Day 173 - 180

Day 173 (Monday 25^th July)

I joined the Mission Africa summer team who are in Jos to help them buy flip flops (or slippers as they are known locally) for the boys in Kagoro. We managed to get them for ₦5800 which worked out at about £1 a pair. I went with them to Hillcrest (the missionary school) to get suya (kebab type meat) for lunch.

After lunch we all went to Gyero. I really enjoyed hanging around with the kids without any responsibility.

In the evening I went to the girls house and we had a games night with the team, plus a couple of new medical electives called Jonny and Gillian who are here with Mission Africa. We played guess the truth where we all wrote down something about us and then everyone had to guess which truth belonged to who. We all played it really safe not really knowing each other apart from Jonny who managed to really embarrass himself!

Day 174 (Tuesday 26^th July)

After 6 months of waiting and trying to go, today was the day I finally managed to go to Yankari which is a game park and hot springs. There have been constant security fears in Bauchi state which has prevented me from going. I was picked up at 7am by the team plus Jonny and Gillian. We got there after a four hour drive. When we arrived they asked for our passport details which I didn’t have, so I had to be a bit inventive. The whole day only cost me ₦200 (79p) which is a bit of a bargain. I got student price entry, and the transport and lunch were accounted for in the team budget.

We saw baboons, antelope and warthogs which was quite cool. The hot springs were 31 degrees and so so relaxing. I chose to not notice the sign which says you can’t jump from anything, and climbed the tree to jump in. It’s one of those have to do things, but none of the others would do it.

One of the girls had her flip flops stolen, and so we went off to look for them, and saw them with a ladies things. One of the others went and took them back, and the lady saw us and started talking to her guard who laughed. She couldn’t have been that bothered though because five minutes later her group wanted a picture with us, and then she wanted a picture just with me. Everyone found it really funny, and I had a look of “what do I do and how do I get away”. It is really unusual for Nigerian woman to be forward, it’s normally just the men.

Day 175 (Wednesday 27^th July)

Today I mainly stayed at home sorting stuff out ready to go home. I ventured out to buy some milk and that as exciting as it got.

Day 176 (Thursday 28^th July)

Today was the day of my Gidan Bege send forth. It made it feel really real going for the last time and saying goodbye to everybody.

Lots of people gave speeches, some I didn’t know but they knew me from my work and seeing me come and go. I was amazed at the thing that were said, it really touched me. The boys sung songs to me, my favourite was “We will miss you Uncle Neil”. One lady who gave a speech said, “I just hav to say, I love your hair”. And then the others started saying stuff like they love the way I talk, I like the way you dress. Abi and Ali who were there said they love my nose and ears which I think I found more funny than the Nigerians. Joseph told Abi and Ali to come and make a speech which they were really shy about. It made me smile though. They said “We love you Neil, mon gode Allah” which means we thank God and is a standard phrase here.

Day 177 (Friday 29^th July)

I borrowed a Rav 4 today so I could drive out to Gyero with the girls and take lots of pictures on the road. This has been my forty five minute journey to work each day!

Above: This was the government school the children in Gyero went to before Cornerstone School was opened last September

Above: This is Gyero as you arrive

Above: Dazang who is a teacher at Gidan Bege and I on the infamous Gyero bridge

I then had my Gyero send forth which was the big official one. There was another round of speeches and songs. I managed to blag another speech thanking the relevant people etc. The funniest speech was from Bawa the uncle who lost his daughter. He said “When I first met you I thought you are a small man and not able to be up to the task of running the school, then I meet you a second time and I realise you are a great manager”. There were some lovely things said, especially by Sunday who is the kinda head teacher of the school. I got some cards and letters which were lovely.

Above: Lonz and Sunday

In the evening I went to the Fretheim’s for the last time. It was a really nice evening. Towards the end the compound alarm went off which woke us all up a bit. Everyone tried to look like they were chilled out while rushing to shut all the curtains, lock the doors, and turn out the lights. It took ages to work out that nobody had set it off, and it was probably the lightning. In the end they pulled a wire out to turn it off because they could work out where it had been activated from.

Day 178 (Saturday 30^th July)

I went to town to do a bit of shopping, and then had my school handover with Anne-Karin who has just returned from furlough and is taking over from me. We chatted about loads of things, it was really strange getting rid of the piles of things I had from the school. It now feels like my time has really come to an end here, I have nothing left to do.

In the evening Anne-Karin took me out with her family for dinner to say thank you which was really nice.

Day 179 (Sunday 31^st July)

I went to Jets church with Ali and Abi this morning for the last time. I came home and listened to a sermon from home. It was a really weird feeling that next week I will be at KCC, but really really exciting.

In the evening I went to Barcardi for a goodbye meal with some friends.

Day 180 (Monday 1st July)

Today is my last day in Jos, tomorrow I travel to the capital Abuja to spend my last day in Nigeria. Abi, Ali and Lyndsay are coming to spend the last day with me and to say goodbye. It feels very strange to have written my last proper blog update!

Today I have done nothing other than write this, pack and reflect.

Day 166 - 171

Day 166 (Monday 18^th July)

I have been trying to get hold of a set of youth bibles for Gidan Bege for a number of weeks, and woke up to a text from the Mission Africa ministry bookshop called ACTS saying they haven’t been able to get hold of them. They said they had some others to show me which may be good alternatives so I headed out to the bookshop which is in the middle of nowhere and possibly the most inconvenient location ever coming from Jos. They had five different bibles, and one of them was really really cool. The cover is denim and made to look like a pair of jeans. It’s a youth bible, and in the Contemporary English Version which is really good for ministry kids, many of whom are struggling with their English. I was amazed that they were cheaper than the bibles I had wanted because they are produced by the Nigerian Bible Society and not western imports. Because I work for Mission Africa I spoke with the manager who gave me a good price, and said I could buy any other books at cost price which is a 20% discount of prices already a fraction of those in the UK in many cases. I’m glad my luggage allowance is 69kg on the way home!

I took the bibles to Gidan Bege, and greeted Joseph the Nigerian Centre Manager I am really close to. We brought all the boys into his house and showed them their new bibles (they didn’t have bibles before). We played a game with them which I remember from my childhood where you say a verse and the first one to find it wins. The boy who did the best is going to have a meal with Joseph and his family which is a huge luxury for them, and I thought a lovely idea.

Day 167 (Tuesday 19^th July)

Today I travelled out to Gyero for the last day of school. It was a very very strange feeling. I spent the day wafting between classes distracting the teachers and children (it’s not like anyone wants to learn anything on the last day of school, I remember always doing nothing on the last day when I was at school). The thing that amazes me here is that all the kids love school and really want to learn, it’s so different from UK schools. I discovered that teacher Lonz’s new pet lizard can grow to massive sizes, and eat animals such as rabbits. I have no idea how he managed to catch it, he is still determined to have a pet monkey which I did my best to dissuade him from. I also spent time playing with Sunday’s two year old daughter Grace. They have a game in the playground I assume comes from the US. It’s a pole, with a ball on a long bit of string attached. A bit like swing ball, except the ball is football sized. I played with Grace, and she proved Nigerian kids are tougher than ours because she didn’t flinch when it hit her in the head.

When I got home I received a phone call with some very sad news. Vicky, the wife of Transition House centre manager Alex had just died an hour after giving birth to their first child. The baby girl has survived. It’s hard to know what to say in these situations. They had been trying to have a baby for nine years, and had suffered a number of miscarriages. A few years ago Vicky was the only survivor in a car crash which killed nine people. Her and her husband both overcame illness in the last couple of years they thought would take their lives. For an hour after the birth all was well and everyone was celebrating the blessing of their first child.

Day 168 (Wednesday 20^th July)

Today all the ministry programs were rightly cancelled. I spent the day hanging around at home, we were unsure whether the funeral would be today or tomorrow. I was warned it could happen very last minute.

In the evening I had my debrief with Lynsey. It was a bit of a reminder that it’s nearly time for me to come home and everything is coming to an end. The only things I have left to do are the prize giving ceremony which was due to happen today, and a big handover to the person taking over from me who I am assured arrives next week on Monday.

I was due to be going to Yankari tomorrow which is the hot springs and game reserve. It got cancelled due to some security issues over the last couple of days. I received a text at 10pm telling me the prize giving is tomorrow morning, and I’m arranging it. One of the biggest things I have had to overcome here is the way communication happens and plans are made. I’m used to an environment where if I’m organising something I have a bit more of a say, if a time is arranged it is kept, and if a decision is made that involves something I’m responsible for I’m not the last person to find out. It is good to be tested though, and I have learnt so much from the way of doing things here.

Latest is funeral will be Friday.

Day 169 (Thursday 21^st July)

I got a lift to Gyero and checked with the Nigerian leader of the Gyero ministry how he wanted the prize giving to work, he said whatever I want. I ruhed around trying to work out which children the teachers wanted to give prizes to for behaviour and effort. It was harder because some of the teachers weren’t around because they hadn’t been told about the prize giving. Apparently the school were only told this morning, which put the teachers in a bad mood with me. I did try and explain I only found out the night before and wasn’t the one who set the time. So I while I rushed round trying to figure things out teacher Lonz and head teacher Sunday gathered all the children and entertained them. We had a few baturis in attendance, including the Mission Africa team of girls, and other missionaries. The children sung for them, and did some funny crazy dancing.

When everyone eventually arrived who needed to be there, and the prizes turned up I gathered everyone for the prize giving. I managed one of my better blags which was a completely unprepared and very short speech. I gave the prizes out and the only hic-up was trying to give one of the girls two. I had been given the same name twice for different awards and forgot to check. I asked the teachers if anything wanted to say anything to their students (I had pre warned them) and they all kept silent. A couple of the students said some lovely things. I found out the reason the teachers wouldn’t speak is they were sulking about the lack of organisation. Lonz saved the day for me and said a few words. The ceremony ended with them singing the national anthem which was really cute. Apparently it went well according to the Baturis. I was told not to worry about the teachers by the Nigerian ministry leader.

I took loads of pictures!

The village of Gyero where I work

This is Sunday, the head teacher of Cornerstone School in Gyero

This is Grace, Sunday's daughter who follows me round

This is Vivian, daughter of US family Matt and Ashley who are here for the summer

I went to the swimming pool with Lynsey, but the weather changed from glorious sun to rain rain rain. We ended up in the bar rather than by the pool. We went to town to do some food shopping. I bought some steak for the bbq we are going to tomorrow which only cost ₦1400KG (£5.50). I didn’t realise how cheap steak is here, otherwise I’d have bought it more often. When I got home I made a honey, sesame, chilli, garlic kinda marinade for my steak. I picked up my Nigerian driving licence which has only taken since February to get. I wonder what the UK police would think if I handed it over to them and pretended to be Nigerian?

I was told the funeral is now Saturday 9am.

Day 170 (Friday 22^nd July)

Today was another nothing day. I went to the Fretheims in the evening for a bbq closely guarding my steak. International bbq protocol applied and the men stood round the bbq, while the women sat inside and weren’t allowed close. When it came to eating my steak I realised there were no knives so I looked a bit like a cave man eating it especially as I cooked it rare. One of the girls wasn’t impressed and I managed to find a knife. I think it was all that cooking on open fire which brought me back to cave man routes (no personal belief implied‼!)

Day 171 (Saturday 23^rd July)

Today was the day of the funeral, which was held at ECWA Bishara 2 church which is where I went when I initially arrived in Nigeria. The church was chosen due to its size, and was still packed.

The service was more of a celebration than we would typically have in the UK, and was different in every conceivable way. Rather than making sombre observations I will highlight the key differences (it’s easier that way).

Dress: Unlike the UK, everyone doesn’t turn up in a black suit. The typical mourning colour is white, but I didn’t see much. There was a variety of brightly coloured Nigerian outfits worn by the woman, and casual shirts worn by the men. The City Ministries staff were all asked to wear their ‘uniform’ which is a green t-shirt given out recently. I didn’t get one and was happy to blend in to the background wearing a Nigerian shirt with black trousers and shoes. The husband Alex wore the outfit Vicky apparently made him wear at their wedding which was tounching.

Hearse: As we arrived at the church the coffin arrived. The ‘hearse’ was a clapped out ambulance from eastern Europe, wich once would have been bright red, but was not more rusty. It had a siren which they had going, but didn’t really work and was hard to hear. In the back was a man laying down next to the coffin trying to hold it in place, and driving in front was a car with a man almost fully out the window filming the procession.

Program: When you sit down funeral programs are handed along the line, but there are not enough to go round so you share. It has a numbered order of service, pictures, and testimonies from the friends and family. The program looks like something you would buy at the theatre in the UK. While we are sat through the beginning of the service I get a tap on my shoulder from the random lady behind me, and she passes me the following note:

(click to enlarge)

Guests: There is a man sat next to us who is obviously uncomfortable in his outfit and spends the service adjusting his gentleman parts. The person in front decides she needs a pen so disrupts uncomfortable man to ask the person sitting behind him for a pen.

Length: The service lasted three hours, most people arrived an hour earlier than that to travel with the body to the church, and then attended the burial service after the church service.

Music: There was more music than the average Nigerian church service with presentation songs from various choirs and bands linked to the church we were in, and Vicky’s church. As a general rule in Nigeria the choirs are excellent and the bands contain the singers who didn’t fit vocally with the choir. One of the band songs had a backing track taken from the £9.99 keyboard which sounded like a children’s tv theme tune. The tinny pa system probably didn’t do it justice.

Sermon: Most of the service was in English with a bit of Hausa mixed in. There were two notable and slightly unfortunate exceptions which were the sermon, and the notices at the end when they gave the details of the burial. The preacher didn’t speak the sermon, rather he shouted it. I’m not completely sure what he said, but from what I could gather he was preaching a bit of a gospel message. He was saying that we never know when the end of our life will come, and do we know what will happen if we die suddenly. I think this is a very important thing for us to think in our own lives. At the end of the sermon about twenty people responded to the message.

So that’s my observations from a Nigerian funeral. It was a very sad day, but interesting to see the way a very different culture deals with death. Before I came to Nigeria I had no idea I would attend two funerals, and witness two seemingly tragic wastes of life.

Day 158 - 165

Day 158 (Sunday 10^th July)

I walked to the girls compound because the car was at theirs, but neither Abi or Bethan who can drive were going to Jets with us so I needed to drive them. The service was really long, two hours and twenty minutes , and really hard to understand.

I had no Nepa all day, so wasn’t able to use my laptop. I used the battery I had left to listen to a preach from home. I spoke to mum and dad on the phone which was nice.

I made Nigerian food for dinner, red stew which was yum. I decided to only make enough for one meal because the last couple of times I have put it in the fridge and forgotten about it. I think I still have some in there from about two months ago, although it could be something else. The smell is putting me off getting too close and fishing through the mould to check. I keep forgetting to give it to my cleaner when she comes (which seems to be about every three weeks rather than weekly).

Day 159 (Monday 11^th July)

Today I arranged to go back to Kagoro for the day to say goodbye to the boys before I go. Kagoro is where I spent the first three weeks of my time away from Jos over the election period, and where all the trouble occurred over the election period.

The girls were meant to pick me up at 8.30, but they left their only house key on the keys to the car which I had, which meant I had to drive to them so they could lock their house and we could leave.

Lynsey drove to Kagoro because we had no driver available which was pretty brave of her. It was great to see all the boys, and they gave us a really warm welcome. Mission Africa has a team there at the moment , who are coming to Jos at the weekend to spend their second two weeks. It was good to meet them.

Since the demise of Ruth the chicken Abi and Ali have been talking about getting a new pet to replace her, and had their heart set on a duck. We were told we could get one at the market (the one that got burnt down in during the election). Lynsey let me borrow her car to drive them to the market, it was sad seeing it all burnt out, but good to see them trading and making the most of it. We found a man selling ducks, and they bought a girl duck for ₦800 (£3) which apparently is still expensive. Abi forgetting is was a girl decided to call her Arthur. We managed to get a cardboard box to put her in, in exchange for buying some toilet rolls. By the time we got back to Kagoro she had pooed and weed and covered herself. When Abi remembered she was a girl duck she decided that the duck would be known as a him, and still called Arthur.

When we left Kagoro I put the box with the duck in back in the car not realising they had put a cup of water in for it to drink. We realised half way home and discovered Arthur had knocked it over in the box, and was covered in runny brown poo, nice!

Day 160 (Tuesday 12^th July)

I went to Gyero today and carried on with the exams, and really went for it. I turned three class rooms in to exam rooms and decided it was better to cause complete chaos for the whole school for a short time, than semi complete chaos for a longer period of time. We got loads done finishing the spelling exams, which meant I had loads of marking to do when I got home.

I felt really unwell, so I got an early ish night.

Day 161 (Wednesday 13^th July)

I had a sleep in and went to Gidan Bege for my staff meeting there. There was nobody there other than the boys, so I spent some time with them. I was still feeling pretty unwell, but had no food so I popped to town on my way home to get some stuff. I had a chilled evening.

Day 162 (Thursday 14^th July)

I went to Gyero and carried on with the exams. I managed with lots of help to get the Maths exams done for grade 1,3 and 4 meaning only grade 5 is left to finish tomorrow.

I came home and marked some of the mountains of exam papers.

I discovered that trying to use ebay in Nigeria is not a good idea. My ebay and paypal account both got blocked due to “unauthorized activity” (you have to say it in an American accent). I discovered the process of convincing them I am really me and not a scammer is a difficult one, especially as they ask you to call a UK only number, and want to call you on your UK number. All I wanted to buy was some hair product!

In the evening I went to the girls house for a games evening with the Mission Africa and SIM short , term people plus some of our Nigerian friends from the ministry. I found out that the girls no longer have Arthur the duck. They have given him away to the gardener because she was too hard to look after and smelt too much, and was a really fussy eater. The funny thing is that their gardener wants to get a mate for it, but thinks it’s a male duck due to the name Arthur. He didn’t understand that it’s a girl with a boy’s name when they tried to explain. I don’t think the mating idea is going to work very well.

Day 163 (Friday 15^th July)

I went to Gyero to finish the exams. I also retested the students who got high / low results to compare them to students in other grades.

I came home and did some more marking before going to the Freheims for the evening for food etc. I came home and did some more work.

The best exam answer I have seen:

Question: Which type of triangle is the following?

Answer: Bisexual

It was from a 13 year old boy, and I have no idea how he even knew the word. I think he was getting confused with bilateral which would have been the wrong answer anyway!

Day 164 (Saturday 16^th July)

I didn’t leave the house today, and spent the day making, grading, and recording results. I finally finished at 9pm, but somehow and incredibly I finished finished. I now have a pile of sorted exam papers in plastic wallets, and a spreadsheet with all the results, grades, and provisional classes. It is a really strange feeling because when I finished half of me thought “What do I do now, I’m bored”! The boredom only lasted as long as it took to find some Pringles. I started packing, which is a strange feeling, but I think a reaction to the feeling that I am basically finished. I have a packed week next week, but the pressure is off and most things don’t require my organisation or brain power.

Day 165 (Sunday 17^th July)

It’s really exciting that my church at home, KCC, is having their first meeting in their brand new building today. In many ways I’m really gutted I couldn’t be there, but so excited that I will be in three weeks time. I am really really really looking forward to getting back to my church.

I spent the afternoon watching a Joel Virgo preach on singleness and relationships. It was really challenging, and I would highly recommend it especially to non married people. It’s on the CCK website under the sex etc series.

I also update my blog, ie that’s what I’m doing at the moment. I’m reflecting on my last couple of weeks, excited and looking forward to coming home, but also apprehensive in many ways. I have so much to come back to, and loads of exciting new stuff like starting bible college and working at KCC. I will miss lots about here, I think it has really helped me discern where I possibly am, and probably not called to. Also to discern the gifts I didn’t realise I had been given, and some things I’m really not gifted at!

I have been really challenged by a Casting Crowns song this week, the lyrics are below, you can listen it online: http://vimeo.com/7575212

VOICE OF TRUTH – CASTING CROWNS

Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
You you'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth

Day 150 - 157

Sorry for the delay, I have had no internet for a couple of days.

Day 150 (Saturday 2^nd July)

I left five months ago today which meant I had a monthly letter to open from Gaz. This one contained “one of his most prized possessions”, a plastic model Yoshi from the Mario games. Also two paper aeroplanes which I enjoyed making. The other thing he included was a KCC business card with times crossed out, and replaced with not any more. The church should have been starting a single large meeting in the new building by now, but there have been a few delays. They will have the first meeting on Sunday 17^th July which is really exciting. When I get back it will be all new still, although loads of people will be away at the New Frontiers youth event New Day on my first Sunday back, which is a bit sad.

I didn’t have a very exciting day, I ventured out briefly jumping on a chaba into town to buy some bread. My logic meant that rather than buying bread from the shop next to my compound, I paid to get a chaba to town to buy more expensive (but much nicer) bread.

I spent the rest of the day working until really late on the exam papers.

Day 151 (Sunday 3^rd July)

I got a lift to church, and managed to stay awake for the whole service. Um that’s about all I can say about it.

I watched a Joel Virgo preach from his Sex etc series which was really really good.

Later on I went with Lynsey to her church for a youth meeting. Most people would consider that at 27 I am a little old to go to youth events as a punter, but I was assured by Lynsey that in Nigeria they are part of the youth until about 35. So we headed along for, quoting Lynsey “an afternoon of worship songs that we will know from Hillsong etc”. When we went in and sat down I felt I could probably be the dad of many of the people there, but it didn’t put me off. The reverend was speaking, and basically his hour long “youth talk” was on obeying your parents, getting as much education as you can because that’s the only way you will get anywhere in life, and not being lazy. He started asking people what time a good young person should get up in the morning and what time they got up. They were all saying 5.30am, 6am. We knew they would ask us because Lynsey and I were the only Baturis. He asked me, and I said 8am. Partly because it was funny, and partly because I think it’s a decent time to be waking up in the morning. They all found it quite funny, I did feel like quite a rebel though. I was grateful that Lynsey also said 8am. He was saying that you are lazy if you get too much sleep, I did say that I go to bed really late because thats the only time I can get work done. Lynsey and I got really annoyed when he started asking everyone how many people they have brought to Christ this year. When he came and asked us we refused to answer because we felt it really inappropriate.

After the service one of Lynsey’s friends came and chatted to us and hekd my hand (which is very Africa), but I couldn’t get him to let go for ages, and he was holding it the way we would see as couply, not mummy and daddy holding hands if you know what I mean. Lynsey found it really funny, but I’m pretty used to it. I’ll have to remember not to grab any of my guy mates hands when I get home!

Day 152 (Monday 4^th July)

Today I went to Gyero ready to start the testing and exams. It was strange going in to the pre-school and Kate not being there (who died last week). The atmosphere was buoyant at the school though which really helped. I started the reading testing which involves testing all 124 children one on one. I had Sunday (head teacher) to help me which was good.

I came home from Gyero and spent the evening working on the exams until late.

Day 153 (Tuesday 5^th July)

I had another day of testing at Gyero today. It was pouring with rain, but I managed to get a lift meaning I could get there. Sunday’s three year old daughter Grace was unwell, she has been given malaria treatment and we are praying she will be fine.

When I got home I worked until midnight, and felt very tired!

Day 154 (Wednesday 6^th July)

I woke up feeling really ill today, and decided to have a day at home rather than going to Gidan Bege for the staff meeting. I had lots of sleep and felt a bit better in the afternoon which was good because the girls were coming over for dinner and the weekly small group. I made them burgers and chips which they were really grateful for. Earlier in the day I popped to town to get the food I needed, and I saw an old man begging who always sits outside the shop we go in. I sat with him for a few minutes trying to talk in my best Hausa because he doesn’t speak English. I gave him a little bit of money, I had been really challenged in my quiet time. It’s so easy to hand out money, and help ‘from a distance’, but much harder to lower yourself to the needy person and do something about it. This applies to so many situations, but this was mine for the day. I didn’t get to sleep until 3am, which was a combination of work and lots going round my head.

Day 155 (Thursday 7^th July)

Today was working from home day, I got woken up by my cleaner at 9am. Considering they get up so early I think they thought I was dead because they were basically trying to break in to my room! I wasn’t impressed and really up for a bit more sleep. I worked in the communal area while they cleaned my room which took them till after 12. I have no idea what 2 people can do for that long, it really wasn’t that messy!

I was still feeling ill today, but managed to get lots of work done. In the evening I went to a 40^th birthday celebration.

Day 156 (Friday 8^th July)

I went to Gyero and finished off the remaining reading exams. I turned one of the classrooms into an exam room, and began the spelling exams. I was glad I gave them each an id number and wrote it on their papers because some of them can’t even write their name. I managed to get grade one and two finished which means only three to five to go. Then its just the maths exams and its all done, then time to try and analyse it and make some sense of all the marks.

I spent the evening doing some more work, and marking etc. I have nearly finished writing all the maths exams stuff, I just have to finish the answer sheet for the grade five exam.

Day 157 (Saturday 9^th July)

Today was a real nothing day, it was pouring with rain and dark and miserable outside. I had no nepa all day which meant I couldn’t get any work done because I didn’t have any laptop battery. I managed to get a bit done in the evening when I had generator from 6.

Day 145 - 149

Day 145 (Monday 27^th June)

This week was a bit different because of a program running for all the staff from the centres. They had training from a US team on play therapy etc.

I worked from home today on the end of year exams which went well. I got a text from the Driving Licence office saying that I have to go now now as a matter of urgency so they can snap me for my driving licence. I applied for my driving licence in February and have had my temporary licence since then, but it suddenly becomes urgent when they want it to be! So I went to the government office and managed to find my way to a room with a paper sign saying road safety which is where I had been told I needed to go. They took my picture, finger prints and electronic signature and asked if the details they had were correct. They had my dob as two years younger and they just changed it without checking anything, can’t imagine the dvla being so flexible! Apparently I will have my proper driving licence in two weeks, three weeks before I come home! Better late than never I suppose.

I had nepa (power) all day which was good because it meant I was able to get lots of work done.

In the evening I went to the girls and we started our bible study on James. It went really well, and was great to have open and challenging discussion.

When I got home Postman Pat from the other compound where my post is sent had delivered a couple of letters to me. They are both from Michelle from my cell group, thanks so much Michelle! It was great to hear from home!

Day 146 (Tuesday 28^th June)

Today I got up early to take the Gidan Bege boys on a school trip with the girls. We took them to Sherri Hills which is the big rocky place I have climbed a couple of times. The mini bus we had borrowed wouldn’t start because it had no oil in it, so we got one of the drivers to bring us some and we got going after a short delay. I was quite impressed I managed to diagnose the issue myself, makes me feel almost like a proper man! The boys loved the trip and did lots of running around which they can’t normally do because Gidan Bege is so small and they don’t get to leave. We played games with them, and they had a lesson on creation. We gave them minerals, popcorn, biscuits and crisps which was a bit of a feast.

When I got home I was exhausted, the generator was broken so I had no power and was sat in the dark until nepa decided to give us some power. I spent the evening making and eating macaroni cheese, and working till 1am making the most of nepa.

Day 147 (Wednesday 29^th June)

I’ll be home five weeks today which feels very soon, the time is flying by as I try and get so much done before I leave. There are only three weeks of school left and I have to have written the exams, tested all the kids, marked them, and compiled all the results and provisional classes by then! Seems like I’m gunna be busy!

I worked form home again and met Sunday from Gyero at lunch time. Their program is being held on my compound which is really convenient.

I had no nepa again, but realised that mine was broken and every one elses was working. I went to the communal area and worked there for the evening rather than sitting in the dark with a candle.

Day 148 (Thursday 30^th June)

After getting up and still half asleep I noticed my cleaner outside so went to ask her about my lack of power. She looked at me and the circuit breaker which happened to be next to us and said “you have to on the switch, see it has offed”. My excuse for being made to look a complete idiot by my cleaner is that it was dark when I checked all the switches, and didn’t think to check in the light before asking.

I travelled out to Gyero with the expectation of starting some of the exams and this is where my day changed it’s tone somewhat. I was surprised to find the teachers sitting around when I arrived and was told that they had lost one of the children. I quickly realised they meant she had died and not run off which does happen. Suddenly that morning one of the really little pre-school girls who would be four or five had died of a mysterious illness, possibly malaria. She was the daughter of one of the teachers, and not an orphan. We educate the teachers children as well as the ministry children. I had no idea what the Nigerian etiquette is so I very gently found out from the Nigerians what the protocol is and what I’m expected to do etc. The only other baturis (whit people) in Gyero were Katie who is the SIM short term nurse from New Zealand, and a US family who have just arrived to spend a few weeks in Nigeria. I was told the funeral and burial would be the same day so spent the day paying my respects, and chatting etc. They made the coffin there which was quite hard, because it meant I spent much of the day listening to them hammering away making it, and for some of it watching them. Another thing that struck a chord with the baturis is that one of the ministries 6 goats gave birth and had twin goats which were finding their feet next to where they were making the coffin. It is hard that infant death is so much more common here than in the west, and could be prevented in many cases by better education and health care. We were told the last child to die in the ministry was a couple of years ago from malaria. Towards the end of the day the coffin was finished and we all walked to the burial site where there were a few graves. It was a piece of land on the edge of a field in the middle of a rural landscape, a beautiful place outside of the village. There was a very simple service half in Hausa and half in English which was led by one of the teachers, Lonz, who himself came through the ministry.

By the time I got home I was exhausted, a mix of physically and emotionally I think.

Day 149 (Friday 1^st July)

Gyero was closed today for a day of mourning and to show respect which meant I stayed at home.

I decided I really wanted to make kfc type chicken and chips today, but realised last minute that I had no eggs, which are essential. So I had the option of walking to the girls (their chicken Ruth is laying them now) which is twenty minutes each way, or getting an achaba to town. I figured going to town would be quicker, but when I got there the two shops I go to didn’t have any. It meant I had to go hunting in the market to find someone selling eggs. I wandered up and down trying to find someone and getting shouted at all the time by the people trying to sell me things. I got stopped by an armed military man who wanted to know what I was doing. He said he had been watching me walk up and down, and I explained I was looking to buy eggs. He wanted to know why I had been using my phone and I explained I had been replying to a text. He believed me eventually and got someone to take me to a person selling eggs.

I really enjoyed my chicken and chips when I got home, even if it nearly meant I got arrested probably my most eventful / stressful egg buying trip.

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.