Sunday, November 7
Arrived home safely on Saturday at 1:30p to Minneapolis. All flights were on time (or early) and uneventful. The 15-hour trip from Abuja, via Ghana, to Atlanta was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be and the touch screen personal entertainment system was fabulous. Thanks, Delta!
The group was unable to post final blogs due to no wireless internet access available in Adamawa State and then no time once we got to Abuja. But I know Pastor Judy wants to post a blog about our interfaith dialogue with Muslim and Christian leaders from last Wednesday evening.
During our final noon meal last Friday in Abuja, the group shared many touching words, poems and songs with me, thanking me for my leadership of this trip. Their words and actions truly touched my heart! You must ask Carolyn to sing her song to you (captured on video, of course, by Sister Melinda), as well as John's final song in the van on the way to the airport. Pastor Judy promises to share the poem she wrote as well. In the meantime, here are some reflections that Deb wrote:
Nigeria is:
Beautiful people with smiling faces and waving hands, anxious to greet
Big cities with many vehicles, many motorbikes, scary roads
Small villages with few vehicles, few motorbikes, scary roads
Hopes, dreams, desires just like ours
Bold and connected spirituality
Bugs, bugs and more bugs
Liver for breakfast, chicken and rice
Hiking in the Atlantika Mountains in the 90 degree full sun while wearing a dress
Many Holy Spirit-filled, tireless Nigerians devoted to their people and their missions
Profusely sweating, day and (sometimes) night (i.e. Kubi)
Operating on “island time”
An invaluable driver who became a good and trusted friend in a very short time
Women’s Fellowship Group, Boys Brigade, New Life Gospel Singers
A young democracy experiencing adolescent growing pains
Beautiful fabrics – immaculately dressed people
Announcements, announcements, announcements
Busted at the market!
Cock-a-doodle-doos at 2:30 a.m.
Trick or treat, compliments of Carolyn
Miscommunications
Cattle transport, Nigerian style
Beautiful, young traditional dancers
Squirrel-shaped fish in OK sauce
Drumming and singing
Graciousness and hospitality
Psalm 65
Comings and goings
Breakfast at the Pope’s
Interfaith dialogue providing enlightenment and encouragement
Students from so many walks of life
“There’s been a change of plans…”
God at work in the world
Countless bottles of Faro water
Mango trees, banana trees, bau bob trees
Sad goodbyes
An ice cream surprise
Canoe ride, anyone?
The naira crisis
Prayers and blessings
Filling every available seat in or on a vehicle and then some
Extraordinary travel companions!
Our fearless and fabulous trip leader: Many thanks, Kris, for all your hard work and commitment to ensure that each one of us will hold our memories of Nigeria close to our heart. Deb Swanson
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, for safe travels and good health along the way, and for people who made this trip a real joy!
Check back in a week for final postings!
Blessings and joy,
Kris Perry
MAS Companion Synod Coordinator
This blog has been fascinating. Not just this last post but all of the previous ones. Thanks to the other members of the group who wrote about their personal impressions, experiences and reflections. I look forward to reading the posts to come (now that Inernet is more reliable). Rest well and God's blessings to all of you!
ReplyDeleteKris,
ReplyDeleteI am trying to reach Linda Horlings. I have been searching for contact information for her and just now found her name in your blog about Nigeria. She was a member of the National Language Service Corps providing language relief around the world in times of need. Please kindly let me know if you can provide Linda's contact information. This is my work e-mail: irina.alexandru@gtsnetwork.com. Thank you. I appreciate your help.