2nd - 6th June

Sorry about the major delay, i've been so busy that i've only been able to write the blog at the internet cafe, leaving me with not much time... So the next 3 months are going to come in dribs and drabs

2/6 – As I had promised everyone, I got up at 5.30 to watch the sun rise over beautiful Miango. Getting up at this kind of time makes you really feel like a true African! After breakfast we had worship and a talk from Mission Africa Chairman Paul Bailie (who looks a lot like my dad, weird). Then after a break we listened to the presentation of other Mission Africa members (ours is tomorrow).

In the evening we had a chance to ask Paul some questions (like where is our living money!), unsurprisingly not much light was shed. Oh the joys of living in Nigiera!

3/6 – I thought today would be good to put some prayer requests up (I realise writing this in July is a bit late, but they still matter). Firstly, there are 3 people who really need prayer; Eleojo has had a brain tumour for 5 years and its pushing her eye out; thankfully she has received the money to get an operation, but finding a good doctor is a challenge. Secondly, Rose; what a lady! She’s got TB and is really ill, but is so kind and generous to us! Thirdly, Henry. He is such a young boy, and he has already lost his parents to HIV. Henry has no transmitted HIV too and desperately needs love and care shown. Prayer for the church is needed too; some of their theology is strange and unbiblical, so we are trying our best to spread the truth!!! Finally, more gapers or a long term placement to Ogugu would be amazing. Some of our work would be wasted if no one is left to continue!

4/6 – In the morning we shared communion and we as a group are feeling more and more that times like this should be a remembrance of why we are here; to refresh ourselves in order to get back to Ogugu and get stuck in with our mission! A lot of great things in history have started because of one incident (take the civil rights movement); Christianity is the same thing, Jesus’ death on the cross was and still is a sign for what we are called to do (mind blowing isn’t it).

5/6 – Today we were sad to day goodbye to Miango (and civilization)! Leaving the compound gates truly reinforced the class and wealth divide in Nigeria (need is say more?). Before heading to Abuja, we stopped of at Zongo’s (the one and only driver) family house and then went down the road to see the house he is building (he truly is a man for every job). Zongo is just a complete legend but cannot find a wife. He has set his eyes on a wife in Ogugu, so one of my aims before leaving is to see Zongo hooked up! Since we are in Abuja to watch Kenya vs Nigeria (World Cup qualifier), I thought I would make up a few Nigeria songs…

- (in the tune of Vinadaloo) Me and me mum, me dad and me gran, we come from Ogugu, Me and me mum, me dad and me gran, with a bucket of hot red stew!!
- He’s quick, he’s black, he snuffs out the attack, MIKEL, MIKEL!