Carolyn's Reflections

24 October 2010

Last night, Saturday, the Minnesota/New York group of 8 arrived in Abuja, weary and relieved to be in Nigeria after an 8 hour flight to Amsterdam, a 2+ hour layover and another 6 hour flight to Abuja. Kris met us at the airport, but outside, so she had to wait (and wait and wait) while we negotiated with the officials who were suspicious about the 7 big boxes we toted. The uniformed men and women (government representatives dressed as you would imagine police officers would be) wanted to know what we were transporting into Nigeria so Judy produced the list for each box. Not good enough. Huddle. They decided it was necessary to open (some? all?) of our boxes. Apparently the concern was what exactly was in the large first aid kits we’d packed so one was unwrapped and opened. Nine officers circled around and discussed what to make of the things we’d brought for our Nigerian friends and companion churches (eyeglasses, medical supplies, special gifts for congregations.) Then there were conversations about the “port fee” which was ultimately decided we would not pay. Kris had to speak through the outside door to assure them that these were missionary gifts and saved the day. Finally, it was decided that we were good to go and we loaded luggage and our travel-weary bodies into the vans. Bishop Benjamin drove our van himself and we were all delivered to the ECWA guest house where we were greeted by rehearsing church choirs in our parking lot.. The rooms are clean and tidy and air conditioned.

Sunday morning we were driven for breakfast to the Pope John Paul II guest house and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of oats, eggs and toast. There was beer for sale but we didn’t indulge. Some local women helped tie our headdresses and then on to Nyanya Lutheran Church for their worship service. The church was stated in 1984 with a membership of 5 in someone’s home, moved to a local primary school building two years later and building began in 1993 when the site was allocated to them. It is large with seating areas circled around the raised pulpit and in the balcony. The seating is plastic lawn chairs, at least for now. I’d expected it to be a long, hot service and was pleasantly surprised. Recent rains have cooled the air some and there was a breeze coming through all the open windows. And there was so much going on, such beautiful colorful people to watch and various choirs singing and drumming. The service was delivered in a mix of their native language (Hausa) and English, Nigeria’s official language. We were asked to sit in a row of chairs behind the esteemed church council men, a place of honor, and presented to the congregation by the Bishop. It was heart-warming and wonderful to be their esteemed guests. Lots of hand-shaking and the women offered a small curtsy as they greeted us. It was all charming, including the ever so respectful children who were really curious about us.

Light of Christ’s youth sent along a cash gift designated for the youth of Nyanya Lutheran (recently renamed St. Paul Cathedral) which was presented to the youth director. He held the envelope to his chest and was very thankful and everyone cheered.

As I reread this I see I’m not doing the worship service justice. It was an explosion of color and sound. A joyous celebration with lots of singing, hip-shaking and clapping to the beat. The women were decked out in fabulous dresses and our female members accorded them the respect of wearing Nigerian dresses too, complete with headdresses.

The rest of the afternoon included a lunch in the bishop’s office (served by the Women’s Fellowship Group), the congregation’s election of new church council members, a.k.a. Elders, (while we ate) and then conversation among the Bishop, Vicar, church council and our group. It was interesting to hear how our churches are organized and talk about what can be done to keep the youth of our congregations involved---a common concern. We look forward to more time to talk in the days to come.

By the time we departed Nyanya, it was time for supper, so we chose an Italian restaurant not far from our guest house. The food was fabulous and some enjoyed that beer (or wine) that we didn’t purchase in the morning. We’re looking forward to breakfast again tomorrow at the Pope’s!

Carolyn Hirsch
Light of Christ Lutheran Church
Delano, MN