Day 39 to 47

This is probably going to be my last proper blog update for a while because I go travelling for six weeks from Tuesday 22nd. I hope to get some internet access but I don’t know when it will be. I won’t be able to keep up the long diary style updates either which will be a relief to some of you!

Day 39 (Sunday 13th March)
I got up nice and early for the 8am church service. I still can’t get used getting up early for church. I went to Bishara 2 again with Abi, and we took Bethan and Ali. The girls had to go through the embarrassing welcome which was entertaining for Abi and I. The teaching was good about working hard and resisting evil, but the verse (Rev 2:1-7) was taken a little out of context, the message was good all the same. I wore my Nigerian outfit again which is so hot, and the seats are so uncomfortable. It was quite funny that the ushers were going around waking up the Nigerians who had fallen asleep. I could never fall asleep sitting on the pews they have.

After church I chilled out on my own for a couple of hours watching a Terry Virgo sermon, and having lunch. I really miss the KCC teaching and need to try and download the ones since I’ve left if I manage to get a half decent internet connection. I may try and get someone to send them to me by post when I’ve been away a bit longer. Talking of post, I can and would love to receive it! Don’t forget it’s my birthday Mum on the 31st May, you can send my card to:

Neil Harknett (Mission Africa)
Care Of SUM/CRC Compound
PO Box 261
Jos
Plateau State
Nigeria

After lunch I updated my blog and sent my prayer letter out, hopefully you received it!

I then went to Transition House with the girls. It’s the place I don’t work at which has the older boys after Gyero. They had a worship / dance type evening. I was the only Baturi guy and it reminded me why I refuse to dance under any circumstance unless it’s late at night, dark, and I’ve had a Jάger Mojito with a certain friend who knows who he is! So anyway I’m there, and the Nigerians, many of whom think they are American in their dress and dancing style are giving it large. Every Nigerian is born with a natural dancing gift, that the British seriously lack. Bethan, Ali and Abi were fine because they’re girls, can kinda dance, and were loving it. I tried to hide from the enthusiastic Nigerians but kept getting dragged by them to dance, so ended up looking like Mr Bean and standing out a little. They seemed to find it quite funny, and I felt a little stupid.

After we went back to the girls and made pizza. It was ok, but I’m already looking forward to the food when I get home in six months.

Day 40 (Monday 14th March)
It’s day 40, and it’s getting hotter and hotter. Forty days and nights of rain would be quite appreciated! I have been trying to not stress out and rely on God and failing miserably, and woke up this morning not sure how today or the days this week would pan out. After a few texts and phone calls it turned out today was a free day in terms of meetings etc so I decided to go to Gidan Bege to show my face and update Joseph who runs it. We had a good chat about all sorts including finding out more about each other’s family etc (a very Nigerian thing to do).

After Gidan Bege I went to what’s going to be known as the half way house. It’s just been bought and is part of the brothels ministry. It’s going to be a place where prostitutes wanting to escape the brothels can go and be helped before hopefully being reintegrated into society. It’s a really impressive massive house which was once beautiful, but needs a lot of work.

After I spent a bit of time with the girls before coming home to have some Neil time. I read Luke 12v22-34 which was a huge encouragement, and just what I needed based on everything spinning round my head. Also I found out tonight that I’ve been promised a car by SIM, the organisation who run City Ministries when I return to Jos in May. This is a huge relief, and massive and fast answer to prayer because I didn’t think it was going to be possible.

Day 41 (Tuesday 15th March)
Today was a day dominated by meetings. I travelled out to Gyero with Anne-Karin for a meeting with Sunday the Nigerian administrator of the school and then with the teachers. We mainly discussed the changes that are happening there, and how they feel about the person who is leaving. They were downcast and came across as pretty upset, but were happy that they have someone stepping in. I explained to them that I’m not a qualified teacher and that my experience is in managing and training adults, but that I could transfer the skills. I also explained that I am working at Gidan Bege and overseeing the teaching there as well so I will be very stretched. I told them all to remember Philippians 4v13, and also that we don’t understand God’s plans, but he works all things together for his and our good. After Gyero we travelled back to Jos and had a finance meeting with a few relevant people.

The Mission Africa girls and I went to Pamela’s (one of the long term missionaries) house for dinner. We had sweet and sour, and then mango crumble for pudding which was yum.

I’ve got a feeling this week is going to be crazy trying to prepare for my new role before I go away, and I’m exhausted already. I’m looking to God for my strength, gritting my teeth, and going for it!

Day 42 (Wednesday 16th March)
I met with Lynsey first thing, and then went to Gidan Bege for their teachers meeting. Anne – Karin and I explained the changes to my role, and that I will only be there one day a week rather than full time going forward. They seemed quite despondent, but I explained the reasons why and I hope they understand. Anne-Karin gave them some very in depth training on lesson plans, which I will follow up in six weeks when I’m back in Jos and in my new role. After the meeting I went to town and picked up my two new Nigerian outfits, and then spent a good while in the mobile phone shop trying to sort out and buy a dongle. It took ages, and to register it you have to give them finger prints and they take your picture. I’m writing this on Saturday 19th and it’s still not working so I’m very annoyed because I really need proper internet access, especially for my new role.

I spent the evening at the girls house, we got a takeaway from Kingsbite which is the Lebanese run restaurant.

Day 43 (Thursday 17th March)
I went to Transition House with the girls first thing for a meeting with Elisha who is in charge of all the centres (Gyero, Gidan Bege, Transition House, Kagoro etc). After we went to town to do some shopping. Apparently we have to buy our own buckets for our bucket showers in Kagoro, and another one to flush the toilet. We had a big debate about how many buckets we need and settled on four because there are two showers and two toilets, and only one person can use each one at a time (although I’m sure the girls will go to the toilet together because it seems to be part of their genetic makeup. We went to the Net Cafe (which bizarrely doesn’t have a single computer) to get some lunch, and then went to the mobile shop to try and sort sims and internet for Lynsay. We then had another meeting with Anne-Karin.

I picked up some of the Uncles from TH because the girls were cooking dinner. We had a really fun evening, and played mafia. It was great to have some guys around, because I’m the only short term guy out of Mission Africa and SIM.


Day 44 (Friday 18th March)
I’m trying to pick up the pace with writing because it’s Monday and I’m meant to be packing to leave Jos tomorrow for six weeks.

Today was a significant day because it was my last day at Gyero to ask questions etc before I’m on my own. I travelled out there with Katie and Anne-Karin, and was given the keys for the school which made it feel quite official. I spent the day looking through all the school resources with Anne-Karin, working out what they have etc and trying to sort things in to some kind of order. One of the kids fell over and cut his knee so I presented him to Katie because she’s the nurse and likes that kind of stuff. We moved the resources to a new store room which doesn’t have a hole in the roof, and then realised that the padlock didn’t fit because the wall was in the way. I decided the best way to resolve the issue was to knock a hole in the wall with a hoe I found. It worked well, and I was proud of my handiwork. It’s really funny that Nigerians can’t tell how old Baturis are in the same way we struggle with their ages. One of the Nigerians asked if I was Anne-Karin’s son (he’s eight). I found it quite amusing.

I got home from Gyero and had a meeting with Lynsey and then later went to the Fretheims for their Friday shin dig. After Ricky and I went to Barcardi lounge for some man time. We played a game of pool, which I won. There were a couple of Nigerian guys watching who wanted to play the winner. The guy said to Ricky that he could play well and that I’m rubbish. I played him though because I had beaten Ricky. He was pretty good, and had one ball left plus the black. I came to the table, fluked a pot, then cleared up five balls in a row for the win. The Nigerian guy looked devastated, and like it as the end of the world, Ricky and I found it very amusing. The guys wanted Ricky’s phone number so they could introduce us to some girls. Ricky politely said no thanks, I’m married and we made our exit.

Day 45 (Saturday 19th March)
Today was an awesome day, and wish I had more time to go into detail. We went to a place called Sherri Hills which is about half an hour outside of Jos with all the Mission Africa girls plus a couple of Hillcrest teachers, Katie and Fiona from SIM, and Nigerian Uncles from TH and Gidan Bege. The day was boiling hot, but it didn’t stop us making the crazy rock climb to the top of the rock. Hopefully I’ve managed to put some pics below to explain.

After I went to a hotel for lunch with The Hillcrest & SIM guys. We had Suya which was spicy, but lovely. We drove back to the girls compound, and one of the guys with us, Dan, who has a massive car drove through a wall in their compound because he didn’t see it. It was really funny, and his car was fine.

I spent the evening with Katie, Fiona, and Phil at Dan’s house. We played band hero which was incredibly funny, especially trying to sing Wanabe and YMCA.

Day 46 (Sunday 20th March)
I went to the same church again called ECWA Bishara 2 with the MA girls. When we got back to their compound we got a security alert saying that there had been an attempted bombing at a church in Jos. The attempt failed and the two men accidentally blew themselves up instead of the church. As far as I’m aware nobody else died, and nobody from the mission community goes to the church involved. It’s a reminder though of the potential dangers in Jos, and that we shouldn’t get complacent. (We got a security alert for expected trouble this morning, Monday, for trouble in town because of a rally so we’re remaining careful).

I spent the afternoon and evening with Fiona, Katie and Phil at Hillcrest which is probably the safest compound in Jos.

Day 47 (Monday 21st March)
This is the last day before going away for six months. We will be back in Jos next weekend briefly, but after that we will be away until the 2nd May. I had a fairly relaxed day which involved getting money in the morning, and then embarking on getting my hair cut which took all day. I let Abi loose on it because it’s going to be boiling hot when we’re away and I wanted it nice and short. I kinda like it which I wasn’t expecting.

There was some tension in Jos centre which we all were well away from, but it kept some of our friends from visiting us until later on. We learnt some puppet skills from Samsung and Jabez (Nigerian friends) which was good fun. I kept going in to an American accent by mistake which sounded funny. The boys cooked dinner for us which was awesome, we had jolloff rice or however you spell it.

I drove to Hillcrest to spend the evening with Phil (one of the teachers), but my car ran out of petrol halfway there. I knew it was nearly empty but was hoping to last until tomorrow because then Luka will fill it up for me. Ricky came and rescued me with a can of petrol so all was well.

I have had a crazy week which I will explain as you read this update, so sorry that it’s taken me ages to update my blog.

Day 30 (Friday 4th March)
Luka picked me up bright and early and drove me to Gidan Bege, I still find it a bit strange being driven by a driver. I taught a phonics lesson, and had to punish the two new boys for fighting with each other in the lesson. It is really hard for us to punish the boys because they have nothing you can take away from them, and we won’t beat them, so I opted for the kneeling method. In Nigeria it is usual to make children kneel for an hour with their hands on their head which is extremely painful I’m told. I did it for two minutes which did the trick because they loved me when I told them sit back in their seats and not do it again.

When school had finished Joseph, the Nigerian who runs Gidan Bege invited me to his house for some lunch. He gave me Gwete which is a bit soup like, and very spicy. It has tomatoes, spinach and maize type stuff in it, but is so spicy you can’t taste what’s in it. It made my lips tingle a smidgen but was actually quite nice.

After Gidan Bege I went to the other compound and had my first experience on a machine (motorbike). It was on the back of Jabez’s bike (Abi’s boyfriend) and only between the two compounds so I felt safe.

In the evening I went to Friday at the the Fretheims with Lynsey. We had lots of food, and after we had yummy chocolate cake and other nice stuff.

Day 31 (Saturday 5th March)
Today was carnival day at Hillcrest School, so we went to America for the day. It is so strange because you go through the compound gates and it feels like you’ve been transported to an American high school. It was a really hot day (the weather is getting hotter and hotter here). They had a water slide for the children that we couldn’t resist so Abi, Lynsey, Niffer and I all went on it fully clothed. See video below if it works! It was fun and we dried out really quickly.

We also did archery, and ate candy floss or cotton candy as our American friends call it.

In the evening we made pizzas, my chef skills were required to make authentic pizza sauce which went down quite well. We then spent the evening playing virtual find the thimble which sounds a tad geeky, but it kept us amused for a while.

Day 32 (Sunday 6th March)
I got up at crazy o’clock for church which starts at 8am. Abi and I went to the same church as last week, Ecwa Bashara 2. I wore my kaftan again which is hot, but I love wearing Nigerian clothes. The sermon was a little odd, a lot about geography, and commenting on the British Empire. Also there was some content I can’t discuss on here. After the service we thought it best to go and see the pastor because we didn’t last week. We were invited into his office and introduced to all the elders, they were very welcoming and gave us minerals. At the end I really needed to ‘ease myself’ as the Nigerians say, and was directed to the toilets. It was a big mistake because there was a hole in the ground which was impossible to see when you closed the door and were left in pitch darkness. It was a case of aim and hope, which is what everyone before had done so you also had to avoid the puddles, nice!

After church I was told that the plan to go to Abuja tomorrow had changed and I was going in 2 hours. This was a little crazy. I am going to Abuja with Lynsey to meet the two new girls Ali and Bethan who have finally got their visas. I’m very excited about them arriving and going to meet them. I will get all of Monday in Abuja which is the capital before they arrive early Tuesday morning.

Luka and Zongo the other Mission Africa driver drove us to Abuja. On the way we saw a horrible accident which involved a car under a lorry. Lynsey and I didn’t look, but it was probably fatal and isn’t a nice thing to drive right next to.

We arrived at Billy and Linda’s house in Abuja who look after the long termers in Nigeria amongst other things, it was good to meet them. Lynsey and I then went to a place called Drumstix which is a little like KFC. It was very exciting to have the first fast food since arriving in Nigeria. Abuja is strange because in some ways it is very western, it’s a massive culture shock from Jos, but still a world away from the UK. In Abuja I could wear shorts, and Lynsey could wear more western clothes.

Lynsey and I stayed at the Baptist guest house and had air con in our rooms which was amazing. It was 33C at night in Abuja! I had a comfy nights sleep in a comfy bed.

I saw this washing up liquid on the same morning I got my letter from Joy.

Day 33 (Monday 7th March
This morning was exciting because I got a letter. I don’t think I’ve already explained that before I came I was given a letter a month to take with me by my friends Gaz and Joy. Today was a letter from Joy which was really encouraging. Lynsey and I had homemade muffins for breakfast which were yummy, and then headed out. We went to a craft market where I bought some cool stuff including a real snakeskin wallet. We were getting fed up with being hassled so I pretended to be Portuguese and not speak English with one of the men trying to sell things. The problem was he thought he could speak Portuguese so I had to keep throwing in Portuguese sounding words in mixed with some Hausa. Lynsey found it hard to contain her laughing but I managed to carry it off, and even bargain with him and bring the price of the Nigerian hat down from ₦3000 (£12.65) to ₦800 (£3.40).

After the market we went to a proper supermarket which was a little like Aldi, but expensive. We didn’t buy anything. We went to another fast food place called Southern Fried Chicken for lunch which was expensive but lush. After we went to the Sheriton Hotel to use their swimming pool. It was a strange experience because it was full of baturis. The pool was amazing, and it was us and the cabin crew from the KLM flight. Because KLM is Dutch (I think) the pilots who were getting on in years, and not afraid of a pie or two were wearing Speedos. Not a pleasant site, but things were balanced out by the air hostesses who were young, blonde and tanned.

We went back to Billy and Linda’s house to have showers and get ready to go out. We stayed at their house the second night because they left to go back to the UK for their break. I had my first bucket shower because they don’t have a shower in their guest room. It was made harder by the fact that there as no NEPA and we couldn’t work out how to use the generator. So it was pitch black. We went out to get food and bought shwarmas. They are basically a toasted wrap with chicken and stuff in them. It was amazing, but the spiciest thing I have ever eaten in my life. Lynsey and I really struggled to eat them, and our lips were numb. Luka and Zongo managed to fix the electricity using a pair of pliers. There was something wrong with the switch that switches from NEPA to the gen. There were lots of sparks, but it worked. That night I had no aircon, so was sleeping in 33C heat with only a fan. It will be worse in a few weeks when we go to Ugugu.

Day 34 (Tuesday 8th March)
I got up at 4.30am today to go and meet the girls from the airport. I was tired but remembered how tired I was when I arrived and nothing can beat that. It was exciting to see them, and we chatted lots on the way to Jos which took 5 and a half hours. We got to Jos at 11.45am, and were hot and tired when we arrived. We all had lunch with Ricky and Angie. Lynsey didn’t come back to Jos, she went to Ugugu with the other new short termer, Lyndey who came on the same flight. She is there for a week, so Abi and I will help them settle in along with Ricky and Angie.

After the girls had slept Abi and I cooked spag bowl for them Nigerian style. Abi’s contribution was stirring the spaghetti and making a mess everywhere. Mum and Dad phoned while we were eating, I loved hearing from them. We all got an early night because we were so tired.

Day 35 (Wednesday 9th March)
Today was spent starting to show the girls Jos and helping them settle. We went food shopping, and for lunch went to Hillcrest and bought Suya and Fried Irish. After lunch I had a meeting at Gidan Bege with Anne-Karin and the teachers. A-K is going home for four months soon, and will be away until after the school year finishes. We chatted about the option of me taking on some of her role and overseeing the teaching at Gidan Bege. This is an exciting opportunity which I am looking forward to.

We all had dinner at Ricky and Angie’s, and after had a safety meeting so that the girls are aware of all the safety stuff.

Day 36 (Thursday 10th March)
I woke up, and the compound siren went off. This is the emergency siren which goes off if there is an intruder in the compound. I got a call from the guards because they thought I had set it off, but it wasn’t me. Luckily it was a false alarm.

Abi and I took the girls to town to go cloth shopping. They bought quite a bit, we went to my friendly Muslim man and I bought another cloth from him. He called the tailor and I gave him the cloth and another one to make two more Kaftans for me. The girls found it very amusing that I had to try and explain to him that I wanted a flap in the front of the trousers. I had to use a combination of actions, Hausa, and English.

We went to the Net Cafe and bought ice creams and bumped in to Anne-Karin. We were due to take the girls to Gidan Bege to meet A-K so we gave her a lift. A-K, Abi and I introduced them to the staff and boys, it was the first ministry they had seen. Joseph who runs GB chatted with all of us for ages explaining to the girls all that goes on at GB. He is a really passionate and inspiring man.
A-K talked to me and told me that someone at Gyero who oversees the school is leaving suddenly and very soon. She asked if I would consider taking on some of her responsibilities. Everything is very sketchy at the moment, but I am praying and seeking God’s guidance. After A-K, Joseph and I had a meeting to discuss my role at GB and the changes being planned. I can’t discuss details yet, partly because I don’t know them, but when I return to Jos in 6 weeks after the elections it looks like I will be spending most of my time at Gyero helping the school, and one day a week at Gidan Bege taking the staff meeting, doing observations etc. It’s all a little crazy.

We spent the evening at Niffers and had vegetable stir-fry and some good conversation.

Day 37 (Friday 11th March)
I woke up early and got a lift to Gyero with Anne-Karin so we could have a meeting to discuss the changes to my role further. Bethan and Ali came later with Ricky and Luka so they could be introduced to Gyero. We played with the kids at break time, and then I took them to each of the classes to introduce them properly. After that I had another meeting with A-K, Nicky who is on the leadership committee, and Jege, the Nigerian administrator of the school.

Luka drove the girls, Ricky, Noah and I home, Ali sat in the boot because there wasn’t room which she seemed to enjoy. Ali, Bethan and I spent the afternoon planning for our Kagoro trip which starts on the 21st for 3 weeks while the elections are on.

Bethan, Ali and I then went to Friday at the Fretheims for dinner. I was given the job of introducing them to everyone. I ended up having another meeting With Nicky and Peter Fretheim. One big concern I have at the moment is transport. I will need to get to Gyero each day, and there doesn’t appear to be a car for me or realistic transport options. This is a big prayer request along with the craziness of the whole thing.

Day 38 (Saturday 12th March)
Sorry that I’m getting a bit lazy with my updates, I’m really struggling to keep up with my blog without my eyes closing!

Today Abi and I took the girls to town to show them the market and to go cloth shopping. Ali and I managed to avoid a potentially sticky situation with a man in a cloth shop. I can’t go in to details here, but it involved him questioning our motives for being in Nigeria and he was quite confrontational. We managed to walk away from the situation. My sister Niki phoned when I was in the middle of the market, it was lovely to hear her voice. (Never thought I’d say that, lol).

After we went to Mashia which a ministry giving women with HIV/AIDS the opportunity to make some money by making various things from cloth. I didn’t buy anything this time, but the stuff was really good.

After we went to the Mission Africa prayer meeting, it was good to all spend time together. After I came home to chill and update my blog.

Day 22 - 29

Day 22 (Thursday 24th Feb)
Not much to write about today, I had a day working from home which was so relaxing, and I really needed the break. I spent much of the day planning discipleship for the boys at GB. I felt led the title “Only God can heal your heart”, and it developed from there. I’m using “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51v10 (ESV). I’ve spent a good amount of time cutting out hearts from pink card, trying to be artistic with glitter glue (it really does look like a child did it) and sticking plasters on things. I’m going with the idea that you can stick a plaster on the outside but not the inside. I think the whole thing kinda works. I spent quite a lot of time chilling with God, which was such a relief from my hectic days I’ve been having.

I popped to Ricky and Angie’s in the evening to update my blog, and while I was there it started to rain. It’s the first rain of the season and it is pouring, I was so excited I nearly ran outside to do a rain dance but figured it was a bit too wet. Jos will soon turn from brown to lush and green, it’s very early for it to start, but should signal some cooler weather.


Day 23 (Friday 25th Feb)
Fridays are a half day working for us because we need to leave work before the Muslim’s kick out of prayers which is when there can be trouble. I taught a lesson of phonics at GB, and taught the meaning of some of the words which they didn’t know by drawing and acting very enthusiastically. I managed to draw a cat, and hat. I demonstrated the noise a cat makes, and showed them what a bat was by using my water bottle to hit bits of chalk across the classroom. I seemed to engage them!

I took one of the boys out of the next lesson while they were taught by another teacher because he was crying. We had a chat which was really hard because of his tears and broken English. I found out that he is sad because he’s not allowed to go to a wedding which his mum will be at, and he hasn’t seen her for a year. He was given up by his mum who is disabled I think because his mum remarried and her new husband didn’t want him. I had the challenge of trying to explain to him that his mum was free to come and visit him any time, and that he was being stopped from going to the wedding for his own good. (I don’t fully understand why, but I trust it’s for his own good and think it’s probably to do with the fact that if his mum hasn’t bothered to come and see him in a year, it may not go down well if he turned up at a wedding with one of us). I tried to talk to him about the family he has at GB, and that God is his ultimate daddy, but how do you tell a kid his mum doesn’t want him? It was so sad, and it’s hard to not let it affect me, but I stayed strong and gave him a cuddle (I haven’t seen the boys being given physical affection at GB).

School finished early at 11.30 so there could be a staff meeting before I needed to leave, we went over the new timetable which includes me. There seems very little for me to do on it, which I’m finding quite challenging, but trusting that more opportunities will open up for me as I gain the trust and hopefully respect of those I’m working with.

After school I went to collect my caftan (Nigerian outfit, can’t spell it). There were no parking spaces anywhere so I thought I would try my charm on the armed man guarding a bank and it’s parking spaces. I asked him very nicely if I could quickly park there, he pointed to the no parking sign and said no, I smiled and he let me, but said if I was more than 30 minutes they would burst my tires. (The standard parking enforcement method here). I went to the cloth shop I bought the cloth from and they went to get the tailor. It wasn’t finished so I had to go get my car, and they made a space outside the shop for me. They took me to where he worked to hurry them up. It was a bit of real Nigeria in the middle of the city, they took me down a little alley way behind the shops where they were drawing water from a well etc. I watched the man finish making my outfit, I was really impressed with the speed he was working. I tried it on and it fits perfectly, I’m going to wear it to church on Sunday which will get a few laughs from the baturis and Nigerians. When I left the shop it was a little odd driving past tanks and military men with machine guns, but I’m getting used to the realities here.

I had a quiet evening because nobody was up for the Fretheims.

Day 24 (Saturday 26th Feb)
I had a semi lay in and got up at 8 to go shopping because my only hope of breakfast, a loaf of bread, was mouldy and I couldn’t face scraping it off, and toasting it on the hob using two knives like chop sticks. I bumped in to Niffer at the shop, and she told me she was up for some chicken, but had never cooked a whole chicken before. I was like your 31 and never cooked a chicken! So I gave her some guestimated instructions, and was invited over for dinner. I bought some cheese which cost a third of my weekly food budget but is so worth it, one of the most exciting moments since I arrived! I spent the day preparing discipleship material for GB next week all about creation. God didn’t bless me with creative abilities, but he keeps giving me ideas to use so I’m grateful for that. Later I went over to Niffer and Lynseys to cook the chicken for them because Lynsey also had no idea what to di with it. Abi arrived today who is the short termer who has been here for 6 months and went home for a wedding the day before I arrived. It’s great to have another short term Mission Africa person here and she’s even English (ish). Niffer, Lynsey, Abi and I spent the evening eating, chilling out and chatting. Ruth the chicken belongs to Abi, so she was really excited to see her again, and how much she’s grown. I’m not convinced Ruth is a she so we decided to try and sex her. We carefully chose our search terms on Google and managed to find out some methods. The signs appear to show that she is a he, but apparently the professional way is to turn her over, squeeze a certain area and see if anything pops out. Lynsey held her, and had the job of squeezing. I know I’m not a profession chicken sexer, but I couldn’t make anything pop out, so either Ruth is an unfortunate boy, I’m a rubbish chicken sexer, or a girl. I’m airing more on the rubbish chicken sexer option, but all will become obvious when she gets a bit bigger. The other option is that our very reliable source of information relating to exing of chickens (Wikipedia) was incorrect!

Day 25 (Sunday 27th Feb)
Abi was up for going to a new church so we tried out one called ECWA gospel no.2. It was packed, and we ended up somewhere near the front ish and in the middle. They asked anyone who was new to put their hand up, which we had to do as the only Baturis because we stood out. We were the only new people, we had to fill out a welcome card. They welcomed us by name from the front, and then sang us a song with the whole band etc. Then everyone looked at us and wanted to shake our hand etc. They asked us to come and sit on a special bench at the front for new people where everyone can look at us, Abi prodded me and refused so we stayed where we were. I think they will let us off as stupid Baturis. The worship wasn’t great, they only sang one song. The sermon was great, but was from a visiting preacher. I still don’t feel I’ve found a church I’m at home in which is a struggle.

After church Abi and I had lunch with Ricky and Angie. We had lasagne and chips which had been made by their new Nigerian cook and was really nice by the standards of food here. After lunch because Abi can’t be in the car on her own as her male friend Jabez I drove them on a trip to pick up his mum (who works at GB with me) from a womans conference. It was a bit of a drive out of the city, but was good to see a new area. I spent the evening with Abi, Lynsey and Niffer chilling and chatting about nothingness.

Day 26 (Monday 28th Feb)
I have no car this week because it is being used to take one of the short termers home from Ugugu, so I am relying on lifts. I was picked up by our driver Luka and Ricky at 11.30. On the way a car cut in front of us in a way which was bad even by Nigerian standards. Luka shouted something at him in Hausa which ended in a very pronounced Wawa. Ricky and I figured it was the most important word on the exchange and found out it means idiot. It has become our new favourite word and many sentences and texts contain it.

I hung out with the boys at GB, for lunch I bought fried yam on the street which cost me ₦50 (21p) which I thought was a bargain! I used the words tu wahala meaning you’re trouble and wawa on them a fair bit. They seemed to find it amusing. Mathew who is the boy who should be at Gyero, but is there because he is really ill chatted with me quite a bit. He is incredibly cute, and has made a genuine commitment as far as I can tell. He was telling me all his favourite verses and reading to me. I gave him one to keep hold of which means a lot to me as my baptism verse, Psalm 119v9. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” I pray that he pays more attention to it than I have in my life.

I had some sad news that Daniel may be choosing to leave. I don’t understand the details, but he’s been told that if he leaves he can’t come back. I hope that he realises the life he has at GB is so much better than what he wants to run away to.

Two new boys arrived at GB today. They don’t speak any English so it’s hard to communicate with them, I got the others to help translate. They are very wary, and it’s hard to speak to them. I gave one of them some of my yam which made him a bit more attentive to me!

Day 27 (Tuesday 1st Mar)
Today was really frustrating! Luka was meant to pick me up to take me to GB at 12, but he hadn’t arrived at 2. I text him and he said he would be with me at 3 (this means 3 at the earliest in Nigerian, and likely to be later). There was no point in going because I have to leave by 4 and had plans for 4.30. I spent the day listening to Ben Rowes Breakout preach which was just what I needed, reading my bible, and starting to plan a talk on judgement day which has been laid on my heart. It’s going to be about nominal Christianity, and separating of lambs and goats, very appropriate for Nigeria.

I walked to the other compound which took a while and waited for them to get ready. We all went to a bbq for Rachel who works for Wycliffe’s birthday. On the way we went the shop to buy some meat. We have no idea what we ended up with, but we hope beef burgers and can only guess what was in the ‘flying farmer’ sausages. We had a fun evening, and it was the first meat meat that I’ve had since being in Nigeria. The burgers were yum, and the sausages interesting. I still have no idea what was in them.

After the bbq I went back to Lynsey and Niffers with Abi. We watched prison break on dvd. I went on Facebook and chatted to Bethan who is one of the two short termers coming to Jos very soon hopefully. I feel so sorry for them because they were meant to be on the same flight as me and still don’t have visas. The latest is that they will hopefully be here next week, it will be very exciting when they arrive!

When it was time to go home, all three of the girls came to drop me off which was cute, I feel so isolated being on a different compound to everyone else. When the girls arrive they will also be on the other compound. There are no young people on mine, and I don’t know anyone, but at least I can usually get to the other one pretty easily.

Day 28 (Wednesday 2nd Mar)
I was sick today which meant I wasn’t able to go to Gyero as planned. I spent the day sleeping and catching up with blog etc. I got lots of texts from people making sure I was still alive having heard I was unwell which was nice. Lynsey brought me bread because mine was mouldy and a drink which was nice. I blame Niffer for the illness because she cooked the meat last night although I am the only ill one. I felt better as the day went on, but very delicate.

While I was listening to some music little Nigerian girl from the compound came to my window and said hello. She said “Are you a boy”, me “yes, why?”, her “because you sound like a girl”. I tried to not be offended!

Later on I was very excited to find a book and dvd called More Than Conquerors which I thought I’d left at home. It’s where the quote at the top of my blog comes from. I watched the first film again and was reminded that “Safety isn’t the absence of danger, it’s the presence of God”!

Day 29 (Thursday 3rd Mar)
I can’t believe I’ve been here a month today, it’s crazy! England feels a million miles away, but it feels like I’ve just arrived. I woke up this morning feeling much better. Lynsey gave me a lift to GB, I can’t wait to get a car back so I’m not relying on other people all the time and stranded on a different compound to everyone I know.

I taught three lessons which were phonics, reading and writing. To my delight Daniel is still at GB, and I think he’s staying. My favourite boy (not that I’m allowed favourites) has gone back to Gyero. It’s the boy who’s not very well, Mathew. It’s great for him, and he is in the class I teach at Gyero so I will see him there. I took my camera with me and took lots of pictures of GB. It was really difficult to take natural pictures because they were all desperate to have their picture taken so pushed each other out of the way and jumped in front of the camera. They love having their picture taken and I’m happy with a couple of the pictures.

Later on I did some discipleship with the boys. Abi came with Angie, Noah and her “friend” Jabez. Jabez played the guitar and sung some songs with them which they loved.


On the way home we stopped at the shop to buy some food. I don’t buy the argument that you get what you pay for, so when faced with the option of ₦60 (25p) or ₦250 (£1.05) biscuits, I went for the ₦60 ones. They are made in Jos just down the road from us and I thought what can go wrong. When I opened them they were completely broken (how hard is it to transport something a mile down the road?), and tasted like stale Asda smart price dog biscuits. (Not that I’ve tried them, but it’s how I imagine they would taste. The moral of the story is definitely to spend ₦250 on my biscuits next time.

I spent the evening sorting out and editing some of my pictures from the day. I started writing my first prayer letter which I hope to send out soon. If you’re not on my mailing list, ie. Haven’t received any emails from me, you can join by sending me an email to pray4neil@live.co.uk