And all of a sudden I’m into month four! How did that happen? Time has just been flying by, especially the month of June. I can’t believe it is almost July how strange. Sooo much has happened I don’t know where to begin!
I have left Ogugu. I was living in Ogugu with Will and Mel. Will left at the end of May, planned, but Mel got Malaria and therefore got flown home a month early, unplanned. It was all a bit surreal. The decision was made that we should bring her to Jos to hospital and then it was decided that she would be best going home to the UK. I was so sad because she became such a great friend to me and the thought of her going home was really hard to accept. Now she is back in England and as far as I know she’s feeling loads better so all is well J
As for me, I had a really difficult decision to make. Stay in Ogugu and be the only white person until July when the summer teams arrive, or come to Jos, start into new work half way through my trip and basically completely start everything over again? It wasn’t easy, but after much prayerful consideration I am staying in Jos!
I really do love it. I’m living with three girls, Ally, Abi and Bethan and they are so lovely. Maybe you know that initially I was supposed to be coming to Jos and not Ogugu, but after the crisis at Christmas time I went to Ogugu instead. It seems like God has turned everything completely full circle and it almost feels like he has wanted me in Jos all along. It was hard leaving Ogugu so suddenly with Mel, and I haven’t been back down since. Leaving behind friendships and not being able to finish the work I started there is the hardest thing to deal with, but it would have been too difficult to stay by myself.
After almost a month of living out of one bag I got my room packed and sent up to Jos which was lovely! I’m completely settled in Jos now. Everyone here has been so welcoming to me and I have been working at Open Doors Special needs school. I absolutely love it. The most recent thing I have got involved with is teaching reading classes at the Widows ministry every Tuesday afternoon. Many of the widows due to lack of money or many other reasons didn’t receive teaching of a good standard or in some cases any schooling at all so can’t read or write, but they all want to read the English bible! Our prayer is that we can teach them enough that they can begin to read and understand the bible well. In terms of violence and fighting Jos has remained very peaceful so far. You do hear rumours of trouble here and there but as long as you stay away from the hot spots you are grand. The city is under tight security and there are military check points to pass through as you are driving on the roads. At first it’s a bit daunting when you are stopped by a big army man with a big gun, but as time gets on you get used to it! Pray that Jos stays lovely and peaceful and safe!
A few nights ago there was a MASSIVE thunderstorm. I can’t even describe how huge it was. The thunder was so loud that it shook the windows and the lightning lit up the sky as if it was daylight. Then all of a sudden massive forks of lightning bolted right down as if they were only a few metres away. It was really something else!! Luckily we were all cosy inside drinking tea and chatting the night away.
Okay so here’s something exciting! Obi John Mikel was in the same restaurant as us last week. In case you don’t know who he is, he plays for Chelsea FC! He was born and grew up in Jos!! It was all so so so exciting ha. We didn’t get to order for like half an hour because the waiters were fussing over him so much haha.
A few weeks ago we all went to a place called Sheri Hills its amazing. It’s a massive rock face. We only climbed up a tiny bit and sat on a big rock. We toasted marshmallows and sang worship songs. Looking around at the vastness it felt like we were in The Lion king on pride rock hahaha. We all shouted really loud and heard a massive echo in the distance it was class!
Aw Im just having such a good time. Nigeria is beautiful. God is teaching me so much and Im growing in Him every day. This experience has just made me realise how much I want to live to Glorify Him!
