home and, at about 8:00
PM,
Pastor Rob and Joe got home. I was happy to see him
and we greeted and embraced one another. He was
happy to see me also. We talked a little while,
watched a movie together, then went to bed for the
night.
Day 52:
Sunday
(Nov.21):
Today, I was invited to worship with
the Methodist Church by Pastor Craig. He told me
that there would be a combined service at 10:30 (and
later a Potluck). Since the First Baptist Church's
first service is at 8:30, I decided to attend and
later go to the Methodist Church which is just
minutes away. This, of course, I did.
At Galt UMC, the
service was packed. I gave a prayer request for my
wife, Joyce, who is currently undergoing treatment
for her kidney. The theme of the sermon was
'Remembering the Sacrifice of Jesus' and text was 2
Corinthians 8:9. We were admonished to build a life
of sacrifice.
After the service
there was a fine time of "mouth fellowship" (eating)
and we had more than we could eat. It was nice being
at the Methodist Church.
I came home early to
prepare for work (as I was asked to report to work
earlier than scheduled). Sundays are always more
busy than usual. At work today, Manny (the shift
manager) and I had a nice discussion concerning the
playing of guitar. (He is a bass guitarist.) Manny
told me that we should think on meeting someday to
play together. He sometimes plays Bass at FBC. He
also was concerned about my wife's present condition
and promised to be a help when needed.
Since I went to work
early today, I clocked out early, but stayed at
Denny's to talk with some of my work mates. I got
home at around 10:30 PM.
Day 51:
This morning Pastor Rob woke me up for the 6:00
AM men's
meeting. I noticed that this meeting was different
from what we've been having. Food was involved. I
joined them and prepared the bacons and pancakes for
a breakfast. It was a good experience to be a part
of the cooking staff.
More men showed up at 7:30 AM for the breakfast.
Joshua (a
brother who plans to go on a mission trip to
Macedonia) gave a testimony of his Jewish
background, his life, and how he met the Lord Jesus.
It was very wonderful.
From there, I went to
the Methodist Church to meet Wilson (the pastor's
son). Then I went to
Longs to
purchase a phone card.
At the store, I met Miss Parlee, a member of FBC.
When I told her the purpose of my presence at Longs,
she decided to take me to
Wal-Mart, a very
large gro
cery
store (where she believed phone cards would be
cheaper). She drove me to Wal-Mart in Lodi. I bought
the phone card and she bought me some gift items.
While driving (there
and back), Miss Parlee showed me some places and
street names and different ways to go from Galt to
Lodi. She told me to extend greeting to my wife if I
talked with her. I returned home and prepared for
work as I was to be at Denny's by 4:00
PM.
Day 48
This morning I woke up with a cold.
Pastor Rob and Cathy have supplied me with the
needed medication to treat the cold. Up to the time
of this writing I am much better than the morning
hours. My two sisters-in-law called to say that they
received the thing posted to them on Monday. This
has caused me to see how much worse the postal
system is in Liberia.
from Tuesday:
Pastor Rob asked me to go along with him to the Galt
High School where we were to meet some of the
students involved in a Christian group. At the
school, he introduced me to the students and told
them about my coming to America. He also told them
about my daughter's brief illness and death. They
were very sorry when they heard the news of my
daughter's death. He told them about the orphans at
the Greater Love Children's Home and their needs. I
could see how much these students were concerned
when they heard about lack of proper diet to keep
them healthy. He showed them photos of my late
daughter and the orphans.
From the school,
Sister Cathy joined us and we went for lunch at the
Mexican Restaurant where we ate tacos. (I am falling
in love with this Mexican type of food.)
I went home to take a
nap before work but Pastor Rob
came
and told me we were called by Philip (son of Ruth
and Jim). We were told to bring in the application
for Haldex (a heavy-duty brake shoe factory).
There was a possibility of immediate daytime
employment. Pastor Rob assisted me in filling out
the form and we proceeded to Stockton immediately.
Unfortunately, the
manager had dropped more people and advised us to
leave the application to be on file. We were not
discouraged but prayed that if it is the will of God
that I work there, it will be. We returned home and
I rested until working at Denny's (until Closing
time).
from
Monday: My sister-in-law (in Atlanta)
sent me some money so that I can post her things I
brought from Liberia. This gave me the opportunity
to see the Galt Post Office for the first time. I
was told that it will take 3 working days to reach
the destination. In contrast, it takes one month or
more for mails to reach Liberia from the U.S.A.
From the post office, I drove around Galt on my bike
and went home to rest. Today is one of my days off
at Denny's and I decided to rest myself to prepare
for tomorrow.
Day 44,45,46
Editor's Note: Due to fatigue, MacDonald
Wreh has not had opportunity to journal. He plans to
do some writing this morning.
CLICK HERE for a parallel blog.
Mondays
Notes:
On Saturday, after prayer and
a men's breakfast fellowship, Pastor Rob and I
planted a Sequoia Redwood tree at the Galt Cemetery.
Our tree is the closest tree southwest of the
California flag (at the Veterans' Memorial). The
specialist who headed the planting of 27 Redwood
trees informed us that these trees live for 1,000
years (and that it will be historical that I have
helped in planting one). Perhaps, my great, great,
grandchildren might be shown what I have done. We
took a group picture and left. When we got home I
took a nap before going to work.
On Sunday, I attended both morning
services at FBC Galt. The services are always wo
nderful.
During the service, it was announced that there
would be a Celebration climaxing the
40 Days of Focus that night.
At the Celebration Service, I gave a brief testimony
of how I got to America through the assistance of
the FBC family. It was a great celebration.
Then there was a concert in the sanctuary with
En Route (from
Lodi). It was amazing to see the group sing and
to see some instruments
that I haven't seen before. There the day ended. I
got on my bike and drove home.
Let me say that my coming to America
is a great thing that ever happened in my life. I
thank God for Pastor Rob (and his wife, Sis. Cathy)
who never knew me conduct wise but risked sending me
an affadavit-of-support, the FBC church family for
prayer and support in my coming, Pastor Wesley of
Greater Love Bible Baptist Church in Liberia (who
did not opposed Ps. Rob assistance to me, but
encouraged and advised me from start to finish), Mr.
Henry Brunson (Fed Ex) who enhanced the sending of
my documents, plane ticket, and other necessary
information. These are all great people in my life
because they have contributed toward the blessing
that God has for me.
I also want to remember my friends
back in Liberia (especially
Michael Nah, Christopher, and Amos
Kumeh) who loaned me money
to process my documents for the DV program. I pray
that God will bless them as I've planned to refund
their money in the soonest possible time. Praise God
for His blessings. Amen.
Day 43 This morning, Pastor Rob took
me to the Sunrise Rotary Club, here in Galt. I was
again introduced (by Sis. Barbara Payne, a
member of the City Council of Galt). I was welcomed
and clapped for.
At the table where I sat, I met a man called Evan
K. Winn, a professional land surveyor, who was
happy to see me. He promised to take me to his place
for a visit if I would like (and would like to be of
assistance if needed).
Since Pastor Rob walks with Jebby after
Rotary, he asked Sister Mattie Shepherd (our
next door neighbor) to drop me home.
Day 42
Today was one of the day I've
worked hardest since I've been in America. At
Denny's I worked 8 hours, and since it was Veterans'
Day (a holiday) there were more people than usual.
It was great working 8 hours for the first time!
From Denny's I stopped by the churc
h
to see Pastor Rob. He told me that we were going to
Sacramento for a concert. The secretary, Mellisa,
drove Sis. Cathy's along with us.
At the concert I saw
Phil Keaggy who
was live! It was very amazing to see him play like
I've never seen before. I learned that he's a famous
guitarist and a gospel musician. I hope to be a
guitarist like him one day. After the concert, we
drove back home, in the rain, and by 11
PM, I was in
bed.
Day 41
Wednesday: Today there has
been no appointments, no work at my usual places, so
I decided to ride around with my gift (the bike)
from Andy. I tried not to go into the areas I
haven't been before and was careful to remember the
areas I passed so that my return would be easy.
At 6:30, Pastor Rob took us (his
daughter, Mary and her friends) to the regular Bible
Study at the residence of the Greene's. We were
greeted with joy by everyone. Before the study,
Pastor Rob and I sang and played a song with our
guitars: "Do something new in my life"--a song he
learned in Liberia. After singing the song twice,
everyone joined in. We taught them the Liberian
concept of 'encumio'--where you sing extra notes
from your heart.
Ron, a member of FBC, led the
studies. It was wonderful. One thing I've learned
since I came to America is the friendliness of the
people. FBC members are so lovely, encouraging,
concerned, prayerful and helpful. I thank God that I
have fallen in good hands.
After the Bible studies, Ron asked me
to dinner at Denn
y's
(my workplace). At Denny's it was the Word that I
could hear from Ron. From start to finish, it was
the Word. He then dropped me home and gave me a
gospel acapella CD that he noticed I loved. I was
happy.
Well, I hope I am not writing this
journal to only give you my impression but that you
will read it and know the blessings of God in my
life because I put Him first. Just a few days ago, I
was in Liberia--not knowing how I was going to get
here. But God, in His appointed time, moved and even
friends, relatives, and my very self don't know how
I got over. One thing I know is that "it is the
Lord's Doing."
Day 40
My plan of going to the "Flea
Market" this morning was accomplished. I bought a
pair of working shoes at cost of $20,
a cold cap with SF on it
at $5, and a dictionary for $2.
(Editor's Note:
Several people have shared wi
th
MacD
onald
that SF stands
for a local Football Team named the
49ers--and that
there is a nearby team called
the Raiders. The followers of these
groups are passionately opposed to those who wear
the other's colors. He has never seen American
Football.
I went to the church and told
Ps. Rob that I wanted to take a nap since I didn't
sleep well last night. At the house, I tried
sleeping but I couldn't. I decided to check my email
when Ps. Rob got in and told me that we were going
to open my account at the
Union Bank of California
(in Save Mart).
At the
bank, we were told that
my birth certificate as a
second identification (along with my passport) was
insufficient because of Homeland Security rules. So,
Ps. Rob and Sis. Jennifer decided to fix me a photo
ID (with thumbprint) from the church and it was
accepted. We did open the account. Praise God for
Pastor Rob's tireless effort and support to see me
settle in the soonest possible time. It if had not
been for him......
While I was at work at Denny's, a
brother from the church (FBC), Andy, came in with
his family to have dinner. After eating, he walked
to me and asked how I get to work every time. After
our discussion, he told me that he was going home to
bring me a bike to use for work. Within 30 minutes,
Andy was back with a new bright, blue bike and
presented it to me with a new pair of locks. How
surprised I was.
I
thanked him and packed the bike in the restaurant
where the boss lady showed me to pack it. After work
at 11:00 PM, I got on my new bike and rode home. It
was wonderful. Now, I last owned a bike in 1996 but
it was taken away when serious fighting broke out in
Monrovia between rebel factions. Since then, after 8
years, I have another opportunity of owning a bike.
Well, I know that owning a car is not far away.
Praise God for His wonders in my life. My
testimonies are endless.
ch
Fries' before. 
rience.
The people there are friendly. I learned of things I
never knew before. Such as using the machine to wash
the dishes. A man named Horatio taught me what I
needed to do at Denny's. He doesn't speak English
fluently so he gestures and uses simple words. He
speaks Spanish and has been very nice to me. Now I
am going home to bed. I'll write more in my journal
later.
Pastor Rob, while driving back to Galt, promised me
a loan of the U.S. $250 to be sent to my wife for
her medication. He himself went to
the
management from Denny's
Restaurant called to inform me of their
decision to hire me immediately. Pastor Rob took me
to Denny's (along with his daughter, Mary, and her
friend, Anthony) for a Celebration Party. It was
nice having a get-together at Denny's which will
become my workplace.
photo of my late daughter posted on
the entrance door of the church.
This show me how concerned Pastor
Rob is in regards to my period
of mourning. This is a challenge
to me to be more concerned about the
little children (especially
r
Rob when he gave me, as a gift,
a red electric
guitar with an
amplifier/speaker (with 2 inputs and
2 outputs). Oh! It was another
exciting moment for me as this was
the first gift of its kind in my
life. I praise God for Ps. Rob so
much.
After
15
years
of
not
bathing
under
a
shower,
I
had
the
opportunity
to
do
so
here
in
America.
It
was
an
interesting
experience
learning
to
turn
on
and
use
the
hot
and
cold
water
from
the
shower.
