First legitimate blog from Nigeria

Yes! The 10 boxes made it with me to Nigeria. Yes! I was able to sleep on the planes (at least a little). Yes! I survived the trip to Jos, even though we got stopped on the road for an hour by some lovely people - but were allowed to pass with no harm done. Thanks for praying!!!

Now I have settled in bit, wanted to share my welcome back party --

Before I went to Transition House, where the kids live, I called and let them know I was on my way and Alex said to wait twenty minutes. I knew something was up. So when I arrived, all the staff were outside to greet me and welcome me back. As I hugged them, I kept looking around for the kids and they started laughing. "Ok, I said, " I love you all but I really want to see the boys." I was told that the kids were hiding and that I would have to find them. I figured it was pretty tough to hide 70 boys, but it took awhile for me to find them. Finally, a little black head was spotted peaking from behind a wall and off running I went to get them! It was a wonderful reunion with lots of laughing and whistling and so forth. After praise and worship, I passed out bread and cokes. THEN came the gifts of jersey's for every boy, which they loved!!!



I am still trying to figure out how to get these pics in place on my blogs, but here you go. Will figure that out another time. :)

My dear friend Laurie, from Chicago, passed away last Monday, April 23rd.

I received the message when I arrived in Nigeria on Wednesday. It is such a shock and it is difficult to grieve when I am on the other side of the world. I take some comfort in the fact that she and I had a wonderful time together in Chicago when I visited in September. Here is a pic of us enjoying a Chicago Bears game together.

Back In Nigeria!

Just a quick post to let you know that I have arrived safely in Nigeria. The 40+ hour trip was pretty uneventful - which is a great thing!

I cannot get online every day, which is an adjustment, and it makes it a bit difficult to get a good blog to you at this point. I am borrowing my friend's computer at the moment and wanted to just send a shout of praise to God for His faithfulness and protection.

More to come!

Dreaming of a white... Easter?

What a treat to watch snow fall from the Texas skies the day before Easter! My parents and I marvelled at how beautiful the snow looks against the green grass and trees.

I have two more weeks in the States and lots of things are extra special to me, because I know I will be saying good-bye to them soon...cream cheese, constant electricity, anonymity, cream cheese, quiet afternoons, card games with my families, pizza, broadband, good water pressure, Sonic Drive-In, no lines at the gas station, mexican food, Wal-Mart, movie theaters, and of course, Starbucks (thank goodness for those gift cards!).

But wait, what am I thinking? I can look forward to:

mangoes, tropical storms (those are incredible!), palm trees, dancing in church, walking everywhere, bargaining for food prices, seeing my two dogs, spending time with my dear friends Ritmua and Lami, and ......

SEEING MY BOYS!!!!! WHOO - HOO!!! I am SO excited to see the kids!!!!