Day 110 - 115

Day 110 (Monday 23^rd May)

Today was a typical day working at Gyero, and there’s not much to write about. One of the boys taught me some Hausa, and I read the bible to him in Hausa which he actually understood, but found quite amusing. He has special needs and really struggles with his English so it was good to be able to read something and him understand it.

Will and I spent the evening by candle light because my power isn’t working, I can think of someone I’d rather spend a candlelit evening with! We chilled out with some guitar and reading.

Day 111 (Tuesday 24^th May)

After two days of no power a Nigerian guy came and fixed it this morning in the typical Nigerian way, I think he used a stick to hit something. I went to Gyero and spent some time with the teachers, I marked their lesson plans and took the teachers meeting. I had this picture taken before the meeting, they probably look half asleep because they were anticipating a meeting with me!

I bought them minerals (fizzy drinks) and puff puff (deep fried dough balls). My expense form looks funny because it contains the entries 2 x hoe, ₦180 of puff puff and ₦800 minerals. It sounds similar to something a mafia boss may put on his (or her) expenses claim.

I spent the afternoon with Will, as well as Mel and Lyndz from Kogi State. They have come up for the Mission Africa retreat next week. Mel will be flying home on Friday with Will because she has malaria, but is recovering well.

Paul Bailey the chief executive of Mission Africa arrived today with his pastor Norman and friend and Mission Africa supporter James. There was a meal for all the Mission Africa people which was cooked by Americans at the Baptist Hostel so was really yum. It was probably not your typical British meal consisting of kfc style chicken, cheesey mash, cheese sauce and homer made bread rolls which chocolate cake after.

When I got back someone messaged me on Facebook just to get another mention on my blog which I won’t do out of principle Jon Caws.

Day 112 (Wednesday 25^th May)

My days got moved around a little this week because I have a couple of meetings at Gidan Bege tomorrow, so today was my ‘working from home’ day. In the afternoon I went to Sherri Hills with Will, the girls, and some of our Nigerian friends. We didn’t climb it this time, but it was great to see the sun go down, roast marshmallows on a fire and sing with the guitar.

On the way back we had a hairy moment, we were in two cars both of them belonging to the mission and the one I was driving was stopped at a military checkpoint. The man who stopped us had been drinking something other than water in quite large quantities. He started shouting at us because the interior light in the car wasn’t working, and apparently it’s a legal requirement so they can see us when they stop us. It was the first time I had driven the car and I was trying to explain to the man that we are missionaries working with SIM ECWA and the car belongs to the mission. He told us to get out the car and leave it there, we couldn’t take it any further, and we were praying like crazy cos we had Mel in the car as well who wasn’t feeling great. We said that we had a girl with us who was just out of hospital but he wasn’t having any of it. We kept praying and then another man working there spoke to us and we tried to reason with him, they spoke and the first man said “why didn’t you tell me this is a church car”, we didn’t mention that we had been telling him all along! They let us go which was a HUGE relief!

It was Will and Mel’s last night so we all (minus Mel) went to Barcardi to have a meal and play pool. I beat Will again which was 6 times in a row (I feel bad, because we are about the same).

Day 113 (Thursday 26^th May)

I said goodbye to Will this morning which was sad, I’m now all alone again on the guy front. The Hillcrest teachers leave very soon which means I will be the only single guy around.

I got to Gidan Bege for a 9am meeting. I practiced my patience and tact skills quite heavily! I had a really challenging day doing observations etc, and was left knowing that I can hardly make an indent with my one day a week there. I took a teachers meeting which went ok considering the mood I was in after the rest of the day, but I kept smiling and bought them minerals.

I then rushed in to town to do the shopping for Gidan Bege and Gyero, and when I was in the shop buying school books and miles from the car it started raining. When it rains here it’s so hard that you have rivers running down the road. I had no jacket or umbrella, but had loads to do so I told the shop staff I would brave it. They insisted on sending a boy to hold an umbrella over me, so he was walking in the rain and trying to hold an umbrella over my head. It made hardly any difference and I felt so bad, but they wouldn’t let me say no. When I got to the car in the pouring rain the drivers door wouldn’t open so I had to open the passenger door and forward roll over the handbrake in to the driver’s seat. I’m sure it looked funny!

Day 114 (Friday 27^th May)

Today is a public holiday (national children’s day) which means no school. I had a chilled out day where I read a fair bit, listened to a Joel Virgo sermon and caught up on some things. In the evening I went to the Fretheims, which this week had the Gidan Bege staff, and staff from the widows ministry. We were shown the new City Ministries videos which are really good, and feature lots of the people I’m working with at Gidan Bege and Gyero, I managed to escape being in it!

Day 115 (Saturday 28^th May)

I had a mini lay in and started reading Purpose Driven Life which I have heard great things about and seems good. I finished reading God’s Smuggler last night and loved it. I love the way he was working in the areas I went to last year on my mission trip.

I spent some time with the girls, and we went shopping for food to entertain Paul Bailey and his entourage. Ali and I cooked for them, and it seemed to go down well. After the meal James, Norman and I went to watch Man Utd lose against Barcelona in the Champions League final.

Day 102 (Sunday 15th May)
I went to Jets Church with Will and the Mission Africa Girls, it was a bit different because it was a baby dedication, but the teaching was really good. The worship is best described as interesting. It was a bit like watching the early stages of X-Factor and I was waiting for Simon Cowell to pass judgement. The sermon was an intro to Ephesians and all about following God’s call for the right and not wrong reasons, ie for his rather than our benefit.

I had a nap in the afternoon, updated my blog and spoke to Mum on the phone which was really nice. For dinner I made chip butties with gravy and home made tomato something for Will and I which went down well.

Day 103 (Monday 16th May)
I got a bike to Gyero which was good fun, if a little crazy this morning. It’s so surreal being on a bike down a dirt road in rural Nigeria, yet still close to Jos. I was expecting two new teachers, but I only had one, which was better than none! I planned the new teachers lessons for him, to show him how I expect them to be planned etc.

After work I went to town and met Will and the girls and did some shopping etc.

When we got back the toilet roll competition between Will and I officially ended because his had been blown into the toilet by the wind. I was impressed that we managed to make our rolls last two weeks though. I made him fish it out with his hand, this wasn’t the first time he’s removed something from the toilet with his hand, but that’s one of his embarrassing stories I shouldn’t talk about publically or he may never forgive me!

Day 104 (Tuesday 17th May)
Today I had a bit of a crazy experience involving a non-Christian taxi which is good to talk about, but not write about publicly! It reminded me that life’s an adventure and I arrived at Gyero eventually safe and sound. I took the teacher meeting which went much better than last week, and was productive and positive. There were no motorbikes around to take me back, so one of the Nigerians had to convince a local to give me a lift which avoided me getting stranded. I should probably get used to the idea though because they refuse to run in the rain and it’s rainy season! I got a taxi again on the main road, and ended up in the dreaded handbrake position next to a pie eating Mr Plod. I think I’ve previously explained the seating plan in a taxi. So the taxi was once a road going vehicle, but now would be refused by a UK scrap yard based on quality and components remaining. They will sit about five people on the back seat, and three in the front. The handbrake position is in the middle at the front which is never good (sitting on the handbrake isn’t particularly comfortable). It was made worse by the armed gentleman next to me, who was at least double my size and taking up the whole seat. It gave new meaning to the phrase, your gun is digging in to me!

I spoke to Ali Mac on fb chat which was cool, was good to hear the latest goss from KCC.

Will and I spent the evening at Hillcrest with Phil and Chris attempting to play Rock Band Hero which was good fun.

Day 105 (Wednesday 18th May)
Today is my day of working at Gidan Bege, and I went to take the teachers meeting which got cancelled last week. When I arrived I was told they had cancelled my meeting, but forgotten to tell me, so I embraced the relaxed Nigerian way, and left again. It’s a bit frustrating, but I think it’s good for me to get used to a more relaxed way of doing things.

I spent the afternoon marking lesson plans, and chatted to Ben Rowe which was good.

Will and I spent the evening playing pool at Barcardi, and got chatting to some military guys. I really wanted to ask if I could hold their gun, but restrained myself!

Day 106 (Thursday 19th May)
Today is working from home day, which isn’t as relaxing as it may sound, especially when electricity can come and go at any time when you’re in the middle of printing etc. I got my first post from home which was very exciting, it was from Steve and Maresah Haines . They sent me Chris’s new album which I love, and will now unashamedly plug, so if you haven’t heard it go to http://www.butgod.co.uk

I went to town to do the shopping for Gyero, and came home late afternoon to cook for Ricky and Angie who will and I were having over for dinner. The girls babysat for their son Noah which meant we could have them to ourselves. We had a nice evening, and they enjoyed the classic English dish of spag bowl. Later in the evening I chatted to Jon caws and Lizzie Eyes, it was lovely to hear from them. I should probably stop mentioning everyone from home I speak to, but started doing it then didn’t want anyone to think I forgot them!

Day 107 (Friday 20th May)
I went to Gyero for what I thought was the Gyero management meeting to be told it had been cancelled (I’m starting to get used to this pattern), but it meant I could do other things I needed to at the school. I had a bit of a clumsy day which involved burning my leg on the exhaust of a bike, and walking into a low hanging plank of wood at the school. Walking into the plank I thought “someone should fix that, oh yeah, it’s probably my responsibility to get it sorted”. So I now have a lump on my head, and burnt leg, ouch!

In the evening it was the Fretheim’s with a difference. All the Nigerian staff from Gyero and Transition House were invited, and we were asked to dress Nigerian. The girls and I dressed up, and when we arrived Peter Fretheim and his wife hadn’t, we were like grrrr! But I love dressing up so didn’t mind, and the Nigerians appreciated it. It was good to see the people I work with socially.

Day 108 (Saturday 21st May)
I was very ready for my weekend and loved my lay in this morning! I spent the little remaining chilling out doing my quiet time etc, and then made the most amazing home-made burger and chips for Will and I. The burgers were big, fat, juicy, and we agreed the best thing since leaving the UK. After lunch Will and I went to Barcardi to play some pool, after winning four games in a row Will announced that the reason he kept just loosing was that there was no wager on the game. We agreed for game five that the loser would have to be the other ones slave for the night with the twist that the girls who we were having wouldn’t know. Will lost again, which meant I spent the evening getting him to do everything for me, and the girls who we had over for dinner being very confused. We had another game which was we each came up with a funny word without telling Bethan. We had to use it as many times as possible without her realising, it was very funny, a particular highlight was Ali asking Bethan whether she had ever been to Viagra Falls.

Day 109 (Sunday 22nd May)
I went to Jets again with Will and the girls. It was possibly the strangest service I’ve been to here, possibly a close second to the one in Ogugu. It was a family service, but the kids ran everything, including the sermon. None of us were comfortable with it, and the whole thing was bizarre. I came home and listened to a Joel Virgo sermon on Titus which was really good, and spent the afternoon chilling with God, and had a little nap (I’m getting so old!)

In the evening our power died, like completely. Everyone else has it except for our place, Will and I being men and capable of fixing all things decided to give it a shot. We went for the Nigerian method of flicking switches and pulling wires, but no luck, something is fried somewhere. We decided to call someone from the compound but realised everyone with any authority is out of Jos, so we’re having a candlelit evening. All we’re lacking is a couple of girls!

Day 96 - 101

Day 96 (Monday 9^th May)

Today was the beginning of a chaotic week for the school. I got there early and took Will with me to help. When we arrived one of the teachers wasn’t there and the class was being taken by a student, I was thinking great start to the week! So Will took the preschool class of really cute little kids which he seemed to enjoy, I told him it’s good practice for being a dad. The head teacher is on holiday this week, and we are without the teacher who resigned on Friday. One of the uncles from the centre is going to cover the lessons for this week, and I have been told I can have two teachers from the Fulani school which isn’t running die to the crisis. This will take the pressure off!

I spent a fair bit of the day with one of the children who wasn’t feeling fine, she had tooth ache and refused to take tablets so I ended up telling her to crush them in water. I definitely have no calling to do anything medical because I find ill kids so annoying!

I spent the evening chilling with Will after doing some work. We listened to music etc and I updated my blog and sent my prayer letter.

Day 97 (Tuesday 10^th May)

Got to Gyero bright and early again, Will took the class without a teacher and did really well. I reckon he’s discovered his secret calling. I took the teachers meeting which involved a lot of moaning at me about anything and everything. Generally their comments were about things I can’t explain to them or change, but that’s the joy of managing people. I made the mistake of not bringing drinks for them which I don’t think went down too well, I’ve discovered that the way to their hearts is through food and drink.

In the evening Will and I went to the girl’s house for dinner. They were determined to outdo our effort last week and pulled all the stops out. We had candles on the table, place names, a poem written for us and a welcome banner. We had curry which was really nice followed by chocolate log and ice cream. We decided to call a truce for the benefit of our wallets and to do normal meals from next week. After the meal we played phase 10, and had a good laugh about various things. It was a really nice evening.

Day 98 (Wednesday 11^th May)

Today is my Gidan Bege day and I went to the centre for a meeting with the girls to chat about what they will be doing there. It went really well and was really positive. I was meant to be taking a meeting with the teachers but it didn’t happen because none of the teachers were there, you get used to being relaxed about these sorts of things in Nigeria. I have ben promised they will all be there next week.

After Gidan Bege I went to the Mission Africa book shop called ACTS, I bought a few things I needed including a Hausa – English parallel bible. After going to ACTS we were traitors and went to a different book shop called Oasis. I bought a couple of things there as well. Buying books here costs a fraction of the price at home because there is a special deal with the publishers who allow Christian books to be reprinted and sold cheaply here. I bought a John Piper book for £1 which is a bargain!

In the evening Will and I went for dinner with a couple of the guys who work for Wycliffe and live on my compound.

Day 99 (Thursday 12^th May)

Today is my meeting / admin day. I got up nice and early and was and the Transition House centre for 9am for the education committee meeting. After I went to town to do the shopping for Gyero. We then drove to a new ‘supermarket’ called Flourish, and the bus broke down. We were rescued by Amos, a SIM driver who fixed the van by hitting various things with a spanner. I paid attention so I am able to fix it net time the same way.

I spent the afternoon doing admin for Gyero, and we went to the girls in the evening to have a games night with them and some of the Nigerian Uncles from Transition House. We played mafia and animal kingdom which were both pretty amusing. I got some dodgy fuel from Del Boy (Ricky) because there is still no fuel in Jos. After I got the fuel the bus broke down again so I left it with Ricky for Amos to come and fix in the morning.

Day 100 (Friday 13^th May)

The van was ‘fixed’ and delivered to me early in the morning. I drove Will and the lady who works for us, Hajara, to Gyero. The van had a couple of moments, it cuts out every time you put your foot on the clutch, but we got there. When I got there two of the classes were being taken by one teacher, so I got Will to take one of them. He gave them the HIV/AIDS lesson he is used to doing as part of his work in Ogugu which went really well. I did various bits of admin and met with one of the students to have a bit of a review chat.

On the way home the van kept breaking down and cutting out, there was a lot of pulling over by the side of the road and hitting things with the jack which temporarily fixed it. It didn’t help that it was pouring with rain. I did some work and then Will and I drove half way to the Fretheims before the van completely cut out. We were going to walk but one of the Hillcrest teachers Chris came past and gave us a lift.

After the Fretheim’s we had a mass outing to Barcardi which included Will and I, Chris, the Mission Africa girls, Lynsey, and the SIM girls Katie and Fiona. We played lots of pool, and got chatting to some friendly Indian guys who work here. Will, Chris and I stayed after the others left and they bought us food and a brink which was nice of them. Chris came back with us and stayed the night and we had some boy time.

Day 101 (Saturday 14^th May)

Had a bit of a lay in till 9 which was very needed after my busy week. Will Lynsey and I went to a local hotel to chill and go swimming for the day. Will and I relived our childhood and proved that boys never grow up. Our favourite game was trying to throw a tennis ball at each other’s head, and sitting in rubber rings trying to pull the other one out. There was a really annoying kid there who belonged to the Russian lady owner of the hotel. He kept wanting to play with us even when the Nigerian staff told him to leave us alone. When you spend all week with children and you are on your one day off relaxing the last thing you want is a kid trying to stop you sun bathing! We were very gracious though and apart from throwing his lego in the pool and telling him to go and get it I think very tolerant!

When we left I got a text from Peter Fretheim saying that the van is beyond repair and needs a new engine, and that he has no vehicle for me. It put a real downer on a really good day. I currently have no idea how I will do all the things I need to do, and it looks like I will have to stop doing some of it. I will be able to get a motor bike to Gyero, but not sure how I will be able to take their shopping out there, or even do it without a car. I also won’t be able to give a lift to the lady we help, I will pay for her to get a motorbike as well I think. I currently rely on being flexible because meetings always change, and situations always arise, but I will be very restricted. This is a big prayer point for me.

Day 87 - 95

Day 87 (Saturday 30th April)

We got up at 5am to leave at 5.30am because the drivers wanted to make good time back to Jos. We were quite tired and grumpy, Will was especially grumpy because he was leaving everything he misses in Ogugu to come back to Jos with us. We were back in Jos by 2.30pm which was record time considering we had to queue for petrol for half an hour. There is a massive fuel shortage here which is a nightmare.

Will is staying with me for the next three weeks so we set some important ground rules, the most significant being the toilet roll. Where I stay they provide me with two toilet rolls per week, and these aren’t EU quality, they are school toilet quality but half the size. Even though we are paying double for him to stay here, you get the same ration of toilet roll. So the rule we have is that we have one each, we have written our names on them and have a competition going to see who can make their own last the longest. (I think I went a bit pigeon English then). Will was tired and grumpy so in the evening I went to Kingsbite with Lynsay and the girls and had a burger and chips, it was amazing!

We found out some sad news today that the Fulani Muslim village Mission Africa works at (where I went early on and took pictures of) was destroyed in the election violence. The school is still there, but that’s the only thing. Mission Africa and SIM are providing aid and support to those affected.

Day 88 (Sunday 1st May)

I went back to Jets church today which was amazing, it feels like so long since I’ve been to a decent church service. It was all about sowing in the spirit and not the world, and based on Galatians 6v7-10.

After Will and I went to the Net Cafe and had a meat pie which was yum, and then went to Ricky and Angie’s to watch Arsenal beat Man UTD.

I cooked spaghetti bolognaise for dinner which was an amazing taste from home, and Will and I chilled out with music and the guitar etc.

Day 89 (Monday 2nd May)

Today was 1st working day back in Jos, although it was a public holiday which didn’t make much difference. I was nervous because I had a meeting with Peter Fretheim to discuss car arrangements. I had been worried for a long time about how I was going to get to work, and praying that it would be resolved. The meeting went really well, and I have been offered an SIM mini bus to rent. It has seen better days, and there are a couple of minor issues such as the lack of handbrake, and the tendency to cut out whenever it’s in neutral which add to its character.

For dinner Will and I had hot dogs and chips, I know I’m talking loads about food, but when you’ve had only Nigerian food for six weeks it’s pretty exciting!

After dinner we went to Hillcrest (the missionary school) to see their production Aida. It was really good, and really well done. Phil was doing the sound for him, and it was great to see him after what feels like ages. After the show mum and dad phoned, it was great to hear from them.

Day 90 (Tuesday 3rd May)

I got up early and had the minibus delivered by one of the SIM drivers called Amos. I drove Katie to Gyero which involves driving down a really off road track which is fun in a 4x4, and more fun in a minibus, I was thinking how am I ever going to do this every day! On the way we got a flat tire from a big nail so I jumped out to show my manly ability to change a tire off only to be stopped by a passing Nigerian who insisted on changing it for me. When I got to Gyero I took the teachers meeting which went really well, school will go back tomorrow so it was all about discussing the next term and any ways in which I can help etc. One of the teachers had not returned to school but I was told he would be back tomorrow for the start of school.

While in the meeting a storm came and it began to rain really hard, it turned everything to mud, and we decided to leave knowing the road would get worse and worse. The drive home was interesting in pouring rain, parts of the road become a river and bits are really hard to drive through, it’s all good fun though. The minibus broke down half way home, so I called Amos who drove out to rescue us, he got it started the Nigerian way which seemed to involve opening the bonnet and revving it as hard as he could. The rest of the drive was horrible in really heavy rain, when back on the main road nobody slows down for the conditions so you have to be alert the whole time and second guessing people who are liable to pull out in front of you at any moment.

In the evening Will and I went to Ricky and Angie’s for dinner, which was lovely and great fun, after dinner we played Wii Sports which got very competitive! I like the fact Will is English (although northern so only just counts), because I have someone to gang up on the Irish with!

Day 91 (Wednesday 4th May)

Today the school returned after the Easter and election break, I would usually spend today at Gidan Bege with the other teachers but wanted to be around for the first day of school. I managed the drive ok and without incident which was a relief! The teacher didn’t turn up today and nobody could get hold of him. I phoned him and managed to get him to pick up, and I did my manager Neil bit. He apparently will be back on Monday so I have the head teacher taking his classes for this week. Next week the head teacher is going on holiday so I will cover for him. Today I realised that my role involves medical person when Katie isn’t here and there was a sick girl for me to deal with. I spent a fair amount of the day phoning different medical people but managed to resolve the situation.

After school Will, the girls and I went to Lynsey’s for dinner, we had a fun evening and ended up playing Cranium which is always a favourite.

Day 92 (Thursday 5th May)

Today is my working from home day which doesn’t mean a lay in! I went to the money guy for 9am because we have been waiting ages for them to get money and are skint. We were told it had already all gone and to come back later which was annoying. I went to town to do the shopping for the school which took ages to trek round and barter for everything. I had a long list ranging from white board pens to toilet roll, it’s not like shopping in the uk and find the shop which sells what you want can take a while.

I had lunch and a City Ministries meeting at the Fretheim’s which took a while, before planning and working from home in the afternoon.

In the evening the girls came round. Will and I cooked (will stirred stuff) chilli with rice and chips which went down really well which was a relief because it was a complete blag using Nigerian ingredients and not being able to get stuff you would use at home. We had a really nice evening and watched Good Will Hunting which we projected on the wall. I have the projector from the school which is really useful.

Day 93 (Friday 6th May)

I woke up really tired which wasn’t a great start to the day, and drove to Gyero. There is a massive fuel shortage in Jos and you can’t get it anywhere, people are queuing for hours. I managed to find somewhere on the way where I only had to wait for 30 minutes which was a relief. I had an issue with the lack of hand break in the minibus because the petrol station is on a slope so you need three feet. Its harder when there is a car really close behind you, I ended up using people who work at the petrol station as my hand break, they stood behind and pushed while I revved it and moved forwards. I love the Nigerian way of improvising! At the school I marked the teachers lesson plans which took all morning, and drove home in more tropical rain which was less eventful than last time.

In the evening we went to the Fretheims for their Friday shindig. I met a new Missionary from Australia who’s a physio with SIM. It was good to have a new guy to chat to in this female dominated world! While I was there I got a text from the teacher that didn’t turn up at Gyero. He told me that he’s not coming back to the school which leaves me in a challenging position because I don’t have a spare teacher to cover him and the head teacher is on holiday next week. I found out quite quickly that I was the only one he told so I had to contact all the relevant people and make a plan.

After the Fretheim’s Will and I went to Barcardi Lounge to play pool and hang out with the Hillcrest teachers Phil and Chris. We had a really good night, it was like being back at home again.

Day 94 (Saturday 7th May)

I had a lay in which was amazing, and then ‘played’ tennis with Will. We decided we didn’t want to look too serious so wore flip flops which seemed like a good idea until I developed a probable scar on my right foot to rival the one I have on my left from a tile at the swimming pool in Abuja. I am trying not to be a complete girl but my foot REALLY hurts, and it takes ages to heal cuts on your feet here.

In the afternoon Will and I decided to do what any guy would want to do on a Saturday afternoon and go clothes shopping. Will bought a new t-shirt which we both think is really nice, but according to the girls makes him look like a chav. We have both agreed that we base our choice of clothes, hair, and aftershave on the feedback we receive from girls so I’m guessing he won’t be wearing it too much!

In the evening I attempted to make my first proper Nigerian dish, potato porridge. Considering I didn’t really know what I was doing and threw it together it turned out pretty nice. I don’t know if I’d dare make it for anyone in the UK because I’m getting used to Nigerian food, and it would probably be minging at home.

Day 95 (Sunday 8th May)

I went to Jets church on my own because Will wanted to try the church the girls go to. It was really good, although every Sunday I’m reminded how much I miss KCC at home. The preaching was good and on Galatians 6 – Boasting in the cross.

After church Will and I went to Ricky and Angie’s to watch the Man UTD v Chelsea game. There was a tropical storm which meant the first half was barely recognisable because of the signal. Will is from Manchester so was very happy, and Ricky supports Liverpool because they don’t have any decent football teams in Ireland meaning he wanted Chelsea to win.

Angie fed us with pizza and chips which was lovely and we spent the evening chatting and chilling.

Day 80 - 86 Ogugu

Ogugu Last Week

Day 80-86 (Saturday 23 – Friday 29^th April)

I am going to do a bit of an overview for the rest of the time in Ogugu like I did for Kagoro. The week flew by, although it’s hard to talk about many tangible things I did. The time in Ogugu was designed to be our holiday, but I ended it more tired than when I began!

I’ll start by talking about the things that happened...

Easter Sunday was WEIRD, like the most bizarre church service I’ve ever been to! I can only describe it as odd, and barely related to Easter. I would really struggle if I had to go there as my church. Can’t really go into any more details because it’s not fair.

The Monday and Tuesday were the short term retreat which was an opportunity for the six of us plus Lynsay to spend quality time together and with God.

On Thursday I drove Mel , Will and Asabe to Ankpa which is the nearest town about 45 mins away. Half way there it started tropical storming which was fun because I couldn’t see the potholes. Will and I went paddling into the muddy market and I bought a Nigeria football top.

On the Friday I went to my first Nigerian wedding. It was a traditional wedding and we had outfits made in the wedding cloth because we are the Enefus (white people in Igala). It was very different to weddings at home! The bride kept changing her outfit to show off the cloth bought for her by her fiancée. We were fed with rice which was different to the other guests, and were given meat which I think was goat. There was one bit of ‘meat’ which was round, fatty, and white in the middle. I had a bite to amuse those around me and regretted it. It felt a bit like I’m a Celebrity!

So the things that need summarising:

Water – Comes from and smells of the stream. Has to be collected by one of the local boys who has random days off and leaves you with no water. This is the same water that they bath and apparently poo in, yum yum!

Electricity – Is from the generator which is switched on for 4 hours a day in the evening.

Shower – Using a bucket of the water described above

Toilet – ‘Flushed’ with water described above, but has drainage issues so doesn’t actually flush properly. Will and I had an agreement to only use the girls in the main house, which they don’t know until they read this.

Mocha – Essential for comfort and staying awake, and made perfectly by Mel on a regular basis without prompting.

Storms – Rainy season has started and it is incredible seeing lightning light up the sky every night even when the storm is nowhere near us.

Evening entertainment – The Jos girls went to bed each night really early at about 8pm to try and sleep before the gen and fans went off. I spent the evenings chatting, listening to music, and Will and Ogugu Lyndsey’s amazing guitar playing and singing. We spent a fair amount of time playing a lie and a truth, where you say one fact and one lie. Everyone then needs to work out which is true and which isn’t. Great fun!

All these things make Ogugu what it is, magical and special. I had an amazing time, and really enjoyed it. As much as I love the ‘luxury’ of Jos and am clearly called here, I could happily have spent my seven months in Ogugu.

Lyndsey – Lynz is a lovely bubbly person who I really enjoyed being around. She lights up the room with her crazy northern Irish humour, and awesome singing voice. When you’re feeling sad, she always has something nice or funny to say to make things better.

Mel – Mel is a little bit nuts in a good way, but one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I desperately tried to do the washing up each night and she wouldn’t let me. She cooked for us all the time generally things she doesn’t like just because she’s nice. She always thinks of others before herself. She’s taking a break from her Dr training and is being a Dr here. The locals call her Jane because they can’t say Mel.

Will – I love Will and am so glad I’ve taken him back to Jos with me for the next three weeks before he goes home. I’ve really struggled not having guy company, and he’s made a huge difference. He inspired me at the holiday bible club because he’s 19 and probably more mature than me as a nearly 27 year old, not that that’s hard! Will is amazing at the guitar, and we had some great heart to heart man chats, I’ll miss him so much when he leaves!

Ogugu guys you can dash me for my nice comments when I see you :)

So I am now back in Jos, I travelled back on Saturday, but will start my next blog update with being back in Jos.