will be updating at random points due to a lack of knowledge of when i can reach the internet!! Enjoy
23/2 - After a safe flight, myself, Ryan, Irish Chris and Billy (project leader of Still waters) arrive at Abuja at 5.15am local time. Along with our driver Zongo, we drove to Billy and Linda’s gaff. We plan to stay there for 3-4 days to get supplies etc before driving to Ogugu (a slightly longer journey than I first though…6 hours!)
The temperature is reaching the mid 30s and it is set to get hotter. Getting to sleep is going to be a challenge, on the plus side. We tried some local pineapple and red stew made by the very talented Rebecca. One word, gorgeous!
24/2 – Despite struggling to sleep in the searing heat, me and the boys managed to generate enough energy to get a good look around Abuja. The first thing I noticed was that Nigerians drive their cars with a ‘live by the sword, die by the sword and honk all you can!’ attitude. Billy also commented that Nigerian’s rarely adhere to the give way concept.
The buildings are amazing! The mosque is a gigantic gold structure and the church of Nigeria, which holds 6,000 people is a testament to how seriously Nigerian’s take their religion and faith. I can say I am privileged to be one of 3 Mission Africa gapers who have managed to walk all 500 steps of the church tower (the views, and pictures below, are immense)
We managed to fit in a bit of shopping! Where I have found places to buy equipment for projects. I also found barbeque sauce, what a find! My anti-malarial tablets are covered now (mum! I have been taking them every morning) Wearing my arsenal shirt attracted some attention, mostly good. It’s comforting to know most of Abujans know what good football is. Billy’s nephew (terne) took us to watch the champions league football on the big screen, I was nicknamed ‘Arsenal boy’.
I spent the evening reading from Daniel, a fitting book since Daniel also found himself serving in an unknown culture. What is noticeable is that Daniel rejects the temptations of power and materials because he is satisfied and sustained by God! I long to be in the same place, gaining real wisdom from a knowledge of the Creator!
25/2 – Breakfast was spent in a discussion about many things, mostly about Africa. Billy is very keen to see that people outside of Africa know that good things about the continent; the amazing landscapes, the beautiful food, culture and people’s friendliness. Unfortunately some people associate Nigeria and the rest of Africa with violence and relgious factions! We also spoke about how the church should concentrate on meeting Jesus themselves before expecting others to do so! So if you are reading and you want to share you’re faith with someone, don’t share your stories of awesome cakes at the end of the service, share your amazing stories about your saviour!
Most of the rest of the day was spent lounging around eating more amazing food such as muy muy (beans, spices and egg) and suia (spiced beef). We met Friday at the Still waters office and had the pleasure of witnessing Irish Chris’ frustration at not winning a single game of cards.
I’m now known by locals as Gooner! People are now shouting at me from the street!!!
