Priscilla did finish my hair and I wore my Nigerian dress, and head gear to church Sunday. It was a wonderful service held in the assembly area (porch) of the main building. There were about three times as many in attendance so it was a good choice, and much cooler too. At the end of the servcie they had the Wenachee Church Team, Paul, the Meyers family and I come up front and sit in chairs. The ones that wanted to speak did so and the people from the school and church all thanked us for the work that had been done. Phyllis gave each of us a gift. The men received a wonderful T-shirt and necklace, the ladies a 6 yard piece of Nigerian fabric, necklace and a fashion magazine. The team will be leaving on Thursday, so this was the last Sunday for the six of them. I've really enjoyed them all. What a blessing they have been to all of us here and to the people with whom thay have worked. The afternoon and early evening were spent enjoying each other's company. At one point Jack came to the side porch with the new calf around the back of his neck. I grabbed my camera and took a picture. About that time we heard a bellow and turned to see three cows coming after us. We all jumped up on the porch and Jack shed the calf and ran too. The herder (guy who helped birth the calf) gabbed him and took him to another area of the yard to divert the three angry moms. Never a dull moment.
Our plan for today was to take a day off and drive to the Niger river, take a boat ride across and visit a Fulani village built in the area that will be covered with water when the rainy season starts. They are a nomadic group, so moving their entire village twice a year is no biggie! One of the ladies beckoned me to come inside her hut. It almost looked like a store. Found out later that she had just married and it was her dowry. I startled the little guy inside and he began to cry. The tiny children here cry when they see us. They haven't seen a white face before. The trip over was in a dugout canoe, paddled by two men. There was a leak that got bigger and bigger. I pointed it out to one of the guys and he had a passing canoe give us a dipper and signaled us to start bailing. We all took turns - what a hoot! While on the water the temperature was bearable, but when walking around the village on the hot sand it was pretty intense. After we returned to our vehicles, most went for a walk through the market. Pat and I sat in chairs by the van and truck. I had run out of steam. We gathered together after about an hour and had lunch at the "restaurant". Samson and his wife ran it, and Devin, Bridget and Phyllis had started buildiing a relationship with them. Part of the sightseeing ride to and from the Niger, included a run past a hugh steel mill that wasn't in operation right now. It reminded me of J and L on the Ohio river. This one was built by the Russians, and it was part of a huge community. It really looked like it could be something wonderful for the area. Home again much to everyone's relief. We were all ready for a little A/C
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
January 23rd, Saturday
What an exciting day! Bridget planned and announced a Children's Day. We planned several games, storytelling, and a craft. It started at 10 am and was planned to end at 12, but the mayhem that began about 11 ended it by 11:30. When there were about 100 children (like there was at 10 am) it was fine and they were divided into four groups. My first group about 20 children and we made necklaces of pony beads and plastic lacing. The second group was 32 and we still did fine. The next group was a mob. By that time about 50-60 more children had arrived and they all flocked to whatever group they chose. My small area was wall to wall children all with their arms outstretched yelling mommy, mommy. I tried desperately to keep things under control, even enlisting the help of some of the staff that had arrived. It was useless, so we shut it down. (I'm afraid I lost it for a bit) I felt really bad because some of the children that had been there on time missed out on making a necklace. But I think Bridget knows what group missed out and we will get them in another day to make them. Devin's group doing the parachute also turned into a mob. He had to gather the parachute and bring it in. He was afraid someone would be injured.
Bottom line was we found out what to do and what not to do when another one is planned. I will work in a classroom where I can close the door and no one but the assigned group can enter. I don't know how Devin will handle the parachute game in the future - that has to be played outside in the open.
Shortly after the games ended, one of the Fulani men came to the porch area and told us that a calf had been born. I went with him to see. What he had tried to tell us was that it would soon be born. Just one hoof was visible. I was able to get video of the process. I won't go into detail here for the sake of the squeamish.
After lunch, Priscilla, a 13 year old Nigerian girl I have mentioned before, asked if she could plait my hair. So, once lunch was cleared, she started on my head - whoaaaaaaaa - I've taken two ibuprofen so far. She is almost half way done, but her dad called her. I don't know if she will finish today, or if I will be attending church with half a head plaited. I guess it doesn't matter, I will be wearing my Nigerian dress and head wrap.
Bottom line was we found out what to do and what not to do when another one is planned. I will work in a classroom where I can close the door and no one but the assigned group can enter. I don't know how Devin will handle the parachute game in the future - that has to be played outside in the open.
Shortly after the games ended, one of the Fulani men came to the porch area and told us that a calf had been born. I went with him to see. What he had tried to tell us was that it would soon be born. Just one hoof was visible. I was able to get video of the process. I won't go into detail here for the sake of the squeamish.
After lunch, Priscilla, a 13 year old Nigerian girl I have mentioned before, asked if she could plait my hair. So, once lunch was cleared, she started on my head - whoaaaaaaaa - I've taken two ibuprofen so far. She is almost half way done, but her dad called her. I don't know if she will finish today, or if I will be attending church with half a head plaited. I guess it doesn't matter, I will be wearing my Nigerian dress and head wrap.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
We have word from Phyllis Sorter the career Missionary here. She traveled 12 hours south to the Academy in Aquibo (This is not the correct spelling-it is the way the name sounds.) This school and compound was taken over by a man named Joe Eke. He has been a problem in the church for some time, but became an evident evil force last year. Phyllis has gone through all the right steps to regain control of the property owned by the Free Methodist Church, but it seems that Joe has paid off all the local officials. The court in Abuja has decreed her right to the school and property, and ordered Joe to turn himself in to authorities. He, of course, has not done this and hides from the police. His legal representative has now told the courts that he is on a religious trip to the Holy Land (this is a legal reason not to show up for a court date here) Reports from the people say that he has been seen hiding in the church. Monday, Phyllis spent the day with local police making the plans to take the property back. Tuesday they went to the gates of the compound with police, leaders of the church and were met with hired thugs. The local police were not inclined to do anything about it, so much prayer is needed.
The work team from Washington state are sleeping at a local hotel. Last night on the way back they were run off the road by a large semi truck. Fortunately there was an area of rough dirt on the side of the road and they were tossed around some, but not injured. The driver ran motorcycles and everything in his way off the road. He blasted his horn and drove.
Lori, Curt I need to hear from you. I was a little homesick to hear from family last night. The grandkids could send a note also. I'd love to hear from you. It must be done on Paul's e-mail: paulfrazier@juno.com
The work team from Washington state are sleeping at a local hotel. Last night on the way back they were run off the road by a large semi truck. Fortunately there was an area of rough dirt on the side of the road and they were tossed around some, but not injured. The driver ran motorcycles and everything in his way off the road. He blasted his horn and drove.
Lori, Curt I need to hear from you. I was a little homesick to hear from family last night. The grandkids could send a note also. I'd love to hear from you. It must be done on Paul's e-mail: paulfrazier@juno.com
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
January 19, 2010
Good morning from Emi-woro.
Monday was a beautiful day. The morning was crisp and cool, there was a small breeze off and on all day, and the humidity was much lower than usual. I visited several classrooms, and have 3 more to visit today. I met one-on-one with Maryann who is leaving the area on Wednesday. She is a converted Fulani muslim and has been banned from her family for 4 years. She will be with her husband, a Christian minister. She is so thankful for each word she can write and pronounce.
The adult class had nine people in attendance. Most of them recognize the letters of the alphabet, and can sound out/read the word with the letter. Some of their sounds are consistently different than ours: ie the word "to" is pronounced with a long o (tow.) Today the few with less skill will be coming for a small intense class.
The work team from Washington state is making wonderful progress on the small administration building and the 4-classroom building. Walls are up on the admin.building, and the rough floors are done in the 4 classrooms. More cement block must be made today and the walls will start to go up on Wednesday. I have pictures of the women carring all the rock and sand in basins on their heads. The native workers arrive before sunup to be chosen to work for the day. The leaders try to choose different ones so everyone who wants to work will have a chance to make some money. (4 dollars a day)
We have word about an earthquake in Haiti, with three of the Free Methodist missionaries presumed dead, and the husband of one severely injured. Anyone that has more info please send it to Paul's juno account with my name in the subject line. paulfrazier@juno.com Last night we went into town to the Nostalgia Hotel and Cafe' for dinner. We celebrated Bridget, Steve's and my birthdays. (the 18, 19, and 21st) It was quite a treat.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We are daily encouraged by them.
Monday was a beautiful day. The morning was crisp and cool, there was a small breeze off and on all day, and the humidity was much lower than usual. I visited several classrooms, and have 3 more to visit today. I met one-on-one with Maryann who is leaving the area on Wednesday. She is a converted Fulani muslim and has been banned from her family for 4 years. She will be with her husband, a Christian minister. She is so thankful for each word she can write and pronounce.
The adult class had nine people in attendance. Most of them recognize the letters of the alphabet, and can sound out/read the word with the letter. Some of their sounds are consistently different than ours: ie the word "to" is pronounced with a long o (tow.) Today the few with less skill will be coming for a small intense class.
The work team from Washington state is making wonderful progress on the small administration building and the 4-classroom building. Walls are up on the admin.building, and the rough floors are done in the 4 classrooms. More cement block must be made today and the walls will start to go up on Wednesday. I have pictures of the women carring all the rock and sand in basins on their heads. The native workers arrive before sunup to be chosen to work for the day. The leaders try to choose different ones so everyone who wants to work will have a chance to make some money. (4 dollars a day)
We have word about an earthquake in Haiti, with three of the Free Methodist missionaries presumed dead, and the husband of one severely injured. Anyone that has more info please send it to Paul's juno account with my name in the subject line. paulfrazier@juno.com Last night we went into town to the Nostalgia Hotel and Cafe' for dinner. We celebrated Bridget, Steve's and my birthdays. (the 18, 19, and 21st) It was quite a treat.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We are daily encouraged by them.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Wednesday, January 13th
To all you blog followers: I am emailing Pat Fowler my blogs to post. I am still unable to connect here. Please do not despair, as soon as I am able I will read your comments and respond. To date I have been unable to do so.
Today was my first class for Adults. There were 12 students. The Lord knows how to take a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants plan and make it work. They arrived slowly so we just started with the ones that arrived and had them name the letters of the alphabet and if they were able, read the word that started with that letter. Amazingly about 8-9 of them were able to do that, so the "advanced" class will have more in it to start than the "beginner" class.
There will be classes on Monday and Wednesday for the advanced group and Tuesday, Thursday for the beginner group. Although we did tell them that they could come all days if they wanted to, but to know that some days would be easy or hard for them.
The last two mornings have been marvelous, about 72 degrees and feels crisp and cool. We are experiencing 95 degree days, so the informaton about being 80 degrees this time of year was off.
I have become friends with a 13 year old girl named Priscilla and a young man name Solitu (sew-lee'-two). Priscilla helps in the kitchen sometimes and is such a joy to talk with. Solitu is 15 years old and most likely contracted polio at some time in his young life. He is unable to walk on his feet, but uses flip flops on his hands. He travels quickly on his hands and knees with his skinny legs and feet flying out behind him. He is in charge of the boarders who live in the Filani huts on the grounds.
The children are all very friendly and loveable. Some are very shy in the beginning, but soon get over that.
I will close with this: I feel I am living inside the covers of a National Geographic magazine. Those of you who have read one, will know what I mean!
KELSEY HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!! Love you!
Today was my first class for Adults. There were 12 students. The Lord knows how to take a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants plan and make it work. They arrived slowly so we just started with the ones that arrived and had them name the letters of the alphabet and if they were able, read the word that started with that letter. Amazingly about 8-9 of them were able to do that, so the "advanced" class will have more in it to start than the "beginner" class.
There will be classes on Monday and Wednesday for the advanced group and Tuesday, Thursday for the beginner group. Although we did tell them that they could come all days if they wanted to, but to know that some days would be easy or hard for them.
The last two mornings have been marvelous, about 72 degrees and feels crisp and cool. We are experiencing 95 degree days, so the informaton about being 80 degrees this time of year was off.
I have become friends with a 13 year old girl named Priscilla and a young man name Solitu (sew-lee'-two). Priscilla helps in the kitchen sometimes and is such a joy to talk with. Solitu is 15 years old and most likely contracted polio at some time in his young life. He is unable to walk on his feet, but uses flip flops on his hands. He travels quickly on his hands and knees with his skinny legs and feet flying out behind him. He is in charge of the boarders who live in the Filani huts on the grounds.
The children are all very friendly and loveable. Some are very shy in the beginning, but soon get over that.
I will close with this: I feel I am living inside the covers of a National Geographic magazine. Those of you who have read one, will know what I mean!
KELSEY HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!! Love you!
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 11, 2010
Hello everyone. The upload and download for the blogspot is very difficult, so I will not be posting as often as I thought I might. Since I wrote last we have hada Sunday morning service, visited two Fulani villages close by, killed one scorpion and had the first day of school.
When I sit at a computer in an air conditioned room I find it difficult to believe that I am in Africa, and that outside my window there are people living in huts that find their food in the bush and cook over an open fire for all their meals.
I believe my pictures and videos will tell he story. I don't think I will be able to send them to you, so will have to wait until I return. Today in the afternoon a boy who does not have the use of his legs was looking at the pictures of my family. He pointed to Nate and said he wanted to be friends with him. So Nate there is a 15 year old boy here that walks on his hands and knees over dirt and rocks that would like to be your pen pal. I told him you would write to him. His name is Solihu - pronounced "so lee who". If you would just write a short paragrph about yourself and where you live to Paul Fraziers juno address I will read it to him. I will bring you pictures of him and a video of how he "walks". He has not let his handicap bother him. Most people here who are handicapped are outcasts, but he has become a leader among the children here. He is amazing.
I visited each of the classrooms today and announced the Adult Literacy classes to start on Wednesday. The parent and older brothers and sisters are all invited to come. They will only be one or one and a half hours from 4-5 or 5:30 Monday through Thursday. So during the day I will help in the school's classrooms, help prepare the lunches, and any number of other things.
I'm sure you want to know about the scorpion. It was on the door to the parlor and I had just entered when Jack - missionary couples oldest boy - discovered it. We sprayed it with a spider spray and then I got a picture of it. I have found a gecko and huge spider in my room. Got the spider, never saw the gecko again. (yet)
Sunday afternoon after 5 when the temperature gets bearable, probably down to 85 with about 100% humidity (at least that is what it feels like) we went into a Fulani village. The path is about 12-18 inches wide and worn down into the earth by several inches. We were greeted with much enthusiasm. The children all want to hold your hand and have you "snap" their picture. There were four boys who had been circumcised, each was sitting on a mat. This was to keep them clean. Unfortunately there was no covering for the cut and flies had gotten to it and they were all infected. Someone from the clinic took them medicine today. They of course have no money to pay for the medicine and the school cannot do this for everyone. So many times they must turn them away. It is enough to break your heart. This village had about a dozen huts in it. There is a central walkway with small fire rings scattered throughout. It is amazing to see how they carry their babies on their backs with just a piece of cloth. We've all seen these sights in pictures, but the reality of it all is unbelievable.
I need to stop for now. I send my love to all of my family, friends and coworkers. I am unable at this point to read any of your communications to me since I can't download the blog. I have a friend putting this on for me and I'm using Paul Fraziers juno account to send it to her. You could send a short note to paulfrazier@juno.com and he will let me read it when it comes in.
Thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray.
Carol
When I sit at a computer in an air conditioned room I find it difficult to believe that I am in Africa, and that outside my window there are people living in huts that find their food in the bush and cook over an open fire for all their meals.
I believe my pictures and videos will tell he story. I don't think I will be able to send them to you, so will have to wait until I return. Today in the afternoon a boy who does not have the use of his legs was looking at the pictures of my family. He pointed to Nate and said he wanted to be friends with him. So Nate there is a 15 year old boy here that walks on his hands and knees over dirt and rocks that would like to be your pen pal. I told him you would write to him. His name is Solihu - pronounced "so lee who". If you would just write a short paragrph about yourself and where you live to Paul Fraziers juno address I will read it to him. I will bring you pictures of him and a video of how he "walks". He has not let his handicap bother him. Most people here who are handicapped are outcasts, but he has become a leader among the children here. He is amazing.
I visited each of the classrooms today and announced the Adult Literacy classes to start on Wednesday. The parent and older brothers and sisters are all invited to come. They will only be one or one and a half hours from 4-5 or 5:30 Monday through Thursday. So during the day I will help in the school's classrooms, help prepare the lunches, and any number of other things.
I'm sure you want to know about the scorpion. It was on the door to the parlor and I had just entered when Jack - missionary couples oldest boy - discovered it. We sprayed it with a spider spray and then I got a picture of it. I have found a gecko and huge spider in my room. Got the spider, never saw the gecko again. (yet)
Sunday afternoon after 5 when the temperature gets bearable, probably down to 85 with about 100% humidity (at least that is what it feels like) we went into a Fulani village. The path is about 12-18 inches wide and worn down into the earth by several inches. We were greeted with much enthusiasm. The children all want to hold your hand and have you "snap" their picture. There were four boys who had been circumcised, each was sitting on a mat. This was to keep them clean. Unfortunately there was no covering for the cut and flies had gotten to it and they were all infected. Someone from the clinic took them medicine today. They of course have no money to pay for the medicine and the school cannot do this for everyone. So many times they must turn them away. It is enough to break your heart. This village had about a dozen huts in it. There is a central walkway with small fire rings scattered throughout. It is amazing to see how they carry their babies on their backs with just a piece of cloth. We've all seen these sights in pictures, but the reality of it all is unbelievable.
I need to stop for now. I send my love to all of my family, friends and coworkers. I am unable at this point to read any of your communications to me since I can't download the blog. I have a friend putting this on for me and I'm using Paul Fraziers juno account to send it to her. You could send a short note to paulfrazier@juno.com and he will let me read it when it comes in.
Thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray.
Carol
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Saturday
Greetings:
The internet at \hope Academy is down. Today is market day so I can spend some time at the \Nostalgia Cafe on their internet.
\m
Many were interested in the time of the flight. Total time in the air was about 14 hours. Less than 2 to JFK almost 8 toDakar Senegal, and more than 4 to Abuja. I got 1 1/2 hours sleep. We were introduced to the corruption in Nigeria when we were 20 minutes from our destination. So a 3 hour ride took us almost 5 hours. We were flagged down by Nail boarders whose job is to find out if you have all your necessary paperwork to drive in Nigeria. The name comes from the board with nails in it they put in front of your tires so you can't get away. They put large rocks and pieces of concrete in front of our back tires also. This story took 3 pages in my journal so will have to save it for when I get back. After more than an hour of haggling and paying a fine we were let go.
The children will all be back to school on Monday. I've met some wonderful people so far.My work will start some time next week. I've found already that - go with the flow- will take on a new meaning.
I can't find the quotation marks on this keyboard, and the shift key on the left is not in the same place as ours, so forgive the errors.
I've taken some good video of the grounds and pictures of the people. Once I get them onto my computer or flash drive I will try to post them.
I sat here for two hours with my laptop not working and the manager coming. I haven't seen him yet. Then the lady suggested I use her computer. So hopefully this will all go through alright.
The internet at \hope Academy is down. Today is market day so I can spend some time at the \Nostalgia Cafe on their internet.
\m
Many were interested in the time of the flight. Total time in the air was about 14 hours. Less than 2 to JFK almost 8 toDakar Senegal, and more than 4 to Abuja. I got 1 1/2 hours sleep. We were introduced to the corruption in Nigeria when we were 20 minutes from our destination. So a 3 hour ride took us almost 5 hours. We were flagged down by Nail boarders whose job is to find out if you have all your necessary paperwork to drive in Nigeria. The name comes from the board with nails in it they put in front of your tires so you can't get away. They put large rocks and pieces of concrete in front of our back tires also. This story took 3 pages in my journal so will have to save it for when I get back. After more than an hour of haggling and paying a fine we were let go.
The children will all be back to school on Monday. I've met some wonderful people so far.My work will start some time next week. I've found already that - go with the flow- will take on a new meaning.
I can't find the quotation marks on this keyboard, and the shift key on the left is not in the same place as ours, so forgive the errors.
I've taken some good video of the grounds and pictures of the people. Once I get them onto my computer or flash drive I will try to post them.
I sat here for two hours with my laptop not working and the manager coming. I haven't seen him yet. Then the lady suggested I use her computer. So hopefully this will all go through alright.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
First Sunday of the New Year
Today's service was special for me. I felt the presence of our Lord during the entire service. A group gathered with me for prayer for the trip. Thank you friends and family for your prayer and support.
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