ADVENTURES DURING MY FIRST WEEK:
1) The plan was for me to land in Abuja (the capitol of Nigeria) for change of flight crew and continue on to Kano. As I waited with the other passengers, I observed a group of Nigerian ladies across the room, two who had newborn babies. They surprised me by crossing the room and sitting down next to me! They did not acknowledge me at first, but began speaking to each other in Hausa. I spoke up and for the next 3 ½ hours I laughed and shared stories with my new Nigeria friends!
We then found out that KLM was going to put us into a hotel because they had to cancel the flight to Kano due to zero visibility because of the harmattan (sand blowing in off Sahara). Praise God I did not have all of my 20 boxes with me (shipped out earlier) because it would have been impossible to take all of them to the hotel, along with all the other passengers' baggage. We booked into the Sheraton (!) and I finally crashed at 4:00am. At 7:00am we learned that KLM was going to take us to Kano by car (5 hour drive). Abuja is actually closer to Jos, in the other direction. So after praying and calling SIM, I jumped into a taxi and took the 3 ½ hour drive to Jos (again, yeah for minimal luggage)! It was a great introduction to Nigeria. We passed by villages where little children played in the yard, women carrying loads on their heads, cars jammed with people and goats, beautiful rock formations and so much more. I praised God all the way to my new home- for the honor to be here to share His love with others. I knew that because so many people were praying, I had been kept safe and had joy despite the circumstances of unexpected change.
2) The driving here is so different than in the States. There are unspoken rules of the road - necessary since there are no stop signs, traffic lights, lanes, or even street signs. It definitely provides a rush!
3) I love my new home! I live in a one-bedroom apartment in a small complex owned by SIM. By the end of the month, the building will be full with 4 men and 4 women missionaries and the Hammack's, a couple who help us to thrive in our new lives. Every evening us singles meet for dinner. It is such a blessing to have singles to spend time with to encourage and edify each other.
4) I met Praise, a Nigerian about my age, who Leslie Pelt (missionary from Moody Church) asked to come check on me. I look forward to building this friendship.
5) Shopping! This has proven to be a time to hunt for treasures. The 2 main stores I shop at are only about 50 feet in length and 20 feet in width- but have more than you would think. I found Dr. Pepper and was so excited! It is a treasure hunt, because you never know what you will find on the shelves. The market place is great- fresh fruits, vegetables, fabric, clothing, and the opportunity to try out my bartering skills. Shopping definitely wipes a person out!
6) Yesterday Mary, GayLynn (my neighbors) and I went to a small store at a corner where we bought beautiful matching Nigerian dresses and head wraps, bracelets and a necklace. We are performing the oldies hit "I Will Survive"- rewritten for what each of us has had to survive- for the talent show at SIM's Spiritual Life Conference Jan.7-11. I cannot carry a tune, but have been practicing drumming on a jimbae (African drum)
7) I visited Transition House, a branch of Gidan Bege, where about 60 boys live. They have shown responsibility, a desire to stay off the streets, and have committed their lives to the Lord. I was overwhelmed with joy to finally be with 'my boys' I have been thinking about for so long! They are precious and I cannot wait to share stories of them with you over the years.
8) NEPA (Nigerian Electric Power Association) - aka Not Ever Power Always- goes off sporadically throughout the day, for unknown amounts of time. The other night I made spaghetti on my gas stove by candlelight. I had to laugh and say "If they could see me now." You who know me know I cannot cook w/ all the conveniences of the States!
9) I brought in 2004 alone with the Lord, praising Him for all He has done in 2003 and looking forward to what He will do in 2004. On New Years Day I visited a local church celebration. I was also blessed to celebrate my 26th birthday with my new family.
