Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Greece and Rome
For a quick summary of our trip to Greece and Rome Jim and I would say the cruise was so fantabulous we'd do it again in an instant and we're glad we saw Athens and Rome but really don't need to go back to either city. We were surprised by the lack of care in the gardens, the ever-present graffiti -- even in the high-tourist areas, and the general trash and noise in both cities.
The cruise of the Greek Isles -- we would recommend it to everyone! We didn't do the "typical" cruise with the huge buffets and the tuxedo parties and all ... we did a "commoner" type of cruise with Easy Cruise and, though their staff was a bit confused at times and communication was poor and the tea was realllllllllllllllllly bad, the basic concept was fantastic. The ship (that holds 600 passengers) sailed whilst we slept and the daytime and evening hours were spent in each port. This is unusual for cruises that we researched. Often, you just have a couple of hours to power through a charming village and then you're back on the ship for parties and all -- not what we were looking for! So, we were able to enjoy 6 different ports -- 5 in Greece and 1 in Turkey.
Each port had it's own unique charm and, subsequently, each became our "favorite" for a different reason. Some, like Kalymnos, held a centuries-old tradition of sponge fishermen. Others, like Bodrum (Turkey), were amazingly clean and filled with friendly folks and lovely shops. Of course, history abounded in each location -- ancient ruins, Orthodox churches from the Middle Ages, statues, fountains, and ...
food ... amazing Greek food with meals always including olives, feta, fish, and sensational seasonings.
Visiting with the locals, enjoying the quaint shops, Jim's tasting of every type of coffee concoction, trying on an amazing diamond necklace that I will always remember but never again wear, walking and climbing and hiking and then resting, ... and eating ... always eating ... which made the hiking and walking a very good thing, swimming in the Aegean Sea (burrrrrrrrrr!) and sunning on the deck of a small yacht, listening to local music, and relaxing in the shade of a bougainvillea. These were the amazing moments and days of the Greek Isles.
Athens and Rome were filled with equally amazing history but crowded cafes and noisy streets and oh-so-boisterous locals and the intrusive graffiti. But, who can complain about the privilege of resting on a bench in the Sistine Chapel?!!! The fountains, art, ruins, ... profound!
The opulence of the Vatican was totally overwhelming and a bit off-putting. Throughout Greece we heard of the many statues, vases, etc. that had been hauled away centuries ago. Well, they all seem to be in the Vatican! I realize that the corrupt popes of the dark ages stole as much as they possibly could but it would seem decent for the Vatican to return some of the priceless collections to their proper locations. This is not an anti-Catholic Church statement but, rather, and anti-established/institutional church statement so please do not take offense ---
it seems obvious why so many unbelieving people are offended by "the church" in general. The money invested in the whole immense state is amazing. No question, it's beautiful and well kept and clean and well groomed and all ... but ... I question the use of funds for such seeming vanity.
I'll write more details on the Greek Isles and some charming highlights in another blog.
The cruise of the Greek Isles -- we would recommend it to everyone! We didn't do the "typical" cruise with the huge buffets and the tuxedo parties and all ... we did a "commoner" type of cruise with Easy Cruise and, though their staff was a bit confused at times and communication was poor and the tea was realllllllllllllllllly bad, the basic concept was fantastic. The ship (that holds 600 passengers) sailed whilst we slept and the daytime and evening hours were spent in each port. This is unusual for cruises that we researched. Often, you just have a couple of hours to power through a charming village and then you're back on the ship for parties and all -- not what we were looking for! So, we were able to enjoy 6 different ports -- 5 in Greece and 1 in Turkey.
Each port had it's own unique charm and, subsequently, each became our "favorite" for a different reason. Some, like Kalymnos, held a centuries-old tradition of sponge fishermen. Others, like Bodrum (Turkey), were amazingly clean and filled with friendly folks and lovely shops. Of course, history abounded in each location -- ancient ruins, Orthodox churches from the Middle Ages, statues, fountains, and ...
food ... amazing Greek food with meals always including olives, feta, fish, and sensational seasonings.
Visiting with the locals, enjoying the quaint shops, Jim's tasting of every type of coffee concoction, trying on an amazing diamond necklace that I will always remember but never again wear, walking and climbing and hiking and then resting, ... and eating ... always eating ... which made the hiking and walking a very good thing, swimming in the Aegean Sea (burrrrrrrrrr!) and sunning on the deck of a small yacht, listening to local music, and relaxing in the shade of a bougainvillea. These were the amazing moments and days of the Greek Isles.
Athens and Rome were filled with equally amazing history but crowded cafes and noisy streets and oh-so-boisterous locals and the intrusive graffiti. But, who can complain about the privilege of resting on a bench in the Sistine Chapel?!!! The fountains, art, ruins, ... profound!
The opulence of the Vatican was totally overwhelming and a bit off-putting. Throughout Greece we heard of the many statues, vases, etc. that had been hauled away centuries ago. Well, they all seem to be in the Vatican! I realize that the corrupt popes of the dark ages stole as much as they possibly could but it would seem decent for the Vatican to return some of the priceless collections to their proper locations. This is not an anti-Catholic Church statement but, rather, and anti-established/institutional church statement so please do not take offense ---
it seems obvious why so many unbelieving people are offended by "the church" in general. The money invested in the whole immense state is amazing. No question, it's beautiful and well kept and clean and well groomed and all ... but ... I question the use of funds for such seeming vanity.
I'll write more details on the Greek Isles and some charming highlights in another blog.
Athens, Greece
A lot of reconstruction/renovation work is being done at some of the major sites. I tried to avoid any shots that included too much scaffolding.
Chocolate
The all-time highlight of our entire time in Greece and Rome was nothing that involved tourism. It involved music ... music as smooth as chocolate.
How I miss good music. Live music of any sort. Even being able to hear an accordion player on the street was a thrill. But this ... was ... phenomenal.
We got two of the last few tickets for a sold out concert in the largest concert hall in all of Europe -- The Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Santa Cecilia. We heard the Orchestra dell'accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, founded in 1585! The entire program was Spanish music, therefore two of the four pieces featured a guitarist playing concertos -- Pepe Romero. He was Jim's favorite part.
My favorite part began when the oboe played the "A" for tuning. I started crying as the whole orchestra started tuning and I didn't regain control until about 10 minutes into the first piece. I don't know what my neighbors thought and I certainly couldn't understand anything that they might have later said (we were the only non-Italian speakers in the entire parco!) but that didn't worry me. The opening note of the string section was unbelievable. I've never heard strings play in such unity, each section sounding as one instrument. And that's when I thought "chocolate" -- that's the only word to describe this sound.
I will carry the memory of that opening measure with me forever ... or at least until I hear even more heavenly music upon leaving earth!
How I miss good music. Live music of any sort. Even being able to hear an accordion player on the street was a thrill. But this ... was ... phenomenal.
We got two of the last few tickets for a sold out concert in the largest concert hall in all of Europe -- The Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Santa Cecilia. We heard the Orchestra dell'accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, founded in 1585! The entire program was Spanish music, therefore two of the four pieces featured a guitarist playing concertos -- Pepe Romero. He was Jim's favorite part.
My favorite part began when the oboe played the "A" for tuning. I started crying as the whole orchestra started tuning and I didn't regain control until about 10 minutes into the first piece. I don't know what my neighbors thought and I certainly couldn't understand anything that they might have later said (we were the only non-Italian speakers in the entire parco!) but that didn't worry me. The opening note of the string section was unbelievable. I've never heard strings play in such unity, each section sounding as one instrument. And that's when I thought "chocolate" -- that's the only word to describe this sound.
I will carry the memory of that opening measure with me forever ... or at least until I hear even more heavenly music upon leaving earth!
A-Door-ing Greece
We're back from a fabulous 2 week vacation in Greece and Rome. This is the first in a series of blogs that I'll try to load in the next couple of days. (Even this one has to be in two parts due to the time it takes to load this!)
We took a 7-day cruise through the Greek Isles. I wish I could say "fantastically, overwhelmingly amazing" in Greek!
I fell in love with their doors and started a door "collection" -- I'll share a few here. In many of the towns, the houses are all white-washed. The unique entries
are the only way that the owners can "speak" of the individuality of the people within. Stunning!
We took a 7-day cruise through the Greek Isles. I wish I could say "fantastically, overwhelmingly amazing" in Greek!
I fell in love with their doors and started a door "collection" -- I'll share a few here. In many of the towns, the houses are all white-washed. The unique entries
are the only way that the owners can "speak" of the individuality of the people within. Stunning!
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Tragedies Behind the Tragedies
Another pipeline fire was in the news recently. Many of you heard of it, I'm sure. What you would not hear are the pathetic details that accompany each news event here. So, I'll fill in the blanks for you ... at least a bit.
We are fine. The fire was on the mainland in Lagos and we are on the little islands of Victoria and Ikoyi, just south and east of the mainland. (Our world is small, indeed! About 5 kms from north end to south end!) The majority of the 18 million who live in Lagos live on the mainland.
A contractor was digging with heavy equipment without any knowledge of a gas/fuel pipeline in the area.
The pipe was damaged and fuel starting spilling out everywhere. For about 3 hours the neighbors grabbed anything resembling a container and hauled escaping fuel away!
There was a school nearby and reports are that the teachers told the children to remain inside to stay safe.
Reports vary on this part but ... something, possibly an okada (motor cycle) that drove into the area, ignited the gas and suddenly explosions and fire abounded.
Somewhere around 3 hours into the fire episode, reports are that some fire trucks arrived on the scene. 7 of them, even. But only two of the trucks had any water. The other five were there to impress. Mmmmmmmm ... At last report, the fire is still burning. Fuel fires are tough to control at the source. Burning buildings require more than a couple of gallons of water to be contained.
Reports again vary but 100 to 200 people are dead and many are in hospital (the British way to say "in the hospital"). Somewhere around 90 of the dead are the school children that were told to stay indoors to keep "safe." My driver heard that they died from the smoke.
Truth will never fully be discovered in this situation. Innocent people might be charged with crimes. In order to appease the neighbor people, the parents, the many who are shouting their anger in the streets ... the police often grab a few people from somewhere unknown, shoot them, and display their bodies as proof that the "guilty" have been avenged.
The value of a human life is seen differently here. Locals see dead bodies somewhere almost every day. They grieve ... but not much. Even for family members, there is very little grief and a lot of actual partying at the burials. (It's more like a reaction you would expect from followers of Jesus who only see their loss of a loved one as very temporary and rejoice that their loved one is worshiping the Lamb of God in person!)
There's a building that collapsed a couple of years ago near the airport. Bodies are still inside. No work has been done to clean up the mess. There was a car that burned on the highway near the turn off to our beach hut. We saw it a few weeks ago for the first time. Jide told us that this was the car in which a "sister" of his died. I think she's more of a cousin. I can't remember all of the details but the car was used as a taxi. The driver did something stupid and the car burst into flames. No one in the taxi survived. The charred remains of the car will be there, on the roadside, for a long time. No one wants to touch it.
So, that gives you a little more accuracy though we'll never know the full truth in these tragedies.
We are fine. The fire was on the mainland in Lagos and we are on the little islands of Victoria and Ikoyi, just south and east of the mainland. (Our world is small, indeed! About 5 kms from north end to south end!) The majority of the 18 million who live in Lagos live on the mainland.
A contractor was digging with heavy equipment without any knowledge of a gas/fuel pipeline in the area.
The pipe was damaged and fuel starting spilling out everywhere. For about 3 hours the neighbors grabbed anything resembling a container and hauled escaping fuel away!
There was a school nearby and reports are that the teachers told the children to remain inside to stay safe.
Reports vary on this part but ... something, possibly an okada (motor cycle) that drove into the area, ignited the gas and suddenly explosions and fire abounded.
Somewhere around 3 hours into the fire episode, reports are that some fire trucks arrived on the scene. 7 of them, even. But only two of the trucks had any water. The other five were there to impress. Mmmmmmmm ... At last report, the fire is still burning. Fuel fires are tough to control at the source. Burning buildings require more than a couple of gallons of water to be contained.
Reports again vary but 100 to 200 people are dead and many are in hospital (the British way to say "in the hospital"). Somewhere around 90 of the dead are the school children that were told to stay indoors to keep "safe." My driver heard that they died from the smoke.
Truth will never fully be discovered in this situation. Innocent people might be charged with crimes. In order to appease the neighbor people, the parents, the many who are shouting their anger in the streets ... the police often grab a few people from somewhere unknown, shoot them, and display their bodies as proof that the "guilty" have been avenged.
The value of a human life is seen differently here. Locals see dead bodies somewhere almost every day. They grieve ... but not much. Even for family members, there is very little grief and a lot of actual partying at the burials. (It's more like a reaction you would expect from followers of Jesus who only see their loss of a loved one as very temporary and rejoice that their loved one is worshiping the Lamb of God in person!)
There's a building that collapsed a couple of years ago near the airport. Bodies are still inside. No work has been done to clean up the mess. There was a car that burned on the highway near the turn off to our beach hut. We saw it a few weeks ago for the first time. Jide told us that this was the car in which a "sister" of his died. I think she's more of a cousin. I can't remember all of the details but the car was used as a taxi. The driver did something stupid and the car burst into flames. No one in the taxi survived. The charred remains of the car will be there, on the roadside, for a long time. No one wants to touch it.
So, that gives you a little more accuracy though we'll never know the full truth in these tragedies.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens
I have a new favorite thing.
Stretched out in the hammock,
suspended between two palm trees,
staring up into the pale blue sky,
viewing the filtered sun through the rustling palm branches,
listening to incredible worship music from Hillsong,
accompanied by God's amazing percussion section --
the incoming waves
thrashing the shore
at our beach hut.
Wow! What a great worship experience. What a great day of rest!
You see, the village children have gotten a bit ... well ... persistent! When these particular oyibos (no skin people) arrive at their beach hut they attract a crowd. We are a bit unusual. (Weird, clueless, suckers, ... are other words that are probably used to describe us!) Our driver and the neighbor boys are invited to play games with us. (Totally unheard of!) The children all get handfuls of sweets. (We need to bring tooth brushes sometime!) We give water to the vendors. (Why would anyone do that?) I buy things I don't need just because they have families to feed. Suckers? ... probably. But we chose to be that way! However, that does increase the distractions during our search for tranquility whenever we take a rare trip to our beach hut alone (well, yes, and the 9 people it takes for us to be there --- which I explained earlier)!
So, I decided that the only way to truly have some peace was to bring my iPod Shuffle.
When I climbed into the hammock to rest a bit I had my ears filled with worship music. And, wow! What a great experience.
I can only imagine that I'm the first human on earth who has listened to Hillsong worship whilst stretching out in a hammock (brought back to us from friends who went home to Venezuela) suspended between two palm trees at a beach hut near Lagos, Nigeria.
We are blessed.
I have so many new favorite things that I could have never imagined prior to this amazing experience called NIGERIA!
God is always good.
Stretched out in the hammock,
suspended between two palm trees,
staring up into the pale blue sky,
viewing the filtered sun through the rustling palm branches,
listening to incredible worship music from Hillsong,
accompanied by God's amazing percussion section --
the incoming waves
thrashing the shore
at our beach hut.
Wow! What a great worship experience. What a great day of rest!
You see, the village children have gotten a bit ... well ... persistent! When these particular oyibos (no skin people) arrive at their beach hut they attract a crowd. We are a bit unusual. (Weird, clueless, suckers, ... are other words that are probably used to describe us!) Our driver and the neighbor boys are invited to play games with us. (Totally unheard of!) The children all get handfuls of sweets. (We need to bring tooth brushes sometime!) We give water to the vendors. (Why would anyone do that?) I buy things I don't need just because they have families to feed. Suckers? ... probably. But we chose to be that way! However, that does increase the distractions during our search for tranquility whenever we take a rare trip to our beach hut alone (well, yes, and the 9 people it takes for us to be there --- which I explained earlier)!
So, I decided that the only way to truly have some peace was to bring my iPod Shuffle.
When I climbed into the hammock to rest a bit I had my ears filled with worship music. And, wow! What a great experience.
I can only imagine that I'm the first human on earth who has listened to Hillsong worship whilst stretching out in a hammock (brought back to us from friends who went home to Venezuela) suspended between two palm trees at a beach hut near Lagos, Nigeria.
We are blessed.
I have so many new favorite things that I could have never imagined prior to this amazing experience called NIGERIA!
God is always good.
Friday, April 18, 2008
A Fine Line Between ...
... love and hate!
A strange phenomenon is occurring around here. In recent weeks we've seen the beginning of the growing exodus of many co-workers and friends. The pace of departures will only increase in the next 3 months as many, many want to leave when school is out.
We all rejoice with those who get their transfer letters. Right now, we live vicariously through their joy!
They move through their day with lighter steps and wider smiles as the real moving day approaches. They start farming out items which they don't want to pack. They websurf to view pictures of their new location and drool. They allow themselves to dream.
But then, when it really comes down to it ... no matter how much they don't want to stay ...
they don't want to leave, either!!
So a dear employee's wife who has really, really, really struggled all the while she was here was actually vomiting the day she left. Another dear friend is confused by her response to her transfer offer. It's just what she's wanted but ... this is familiar, this is where her current support system exists, this life is at least predictable -- even if predictably frustrating!
The farewell parties are on the increase. It's just that I always expected they'd be tough for those of us left behind; I never imagined that those who are leaving would struggle.
In some ways, this place gets to you ... in a good way! When it is our turn to go, we will struggle for certain! I can't imagine never returning to this place ... well, we wouldn't really want to but ... not seeing some of those we'll be leaving behind will be tough.
I still talk with Lucy, our Port Harcourt maid. She's getting married soon and calls for approval and advice (and money ... but we won't give her anymore at this point!) We'll miss Lucy.
And, wow! I can't imagine not visiting with Jide and Michel each day ... talking politics, talking commerce, talking environment ... most importantly -- talking about God and how God can influence each aspect in an amazingly positive way! These guys are like family. But, unlike REAL family and longterm friends, I guess I realize that when we go those contacts will drop over time.
Maybe that is why our friends are struggling with leaving. Because as much as we all say we'll stay in touch ... it's never the same. We have friends to visit on every continent, now! But ... will we ever really visit them?
That's what makes this whole thing difficult. What has become familiar is shifting toward unfamiliar again. And this point in time and this point on the globe where we have all met -- this volatile time in Nigeria's ever-turbulent history ... it might be a place that generates a lot of angst and even hatred but it is, after all, the place we have tried to make feel like home.
A strange phenomenon is occurring around here. In recent weeks we've seen the beginning of the growing exodus of many co-workers and friends. The pace of departures will only increase in the next 3 months as many, many want to leave when school is out.
We all rejoice with those who get their transfer letters. Right now, we live vicariously through their joy!
They move through their day with lighter steps and wider smiles as the real moving day approaches. They start farming out items which they don't want to pack. They websurf to view pictures of their new location and drool. They allow themselves to dream.
But then, when it really comes down to it ... no matter how much they don't want to stay ...
they don't want to leave, either!!
So a dear employee's wife who has really, really, really struggled all the while she was here was actually vomiting the day she left. Another dear friend is confused by her response to her transfer offer. It's just what she's wanted but ... this is familiar, this is where her current support system exists, this life is at least predictable -- even if predictably frustrating!
The farewell parties are on the increase. It's just that I always expected they'd be tough for those of us left behind; I never imagined that those who are leaving would struggle.
In some ways, this place gets to you ... in a good way! When it is our turn to go, we will struggle for certain! I can't imagine never returning to this place ... well, we wouldn't really want to but ... not seeing some of those we'll be leaving behind will be tough.
I still talk with Lucy, our Port Harcourt maid. She's getting married soon and calls for approval and advice (and money ... but we won't give her anymore at this point!) We'll miss Lucy.
And, wow! I can't imagine not visiting with Jide and Michel each day ... talking politics, talking commerce, talking environment ... most importantly -- talking about God and how God can influence each aspect in an amazingly positive way! These guys are like family. But, unlike REAL family and longterm friends, I guess I realize that when we go those contacts will drop over time.
Maybe that is why our friends are struggling with leaving. Because as much as we all say we'll stay in touch ... it's never the same. We have friends to visit on every continent, now! But ... will we ever really visit them?
That's what makes this whole thing difficult. What has become familiar is shifting toward unfamiliar again. And this point in time and this point on the globe where we have all met -- this volatile time in Nigeria's ever-turbulent history ... it might be a place that generates a lot of angst and even hatred but it is, after all, the place we have tried to make feel like home.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Culture (After)shocks
There are days, even after being here more than two years, when I am still shocked by something I see or hear in this amazing place. My general response is to silently shake my head as it hangs in dismay. Of course, there are situations in which I can only "shake my head on the inside" if you know what I mean -- I can't offend those who considered whatever had just happened to be totally rational, reasonable, civilized, adult, etc.
Recent head-wagging situations include, but are not limited to:
-- the men who don't even turn their backs to the traffic when they "use the facilities" and there are no facilities, only the side of the street
-- the woman who was offended that I didn't bring her a piece of my father's birthday cake (Whenever ex pats travel, the locals with whom we work tend to ask us to bring them "something." "Something" ranges from some chocolates to a laptop or digital camera. I tend to ignore all such requests at this point, having become totally desensitized! This woman did, indeed, ask me to bring her a piece of the cake. I didn't have the energy to explain to her the ridiculousness of the request!)
-- the street "vendors" who were officially kicked off the bridge by the government but who, one day later, are back on the bridge!
-- the tragedy of 40 lives lost in a boat that sunk while transporting villagers to a wedding in a neighboring village. Few Nigerians know how to swim.
-- the most dismaying situation in recent days: Our driver's eldest son is graduating from a mechanic's technical school this weekend. Jide is a serious budgeter who handles what little money he has very well. However, this graduation is costing him over N100,000 (and his monthly base salary is N23,000). The teacher presented him with a list of food items he needs to provide for the ceremony. But, most shocking, he has to have N5,000 in cash with him to "pay for the prayers" at the ceremony. Wow! a step back to the middle ages, indeed! Believe me, we discussed this a long time, yesterday. I told him that NOWHERE in the Bible could any pastor find a verse that would indicate that you have to pay someone cash in order for them to pray for your son! I told him that God must be shaking His head and that it grieves His heart! But Jide said that it's not only at graduations but at any ceremony, including weddings, that the person/pastor who leads in a prayer of blessing must be paid! And ... get this ... at a wedding it is customary for the guests to throw cash on the bridal couple while they dance. Welllllllllllllllllll, all of that money is gathered and counted and a "tithe" of it is COLLECTED by the pastor before it's given to the newlyweds!
So, Saturday, before the appointed person prays for Jide's son, the person will ask the father to begin the contributions with N1,000. Then others will add their cash until the "holy" person is satisfied. Then, Jide's son will be "blessed." It would appear that the only one being blessed is the one getting the cash! Certainly any prayers offered by such a person would bounce back to them from the ceiling.
I can see you ... your heads are shaking as they hang!
Recent head-wagging situations include, but are not limited to:
-- the men who don't even turn their backs to the traffic when they "use the facilities" and there are no facilities, only the side of the street
-- the woman who was offended that I didn't bring her a piece of my father's birthday cake (Whenever ex pats travel, the locals with whom we work tend to ask us to bring them "something." "Something" ranges from some chocolates to a laptop or digital camera. I tend to ignore all such requests at this point, having become totally desensitized! This woman did, indeed, ask me to bring her a piece of the cake. I didn't have the energy to explain to her the ridiculousness of the request!)
-- the street "vendors" who were officially kicked off the bridge by the government but who, one day later, are back on the bridge!
-- the tragedy of 40 lives lost in a boat that sunk while transporting villagers to a wedding in a neighboring village. Few Nigerians know how to swim.
-- the most dismaying situation in recent days: Our driver's eldest son is graduating from a mechanic's technical school this weekend. Jide is a serious budgeter who handles what little money he has very well. However, this graduation is costing him over N100,000 (and his monthly base salary is N23,000). The teacher presented him with a list of food items he needs to provide for the ceremony. But, most shocking, he has to have N5,000 in cash with him to "pay for the prayers" at the ceremony. Wow! a step back to the middle ages, indeed! Believe me, we discussed this a long time, yesterday. I told him that NOWHERE in the Bible could any pastor find a verse that would indicate that you have to pay someone cash in order for them to pray for your son! I told him that God must be shaking His head and that it grieves His heart! But Jide said that it's not only at graduations but at any ceremony, including weddings, that the person/pastor who leads in a prayer of blessing must be paid! And ... get this ... at a wedding it is customary for the guests to throw cash on the bridal couple while they dance. Welllllllllllllllllll, all of that money is gathered and counted and a "tithe" of it is COLLECTED by the pastor before it's given to the newlyweds!
So, Saturday, before the appointed person prays for Jide's son, the person will ask the father to begin the contributions with N1,000. Then others will add their cash until the "holy" person is satisfied. Then, Jide's son will be "blessed." It would appear that the only one being blessed is the one getting the cash! Certainly any prayers offered by such a person would bounce back to them from the ceiling.
I can see you ... your heads are shaking as they hang!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
It's Been Awhile!
I couldn't blog about this before it happened because I was surprising my dad --- I traveled to Alaska for his 80th birthday!Having just returned a few days ago, I thought a blog entry was long overdue and some of you have been concerned about our status. Not to fear!
Life in Lagos continues. Security issues have become of increasing concern so we're on an early curfew. The steps we've recently gone through with increasing restrictions remind us far too much of our experiences in Port Harcourt. That is not a life we'd like to repeat ...
I hadn't been back in the good ole U.S. of A. since August of '06! It was sweet to land on "home" soil! I just wish that Jim could have accompanied me.
Because I've returned with a whoppin' cold/bug and my energy is low and my work load high, I shant have time to blog much right now.
But allow me to end with a few photos of Dad's birthday celebrations and a comment:
I am so blessed to have a father like my Dad. Other girls say this but it's really true in this case -- I've got the best Dad in the world! His godly character and wisdom is unmatched. His work ethic, servant heart, care for people, ... astounding! It was a joy to spend valuable time with Mom and Dad in the land of ice and snow!
Monday, March 03, 2008
A Personal Gift from the Creator!
God is so very good to us in so many tangible ways.
In recent weeks, we've enjoyed our very own "pet" bird -- cage-less, yet making many close visits.
Not knowing "his" gender, I gave "him" a gender-neutral name, Perch!
Perch made frequent visits and often stayed for hours at a time. Usually, he was most content perching on the end of some recently broken branches on a massive tree just beyond our living room windows. Occasionally, he would actually sit on the balcony edge -- right in front of me yet just beyond my reach.
I'd sit very still on my wooden bench and he'd sit very still on the concrete edging and we'd have a lovely visit.
You might notice that I'm speaking in the past tense.
We're just ending the Harmattan season -- when the dust from the Sahara desert travels across two countries to the ocean's edge. It puts a lot of grime and grit in the air, not to mention our lungs.
But the weather has made a sudden shift this week. (Another gift from the creator -- one evening I could see that a storm was a-brewing when the trees started rustling so I suggested to Jim that we go out on the balcony to watch what would happen. After 6 weeks without a drop of rain ... we had a sudden, brief-but-fantastic deluge! I leaned out over the balcony railing, "Titanic-style," and let the rains soak me. Of course, Jim, being the practical one, suggested that I was being covered in mud because the rain was mixing with the air's dirt! Well, it was a brief, romantic moment! :-) )
So, the next morning the air was clearer and the sky blue-er than it's been since early November. And, since then, ... Perch has not returned.
I look for him every morning before we leave for work. And I keep one eye toward his favorite branch throughout the evening hours. I miss my new little friend. But I am grateful for the gift of wonder and worship that he provided me!
It's connected to something Brian McLaren wrote in A Generous Orthodoxy --
"I feel (not every single moment, but often) that I am carrying around this hilarious secret: that I actually own all things, that all things are mine -- because I am Christ's, ... and God allows me to have things in the way that matters most. Not by having them in my legal possession ... but by having them in my spiritual possession by gratefully seeing them, gratefully knowing and cherishing them."
Even though he may not return, I am still blessed by Perch and the very
personal gift that God 
gave to me for a short season.
In recent weeks, we've enjoyed our very own "pet" bird -- cage-less, yet making many close visits.
Not knowing "his" gender, I gave "him" a gender-neutral name, Perch!
Perch made frequent visits and often stayed for hours at a time. Usually, he was most content perching on the end of some recently broken branches on a massive tree just beyond our living room windows. Occasionally, he would actually sit on the balcony edge -- right in front of me yet just beyond my reach.
I'd sit very still on my wooden bench and he'd sit very still on the concrete edging and we'd have a lovely visit.
You might notice that I'm speaking in the past tense.
We're just ending the Harmattan season -- when the dust from the Sahara desert travels across two countries to the ocean's edge. It puts a lot of grime and grit in the air, not to mention our lungs.
But the weather has made a sudden shift this week. (Another gift from the creator -- one evening I could see that a storm was a-brewing when the trees started rustling so I suggested to Jim that we go out on the balcony to watch what would happen. After 6 weeks without a drop of rain ... we had a sudden, brief-but-fantastic deluge! I leaned out over the balcony railing, "Titanic-style," and let the rains soak me. Of course, Jim, being the practical one, suggested that I was being covered in mud because the rain was mixing with the air's dirt! Well, it was a brief, romantic moment! :-) )
So, the next morning the air was clearer and the sky blue-er than it's been since early November. And, since then, ... Perch has not returned.
I look for him every morning before we leave for work. And I keep one eye toward his favorite branch throughout the evening hours. I miss my new little friend. But I am grateful for the gift of wonder and worship that he provided me!
It's connected to something Brian McLaren wrote in A Generous Orthodoxy --
"I feel (not every single moment, but often) that I am carrying around this hilarious secret: that I actually own all things, that all things are mine -- because I am Christ's, ... and God allows me to have things in the way that matters most. Not by having them in my legal possession ... but by having them in my spiritual possession by gratefully seeing them, gratefully knowing and cherishing them."
Even though he may not return, I am still blessed by Perch and the very
personal gift that God 
gave to me for a short season.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Meet Jide
I've been wanting to write about our amazing driver (in the black shirt) for quite a long time. His name is Jide, short for Olajide. He's a Christian. His wife was Muslim but converted, with the blessing of her family, when Jide wanted to marry her. They have 5 kids ranging in age from 23 to 5. The youngest is their only daughter.
Jide is the oldest child in his family -- a family that includes Jide's father/the patriarch, 3 wives and a kaboodle of daughters (most of them Jide's half sisters as almost all of his sisters have died -- one during childbirth and another to unknown causes, ...) Jide is the only male, which makes him extra dear to his father. Jide's mother is the old man's first wife and the most beloved of the wives. Yes, I've had many long discussions with Jide about polygamy -- isn't one wife enough to handle, anyway? :-) Thankfully, that practice is disappearing with younger generations. Though, for the wealthy, it's still very prestigious!
Jide acts like my personal assistant. He's always planning ahead for trips I need to make during the week. He could take new arrivals on the "three hour tour" I usually provide and I wouldn't even need to be around. He knows how to tailor the tour to their nationality and interests. He knows the places that are most important to show them. And he can converse with them and answer their questions quite well. He's gracious to each one though he does become more quiet, I've noticed, with those individuals who arrive with an attitude. He reminds me of things I ask him to help me not forget. He records every business trip we make -- beginning km reading, ending km reading, purpose of trip, etc. I don't have to even check his math -- he calculates the whole report so that I can simply turn it in for reimbursement.
We entrust our lives to Jide's care each day. He knows how to avoid trouble spots; he drives defensively, constantly murmuring and muttering about the crazy drivers out there. He even thinks that if we ever got hit by a crazy driver he would be at fault because it should be his responsibility to be alert for every crazy one out there! (That's a bit unrealistic but we do appreciate his goals and standards!)
We never have to problem solve for Jide; we just present the facts and he works out a solution. This is an amazingly rare trait in, even for those who work alongside Jim in the industry!
He is an independent thinker. He is intrigued by, but rarely supportive of, Nigerian politics. I gain a lot from his insights into the latest scandal-of-the-day. We had quite a discussion today on our way home in the traffic. Tomorrow could be quite an historic day for the country. The tribunal (the very same that has ruled that at least 9 governors are in office due to illegal elections) will be ruling on the legality of the president's claim to the role -- the elections were totally rigged by the president's party but probably not by him -- the former president, Obasanjo, is the real culprit. But I appreciate Jide's honest assessment of his own pathetic government. He is ashamed of his leaders but he still holds out hope for his country. He has to, really, in order to make it on a day-to-day basis.
Jide is about as honest as they come in Nigeria -- we trust him at least 95% of the time which is a whole lot more than the typical situation! If the circumstances had been different, he could have been a major CEO in some business. He's quick, great with people, and completely diligent and responsible. Because he did not have the opportunity, he is pouring himself into his children, especially his youngest son. He pays for their education out of his meager wages from the company our company pays and the overtime that we pay him. He trains his children in the evenings every chance he gets. He wants them to learn the value of hard and honest labor. He wants them to pursue education even if the quality of education in the schools is such that he needs to pay for private tutors to REALLY provide an education for his kids.
His youngest son, Jonathan is his Christian name, began school all on his own initiative before he was three years old. He insisted on going off to school with an older brother. Jide and his wife believed the boy would tire of the requirements within the first day but the boy has never stopped! This guy loves to read long into the night. So, I just gave him a copy of the complete Chronicles of Narnia and the kid is devouring it! I can't remember if the boy is 7 or 9 years old but he's a little guy! I've got a children's devotional Bible that I want to give him for his next read! Jide is so proud of his kids. And he is committed to see them go farther than he ever could.
Jide loves Jesus. He's a bit messed up by the prevailing false teaching of the country -- the demands that everyone gives to "God" out of their poverty so that "God" (translated the pastor) can drive a fleet of 20 different cars. Anyone is bound to misjudge God based upon the phony people who dare to carry His name. But we've had some great conversations with Jide, showing him how the God of the Bible is so very different from this "witch doctor/magician/movie star" god of this country.
On our way home from the beach this weekend, we had our cook, Michel with us -- because we had a bunch of guests and Michel did all of the grilling. Imagine the amazing discussions we had as both Jide and Michel were firing questions at us all the while we drove down the road (other than during the time that we had to hide, with our escorts, in a village until armed robbers passed by on the main highway -- the escorts have radios and get reports of all problems.) Questions usually started with "does God really say that ..." and were followed by some obnoxious false teaching that only benefits the bank accounts of the pastors.
Jide is one major reason that we can survive in this crazy place. He gives us hope in the people of this nation. He's a bright light in a very dark place. And he has such potential. We know that any money we give him will be well invested and well budgeted. We know that the countless hours we spend talking with him will matter for eternity. It is our privilege to have Jide in our lives. We are blessed.
So, I'll write soon about Michel ... another amazing blessing we have -- another precious human being for whom Jesus died!
It Takes 9
Jim and I occasionally get to go to the beach alone and it's quite peaceful and refreshing! However, how we laugh at how our understanding of "alone" has changed!
You see, it takes 9, count 'em ... nine people for us to go to the beach "alone!"
Here is most of the group -- and a bunch of the neighboring village kids. (It's "magic" -- out comes my camera and out come the kids!)
For the two of us to have a peaceful day at our beach hut, we require assistance from:
1 --Jide, our driver
plus 4 -- a driver and three escorts, two of them armed
plus 2 -- Ola, our caretaker and his assistant, Sampson
plus 2 -- our chosen assistants, those two precious kids Gbenga and Ishak
That totals 9!
The amazing thing is that it actually does feel peaceful compared to entertaining the scores of guests we usually take along for the fun!
We swing back and forth between feeling total shame for requiring the attention of so many to feeling totally blessed for the privilege of having their help and the joy of providing income for all of them!
Monday, February 04, 2008
Staying Put
My head has been spinning since we returned to NGA. Re-entry is always such an adjustment. It seems that most of us who are ex pats have two very difficult times in this place -- right before we are due to leave on a vacation and right after we return. If those are our toughest times, it would follow that we should just drop all vacations and stay here indefinitely ...
NOT! The joy of being away overshadows the struggles connected with leaving. But, the struggles are great nonetheless.
So, I "hit the wall" last week and really had to bring my desperation to the Lord again and again. It's the same stuff that bothers me with renewed volume, vengeance, vigor -- the filth, the lies, the corruption, the lies, the chaos, the lies, the noise, the lies, the laziness, the lies, the poverty, the lies, ... you get my point.
Almost everyone I deal with in my job is from this country. And there are some bright lights admidst the masses. But they are rare and they're probably not even that bright -- it's just that the contrast is so extreme that the light is obvious. I don't want to develop an edge, become totally cynical, become hateful and demeaning, or become cold. Certainly none of those options are very Christlike. I pray against those tendencies constantly. And God is so good to give me renewed love for each individual. Taken one at a time rather than as a society, each one can be seen as someone precious to Jesus. That helps me cope. But coping is not enough. I want to know that all of my efforts count for something eternal, something of Kingdom significance. But it is difficult to make a dent in this culture. We are just one strong and persuasive leader away from the same chaos that is facing Kenya, Chad, ...
So, I'm doing a word study on "perseverance" in the Bible. I've asked my daughter, Jeri, to join me in it because she is dealing with some cultural struggles, herself, in Thailand. Though Thailand is decades ahead of Nigeria in development and miles apart from Nigeria in basic civility, there are similarities. Many. And Jeri and I each have realized that sometimes we just long for the familiarity of home. We have not been back to the U.S. since August 2006. It's becoming such a distant memory.
Even just staying awake most of the night to watch the Superbowl LIVE was a huge help -- we felt, for a few hours at least, that we were closer to home.
So, I'm now in the "settling in" stage, once again, in this crazy place that we sometimes call "The Land of Barely There." That label is borrowed from a children's book series our kids once had.
But my struggle is not homesickness as much as a sense of pointlessness. No matter how much I bang my head against the wall, the wall remains as permanent as ever and I just have a miserable headache.
So, I pray that I can be rooted in a sense of purpose even when I can't see the results. My purpose is to live a life that shows Jesus to the people around me -- the TRUE Jesus who does not want their bribes, only their surrender. The TRUE Jesus who isn't drawn to anyone's position only to their pure hearts. The TRUE Jesus who loves each one so much that he won't leave them in their messiness. I must just love them, work with them, and not see anyone as a "project!"
Through the strength of Christ, I must see past each offensive behavior and listen past the arrogant words -- and seek to love each needy, lost, searching core. So many examples of "perseverance" in scripture don't show someone sweating it out or grunting -- just remaining, just staying put.
Staying put.
That's my theme. Until such time as we are no longer to remain in this place. And with the occasional respite of a vacation :-) ... that's what I'm called to do ...
stay put.
NOT! The joy of being away overshadows the struggles connected with leaving. But, the struggles are great nonetheless.
So, I "hit the wall" last week and really had to bring my desperation to the Lord again and again. It's the same stuff that bothers me with renewed volume, vengeance, vigor -- the filth, the lies, the corruption, the lies, the chaos, the lies, the noise, the lies, the laziness, the lies, the poverty, the lies, ... you get my point.
Almost everyone I deal with in my job is from this country. And there are some bright lights admidst the masses. But they are rare and they're probably not even that bright -- it's just that the contrast is so extreme that the light is obvious. I don't want to develop an edge, become totally cynical, become hateful and demeaning, or become cold. Certainly none of those options are very Christlike. I pray against those tendencies constantly. And God is so good to give me renewed love for each individual. Taken one at a time rather than as a society, each one can be seen as someone precious to Jesus. That helps me cope. But coping is not enough. I want to know that all of my efforts count for something eternal, something of Kingdom significance. But it is difficult to make a dent in this culture. We are just one strong and persuasive leader away from the same chaos that is facing Kenya, Chad, ...
So, I'm doing a word study on "perseverance" in the Bible. I've asked my daughter, Jeri, to join me in it because she is dealing with some cultural struggles, herself, in Thailand. Though Thailand is decades ahead of Nigeria in development and miles apart from Nigeria in basic civility, there are similarities. Many. And Jeri and I each have realized that sometimes we just long for the familiarity of home. We have not been back to the U.S. since August 2006. It's becoming such a distant memory.
Even just staying awake most of the night to watch the Superbowl LIVE was a huge help -- we felt, for a few hours at least, that we were closer to home.
So, I'm now in the "settling in" stage, once again, in this crazy place that we sometimes call "The Land of Barely There." That label is borrowed from a children's book series our kids once had.
But my struggle is not homesickness as much as a sense of pointlessness. No matter how much I bang my head against the wall, the wall remains as permanent as ever and I just have a miserable headache.
So, I pray that I can be rooted in a sense of purpose even when I can't see the results. My purpose is to live a life that shows Jesus to the people around me -- the TRUE Jesus who does not want their bribes, only their surrender. The TRUE Jesus who isn't drawn to anyone's position only to their pure hearts. The TRUE Jesus who loves each one so much that he won't leave them in their messiness. I must just love them, work with them, and not see anyone as a "project!"
Through the strength of Christ, I must see past each offensive behavior and listen past the arrogant words -- and seek to love each needy, lost, searching core. So many examples of "perseverance" in scripture don't show someone sweating it out or grunting -- just remaining, just staying put.
Staying put.
That's my theme. Until such time as we are no longer to remain in this place. And with the occasional respite of a vacation :-) ... that's what I'm called to do ...
stay put.
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