Johan Brugmans shares his favourite moments from his time in Monrovia and teaches us his favourite Liberian sayings.
Johan Brugmans has departed Liberia after almost two and a half years as Country Director, with fond memories of the vibrant West African nation.
It’s the friendliness, smiles, energy, and flavours of Liberia that will stay with Johan as he returns to life in the Netherlands.
“I enjoy Liberia very much, the people in Liberia are friendly, they are always greeting you, even if you don’t know them, on the street at the airport they like to greet you and have a chat, the people are direct and that’s similar in the Netherlands,” Johan said.
Johan’s African adventure with MAF began as a pilot in Chad, later transitioning to roles such as operations manager during his time in South Sudan. His journey eventually led him to Liberia, where he served as Country Director after a brief period in Kenya.
I enjoy Liberia very much, the people in Liberia are friendly, they are always greeting you, even if you don’t know them, on the street at the airport they like to greet you and have a chat, the people are direct and that’s similar in the Netherlands.
During his term, Johan faced significant challenges, notably in working with government officials and regulatory bodies.
He said a particularly trying time happened last year when flight operations faced regulatory issues, resulting in a temporary grounding that lasted almost a month.
But Johan has always found relief in the warmth and sincerity of the Liberian people. He proudly highlighted his efforts to restructure the Liberia programme, focusing on capacity building and infrastructure development.
“I have been working to invest in the MAF Liberia programme, building and leasing an office and getting more officers so we can grow as a team,” he said.
“A big project, together with the manager, was to build three brand new houses on the compound.’’
He has also focused on recruiting Liberian staff to key positions, including Adolphus Johnson as finance officer, James Dweh as stores officer, Peter Kaye as logistics officer and Rachel Gwole initially as booking officer and later as communications officer.
He emphasised the importance of mutual respect, regardless of cultural differences, and that included embracing the local food.
“The food is very challenging in Liberia, I really struggled with the spice,” he said.
“My favourite food in Liberia is the jollof rice, that I enjoyed.”
And if you want to learn Liberian English, Johan shared his favourite phrases.
“I have learned two sayings ‘how your body’ and ‘not small thing oh’ that’s Liberia way of greeting and when something pops up,” he said.
“I once said ‘how your body’ to my mom, and she was upset with me!”
Johan can look back fondly at MAF’s impact in Liberia, helping partner organisations to bring healthcare, education, and the Gospel to isolated communities. But he knows life elsewhere will be quieter for him.
“A friend said, you are moving back to Europe basically, you are moving from colour television to black and white,’’ he said.
‘’Life here is colourful on the street, there is always something happening the people are always willing to relate and talk to you and going back home, that is something I will really miss.”
I have learned two sayings ‘how your body’ and ‘not small thing oh’ that’s Liberia way of greeting and when something pops up.
The staff organized a ceremony and presenting him with thoughtful gifts such as a cultural shirt, picture frame, and culture bag it demonstrates their appreciation for his time and efforts during his term. Such gestures not only show gratitude but also reflect the bond and respect between Johan and his colleagues. It's wonderful to hear about workplaces where people are valued and celebrated in such meaningful ways. Staff bids a farewell message to Johan.
‘’On behalf of the departments it’s hard to say goodbye Johan, reflecting on our first interaction visiting MAF office for an interview, you offered a glass of coffee, and it was the first breakfast that I had, it described your level of friendship and flexibility as a Boss, I really appreciated the first interaction.’’
‘’Leaving the MAF Liberia program, I am very sad, I will miss you a lot, you were not a boss to all of us, we see you as a father and a great leader you bring yourself down to everybody, you visit each staff office to encourage them, you will be miss by the team, we love you so much. May God be with you and your wife.’’ Says Rachel Gwole
On the occasion, Johan was pleased by the kind words mentioned from the staff, he was overwhelmed and he made his final words to all the staff members.
''First, thank you very much for all your kind words and gifts, I really appreciate it. If I try to summarize the words that I heard from the staff, it seems like I am down to earth, I am straight, I am a mentor these are words that I felt deeply, and this is exactly how I want to be.’’
‘’As a country Director in African context, they will look up to you, I am the Boss, I must make decision but, I am like you, we are all the same. I remember someone carry bag in the office I feel uncomfortable, with that I am someone next to you. All the words mentioned, if that’s my legacy in Liberia I am a very happy man, maybe the planes are falling from the sky but, I am well pleased.’’ Says, Johan
‘’It’s being such a joy to work with all of you, I have enjoyed the time in Liberia, I am pleased to inform you, we are leaving Liberia because of health issues we are not leaving MAF, in the coming weeks we will see what God will bring to us in the future.’’ Says, Johan
‘’I will miss the team, if I look at all of you, there’s a special story to tell and to get to know each other, it’s very sad to leave behind and to say goodbye to all of you, you are welcome to our home it is open to receive you, if you are opportune to visit Netherlands.’’ Says, Johan
It’s being such a joy to work with all of you, I have enjoyed the time in Liberia, I am pleased to inform you, we are leaving Liberia because of health issues we are not leaving MAF in the coming weeks we will see what God will bring to us in the future.
Johan, sadly told the current Country Director to look after the MAF Liberia team, they are a small team but, very hard working and committed in serving.
‘’Prayer to you Leon Prinsloo, please treat the team with love, it’s a good team, Rachel mentioned a word in her speech saying, ‘’I am a father’’ leading a team, a father is so loving and caring but, sometimes a father discipline and correcting people, and not to be a bad guy but, also to keep people in a straight path. I am hoping and praying for you Leon, leading this team, I think you will hopefully enjoy as much as I did and to you MAF Liberia staff, please embrace Leon.’’ Says, Johan.
Leon Prinsloo, was glad to fill in the position and he promised to work along with the team of MAF Liberia.
‘’I promised to lead the team Johan, I once turn the office to you and here’s another great moment returning the office again, I am impressed by all the kind words from the staff, it tells how diligently you have served with love, care, and kindness. I am just strange to few staff members but, all of us will work together for the betterment of MAF Liberia goal. Thank you so much for the addition that you have made within the program.’’ Says, Leon Prinsloo
