2nd Term Comes to a Close

It’s March Madness season, and believe it or not, there have been many riveting discussions here in Ibadan about who will be the reigning champions this year in American Basketball. Unfortunately, my bracket is far from accurate, but the fact that I can even keep up with American sports is pretty amazing to me.

Our 2^nd school term is drawing to a close, and it has been a full one. All of my extra guitar clubs, basketball club, piano lessons, Bible teaching, preschool teaching, and Senior School speech training have kept each week buzzing with activity.  I just finished the Speech unit for the 11^th grade class.  After the 9^th grade presented speeches in front of the entire senior school last month, many of the 11^th graders were quite apprehensive to following their lead.  But overall, I think the experience ended up being very valuable for most of them—and for some of them, possibly life changing.  Surprisingly, several of the students chose to speak on topics which were quite personal—whether it was something that they struggled with or something which they felt passionately about.  I so enjoyed getting to discuss on a deep level issues which they felt their peers needed to hear about—whether it be self-confidence, or anorexia, or overcoming personal challenges.

On the 16^th, ACA hosted their annual Science Fair, which is a BIG DEAL. We’ve been warned about the stress of the Science Fair since our first week in Ibadan last term.  The preschool department’s set-up was nice, with information and activities related to the five senses.  Besides the fact that Kyle—the guy who was in charge of the whole thing—came down with G.I. malaria and typhoid on that day (his birthday) and was in the hospital with an IV, the day went well. At least, it was fun to see the parents come and interact with their kids and teachers. Our department—smelling—was a huge hit for children and adults of all ages.

Last week we had the older girls from the Mission for the Deaf over again. This time we just decorated cookies, played games, and got to know each other better. They are really a great group—very mature for their age and very patient to communicate and help us learn a bit of sign language.

I am thrilled out of my mind to be able to receive my good friend, Caroline Rose, as a guest here starting Thursday.  Of course, she won’t be here in Ibadan long at all before travelling with several of us to Cameroon where we will climb the highest mountain in West Africa.  I’m definitely looking forward to spending my week of spring break in such a fashion—cool weather, full moon, on a volcano in Cameroon—does it get any better? I mean, it’ll be a pretty tough three day hike from what I hear, but I’m thinking it will be worth it. Don’t worry, I’ll bring back some pictures.

In other big news, I have officially decided to return to ACA for a second year after summer break (I’m sure no one saw THAT one coming).  I’m quite excited to be able to continue teaching these students, reaching out in various ministry opportunities, and strengthening relationships.  I will also be returning a bit earlier than initially planned in order to begin a summer science course.  So, come the first of June, I’ll be back in the states—reunited with friends and family. Ahh… life is looking good.

Long Overdue...

Whereas last term I neglected to blog some weeks because I felt there wasn’t that much going on, this term I am neglecting to blog many weeks because there is TOO MUCH going on.  I can’t say which I prefer more.  The slow pace of last term was different and quite nice once I got used to it, but then again, I am a LaPlue, and we LaPlue’s seem to thrive upon packed schedules. 

The past two weeks have been truly great.  I have begun music lessons with Ibukun, and I’m LOVING it. He’s a great kid and he loves God and he loves music. It’s a beautiful combo that Downs Syndrome only enhances.  He has a lot of potential that is not being tapped into right now because of the lack of therapy opportunities in Nigeria and the below-par special education services.  I seriously wish that I could do more practically to help maximize his potential. If nothing else, at least we have a grand time together for an hour a week praising God and learning a bit about instruments and rhythm. 

Last week in Bible, we read and discussed the story of the 10 plagues in Egypt and the Passover.   It is such a powerful story that so clearly illustrates the might and mercy of our God. The kids were super engaged in the excitement of the story.  Near the end of one class, when I was describing God’s instructions to put blood on the doorpost, one little Indian girl, Namita, raised her hand and asked in a very serious manner, “So, that’s what we should go home and do? We should kill a sheep and put the blood over our door to protect us from death?”  Though the question might initially raise a chuckle, it also conveyed to me the amazing faith of children.  Namita was hanging onto every word and believing so completely in this story of God’s power that she was ready to immediately act upon whatever instruction God was giving. If only we older folks could embrace such a child-like faith.

That same day in Bible, I was approached by another girl who, with tears in her eyes, told me that many of her desired friends were being very unkind to her. Our memory verse for the week was Nahum 1:7-- “The Lord is good: he protects his people in times of trouble; he takes care of those who turn to him.” Though intellectually behind her peers (hence one of the causes for the bullying), this girl, who we’ll call Esther, displayed some serious deep thinking when she asked, “Ms. Lee Anne, if God is good, why is it that some people have to go through really hard times?” Struck by the profundity of this little girl’s question, I quickly asked God to speak through me as I opened my mouth. “Well Esther,” I began, “Which is better: to be rich, or to really know God?” Esther quickly responded, “To know God.” “And which is better: to be healthy, or to know God?” Esther’s answer was the same. Finally, I asked, “Which is better: to have many friends, or to know God,” to which she replied, “To know God.”  I then attempted to explain how I think that since God knows that knowing Him is way more important than riches, or health, or even friends, sometimes he allows those things to be taken away if it will allow us to know Him better. I then added, “You know, Esther, God doesn’t just want you to know about him. Did you know that He loves you so much that He wants to be your best friend?” Esther eyes lit up and a grin started to spread over her face. “And when the God of the universe is your best friend, and you really know how much he loves you, the fact that some other people aren’t nice to you will seem really insignificant.” When Esther left me that day, her beautiful smile displayed awe and excitement at such a thought.  For indeed, it is an awesome thought, a wonderful thought, a life-changing thought. 

Last Sunday was a fantastic day.  Church was great—a round table discussion about how one’s passion for God and others works out in everyday life. After church, we headed over to the Mission for the Deaf, which was a beautiful experience. Though it was a rather primitive looking compound for the 160ish students, it was full of joy—which I think is way better than material wealth. I felt very welcomed and truly enjoyed meeting many of the folks there. We enjoyed it so much that we invited the older group of girls and guys to come over Friday for a Movie night. 

So, last night, 65 young men and women came to our compound who could neither hear nor speak—except through sign language. We watched “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” (with subtitles, of course) and snacked on popcorn and drinks.  I questioned at first whether they would “get” what was going on in the movie as much as a person with fine hearing. My concern was put to rest when we got the scene in which Aslan was put to death on the stone table. The room was deathly still as all watched with anticipation to see what would happen.  The room remained silent until Aslan appeared again, having risen from the dead to conquer evil. At that point the room erupted in clapping and other various audible signs of excitement.  It was awesome. After the movie, we hung around for a bit “talking” with several of the girls through an interpreter and learning a bit of sign language ourselves. We hope to continue building relationships with these guys through various events and casual visits to their mission. They’re a ton of fun and I think we have a lot to learn from them. 

I think that brings you up to speed on the most exciting things that have been taking place around here. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m afraid that I’m secretly beginning to love Nigeria.