Day 136 - 144

Sorry if this and future blog updates appear a bit shorter or rushed, I’m crazy crazy busy with work and trying to get things done in the less than six weeks I have left here.

Day 136 (Saturday 18^th June)

After a bit of a lay in Lynsey came to my compound and we played basketball for a while. Ok my compound has a basketball court, but it’s not luxury, honest! I had a lovely relaxing Saturday, and in the evening gate crashed the Wycliffe bible study which was good, albeit quite long.

Day 137 (Sunday 19^th June)

I went to Jets church with the girls a couple from Wycliffe. The service was short by Nigerian standards, under two hours. The sermon was hard to follow, and we all struggled with it. I came hope and listened to a Simon Guillebaud sermon online from his new church in the US. It was good to listen to something challenging.

I made a tomato pasta thing for dinner which seemed to work ok, but maybe I was just really hungry. It’s going to be strange adapting to uk food again because even food I cook here now has a bit of Nigerian flavour because of the ingredients we can get.

Day 138 (Monday 20^th June)

I travelled to Gyero on an achaba (motorbike taxi) and had a fairly average day at work. I spent some of it being distracted by Sunday, the headteacher’s little daughter. She enjoyed handing me books from the library, getting bored of them quickly, handing me more, and expecting me to put them all back.

In the evening I went to Barcardi to play some pool with Lynsey, Bethan and Samson, a Nigerian friend. When I got back I realised the generator is broken on my compound so I had only a candle to keep me company.

Day 139 (Tuesday 21^st June)

I went to Gyero again and spent most of the time discussing the end of year exams I’m writing for the school. I held a teachers meeting which involved a lot of them ranting at me and taking out their frustrations which are generally out of my control. It started pouring with rain which meant I was also wondering how I was going to get home at the same time as trying to placate them. Because I have no car, and you can’t get an achaba in the rain (they refuse, and it is too dangerous), I went and pleaded with the pastor to give me a lift. He agreed which was a huge relief, and so he drove me down the Gyero dirt track which was more like a river in the pouring rain in his ancient non 4x4 car. It was definitely an experience, you couldn’t see anything because it was raining so hard, and the road was really really boggy. I have no idea how Nigerians do it, I would have struggled driving anything.

I spent the evening working and making the most of having power and went to bed at 1am.

Day 140 (Wednesday 22^nd June)

I went to Gidan Bege and after speaking to Joseph (who runs the centre) about some challenging stuff, and my feedback etc I held the teachers meeting. It was not the easiest meeting, but feel very supported by Joseph.

I went to Mission Africa’s shop Acts with the girls to get some study material, and we decided to go for James. We will be starting a small group for ourselves next week.

In the evening I went to a leaving party, and when I got home I carried on working.

Day 141 (Thursday 23^rd June)

I had NEPA (power) today so was able to work lots from home. I went to town to top up on things I needed for myself and the school, but it rained which meant I wasn’t able to get much. All the stalls shut when it rains.

I saw the girls and they gave me my birthday present (bit late). It’s 3 carvings of the masks of the three main Nigerian tribes which I had seen and really wanted. I just need a wall to put them on when I get home now!

Day 142 (Friday 24^th June)

I worked from home again today because I can do a lot more here especially when I have NEPA, which I did. I managed to get lots done which was a big relief.

Later on I went to town to get the things I wasn’t able to yesterday. I carried on and got more work done. I was presented with some flowers by two Nigerian girls which was cute. One of them is the daughter of my cleaner and is always wanting to speak to me through my window when I’m trying to work.

In the evening I went to Lynsey’s to play on her Wii with the girls. After Calum and I went to Barcardi to play a bit of pool. Before I went out I told my guards that I would be home late late, ie after the 10pm curfew which they were fine with. When we got back at 11pm the guard wasn’t happy with us and fully ranted and shouted. I was very gracious and apologetic, but it was really annoying because they are usually fine.

Day 143 (Saturday 25^th June)

I spent a while doing my quiet time before going to the Mission Africa prayer meeting at 3pm. After I decided to make myself burger and chips which was pretty amazing, although I couldn’t move after and couldn’t finish it because it was so huge.

I spent my Saturday evening working until the generator broke and I had only candlelight for company. I have managed to finish the class one and two maths exams this week which I’m pleased with.

Day 144 (Sunday 26^th June)

I had no car to go to church this morning so I spent the time at home listening to an amazing sermon from Joel Virgo and then read exactly the same message in today’s Purpose Driven Life chapter. I won’t say what the message was, but really felt like God is trying to tell me something! I also studied ready to lead tomorrows small group on James. That also tied in to the message I had heard earlier so am feeling challenged.

I didn’t do any work related work, and really enjoyed having a day away from it.

Day 129 - 135

Day 129 (Saturday 11^th June)

I was woken up by a text from a Nigerian I am really close to in the ministry asking if it was possible to borrow some money for his child to go to hospital. I am really careful about lending money, but felt it was the right decision to give him the money as a gift rather than lending it to him. To many of the Nigerians working here it’s a months wages, to me it was £24 and I felt blessed being able to help him.

I went swimming with Lynsey, and forgot that doxy (anti-malarial) + sun = sunburn. I never go red usually however hot it is and will be more careful next time! It was good to have another Saturday chilling, swimming, and sleeping by the pool. It’s almost relaxing being a missionary sometimes!

I spent the evening updating my blog and chatting on Facebook.

Day 130 (Sunday 12^th June)

I wasn’t able to go to church today because the car we share was broken, so I had a morning at home on my own. I listened to a sermon from home, which was all about worshiping through your job, however menial you think it is.

For dinner I made kfc (ish) chicken with chips. It was really yum! I spoke to Mum and Dad on Skype which was nice. There is basically no water here because the water pump has broken or something. Apparently it will be fixed tomorrow morning, but this is Nigeria!

Day 131 (Monday 13^th June)

I went to Gyero in the morning on a chaba (motorbike taxi), and still find it amazing (and a little crazy) being on the back of a motorbike riding through rural Nigeria. There wasn’t a lot to do at the school, and spent some time entertaining one of the teachers little girl and reading to her. When I got home I had a sneaky shower, but not sure if the water is fixed yet and hoped nobody heard me cos apparently we don’t have much. I spent the afternoon and evening doing admin work. For dinner I made the Nigerian dish red stew.

Day 132 (Tuesday 14^th June)

I went to Gyero again and took the staff meeting after school. It went on for AGES, and when I asked if there was anything else they wanted to discuss (which in polite English means I want to get out of here), they had lots more they wanted to talk about. It’s all good fun though, and I’m getting on really well with the teachers. Apparently they think I have a management gift, which is really nice to hear because I’m not used to people complimenting me!

In the evening I went out for dinner with Lynsey, Lynds, and Calum who arrived from the UK today. He was here for a year last year, and is here for a month making promo videos for Mission Africa. On the table next to us was the Chelsea and Nigeria player Mikel John Obi. He is from Jos, and home visiting friends and family before the premiership season starts again. Calum got a picture with him, and chatted to him a little bit.

When we got back we went to Lynsey’s and played Mario Cart on her Wii which was good fun.

Day 133 (Wednesday 15^th June)

Today is my Gidan Bege day, I went there and took the teachers meeting with the teachers there. It went well, and we discussed taking the boys on a school trip to Sherri Hills which should be fun. Calum gave me a lift because the car is still broken, and it was pouring with rain so wasn’t able to get home any other way. I met Simon Hamilton who is one of the Mission Africa council members visiting for a few days. I went to Barcardi with him and Calum to play pool, and to discuss how we’re getting on etc.

Day 134 (Thursday 16^th June)

I got up really early (Nigerian’s like their early starts) for the education committee meeting being held at Gidan Bege. When I got there I had a mega blonde moment and spoke to one of the Nigerians I know really well thinking they were someone else. I even spoke about the person I was speaking to. I think I managed to cover up my mega error though and not look completely stupid! The person taking the meeting forgot that we had a meeting, and asked if we could postpone it. I think I must be getting more patient in my old age because I was pretty chilled about my pointless early morning, even though I couldn’t keep my eyes open.

I went from Gidan Bege with Calum and Bethan to the zoo with the staff kids from Gidan Bege. They often get overlooked so it was good for them to get out. I got shouted at by a teacher who was with a group of separate school children. I spoke to them in Hausa asking how school is, and the teacher was annoyed that they are only allowed to speak English in school. We have the same rule in our schools, but it’s between each other and when being taught, it’s different when we’re building relationships with them! So from the zoo we met Simon and Lynsey and went to the craft market to help Simon buy some things for his family. Bethan and I helped with the bartering because we don’t com across as new to the country. We then took Simon to Hillcrest School to get lunch. We had suya (meat) which was yum. From there Bethan and I went to change money for him, and then drove to FCS (Fellowship of Christian Students) to have a tour with Simon. I then drove Simon to Gyero in Lynsey’s Rav 4 and showed him the school and village. I introduced him to a couple of the teachers etc, and he got some pictures of the children and burnt out houses. I then took him to a coulple of our missionaries called Pamela and Musa. I rushed home, had a two minute shower, change, and hair producting session and rushed back out the door to a meal for the Mision Africa staff at the restaurant.

When we got there Mikel John Obi was there again, and one of the girls in particular tried chatting him up and managed to get autographs for all of us. He was really friendly, happy to chat and interested in what we’re doing.

I got home late and was so so tired, and have to be up in morning to go to Gyero.

Day 135 (Friday 17^th June)

I still had Lynsey’s car today so I could drive Calum and his filming equipment to Gyero. Half way there the car cut out and stopped working. We tried everything including all the Nigerian tricks I know but it wouldn’t do anything. Ricky and Luka came to help us, and as soon as Ricky turned the key it worked, luckily we all found it quite funny. At Gyero Calum interviewed me for the video, and filmed the children etc. I marked the teachers lesson plans, and did some things which needed doing.

After school Calum and I went to town to do some food shopping, when I got home I fell straight asleep I was so tired for an hour. I then had a chilled evening.

Day 122 - 128

Day 122 (Saturday 4^th June)

Today was my birthday celebration day. By chance my post from home arrived today which was really exciting. I got three parcels from Mum & Dad, Jenna Upson, and my old flat mate Jenna. They contained food and memories from home, and I am so so thankful! I went swimming with the girls at the hotel we have been to before although the weather was quite cloudy. The girls still managed to get a bit red, and we had good fun.

We ate dinner out and then went to the girls to watch a film. We watched 50 first dates which is girly, but aesthetically pleasing for most guys!

Day 123 (Sunday 5^th June)

The girls and I went to a different church today which we had been invited to by one of their guards. It was a special service, and I think the best way to describe it is interesting. It was the longest service I have been to, three hours. They had very worrying viewpoints on the roles of the different sides in the crisis here. There was a drama half way through about the crisis which was scarily realistic with gunshot sounds and people pretending to be dead etc. Some of the people in the congregation walked out, but we stayed although a little freaked out at how realistic it was. At the end they said “If you die in the crisis will you go to heaven or hell”. We were all a bit like “what was that all about”. It was really over the top. The sermon was then about singing, and they were saying if you don’t sing you’re not worshipping God. So the whole thing was a bit of a disaster which is why I’m not mentioning the church or denomination on here, all I will say is they really should no better.

So when I got home I watched a decent preach from Terry Virgo on Titus 4. I then spoke to Mum & Dad on Skype, followed by Jon Caws. Was great to hear from home.

Day 124 (Monday 6^th June)

Today was a normal work day at Gyero. I held the teachers meeting today because tomorrow the girls and I are taking the Gidan Bege boys on an outing. It was positive and went well.

I worked from home in the afternoon, and had a chilled out evening. I chatted to Gaz which was nice.

Day 125 (Tuesday 7^th June)

I drove to Gyero today in the infamous red mini bus I managed to borrow from Peter Fretheim to take the Gidan Bege boys on an outing later on. The bus is infamous because of features like the very cracked windscreen, lack of handbreak, and no need to put your foot on the clutch to change gear. I do think it’s better than the one I had before it blew up though! I used the opportunity to take a load of stuff for the school out there, and enjoyed the challenge of driving the now very rough (due to rainy season) dirt road to Gyero. After school I picked up Ali and Abi and we drove to Gidan Bege. We stopped for fuel on the way and couldn’t get the petrol cap back on so we had to leave it off. We pilled the 16 boys in as well as us, it was a big squeeze with them all on top of each other! It was amazing to see the excited look on their faces, they were so happy. They never get to leave the centre so it was a massive treat for them. On the to Rayfield Reservoir we were pulled over by the road safety police. None of us have been pulled over by them before. They asked for our paper work and we all prayed really quickly and before we had handed it to them they said it was fine and we could go. We were amazed because we had all the kids piled in, and they are infamous for not being nice at all when they pull you over.

At the reservoir we played games and football with the boys, and gave them minerals (fizzy drinks) and biscuits. They were perfectly well behaved which was a huge relief, I think because they appreciated it so much.

When I got home I was shattered because I hadn’t been home since leaving early in the morning and I got an early night.

Day 126 (Wednesday 8^th June)

It’s strange to think I get home eight weeks today, the time is flying by! Today is my working from home day, and I spent most of it shopping for the school. Shopping here is not like at home, you don’t just go to Tesco and buy everything! You have to go to a different ‘shop’ for each thing, and they may or may not have what you want. Buying printer ink is a weekly joy, I go to the same lady each time and have a fixed price with her. She never has it though and has to send someone to try and find it from another place which takes ages. I tell her every week to get some and keep it for me, but it never happens! Another thing they wanted was Izal (which I think you used to be able to get in UK). Its a really potent disinfectant they use for the toilets. The box made me because it also has the following use “For personal protection always add a little Izal to your wash bowl. This is a good protection against infection after contact with crowds”. Do I really want to wash with something they claim is six times as strong as other disinfectants and used to clean the toilet?!

For dinner I made the Nigeria dish potato porridge and then got hungry again and made a chip butty! I’m hoping my cleaner comes soon because I knocked a plate off the arm of a chair and it smashed into a million pieces on the concrete floor. My excuse for leaving it there is that they don’t give us any form of brush to sweep it up with. Luckily it smashed under the table so I can avoid it, and haven’t managed to get any plate in my foot yet!

Day 127 (Thursday 9^th June)

I was really bad and overslept for the 9am education committee meeting today, but felt less bad when I got a text saying only one person went and they live at Gidan Bege where it was held. They have rescheduled it for next week. I went to Gidan Bege and when I arrived they were having a meeting with a group of people on national service. It meant my meeting with the teachers was delayed, but I’m getting used to Africa time and felt a bit bad for not being at the earlier meeting. It went quite well, and we discussed options for taking the boys out again. I’m hoping we can take them all swimming which will be so much fun, but really stressful I’m guessing!

I went to the girls house for dinner, which was a bit delayed because Ricky had to break into their house. Angie had visited them with Noah (their 2 year old son) who bolted one door as Angie shut the other which latches locked. I’m glad my house is a lot harder to break in to with it’s metal door and four bolts! We had a nice evening, and enjoyed chilling together.

Day 128 (Friday 10^th June)

I woke up to pouring rain this morning, and thinking there’s no way I can get to work (motorbikes won’t take you when it’s raining). Luckily Nicky was going and she text me asking if I wanted a lift so I was able to get there. I had a normal day at work, and then got a bike home because it had dried out a little bit.

I spent the evening with Lynsey and Lyndsay we got something to eat, and went to Barcardi for a quick Friday night drink.

Day 116 - 121

Day 116 (Sunday 29^th May)

Today was the day Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as president and there were rumours of trouble going around. On our way to church there were police and military everywhere, on every junction roundabout and in between. There was no trouble at all in Jos which was a huge blessing, although there was some violence in other places in the north.

I went to Jets with the girls which now includes Lyndsay E from Ogugu. The service went on for AGES, it was two and a half hours long. There was a really long baby dedication, and then what we thought was a dead ninety year old lady. They played a video of her life, and there was a big table at the front with a sheet over it. We all looked at each other thinking it was a coffin, but when they pulled the sheet off it was a table with a card and cake. The old lady was sat in the front row. They spent ages going through the whole thanksgiving thing, I was thinking they could probably wait a short while and tie the thanksgiving in with her next significant church service.

In churches here you have offering envelopes which are printed nicely and then re-used each week. The girls were really bored, and decided to write on their one and use it to discreetly pass me Smarties.

Click pictures to enlarge

I spent the afternoon and evening updating my blog and chilling out. I made a Nigerian dish called red stew for myself for dinner now that I’m all alone again. I noticed Will forgot to sign out of Facebook so I updated his status on his behalf. If he bothers to read this he’ll know it’s me that keeps changing things on his Facebook, if he doesn’t then he’ll carry on wondering!

Day 117 (Monday 30^th May)

For the next three days it’s the Mission Africa retreat where everyone in Nigeria comes together for a few days. Paul Bailey the chief executive flew over bringing his pastor Norman and Friend James who’s church support our Muslim Fulani outreach. It was held in the exotic location of the Baptist hostel in Jos, but at least the food was American and good. The three days were on Nehemiah, and in day one we had five sermons which was quite intense for our little brains.

I was really exhausted by the end of the day which finished around seven, and I got an early night.

Day 118 (Tuesday 31^st May)

My Birthday!!!

I was woken up by a text from Bethan saying happy birthday. I opened the cards I brought with me from Gaz and Joy which were funny, and a reminder of home. Nothing from home has arrived, which is a shame because I know a few people have sent me things.

I got a really funny card from the girls which they had made for me!

Click to enlarge

The girls decided to liven up my birthday by giving me a series of challenges for the day. Paul I know you read this so maybe some of my strange actions will make more sense now! One of the first ones was to tell Paul that I love him, and then to get the word erotic in to a conversation with him. I then had to kiss someone who wasn’t a short-termer or child. Ricky had a lucky escape when I bottled it, and I moved on to our Nigerian driver Luka. I was sat next to him, and noticed he had just shaved his head. I stroked it and said “Luka your head is lovely and smooth, let me kiss it”, and then kissed him on the head. Everyone in my group laughed quite a lot, and Luka seemed to think my actions were quite normal. The next one was to make a sound and action we had for aardvark from the game animal kingdom at an inappropriate moment. Paul benefitted from this one again, when I asked him if he had ever played and demonstrated the kind of sounds and actions you make. When it came to theological Q&As my question was “what’s for dinner”. I also climbed on top of the wardrobe in the meeting room we were in and sat on it as if it was a completely normal thing to do. I got a phone call from my friend Catherine at home which was lovely.

I was given a big cake at dinner time which was really lovely, and in the evening I went to Barcardi with the girls. Mum, Dad and sister Niki called while I was there to say happy birthday which was really nice. We are celebrating my birthday more on Saturday which I’m looking forward to.

Thank you everyone who sent messages on Facebook and email, I had SO many I really appreciate not being forgotten!

Day 119 (Wednesday 1^st June)

The last day of the retreat was only until lunchtime. It was sad saying goodbye to Paul, I really appreciated him being there.

I took the girls to Oasis bookshop and then we went shopping for food. They had fake Pringles reduced from about £3 to 40p because they go out of date in a month. I calculated I can eat at least seven tubes in that time, so I bought seven. The flavours include baked potato and pizza which are both a little odd. I think they’re the American version, because the tubes the same but they are called Magic Time Yummy Tummy and come from Florida.

Day 120-121 (Thursday 2^nd – Friday 3^rd June)

I’ve lumped these two days together because I don’t really have anything to write for them. I decided to take a couple of days off after the retreat to reflect and hang out with God. I have used the time to catch up on things including sleep!

I can officially announce that I'm returning to the UK on Wednesday 3rd August. This is earlier that initially planned and is for a number of reasons. The schools finish at the end of July, so I will have nothing to do in August. It will give me more time to prepare ready to start Moorlands and my placement working for KCC. There are two weddings of close friends in August I'm hoping to be invited to as well! (Not that I'm hinting Dan & Jenny, Lizzie and Johnny)