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)