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... =/