Musings...

I wrote this post four days ago, but unfortunately, we’ve had a bout of no internet, and very sporadic electricity and even water, thus making posting quite difficult… But here you are…

As I enter my fourth week here in Ibadan, I find myself beginning to think deeply about various social, economic, and spiritual issues.  While previously, the excess of new sights and experiences had prevented such ruminations, my situation now spurs me towards new thought processes and realizations. In Isaiah ­­­­­­­­­­God promises “Behold, I am doing something new”—a thought which hold great hope for my life. I have figured that inward change was inevitable with my changing external situation in Africa.  It’s exciting to see the beginning of that movement which I hope will bring new  transformation to my spirit and mind.

Before revealing my inward musings, let me mention a few circumstantial developments and occurrences this week. My work with the preschoolers has been getting better – both in the pre-nursery class and in P.E.. We have a new 2-year-old this week—an little Indian girl names Harkiran. Her family is of the Sikh religion, which I had never heard of. Come to find out, it’s the 5^th largest religion and fastest growing religion in the world. Who knew? Anyhow, the little Indians in the class seem to recognize some racial bond. On the second day that Harkiran was with us, little Jerard took a liking to her. During playtime, Jerard got in the little toy car, began “driving around” and when he saw Harkiran, he promptly put his hand to his mouth and smoothly blew her a kiss across the room. This didn’t seem to faze Harkiran, nor Merlin—whose hand he had been caught holding the day before. Talk about a player and a flirt – and at only 2 years old!!!

I’ve been sick all week with a bad cold that has pretty much stolen my voice. This has made teaching EXTREMELY difficult. Bible class, in particular, I’m afraid has suffered from my sickness.

Though management and lecturing has been less than ideal, I am thankful that I have gotten to know some of the students better this week. Names are still a struggle, but I’m determined to get them down—though there are over 100. We discussed Genesis 1 and the creation of the world this week. As I was teaching and showing clips of the magnitude and intricate design of the universe which God spoke into existence, I could not help but join my students in being awestruck by the greatness of the Creator.  Please pray that these students will come to love this Creator as they grow to understand his power and love for them.

                As for other updates, I have begun teaching piano lessons this week to three students and will start guitar lessons next week for at least one. Speech club still has only two students, but they seem enthusiastic and I’m excited to work with them, so it should be good.

                The South African compound has been a huge blessing this week. Bible Study on Wednesday was again super. I am able to lead worship for the group with Katie, which is definitely a joy. Then, on Friday, the four of us American singles (“The Crew”) went to spend the night at the compound.  We spent the evening eating a delicious meal, playing music, visiting and relaxing, slept in the super nice guest house and then arose to a fantastic breakfast, the watching of a Rugby game and more relationship  building. It was wonderful and rejuvenating.

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And now for those of you interested in the inner workings of my mind, however simple or complex they may be, I will expound upon some of my recent thoughts. For the rest, please feel no obligation to read further.

First, in regards to economics. The economy here baffles me quite a bit. The I’ve seen three different types of people as far as economic status. First, there are the rich who live in luxury. These are mostly people of other nationalities (Lebanese, Indian, etc.) who have come to make bank in some specific industry. They often live in secluded compounds, and many send their children to schools such as our American Christian Academy.  Then there’s this odd group which I was introduced to last week as I walked through typical looking market street. I was told that the people here, though they lived and worked in what seemed to be filthy and wanting conditions, were EXTREMELY wealthy – sitting on loads of cash. But, I wonder, why aren’t they investing and improving their conditions? The only answer I have is that the cultural ties prevents them from breaking out of their circumstances. Lastly, there is the public at large which lives in severe poverty, struggling to get food on the table and living in dirty conditions which are quite conducive to disease and worms. OH, side not: the horror stories we heard last night about the various things that want to get inside of us and eat us were terrifying. The South Africans did well at scaring us into wearing shoes always, NEVER hanging clothes outside, and washing our hands every single second.

 But back to the economy. Newton, who lives here in the compound, tells me that he is angry when he sees the poor conditions of his county.  The target of his frustration is, as one might guess, the government. Why? Because they are doing nothing about all the trash and lack of order in the streets and markets. After inquiring more about it, I learned from Newton that the Nigerian government is quite hands off because they receive their immense funding from the oil fields which they own and contract out. While you see a few police around here, they do very, very little. There is no enforcement of taxes here (because the government doesn’t need it). So, for those of you who are die-hard fans of the Free Market (i.e. my family), please help my figure out why people don’t improve their own conditions here. If the government doesn’t interfere with the economy and the land is quite rich in natural resources, shouldn’t there be more extensive economic progress??? Does the hot climate cultural elements of close familial, tribal, and community ties (as opposed to Western individualism) present such a hindrance to improving standard of living? Now, some people claim that the problem lies in the spiritual realm – that if these people embraced Christian values, they would hop right out of their low standard of living. Indeed, many of the churches around here preach such as prosperity gospel. But this leads me to my more spiritual musings…

The circumstances that I find myself in—namely some difficulties and discomforts, semi-seclusion, and quite a bit of time on my hands-- lend themselves very nicely to reading, praying, and thinking, which is good. The current issue on my heart and mind has been spurred by George MacDonald’s “Hope of the Gospel” which Gretchen and I have been listening to in audio form. The basic gist is this, that suffering resulting from sin is an extremely significant part of redemption because it helps us realize the gravity of that which is far worse than consequences experienced – sin itself and separation from the Will of God. It’s a powerful thought which can totally reorient ones life in regards to how he relates to God and how he relates to others. Now, forgive me – these thoughts are quite raw in my mind. But, in thinking about my purpose, future,  and the suffering here in Africa, I think it may bring at least some clarity. Many may scoff at such a thought—and it is a bit radical—to think that sin itself is actually more harmful to man than the consequences that results from it. And yet, I think I may be beginning to embrace that in regards to sin, “The result is the curative of the cause.” 

                One more lesson that God is teaching me through my situation here is a lesson in love. The folks at the South African compound have really impacted me. For, their generosity and love outpoured on me this week has ZERO to do with how much they enjoy me or gain in return for their kindness. Rather, they pour out their love and acceptance because we arrived at their doorstep. Oh, how I long to be able to reflect this love which is clearly from an all-loving savior. A love that is constant and based not upon convenience or reward, but upon obedience to a God who commands love for one’s neighbors.  I have been convicted, and yet deeply hope that Christ will lead me to such a place of love.

                I had zero intention of rambling on so. Oops. I’ll be super impressed with anyone who made it through those “musings” and not at all offended for those who gave up after the first paragraph…. J  Thank you for your continued prayers as my Father’s promise to me is beginning to be seen: “Behold, I am doing something new.”  

The kiddos and such...

Oshojeme

Merlin

Temitayo

Nifemi

Saatvik

Nifemi E.

American Christian Academy -- main building

My preschoolers are pretty adorable. But looks have little to do with attitude and behavior...

Kelly (Preschool Teacher), Me, and Gretchen

Karen, Katie, and Veronica (office manager)

Karen took five of us girls out for a little celebratory meal -- celebrating our survival of two weeks and Veronica and Kelly's birthdays. It was quite lovely.

Two Weeks In...

Today is my two week anniversary for being in Nigeria. On the one hand (especially when in my pre-nursery class), it feels like I’ve been here for months and months, on the other hand-- when realizing how little of Nigeria I have experienced—it seems that I’ve just arrived.  In some ways I feel like I’m getting quite comfortable and acclimating to the area, though at some points I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water.

We’ve been progressing in leaps and bounds in pre-nursery this week. Not ONLY have the learned what an alligator and the number zero are, but students  have also been introduced to the horrible consequence known as “THE TIME OUT CHAIR.” The nine of them provide plenty of cute moments, but not without a load of frustration and exhaustion. Cute moment today was during prayer, when two little munchkins interject several boisterous “AMEN”s into my prayer. No doubt they have picked up on this from the Christian culture here where such interjections are very, very common.  Coming from a two year old, though, is priceless.

Bible class this week so far is rocking my socks off. Though I’ve just done an introductory and review lesson on what they covered last year, I’ve gotten some awesome questions and concerns from the kids. I did a brief overview of what the bible is, and then some fundamental characteristics of God – things that many of us accept without question, like, He is without beginning or end, everywhere, all knowing, a spiritual being.  One of the most difficult things for the 4^th graders came from this question, “Ms. Lee Anne, if God was before the world and created the world, then who created God???” He couldn’t have just been there! Surely He had a beginning!!  The kids actually got a bit riled up with this confusing concept. And then there were great questions, like, “Ms. Lee Anne, do we look like little ants to God?” and “If the bible is God’s message to me, did he write it down with a pen, or what?”  The level of engagement and interest that I’m seeing from these kids, from the 1^st to the 5^th grade classes (6^th is tomorrow) is thrilling, motivating, and inspiring.  And get this, I asked the 5^th graders to jot down what their opinion of the bible was currently. Besides a couple responses like, “The bible is a big book,” the kids answers were beautiful and simple. For example, “The Bible is true, interesting, and about God—which is my favorite.”  That’s what I’m talkin’ about. I am so excited to learn from these kid’s enthusiasm and simplicity as we study the bible together.

In other news, Monday was a super long day because we had our “Back to School Night” event.  Though we were all tired as things wrapped up, several teacher’s aids did manage to fit in a nice debate about whether or not I would marry a Nigerian. The vote, for your information, was 3 in favor and 1 opposed. But, seeing as there were only 4 people involved in that poll, I may have to do further study to get scientifically sound results.

Yesterday was a tough day for some reason. I was absolutely exhausted and not in the most joyful mood—definitely in need of some encouragement and heart change. Good thing God knows me so well and is so great at satisfying my soul.  Last night we went to a South African compound about 20 miles from here where we had been invited to a Bible Study. Karen, Equi, and the other Americans have been going for a while. It was the BEST fellowship and encouragement that I’ve received since I’ve been here. There were about a dozen South Africans, Americans, and Nigerian gathered in a home where we shared a meal, worshiped God, and prayed together. I am so looking forward to getting to know these folks more and continuing to fellowship with them. What a blessing.

The weekend begins tomorrow, and I sure am ready for a rest. Funny thing is, compared to Gretchen and Katie, who I live with, I have very few responsibilities and resulting stress.  Please pray for strength for all of us and that we would be effective and contagious lights for Him.

p.s. more pictures are on their way. have no fear.

Getting Settled

Gretchen with our PB

In the past, when I’ve asked someone “Do you want creamy or crunchy peanut butter?” the response has never been, “Whenever your arm gets tired is fine.” But that’s how things go in Nigeria, I guess. It seems we’re finally figuring out food here in the American House. We went to the market on Monday and bought some “staples” like  fresh bread and a bottle of peanuts – which we immediately  made into peanut butter by pounding it by hand. We were thrilled though to have something somewhat familiar. 

The market trip was quite the experience. While in the states, a trip to the store to get 20 ingredients is simple and quick, here, we were required to make three stops, walk probably a mile through stands of produce, fresh meat (with flies and gross smells surrounding it), and bread in order to find our chosen items. But, I have not gone to bed hungry in several days now, so I’m a happy camper.  

There’s definitely a lot of poverty around here and everything is very dirty. Traffic is totally chaotic – similar to any third world nations I reckon.  I’m allowed to get my license and drive a school car, but I’m not sure I’m going to work up the nerve to do so. But getting out of the compound is good. It’s kind of crazy, because inside we are sitting pretty comfortably and safe in a little bubble while just outside there is chaos and poverty. Many of the students that we teach live in similar bubble-like compounds. The few inconveniences that I’ve experience here are really NOTHING to complain about when compared to most of my surrounding “community.” I've seen a couple people with disabilities similar to those we served in Ghana -- crawling or making do with whatever form of mobility they could find. That's really hard for me to see, especially now when there's seemingly nothing I can do about it.

School started on Tuesday. I have 12 little 2-3 year olds, most of which are adorable…at times. Two of the little guys screamed and cried for literally the whole first two days. Today was better in that regard, but “teaching” is still a nearly impossible task. Supposedly it gets better. I have three little Indian students, an Egyptian and Sri Lankan (both have yet to show up), and six Nigerians. I’m teaching with a Ghanaian lady named Vic who is splendid with the kids. I’m trying to learn from her patience, creativity, and exuberance.

I’m terribly excited for next week when I will start teaching the bible classes and Speech club.  Reading through the Bible curriculum (“Creation to Christ”)  and the reasoning behind it has been super thought provoking and has absolutely psyched me up. It’s purpose is to reach unbelievers (mostly those of different religions) by building a solid biblical foundation of human nature, the origin of man and sin, and God’s character before revealing the awesome hope found in Christ.  My principal, Karen, has told me some awesome stories of a few of the kids who have wrestled with the Truths revealed in this Bible class in the past, with the result of some Hindu’s, Muslims, and people of various other religions trusting in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I am so prayerful that I will get to see some of those stories unfold this year.

Overall, I’m definitely beginning to settle in. Remembering these Nigerian names of staff and students is a challenge, but I’m starting to get those, too. I’m super thankful for early morning runs at a nearby golf course before school which has provided fantastic starts to my days and fruitful prayer time. Thank you for your continued prayer as God begins his work in my heart and hopefully the hearts of the students that I am able to share with this year. 

Also, this is the child that lives with us in the compound, with her American mother and Nigerian father. Her name is Hidasa, and she is clearly adorable. 

Beginning to Digest...

“I’m sure that’s not a bug in my noodles.” Well, maybe just one small one. Good fiber.  Don’t worry, I don’t think bugs for lunch will be the norm here. But food has been the slightest struggle the first few days. Nigerian food, which I will probably be served for most lunches, will take some getting used to, for my taste buds and digestive track. Hopefully going to bed hungry (as I did last night) won’t be the norm, either. Tomorrow’s trip to the market should take care of that.

The last few days have given me a lot to digest, though little of it has been food. Acclimating to this culture is definitely going to involve a good deal of time, and probably discomfort. I arrived Thursday night after a long drive from the Lagos airport. Luckily the threats of being held (in jail?) until I could prove that I had the Yellow Fever Vaccine were not carried into fruition. Overall, though, I find myself privileged to many conveniences here in Ibadan. The compound which holds the school and ten inhabitants is quite nice. I’ve situated myself in a nice large room in the American House which has several A/C units (yay!), electricity, internet, and running water – though all of those things go out quite frequently. Last two “showers” have ended abruptly with the normal small trickle becoming a zero trickle.

Everyone living in the compound has finally arrived, and provide very nice company. Besides the four single Americans in the “American House,” there are two young teacher couples and then Karen and Equi Nwulu (the founders of the school). Interesting-- each couple is composed of an American (Canada/USA) wife and a Nigerian husband.  The school has probably about 30 teachers of several different nationalities (Nigerian, Ghanaian, Indian, etc.). All have been very welcoming to us new American teachers: “You are welcome!” I am working in the 2-3 yr. old class with a Ms. Vic who is Ghanaian and very kind. It should be a joy working with her.  I am so grateful for the warm welcome and strong Christian support that surrounds me.

This morning’s church adventure deserves some attention. We went with Newton and Leah (one of the couples here in the compound) to Charris International Christian Church. It was quite an experience – lots of intense singing and dancing, and then the SERMON. And buddy, what a sermon. The most noteworthy part was at the beginning when the pastor began saying something about PMS. Now, being that I struggles to understand some of his English, I thought surely I was mishearing or misunderstanding. But no, he was definitely speaking about PMS – Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. He proceeded to spend about ten minutes giving ten symptoms for men to be aware of when their wives are undergoing PMS. Thank you, Pastor, for that very helpful information. J

So, school starts this week. New Student Orientation tomorrow, then all student beginning on Tuesday. I’m still unsure which club I’ll be leading, but I’m definitely doing Pre-school and Elementary bible every day.

I realize most of this post is surface level without much analysis or thoughts on the experience. That’s because I have yet to process much at all. Once I digest a little more, I’ll be sure and let you know.

Airport Reflections

     The constant murmur of travelers fills my ears; some patiently waiting while others bustle through the terminal emitting an aura of frustration.  Some hurrying to board a plane for Dallas as others wait to find out which concourse and terminal will hold the plane taking them across the ocean. Each one is in transit, waiting to receive direction on where to go, or waiting to board the expected airline which will take them to a known destination. As I sit with fellow travelers in the Atlanta airport, waiting to get my boarding pass for a straight flight to Lagos, Nigeria,  I cannot help but think that this is a summary snapshot of my life over the past six months—waiting, waiting, receiving bits of instruction, movement in one direction, more waiting…. And yet here I sit, waiting perhaps for the last time for this new chapter of my life to begin. So how the heck did I get here and what in the world am I doing? Well, I’m glad you asked, because it’s a question I’ve been asking myself quite regularly. 

     As senior year at Hillsdale drew to a close, I was pretty excited that I wasn’t amongst the group of folks who were ripping their hair out because they didn’t know what they were doing after graduation. I had plans. Yes, there were a several unknown factors, but they would all be taken care of and smoothed over. I had been accepted into Teach For America (TFA) which promised a summer of training and then an elementary job placement in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. I expected to receive my specific job placement at the beginning of summer. When that didn’t happen, I just KNEW I would receive a job during the 5 week teacher training in the Mississippi Delta. Nope. After completing training, the real and stressful waiting began. Weeks at home with nothing to do, calls every day in to TFA inquiring about leads in Kentucky, now North Carolina, now Tennessee, now Arizona, now New Orleans. Each day my foreseen plans seemed to change and each day my impatience increased while my trust in TFA decreased. I began to let frustration with my job situation seep into all other areas of life as I failed to be content and embrace the small opportunities that God was given me daily. Looking back now, I see a major cause of that frustration was my misplaced trust in an organization to direct my path and provide for my needs. Poor decision, LaPlue. Probably ought to trust in the Omniscient Jehovah Jirah next time. Thankfully, God is really patient with untrusting kids like me and decided to go ahead with His huge plans for my life despite my poor response to His hand moving in my life. 

      In the beginning of August, I went on a hike with a friend from home in the Smokey Mountains. I had known for a months that Gretchen had been planning to go to Nigeria to teach for a couple of years. At this point in the summer, I had decided I needed to widen my sights and be open to opportunities outside of TFA. After hearing some about specific her plans, I asked Gretchen if she thought I ought to just come on to Nigeria with her. “Absolutely,” she replied, “I’m sure you could get a position at the school… next year.” Well, I was thinking more about THIS year. Gretchen thought it unlikely that there would be an opening seeing as she was leaving in three weeks, but gave me the contact information of her contact at the American Christian Academy in Ibadan, Nigeria.  Now, one important factor here is that Gretchen and I have spoken for years about our similar dreams of doing long-term missions work in an orphanage/school (with my focus being on children with disabilities) in Africa and the possibility of doing that together. 

      Soon after I contacted the Principal in Nigeria, I heard back that there WAS a possible job opening that I could take. I was floored. It would be such a drastic change from Kentucky. It would be so FAR AWAY. But it could be so great. So, after getting a bit more information and having a couple family meetings, I accepted the job and began making preparations to leave the country. Just like that, the trajectory of my life for the next two years has been radically changed.

So, details about what I’ll be doing… at least what I THINK I’ll be doing….

      I’ll be teaching PE and possibly other things to pre-schoolers in morning, two elementary bible classes in some afternoons, possibly some tutoring, and a high-school extra-curricular (basketball or Speech, most likely). Of course, these things could change within the next few days. The school, which is right in the middle of the third largest metropolitan area of Nigeria, is a small Christian school which, as I understand, serves a largely expatriate population which means about 250 kids from many different cultures, backgrounds, and religions. I’m living in an “American House” with a few other American teachers at the Academy, which should be fantastic. 

      Suffice it to say, I am blown away by this new path, new flight, that God has directed me towards. Waiting in the airport to board a flight is difficult, and waiting to even find out which terminal to head towards is even harder. But how worth it, when the Pilot of pilots calls you out of the waiting area, where you await a short ride across the state, onto a 747 which will take you soaring on the flight of your life.