Came and Went

Just a snapshot of the material damages of the riots...

Isn't that the way it is sometimes: you just begin something and the experience is over before you know it. Whether it is a survival mechanism or naivete, I have to remind myself of the happenings of the past couple weeks and that they were real. But these pictures allow the unsettling memory to rest in my mind. These "Tiger Patrol" officials were part of the convoy that escorted the hostel students from my compound to Abuja.

Many families are still experiencing the repercussions of such violence, yet it still feels so far away. School has since resumed, students crammed for semester exams, and now we are out again. School also "came and went." This semester "came and went."

I've been here in Nigeria for 5 1/2 months. Time is flying!

If it is possible that some of you have not received an e-mail update on the goings-on here in Jos, I'm alive, safe, and unharmed. Unfortunately, many people cannot say this. We had tens of thousands internally displaced peoples (IDPs), many of whom lost everything they owned (including their income of crops) due to fires set ablaze by irrational hate. Relief is organized for these people, but only the Lord can heal the deep wounds of fear, trauma, hate, sin, and godlessness. Pray for spiritual, emotional, relational, and financial recovery for the people here.

Pardon my COMPLETE gear-change...
...but as I said, things come and go. As I was grading exams for 6th-8th grade, I humoured myself with their comments at the end. I left some space on the exam for the students to share anything with me (the good, bad, ugly, random, requests, etc). I thought I'd share just a couple:

1. A 6th grade student: Miss Marshall, do you ever think about getting married? I hope you get a god-honoring, humble, nice, gentle husband. But please don't leave us if you get married!
2. 8th grade student: You're a cheerful person. Yelling doesn't suit you.
3. 8th grade student: You're a cool teacher with a sense of humor. Even though I'm not the best student ever, I still like your teaching. (A complete surprise to me)
4. 8th grade student: I DON'T LIKE WARNING SLIPS!!! (not a surprise at all)

Others that I kept to myself remind me that you just never know what is REALLY going on with other people. You don't know what kind of impact you have. A personal challenge to take advantage of every opportunity (Eph 5:16).

Trusting the Prince of Peace,
Kari

Snow Days and Politics

Most of you are familiar with the exciting snow days of the winter season. Students and teachers alike cross their fingers as they wait to see their school name scroll across the screen for a cancellation--or at least a delay. As you might have guessed, we don't get to many snow days here in Nigeria.

But political-related days are granted with the same amount of notice. As I was finishing getting ready for my Friday, my roommate received a call saying that classes were canceled today. I had a strange mixture of relief, wonder and fear. Part of my consciousness reverted to school-girl days when I peered out my window to find a freshly-laid blanket of snow that warmed my heart. However, another part of me went to a place I only heard about from 2001: the Jos Crisis (a time of rampant rioting and violence between the Christians and the Muslims in this area). My imagination could only wander.

For more facts, visit my sister's blog: renemarshall.blogspot.com

Last I heard, the violence is not near my compound or Rene's, but should it make its way down here, Hillcrest would be an ideal target, being an American Christian school. The smoky cloud from early morning tire-burning has lightened up a bit, but it still lingers the north end of the city. New smoke is rising from fires from burning churches and mosques. I just talked to a Nigerian man from the business office in the school, and he is concerned about the evening. Come nighttime, reinforcements may be brought in and plans may be made to target more people. He does not think this is something that will blow over in a day, rather it is likely to escalate.

It is 2:30 now and I'm still hearing gun shots; I have been since I woke up. The plan is to remain in the compound and get ahead on the lesson plans for next week's English. Meanwhile, darkness looms outside the walls and in the sky. Although the action is too far for me to really be worried for myself, I still sing "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" and take comfort in His mighty name.

Please pray for peace and safety, for there are those who are out and vulnerable.

Eph 3:20,21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus2424 throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

PS: tried yet againt to upload some pic so you could see this smoke, but something with my endearing computer just won't let me... =/

"Home is where your rump rests"

Oh Pumba, the great philosopher (from The Lion King).

I was thinking today about the idea of “home.” Many people around me sing praises of Nigeria, of Africa; oh how they love it here! Sure, I’m enjoying myself and find the people endearing and the culture fascinating and fun. However, I don’t feel so strongly to say that THIS is where I am made to live my life. After more searching, I couldn’t find anything specific that I was missing or looking for. Rather, I can honestly say that I could see myself in any conceivable situation—for a time. I laugh, picturing me at the end of my life like the bridesmaid on 27 Dresses, owning a miniature wardrobe required for each stage of life during which I lived in a different part of the world. There is not a particular place where I dream of living. Further, I expect my life to be essentially the same no matter where I find myself because it will consist of simply loving and living out Christ, regardless of my occupation.

That leads me to wonder if I will ever make a home for myself or what I will call home in the end. At this point, I am not emotionally affected at this uncertainty. Being fresh out of university, I’m used of having two locations that are both my home: my dorm in Columbia, SC and my parent’s place in Brown Summit, NC. I have no problem, therefore, calling where I am living now as my home as much as Brown Summit is. (I’d like to make a disclaimer at this point to say that I am not pretending to fully understanding my MK and TCK friends, but it’s interesting how traveling can change you.)

This world is not my home, and yet, it has been given to me to enjoy and take care of. Perhaps shedding my nationality as my identification is the first step to feeling deeply the brotherhood of all men everywhere.

Looking to the Lord,
Kari
Eph 4:2-4 “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

PS: I couldn’t think of a good place to put this last thought—what better place than a p.s.? I firstly and ultimately love God, and He is my source of love for any group of people. Therefore, I choose to go to a place because I love God, not necessarily because I love that particular people more than any other. Otherwise, my loyalties would be skewed.

Time Warp

Ever have the feeling that time has both stopped and sped up? I’m sitting here, looking back on the past month and amazed at how I lack a sense of time! I can assure that life has been eventful, but how could I possibly relate that to you?

My dearest sister has already recorded the pleasant camping/hiking trip we took with a group of singles. We trekked around Sheri Hills, a mountainous range that contains the highest point on the plateau. For those of you who won’t check out Rene’s blog (although, you would be missing out on a true treat), suffice it to say that we got lost several times, camped next to a 100ft waterfall, and had wonderful chats beside the campfire at night. We picked out trail names for each other, which, according to Rene, is a tradition for seasoned trail hikers. Since then, God has been teaching me plenty, plenty!

Among the more profound things, I discovered that I could—against popular belief—possibly play basketball! Who knew? I always assumed I was horribly inept at the sport. About a week ago, I was asked if I play basketball. Upon my firm, “Never a game in my life,” I was then asked if I could be an able body to scrimmage against our high school varsity team. “If you really are that desperate, then maybe you won’t be worse off having me on the court.” Consequently, I found myself on the court on Halloween night, still wondering how exactly I got myself in this position. I purposefully avoided conversation with my students about the upcoming event, hoping they would all have something better to do than watch the game. Who was I kidding? Half the school was there to witness my pending humiliation! I made the best of the night by pulling knowledge from every other sport that I can claim adequate skill in as well as a measure of lunacy that prompted me to make an absolutely ridiculous attempt at a goal at the last second of the first half. Picture a move that resembles something of a discus toss and a ballerina. I’m sure my students are stunned at how Miss Marshal can be two completely different people!

In other news, I attended my first Nigerian wedding. Four of us girls bought the same fabric so that we would all match—polar opposite idea from the American girls whose entire evening would be destroyed if they were caught wearing the same dress as another! I even got a headdress made to fit in with the Nigerians—right, like I blend in! The procession started in the church around 10:00am and I left the reception before it got started at 3:30. I was hot, tired, and mentally occupied with my responsibility to the classroom. I sincerely wanted to stay through it all (okay, I really wanted in on the dancing), the work I had to do was looming over my head. Besides being extremely long and in Hausa, the ceremony was characterized by special groups singing, a few congregational songs, a skit, sermon, and an offering during which the congregation dances down in front of the couple to give their financial gift. Other things that weren’t so familiar: EVERYONE got a scheduled picture with the newly weds; though the bridesmaids were listed, I couldn’t pick them out; the couple didn’t kiss for us; and reception was almost just as programmed as the ceremony—we had to sit down in rows of chairs. In spite of all that, the whole deal seemed familiar: we were in a church, most people had special attire, the bride wore white and the groom had a suit, there were flower girls, a preacher, and a cake-cutting at the reception.

This is Briska, me, and Dana entering the church...yes, we are dancing!

On the school front, all I can say is that it sure feels good when I’m doing something right! It’s been a Sherlock Holms game, at times, to figure out just what will trigger each student to desire and be able to learn. As I explore techniques, I’ve been clinging to 1 Cor 1:17-3:16. The main focus of the passage is to highlight God’s power rather than man’s wisdom or cleverness. It is my constant request that the Lord’s power is known, whether through my abilities or inabilities. I am constantly reminded that I’m not only teaching English, but also Christ and life with Him. So is EVERY believer’s profession.
Through “Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24),
Kari

Celebrations of the Month

BIG hugs, cupcakes, and a beautiful hike. What more could I ask for, besides throwing a day with my sister in the mix? Such was my birthday—actually, the day before my birthday. Rene kidnapped me right after school, ordered me to change clothes, blindfolded me, and brought be to a screeching halt on the side of a back road to be surprised by a group of friends the Lord has blessed me with. From there, we piled in the back of a huge pick-up truck that any redneck would be proud to own to take us to the base of our destination. That ride was an adventure of its own because our driver paid little attention to the natural ditches and ramps in the road except to make the most of them with speed and jerks. It was like a rollercoaster without loops and the safety of equipment and good engineering! Finally I understood that Rene took me to Gog and Magog, the highest point in Jos. Halfway up, the crew (consisting of Dana, Marc, Kav, Matt, Ruth, Corine, and another Kiwi girl) unloaded the cupcakes and drinks. After nourishing our bodies with the goodness, we continued our trek to the top, which required climbing, crawling, squeezing, and jumping. This hike was intense enough to satisfy my restlessness, which was starving from being cooped up in a classroom all day for two months!

I woke up to the most welcomed surprise: Rene was in my house, making pancakes for breakfast! It was the first real breakfast I had had in about a month and, boy, was it delicious! My birthday was complete with my eighth and seventh grade students singing to me, my sixth grade practically dog piling me with hugs, and fairly agreeable behavior across the board. So, “Thanks!” to all who sent me birthday wishes; I certainly had a special one.

Some of you may know that Rene’s birthday recently passed as well (Sept 7^th). I don’t want to go without highlighting the festivities of that night as well. In honor of a strange fetish of hers, we created a pirate theme for her surprise party. She thought she was simply going to enjoy a dinner with a couple of her closest friends. Oh, but she deserves much more than that! We brought her to the designated friend’s house to be greeted by a slue of friends, ridiculously decked out in pirate garb—complete with eye-patches and bandanas! The evening closed with a viewing of the classic movie Hook. Again, loads of fun, made particularly special by the deep love of sisters and close friends.

Oh, can't forget about the Mulsim celebrations of Ramadan. All is over with no drama or even much excitement. All except that I was advised to not even go out on the roads on Monday because young crazies drive wrecklessly on their way to the mosque for the Sala prayers. They aren't hostile at all, just young and careless, which makes it a little dangerous. I decided to take his word for it, since my info was coming from an Nigerian, and if he thinks that driving is crazy, then I should take his advice! Stay tuned for Rene's blog. I'm sure she'll report her experience in Kono, where the famous Dubar is held. :)

More recently, I’ve been able to bond a little with my students through the love of soccer. Yes, Miss Marshall continues to “school” them, even on the soccer field! (For those of you, seasoned folk, to “school” someone is to demonstrate superior skill in a certain area.J) I hoping to use this as a springboard to break down barriers and give them opportunities to talk to me as a person rather than just a teacher. I just had a conversation with the assistant athletic director for Hillcrest, and his story affirms my plans to use soccer for the glory of God because that will buy me more respect in their eyes.

Talk about a celebration if I ever get to see God work in my students’ lives! By God’s grace, I grow fonder and fonder of them. Pray for wisdom, patience, and sincere love for them…if nothing else, God is at work in me!

Looking to the Lord,

Kari

PS: sorry about not having pictures...again. This time, my excuse is that my camara's batteries died. Another day, promise. :\

Rachel Harley (a fellow teacher) and me through a partial aquaduct pipe


Here is a distant view of the platuea I live on

The valley and ariver...just plain pretty

Chin Up!

I’ve been working on this thought for a while, now. This is not to say that I’ve perfected the idea, by any means. Simply put, I think we all should practice looking up more often. If we do, we could overlook many of life’s woes; however, if we don’t, then we could miss out on many of God’s blessings.

I went on a staff retreat last weekend, during which we all had the opportunity to relax, eat, bond, and hear God’s word preached. On my way to my house Friday and Saturday night, I was captivated by the nighttime sky. I’ve always had a fetish with the stars, but they never cease to carry a sense of supernatural mysticism. I slowed to a halt to stare in awe at the contrast of the twinkling diamonds against the dark expanse—and how limitless it was! The sky is a constant metaphor of our God: limitless and largely unexplored, mysterious and transcendent, and yet relevant and near.

That same Saturday morning, I stepped outside after breakfast to be greeted by a handful of noisy birds in the nearby palm trees. It took me a few minutes to acknowledge them, but I was so glad I did! They were a brilliant yellow, the size of a large raven, and performing a magnificent acrobatic act from branch to fruit. Again, I paused to behold their beauty. When was the last time I’ve stopped to behold my Lord’s beauty? Unfortunately, I am looking down all too often and miss the view.

Not surprising, these thoughts tie into what God has been teaching me all along: look at Me, your Lord! When I am stuck on my own inadequacies, worries, and plans, I miss out on the truths of His faithfulness, sovereignty, and indwelling power. I’m pretty sure we neglect these comforts as often as we ignore the beauties of the evening and morning. Just as pausing for a gaze at the sky and birds was relaxing, peeling my eyes off of myself and surrounding cares to fix them on the Lord is restful. Once I do this, then I can go on with newfound confidence and strength. I believe this is what the writer of Hebrews was referring to in Heb 12:1-3.

That said, a quick up-date on the teaching: God has shown Himself faithful to teach me and help me teach. He has also provided opportunities for me to constantly consult my fellow teachers for guidance, ideas, and affirmations. I needed them to speak some truth to me this week to help me heal from a self-bashing defeat. Even still, I am still enjoying where God has me! I am starting to build relationships with some of my girls outside of class time--pray that God uses that time to fill me with wisdom and love to impart to those delicate ones. Praise God!

That famous quote aptly describes my past two weeks. Some of you may know that I am a bit of a perfectionist, and therefore hate to not have done a superb job at anything I do. That said, imagine me in front of a lesson plan book, which has the workload laid out for about 70 students for whom I am responsible. I felt the weight of that responsibility. Now fast-forward to more recently, I realized that 2 1/2 weeks' worth of planning is partially useless because the level and sequence I planned on teaching simply won't work with this age group. To say it briefly, I was a ball of frayed nerves.

But let's not forget how it has been "the best of times" as well! Throughout this period, darkened by dramatized dismay, there were patches of blissful light. The Lord had to remind me (quite often, in fact) that He is in control--of everything. I believe I touched up on that fact in my last blog, but it is a truth that is continually being renewed (as all truths should be). God has been faithful to provide comfort, assurance, and ability in subtle and ordinary ways, which is His usual style. Praise His name for answered prayer! School started on Wednesday (Aug 6th), and I found that I am in my element when I am in front of a classroom. When all is said and done, the Lord has filled my heart with love for those students and I want the best thing for them on all fields of their life. The sulking faces with the sour attitudes are just as endearing to me as the bright, smiling ones. I just can't wipe off my smile!

It is obvious to me that I have lots of prayers behind my back. Thank you for them all! Please continue because I know that the days are coming when I'm not going to feel quite so sure about my place in a school. During those times, I'm going to need assurance and encouragement to penetrate deeply past my own thoughts. Now I praise the Lord because I know He is faithful and knows what is ahead!

The pictures I promised...

Packing to go...

Lots of rain. You can't see it well, but I had a little pond in front of my
door in just a few seconds of the great Nigerian rain.

My house...

Culture, Gratefulness, and REAL Power

Na gode Allah!

Hausa for “I thank God!”

For a while, I was thinking that this “culture shock” thing was highly overrated for I haven’t experienced any yet. This may, in part, be due to having a knack for adapting easily, for outside of the distinct madness of driving and lack of many conveniences, I was beginning to think Nigeria will be easy. However, given just a little more time here, I’ve been able to witness that some ideas deeply ingrained in Nigerian culture are hard for me to fully understand.

For instance: titles. In the States, we have a loose system of corresponding positions, respect, and authority, but we are also heavily indoctrinated on the equality of man. Not quite so here. Professors are not friends outside of class with students, and high-ranking businessmen do not associate with lower-ranking businessmen as equal colleagues. What affects me is how this mindset applies to my house-help, Briska. At first, I thought she was simply extremely polite. This may be true, but what runs deeper is what she believes to be proper. She is older than me, yet completely submits herself and only upon my request, ventures to teach me anything. What a model to follow in my walk with Christ!

fds

Though, it will take me yet a bit longer to truly understand how she views me and our relationship, I gained insight into her mind the day after she went with me and another baturi (white girl) to the market. Briska said she was “privileged” to walk with me and hoped that her classmates saw us together. She continued to flow with gratitude for working for me and staying in the compound on occasion. May the Lord teach me such gratitude and humility

I also have also noticed the idea of marriage and children here. Last Sunday, I joined a group of first-time visitors at Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) Plateau Church. The women who served us drinks and cookies introduced themselves with all the important info: their name, marital status, and how many children they have. Other talk since I’ve been here suggests the importance for women to be married and fruitful. I met two ladies who married at 13 and 15 years old; they both admitted that they were young. One woman explained to me that if a man foresees that a girl will be sought-after, he will pick her early to marry before anyone else gets the chance. Already cultural stuff from the Bible makes more sense.

I suppose I should wrap this entry up, but how about another plug for the Lord? My time here is as busy as I make it, and I keep bustling around in preparation for school. However, the alone time has been wonderful in allowing the Lord to teach and speak to me. I’ve been able to rethink mission work--how it should be thought of and done. Recently, I had a breakthrough in my lesson plans after a week of arduous, mind-reeling work. It was as if God was letting me know that anything good that comes out of me, even the talents and gifts I have, actually come from Him. How often do we rattle off these elementary truths, but rarely live them out practically? I have a feeling Nigeria’s going to make me put into practice some of the things I’ve always said.

Well, sai an’jima! (“Until Later”)

Looking to the Lord,

Kari

Arrival

Sanu! (Greetings)

Praise God for so many things, starting with a safe, problem-free trip to Nigeria—including all of my bags! I brought several books in my carry-on, figuring I would have nearly two days of sitting, so I would catch up on my reading. I barely opened one of them because I found myself caught in conversations with some interesting people. All were pleasant and unique…I decided to spare the details…

My long layovers were also pleasant because I was able to meet up with a couple friends from College in Chicago and a travel buddy in Frankfurt who is staying in Jos for a month.

My arrival in Abuja, Nigeria was not nearly as chaotic or loud as I imagined it to be. Everyone remained in an orderly and quiet line to pass through customs. Few Nigerians wore their typical light-weight robs and loose pants; most had on western casual or business clothes. My interaction with the customs officers was particularly amusing. Apart from not knowing my exact address in Jos, the major issue the man had with me was my occupation. After asking in about 4 different ways where, what and whom I will be teaching, the officer was extremely irritated that I am in fact coming to teach NIGERIANS to speak English! After all, I clearly do not even speak English, but American. He explained that HE speaks English, not I. Up until this point, I was sure to keep a stern look and tone in my voice so as to present myself strong and unmovable in my intentions, but I was so amused that I couldn’t stop the smirk grow on my face. I assured the man that I would learn English and then teach it to the students. This seemed to appease him, so he let me go through!

I was informed several times that Abuja does not accurately characterize Nigeria. Of what I’ve seen of the country so far (I had a 3.5 hr drive from Abuja to Jos and a short walk around the area), it is comparable to most other third-world countries I’ve been. There are areas of lush, green, barely-touched forest, grass and clay huts, communities of small homes with tin roofs and clay or plaster walls really close together and near very large European homes with columns, venders on the side of the road that sell fruit and everything else in what looks like a kiosk we’d find in the mall, well-paved roads (so far), and CRAZY driving.

I had supper with the Headmaster of Hillcrest School last night and he has set me up with a different family every night this week to get acquainted. What a blessing!

Rene took me around the neighborhood to buy some groceries and explained to everyone we met that I am her sister and they all welcomed me with warm, smiling faces. Yes, I’m a bit overwhelmed, but full of anticipation. This is my new home.
“Everything incomprehensible does not cease to exist” Pascal Pensees (fragment # 230)

Getting the Ball Rolling

For all those lucky people whom I told of my blog, you have reached the first post. I will be leaving for Jos, Nigeria July 12th to teach in a missionary school, Hillcrest. I will be teaching 6th-8th grade English. About half of my students will be locals. For the inquisitive types, here is a list of answers to inferred questions:
1. I will be living in a house with another (female) teacher. The house is on the campus, which is secure and safe.

2. I will be able to teach in English, so my class will be a middle school Language Arts class. Hillcrest operates like a western school (from what I understand) complete with athletics and plays. We adhere to the California State Standards.

3. Although Nigeria's national language is English, the heart langauge of people around us is Hausa. It is not necessary for me to learn it (and I certainly will not have the time to take langauge acquisition classes), but I will try to pick up as much as possible.

4. Nigeria is relatively safe...that is, relative to Sudan and Darfur and much of Africa. However, you won't see me running around the streets by myself. I will have to be careful, and safety will mean different things, I'm sure.

5. Food will be bought at a market (very much unlike the local grocery store). I will likely have a Nigerian helper to show me the way to do things. I will eat lots of fruit, rice, veggies, and the common soup they make. Meat will be hard to come by, but I will manage just fine.

6. How could I forget? Nigeria will be my home for 2 years. Yahoooo! Get ready, Nigeria!


I think that about does it for now. If you have any questions, let me know. I plan to keep you all posted at least once a month. My next one will be the day before I leave. Don't worry my visual friends, future posts will include pictures!

Looking to the Lord,
Kari