24/08/2025
Title: "The Call of Monbedo"
In the lush green landscapes of Buchanan, Liberia, the air buzzed with the sounds of everyday life—children playing in the streets, the whistle of street vendors, and the distant call of church bells. At the center of it all stood Monbedo, a spirited young woman with a heart full of dreams and a resolute desire to serve her country.
Monbedo grew up listening to her father’s tales of resilience during the country’s tumultuous past. He had been a soldier, a protector of peace, and even now, years after the conflict had ebbed, his eyes sparkled with stories of patriotism and duty. “Our nation is like a garden,” he would say, “it needs tending, love, and sometimes sacrifice to bloom.”
Inspired by her father’s words, Moneydo dedicated herself to her community, working as a teacher at the local primary school. Her classroom was a cocoon of hope where children learned to read and write but also about their heritage. Every day, she instilled in them a sense of pride—stories of the rich culture and vibrant history of Liberia filled the air. Her passion for education morphed into an unyielding commitment to her nation, a small but critical thread in the fabric of national identity.
As her students flourished, a new tragedy loomed over the country. News broke of a humanitarian crisis in neighboring regions—a surge in violence, displacement, and urgent need for aid. Monbedo felt a pull deep within her—a calling to act, to stand up not just for her own community, but for her country and the greater West African region.
Emboldened by her conviction, Monbedo organized a community meeting at the local school. The small bamboo structure filled with familiar faces—parents, elders, and friends—came together to discuss how they could support the displaced families. Her voice rang strong and clear, filled with the fervor of youth and a sense of responsibility.
“We cannot turn a blind eye,” she proclaimed, her hands clasped tightly before her. “Our brothers and sisters are suffering. It is our duty as citizens to help them, to show them that we stand united as one nation.”
The discussions turned into action. Food, clothing, and supplies were collected from their small community, and her determination ignited a spirit of service that rippled through Buchanan. But Monbaydoe knew they needed more—medical supplies, funds for shelter, and volunteers to help in the crisis areas.
With the support of her neighbors, they set up a fundraising event. The night was filled with laughter, music, and joyous dancing—the spirit of the Liberian people shining bright. However, heavy on her heart was the reality that some would choose to serve in more direct ways. Volunteers began to enlist, including several of Monbedo's own former students, now young adults eager to make a difference.
In the weeks that followed, Monbedo joined the ranks, not as a soldier but as a civilian coordinator. She traveled to the affected areas, providing resources and education on safety and health. The journey was not easy; the roads were fraught with danger, and her heart raced with every challenge. Yet, she found courage in the faces of those she served. The smiles of children, the grateful eyes of families, each reminder of why she was there propelled her forward.
One evening, while helping to distribute supplies in a camp set up for the displaced, Monbaydoe was approached by a woman just like her, a mother with weary eyes. “You are brave,” the woman said, her voice shaky but firm. “You remind us that our country is still worth fighting for.”
Those words struck a chord deep within Monbedo’s heart. At that moment, she understood that her nationalism and patriotism came from serving others, from the duty to ensure that her nation—like her father’s garden—continued to thrive. She was not merely a teacher or a coordinator; she was a protector of her people’s dignity and hope.
As weeks turned into months, and the situation gradually improved, Monbedo returned to Buchanan with stories of resilience and triumph. When she stepped into her classroom once more, she carried with her the essence of her journey. She gathered her students, the twinkle of understanding igniting in their eyes.
“We are all part of a bigger story, my dear children,” she shared, her voice steady. “Patriotism isn’t just waving a flag; it’s standing up for what is right, caring for our neighbors, and nurturing peace. And together, we can make Liberia bloom.”
The children echoed her sentiment, their voices rising as they pledged to honor their country through service and compassion. As Monbedo looked out at their hopeful faces, her heart swelled with pride. She had answered the call of her nation, and in doing so, had planted the seeds of love and duty, ensuring that the garden of Liberia would indeed flourish.
