Across The Miles

Update

2008-10-02T16:02:00.000+01:00

We are settling back into life in the States. However, much of our hearts is still miles away. We are fortunate to be able to stay in touch with our friends in Nigeria via the internet, but it is still just not the same. We feel so blessed to have fallen in love with so much and so many that we feel the pain of being so far away.

As many of you have requested, here is a brief update on our lives:

We are living in Pleasant View, TN, just a wee bit northwest of Nashville. We love our home and are enjoying slowly reconnecting with friends and family. Right now we are all in a rush to try to find warm clothes to wear since we've lived in tshirts and flipflops for the last 2 years. 60 degrees seems much colder than I remember! The cooler weather is allowing us to enjoy our favorite time of year for the first time in a long while-and oh, how we've missed the turning of the leaves, tobacco smokin' barns, pumpkins all around!

Jon is enjoying working at VCE. He doesn't mind the bit of traveling he must do because he loves cruising around in his dream vehicle, a black Rubicon.

Lauren is taking a full load at Austin Peay State University after graduating from high school a year early. She has had the joy of jet-setting around the country to visit friends she met in Nigeria. In less than a week, we will be celebrating her 18th birthday!

Mattie Grace continues to play her flute in the middle school band. She enjoys her new friends at school and is looking forward to high school next year!

Naomi is running for middle school Vice President. She has a platform of changing the school, community, and world with some lofty ideas. She spent the summer at various camps, with her favorite being the Herbitology one-where she learned about played with snakes, lizards, etc.

While I am job hunting, I have been fixing up our new house by stripping wallpaper, painting walls, and enjoying cooking while watching wild turkeys and deer walking through our backyard.

This month holds so much to look forward to:

Visits by different family members and friends
Helping with Shoot for the Future
Lauren's BIG birthday
Camping with friends
Fall Break
Weekend in the mountains with my girlfriends
High School reunion
Preparing for the upcoming holidays!

There is the update. More to come later.

2008-07-18T18:09:00.000+01:00

Ten things I am thankful for and am fully enjoying:

Comfortable beds with nice linens
Hot showers-at any time!
Internet-to stay in touch
Constant, reliable electricity
Clean tap water
Music
Nice roads
Rest
Freedoms in America
Efficiency of doing laundry-never thought I’d take joy in washing clothes

Nine foods I am enjoying:

Sonic – Happy Hour ½ price drinks (love the ice)
Penne Rustica from Macaroni Grill
Sam’s Hot Dogs
Coke Zero
Mexican
Variety of cheeses
Boneless, skinless (featherless) chicken
Chinese Buffet
(if I don’t stop-Nutrisystem will be on the list!)

Eight acts of kindness from others:
Places to stay
Cars to borrow
Camps for girls to attend
Grandma and Cousins to love on the girls for an extra week
Old Fashioned Pounding
Friends who listen to us ramble about Nigeria
Emails, support, and encouragement
Visit from friends who ‘understand’ why we miss our other home

Seven foods I miss:

Pounded yam and red stew
Suya
Hummus
Schwarmas
Mangos
Avocados
Jollof Rice

Six songs I’ve been listening to lately:

Indescribable
We’re Really Not That Different
Rains Down in Africa (OLD song by Toto, but I DO miss those rains!)
My Next Thirty Years
Whatever It Takes
Someday We’ll Know

Five things I miss:

Friends-oh, how I miss them!!
Busyness
The Railroad
Glass bottles of Coke
The rains

Four things I wonder:

Will we be able to save enough money for Lauren (and me) to return to Nigeria for her graduation in May?
Will I ever feel settled here in the States?
How high will gas prices rise?
What job will I have in the future?

Three BIG things we need to purchase (after the house):

Beds for everyone
Refrigerator
Cars

Two things I have (re)learned these past two months:

Patience IS a virtue.
Relationships are more important than things.

One thing I most look forward to:

Moving into our own house

Goodbye

2008-06-30T14:58:00.000+01:00

Seems that goodbyes have been a large part of our lives this month.

Yesterday morning my grandmother passed away.
The girls and I are making a very quick trip to the east side of the state to say goodbye.

The Checklist

2008-06-30T14:31:00.000+01:00

1- Job for Jon found. He loves it.

2- Offer on a house was accepted. We will be living in Pleasant View, TN. (Isn't that a sweet name for a town?) Expect to close and move in within a few weeks.

3- Job for Julie-hope to hear news this week.

4- Vehicle for Jon found. Will purchase soon. Is a Jeep a family car? Apparently so.

5- Vehicle for Julie- soon. Decided a Lincoln Navigator was just too much of a gas guzzler, but don't care for the body shape of a Pinto...hope to find one somewhere in between, but will probably be closer to the Pinto! :)

6- Trip to Charlotte for medical testing and debriefing- done.

7- Trip to Memphis- SO enjoyed the fellowship of new and old friends.

8 - is the number of different beds we've slept in this month.

Aren't you glad to be back?

2008-06-30T13:43:00.000+01:00

One month ago we were still in Jos.

The one statement (with a question attached) I hear most often is: "I bet you are so glad to be back, aren't you?" I think the first few times I was asked this I looked like a deer in headlights. I know that I am expected to say, "YES!" but that isn't always true. Many days, more often than not, I am ready to go back home, to Jos. Then I am reminded that this is to be home now, and the adjustments are more difficult than I thought.

Don't get me wrong, I love all of the perks of the States:
constant electricity
clean tap water
a never ending variety of food
friendships rekindled
close to family
ease of driving

But, I also miss so much. Such as,
Sarah, my sweet Nigerian sister
glass bottled cokes
fruits that were so sweet
adventures at every turn
busyness of life
pounded yam and red stew
contentment with little
and most of all, dear friends.

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

Continent Hopping

2008-05-31T22:55:00.000+01:00

We left Nigeria at 8:00 this morning. At 8:00 PM we were standing in front of Big Ben, walking past Buckingham Palace, and enjoying the cooler weather in London. By 6:00 PM tomorrow, we will be in Nashville. Three days, three continents! Tonight we are staying at one of Jon's high school classmate's house with his three girls. As I logged in to check email (on a high speed internet connection!!), I was greeted by a few students who were also online. Within moments, I had four instant messaging conversations going on....each from a different continent! I am ever so thankful for the convenience of the internet and the way we can stay in touch and feel close even when we are very far apart.

We will catch the train into Heathrow tomorrow morning and fly out to Chicago and then Nashville. We look forward to seeing so many of our friends and family.

Worth It All

2008-05-29T07:06:00.001+01:00

Monday was a day to swim and forget about all the hassles of the previous week and to enjoy a day without thinking of goodbyes. And it became a day I will never forget. After a quick lunch and some resting, we decided to brave the water and swim for a bit. When we got in the water, it was cold and the other side felt far away, but we were excited about the challenge and set off for the other side. The water was so muddy, we couldn't see an inch below the surface. We got caught in fishing lines and fishing nets with dead fish stuck in them. (Honestly, those fish really creeped me out.) The way over wasn't too hard at all. We laughed and talked all the way. The other side brought so much fun and we make incredible memories. At times it was cold. Very cold. At times we sunk into mud REALLY deep. We got a few cuts and bruises, but it was one of the best days ever. After a while though, we knew it was time to go back.

I was a little tired by this time and wondered where the energy would come from to get back across. The way back wasn't nearly as fun, in fact, it took some effort. The other side seemed further away the more we swam. Eventually we arrived, tired, cut, bruised, and sad it was over. But, it was worth it all.

------

Today we are finishing our packing. I feel as if I am on the other side of the lake. I do not want to swim back. Not sure where the energy will come from and I don't want it to end. But reality has hit and I began packing yesterday (finally!). The way back will be long and it might not be as much fun or as exciting. We leave smiling for what we have had here, but sobbing for all we are leaving behind. But, I can say with no hesitation, it was worth it all.

------

Schedule:

Friday (30 May) - drive to Abuja, spend night
Saturday - flight to London, spend night
Sunday - flight to Chicago, flight to Nashville, arrive in evening

Please pray for our final goodbyes, final packing, flights and connections, customs, etc.
We will be staying with friends in the Pleasant View, TN area as we continue to look for immediate housing, jobs, vehicles, etc.
We look forward to seeing many of you and catch up on life over the last two years.

A List

2008-05-23T17:32:00.000+01:00

The last few weeks have been packed! We have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, going-aways, and anything else we could find to celebrate. However we have been to the doctor more times in the last 2 weeks than we have in years. Exams are over. Today is the last day of school, ending with graduation tonight. Because we are still so very busy (and will be until the moment we step on the plane), I want to just share a list of all that we have experienced the last few weeks.

pain of stitches
shock of surprise parties
fatigue of malaria
inconvenience of no electricity
joy of a generator
labor of writing exams
hard work of studying for exams
fun of dressing up Nigerian style
taste of mint
mixed emotions of graduation
thrill of seeing alumni
goodness of key lime pie
congratulations of sports' awards
temperature of cooler weather
rhythm of the rains and hail
procrastination of packing up
sounds of a house full of kids
appreciation of a bore-hole
sweetness of ripening mangos
mud of soccer games
tears at senior tea
talent at art shows
music of concerts
pressure of getting everything done
concerns of the future
But most of all, the love of our life of the past two years.

Brothers/Sons

2008-05-23T17:05:00.004+01:00

I can remember when we were thinking of moving to Africa, a few people thought that the move would be the worst thing we could do to the girls. How I wish I could share with you the joys of living here from the girls' eyes. We love the culture here....it is a protective culture with many uncles and aunties (and brothers) to help guide and love.

One of the joys of living here has been the depth of relationships we have formed. The other day I heard one of our girls call someone "a brother from another mother"-a true description of how they see some of the kids who hang out at our house. We are so blessed to have some older guys who will come over (usually to eat, I think) and yet still pay attention to the girls. They help with homework, play ball, and talk about snakes (with Nai, of course)! I can tell that the bond has truly become like siblings because they also fight like brother/sister.

Growing up with only brothers, I knew what our girls were missing out by not having someone to care for them like only a brother can. The Lord also knew that need and has provided brothers that could not be better picked for our family than if we were bound by blood. Along with the girls enjoying their brothers, Jon and I feel as if we have gained sons. I love our sons! I am so blessed.

Recently I took a few boys into town for one to buy a phone. As I watched Naomi freely interact with these 6 foot boys from various parts of the world, I became a wee bit emotional and my heart smiled. As we crossed the busy street, one grabbed her hand to help her get safely across. Whether it is joking around or lending a hug, these boys have been there for my girls. My girls are blessed.

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. ~Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie

8th Grade Banquet

2008-05-12T18:13:00.000+01:00

Great Anticipation
Much Preparation
Fancy Dresses
Sharp Suits
Roses Given
Muddy Ground
Food Devoured
Excellent Manners
Many Photos
Sleep Overs
No Slumber
All Over

Discipleship Party

2008-05-12T17:45:00.001+01:00

Every Thursday, the 39 eighth graders break up into boy and girl discipleship classes which Jon and I lead. We have had such a great time with our own group. jon's group of guys seem to always end up playing soccer or basketball-imagine that! My group of girls never had trouble filling our time talking, praying, laughing (and dancing-LOL!) So, for our final time of getting together, we invited everyone to our home for a cookout. We had fun eating, playing ball, talking, celebrating a birthday, and pouring water all over each other. (WHY do we find that SO fun???!) We will miss these kids so very much. Although we will continue to pray for them, nothing beats a good game of basketball and few dance moves to REALLY stay in touch!

I am blessed.

2008-05-08T23:09:00.000+01:00

This week has been a rough one emotionally for me. My late brother's birthday was this week and still I miss him so very much. Some hard conversations were had with those I dearly love as I prepare to leave. I feel the pressure of getting much done and yet the need to fully embrace and enjoy the precious few days ahead. A hard week. A very hard week.

The weekend began with the first of many goodbyes. On Friday night we headed to friends' house for a dinner and a farewell party. Farewell was said to three families who are leaving Nigeria this month. Much laughter and even a few more tears were shared. On Sunday Jon and I drove out to Miango (about 40 minutes of VERY bumpy roads) to say farewell to another couple who his heading back to New Zealand after serving 17 years in Nigeria! On the way back, I got sick. So very sick.

But we returned home to find a PARTY waiting for us. What a joy it was to see so many of my favorite people here in our house. (Even though they had ALL kept this party a big surprise from me-and I rarely like surprises! But this one, I loved!)
As I went around the room and thought of each person there, I realized how truly blessed I am. The four teachers I work most closely with were to my right. They have listened to, laughed and cried with and worked beside me every day for the last two years. I could never ask for better co-workers! Jon and the girls were next-just smiling as big as could be.

Then, scattered throughout the room were my former students. I love them dearly. No explanation as to why they hang here so much, but I am glad they do. We spent the rest of the evening sharing memories and making new ones. If I could have stopped time, I would have stopped it then. So very thankful that a hard week had an incredible ending! I am blessed.

Harley Girl

2008-05-07T21:11:00.000+01:00

We had company for dinner a few weeks ago. We visited with Shammah and his wife over a big meal and enjoyed the sweet laughter! Shammah works for Youth Camp Alive-a ministry Jon oversees. We have grown to love Shammah and his new wife, Keturah. Saying 'goodbye' to them, in preparation for our leaving, was very difficult. However, Naomi seemed to especially enjoy Shammah's motorbike rides! Hopefully she won't ask for a Harley-Davidson for her next birthday.

One Month

2008-04-30T21:19:00.000+01:00

Only month from today until we fly out of Nigeria. This fact brings much sadness as we leave a place we have grown to love and call home. These past two years have flown by (ESPECIALLY this year) and we can't believe it is time to think of packing again. Lauren and I were driving around today mentioning how beautiful Jos is....not our first impression! But this area full of trees, huge rocks, best of friends and rewarding work has become very precious to us. If you want to see a short video of a trip around Jos, check out what a fellow missionary, Joel, has posted on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6M4-BwzIjw&feature=related

Someone recently mentioned a few ways to make sure we say "good" goodbyes. After much thinking about it, I seem to believe there are times when there is no good in goodbye. When we leave, we are saying bye to a lifestyle, our home, our work, a culture, the country of Nigeria, but most importantly, our friends. How do you say goodbye to so much and so many you love? I have yet to find out, but I'm working on it....and it may take a month!

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same. ~Flavia Weedn

The Big Banquet

2008-04-30T20:59:00.000+01:00

The junior class hosted the banquet for the seniors. The theme was "Phantom of the Opera" and the decor included massive amounts of fabric, many candles, a large chandelier, a grand piano, and lots of roses! The junior class worked so hard to make every detail memorable. The two classes spent a few nights prior to the banquet in dance classes. They enjoyed dancing a variety of dances, including the cha cha, tango, waltz, and a few line dances!

A Magical Weekend

2008-04-22T20:10:00.002+01:00

Spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights watching our school’s production of “Cinderella”-a very funny musical! The kids did an excellent job. The orchestra was staffed with middle school students and two ninth graders! Keeping with tradition, the cast and crew made Saturday’s performance EXTRA fun. When the ball was in full swing with a (boring) waltz, Prince Charming stopped the dancing and announced, “so much for the waltz, let’s do some real dancing.” On cue, the cast broke out with the Cha Cha Slide-music AND dance!

To the right now, to the left
Take it back now ya’ll
1 hop this time, 1 hop this time
Right foot 2 stomps, left foot 2 stomps
Slide to the left, slide to the right
Criscross, criscross
Cha Cha real smooth

For such a small school in a remote area, Hillcrest did not disappoint. The costumes were fabulous. The props rocked. (Lauren was in charge of the props!) The incredible orchestra was hidden in a pit below stage. “Fairy dust” flew down when magic occurred and Cinderella’s transformation brought “ohhs” and “ahhs” from the audience.

These past few weeks I have learned:

2008-04-16T00:22:00.000+01:00

The nutritional value (esp. protein) is higher in termites than grasshoppers
Grading research papers is more time consuming than writing them
Laughter is a wonderful medicine
You can keep going long after you think you can’t
30 7th graders can eat a lot of ice cream
Leaving is much harder than going
A broken toe really, really hurts
Why cashew nuts cost so much (have you seen how the grow—too cool!)
When one of my kids hurts, my heart hurts too (even more than a broken toe)
That it isn’t what you have in your life, but whom you have that counts
Lauren’s smile (minus the braces-yep, finally got them off) is BEAUTIFUL
Blondes don’t necessarily have more fun than brunettes
How to make cream cheese
Life is too short to not enjoy every moment
Sleep is optional (at least for a while)
A few hundred naira can, sometimes, get you out of trouble

---and I still have so much more to learn!

(7th grade class at party on Saturday)

I've Been Tagged

2008-04-04T22:04:00.001+01:00

I have been "tagged" many times before, but I have always ignored them. However, about a month ago I promised Stephanie (hey, Steph!) I would post my answers to hers. So (a month later!) I am fulfilling my promise. Finally. This is how it works: I replaced her answers for my own. Hope this makes you happy, my friend.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? just my middle name---named after my brother's kindergarten girlfriend, I think. 

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? recently.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I think so. haven't really thought about it.  
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT? deli peppered turkey.  
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? three daughters I gave birth to, and many others that call me mama.  
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? absolutely....and we'd have a blast!  
7. WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY INDULGENCE?
being alone. and grape.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yup...and i've never broken a bone!  
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? already have. loved it. wanna do it again.  
10. WHAT CHORE DO YOU LEAST LIKE?
making someone unhappy, even when it is necessary.
 
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? 99.9% of the time I wear flip flops. .1% I untie.
 
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? yes. but not lately.  
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? not a fan of ice cream....but if I eat, it is mint choc chip. only.   
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? eyes.   
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
brown.
 
16. DO YOU LIKE WILDFLOWERS OR ARRANGEMENTS?
any flower- fresh and handpicked.
 
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my girlfriends. desperately miss them. and of course my brothers. and mom. and dad. and Target.
 
18. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR SPARE TIME? what spare time?
 
19. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT WOULD SURPRISE ME ABOUT YOU?
i always score as an introvert on personality tests.
 
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? rice.  
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
itunes....a WIDE variety of music!

22. WHAT DO YOU COLLECT? i used to collect antique scales. now i collect class passes.
 
23. WHAT ARE YOUR THREE FAVOURITE SMELLS? rain
gardenia
cinnamon
 
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Saira  
25. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POSSESSION?
my photos. and letters from those I love.   
26. FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH? soccer. bball. or whatever my hubby, kids, or people i know are playing.  
27. HAIR COLOR? blonde-ish.  
28. EYE COLOR? green. everyone else in my family has blue eyes. beautiful blue.   
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? not since a series of eye surgeries! yippee.  
30. FAVOURITE FOOD? salad. honestly.
 
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy. or ones that make me think.   
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? remember the titans. with my class.  
33. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW? white tank top and old faded levis and a watch.  
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? fall. or dry season.  
35. HUGS OR KISSES? real hugs.

36. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
snakes.
 
37. DRINK OF CHOICE?
anything carbonated, with ice. but am quitting soon. very soon.

38. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT LATELY?
learning to drive stick shift last year. freedom!

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
finished re-reading Gabaldon's series. the best. my favorite.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
no mouse pad. hate mice. love touch pad.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
no tv. hardly ever watch tv. but I did just fly through a dvd of prison break, season two.

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
laughter. the kind that makes your eyes water.

43. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
where is home?

Wanna play? just leave your anwers in the comment section, email them, or provide a link.

There is a Hair on My Ham

2008-04-04T21:18:00.000+01:00

Working full time has left me missing being in the kitchen. So, during breaks, I enjoy cooking. However, everything seems to take so much longer…from shopping and preparing to the actual cooking. However, we still managed to round up a yummy meal for a memorable Easter dinner.

The morning of Easter I began to prepare the ham. Upon opening the bag it had been in, I found the ham to be covered with hair...as in the hair from the pig! I cut off the entire hide (hair and all) and left enough fat on the outside to keep it moist while cooking. I had a brief thought of making pork rinds, but it didn’t last long at all. (I think the hair helped change my mind very quickly!) Once the ‘yucky’ was cut off, we realized there wasn’t much meat left so we quickly roasted a chicken to add to the meat platter.

Lauren loves deviled eggs, so we bought a bunch of eggs from our neighbors and prepared a special treat. One of Lauren’s friends was spending the weekend with us, so we put her to work filling the whites. (Aren’t all Easter dinners required to have some type of egg dish to use up all the colored ones?)

My grandmother used to make the BEST squash casserole. I found a vegetable in the market that was light green and eggplant shaped and assumed it might be zucchini, so I took a chance. The final dish tasted quite similar to my grandmother's and it was a joy to have Nanny’s cooking on our table.

Mashed potatoes (and gravy) are a must for any big meal at the Parkers. Our potatoes here are so small and we often spend too long trying to peel them. . I used a new trick I had recently learned. I do think I am the ONLY person alive that didn’t know this. Did you know that if you boil the potatoes first, the skins just slide right off? Well, I didn’t. This trick saved us many minutes peeling…and only a few fingers were burned.

When my mom visited in December, she brought us something VERY special: Stove Top Stuffing! Oh my…we had been saving this for three months and it was well worth the wait!

The dessert was chocolate, of course! We made a chocolate trifle-homemade brownies, homemade cool whip and chocolate pudding we’ve been saving….RICH but worth every calorie. ☺

And the ham? It turned out delicious…not a hair was to be found by the time it hit our plates!

AIDS Walk-a-Thon

2008-03-30T02:49:00.001+01:00

The students spent the last few weeks looking for pledges and preparing. On Saturday, they gathered at the school track to walk laps to help raise money for AIDS. The walk lasted for two hours under the hot sun, but each walker persevered. Over $1000 was raised!

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~Edward Everett Hale

You Know You Are An MK When...

2008-03-22T19:12:00.000Z

you think in two languages and cant tell right away which language you are thinking in.

you know what its like to visit five different churches in three days.
... and everyone knows you there - yet you have no idea who they are.

You have a passport, but no driver's license.

You know how to pack...

You wince when people pronounce foreign words.

You are asked if you have lions in your back yard.

You don´t know what to say when people ask for your address.

You prefer boiled sugar water and maple flavoring rather than real maple syrup.

You describe Americans as if you were not one yourself.

you have to think of what time it is for the person you are about to call.

you think in meters, liters and grams - just like everyone but the US.

You speak with authority on the quality of airline travel.

Going home can be used in both directions of flight.

You sort your friends by continents, then countries, then alphabet.

You tell people where you are from and they ask if you can say something.

You believe vehemently that football is played with your foot and a small round spotted ball.

You realize that it IS a small world after all.

Your mom gets excited over finding Doritos at a local store...and buys them all.

You have stopped in the middle of an argument to find the translation of the word you just used.

(011) and (001) are familiar area codes.

You read the international section before the comics.

The nationals say "I knew an American once" and ask you if you know them.
You aren't terribly surprised when you do.

You would be more afraid to send your kids to public school then on an unescorted plane trip.

You look at the Rockies and think "nice hills".

You hesitate before writing the date because you are unsure of whether to write day/month/year, month/day/year or some variation thereof.

You wake up one day and realize you aren't a foreigner anymore.

You wake up one day and realize you are still a foreigner.

You Know You Have Lived In Africa When....

2008-03-22T18:46:00.001Z

...it doesn't seem right to pay the asking price on anything in a store. If you can't barter for it, it's not worth having.
...you find all the non-white people on campus so you can be a minority again.
...you call everyone older than you uncle or aunt.
...you'd rather be barefoot.
...every softdrink is coca cola or fanta.
...black outs for a week are nothing new to you.
...no running water for a day is just another ordinary thing
...50 degrees is cold, but 100 degrees isn't hot.
...you can do your monthly shopping on the pavement.
...four cars are driving parallel to each other on a one-lane road doesn't seem wrong.
...the smell of freshly rained on mud paths is comforting.
...being an hour late equals being "on time"
...you eat sugar cane as a snack.
...you can bribe a cop and get away with it!
...you have an over whelming urge to wash all your salad in milton (bleach)
...you know that the police isn't always the safest place to go when you're in trouble.
...cramming 7 passangers in a 4 passenger taxi is really not a big deal.
...you know never to question what you're eating (even if it does taste good), cuz sometimes you just don't want to know.
...you invite people for a get together at 7 and they all come at 9.
...everyone in your country plays soccer.
...you have showered under the rain.
...you have to think what race your friends are because you don't notice or care.
...someone riding their bike down the road with corrugated iron strapped width wise across the back of the bike and its taking up more than half of the road is not unusual.
...you know what true hospitality and generosity is...when those who have almost nothing still welcome you in with open arms and are willing to share everything they have with you - even though they barely know you!
...someone asks you how much your sister costs.
...you unwrap all your gifts carefully, so that you can reuse the wrapper.
...more than 90% of the DVDs in your home are illegal copies.
...you find it completely natural to have burglar-bars outside your windows
...you bought your cellphone through your car window
...chicken is a luxury
...you are not surprised when there is a herds of cows and goats walking down the street
...every white thing you own has permently turned a curious shade of brown
...you dream about Africa - a lot.
....you think of giving up trying to convince people of what it´s really like - even though they really do try, they often just don´t understand.
...you learn quickly that pedestrians DO NOT have the right-of-way
...you know that an umbrella is useless during the rainy season and simply accept the fact that you'll be wet for 6 months... and really don't mind either
...people bump into the car in front, check out the damage, hand over some money (maybe!) and then drive off!
...you are able to smell of the coming of the first rain signaling the end of the dry season.
...tears well up in your eyes as you read this list, either wishing that you were back in Africa or glad that you are still there.

Although I often tell my students, "just because it is on the internet, does not mean it is true!" I will have to admit, this (which I found on the internet) is most definitely TRUE! Much of it must have been experienced to be understood. I am sure there is SO much more that could be added...but this is a good start!

Snack of the Day

2008-03-19T21:04:00.001Z

A mom dropped by a few bag of snacks for a group of kids who came to hang out for the day. In these bags were fried grasshoppers. For those wondering...they kinda taste like the crunchy part of Kentucky Fried Chicken Extra Crispy skin. Kinda.

Setting Down the Glass

2008-03-15T21:05:00.000Z

A lecturer raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

******************

Today is the first day of Spring Break. The rest is much needed so we can carry on strong through May.

******************

"I do not pray for a lighter load, instead I pray for a stronger back." -Phillip Brooks

Wedding Day Timeline

2008-03-09T18:00:00.001Z

6:30 AM Jon, with upset stomach, leaves to pick up family of the bride (16 people in our 9 passenger van) from a village a few hours away. He is given pounded yam and a warm Maltina for breakfast by family. Women in van practice their notorious chants/yells all the way.

10:55 Julie arrives at church. (Church is under construction.)

11:00 Wedding starts without family. (About 30 in attendance at this point.)

11:15 Family (and Jon) arrives but not worried they are late.

11:45 Window frame falls out of church window.

1:00 Wedding ends. (Total of about 200 in attendance by end of wedding.)

2:00 Reception begins (Julie escapes.)

Mid Afternoon-Jon returns family of bride to village

Night- Jon begins return to Jos with a big batch of furniture for newly married couple (including a now-soaked mattress due to the unexpected rain)

8:00 Julie wonders if she should send out search and rescue when there is no Jon-sighting. Decides she doesn't know where to search. Makes a bunch of grilled cheese sandwiches for the dozen kids who are in the house.

9:30 Jon arrives-completely worn out. Julie is relieved he is alive and well.

11:45 Last student leaves the house after hours of eating, playing games, laughing, and lots of talking.

11;47 PM We fall into bed. (I think Jon is willing to offer $ to our own girls to elope!)

I Bless the Rains Down in Africa

2008-03-09T17:15:00.000Z

We watched the clouds roll in on Friday, but thought, "nah...no way it will rain yet." On Saturday the temperature had dropped in the afternoon and as we enjoyed the basketball tournament our doubts of rain began to fade. By late afternoon, the rains came. Our first rain the year!

I had forgotten how nice the rain smelled, looked and felt. This rain last for a few hours---and it was VERY welcome. After waiting for the downpour to subside, we ran to the car and came home to a warm shower, coffee, grilled cheese and sweatshirts to play games and chill for the rest of the evening. We slept so well in the cool weather with the smell of rain still in the air.

"The same rain that wears down stone, can refresh each of us." -Risto Rein

Elementary Field Day 2008

2008-03-01T00:31:00.000Z

Chess Mates

2008-02-29T23:54:00.000Z

Two of my classes study a story (about chess and the way it can relate to life) from the book "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan. Prior to reading the story, the 8th grade classes created their own chess boards and pieces. The fact that they went over and beyond all expectations was evident as they brought in their creations on Monday morning. We went over the rules of the game and began playing. As they began to learn to play, the popularity grew. During study hall, many would grab their boards and play. Today during field day I looked over to find chess boards scattered about with players on either side.

Harmattan

2008-02-29T23:44:00.000Z

Harmattan. It has arrived and left and then come back again. In every step of our day we seem to be reminded that it is here. In the mornings, the bath towels smell like dust. At school all the desks are covered with a layer of the dusty residue from the Sahara. Each day the floors must be mopped. We dust everything. Within hours, we should dust again. Fruit in a bowl on the table must be rewashed before eaten. Our noses are filled with the dust and when we wash, the water turns a bit darker due to the remains left on our body. When harmattan is in heavy, planes are not able to land or take off due to lack of visibility. It can block the sun's rays causing the temperatures to dramatic drop. Some have winter, we have harmattan.

Weekend Stuff

2008-02-28T21:27:00.001Z

The weekend included:

basketball games
a FULL, FULL house
bottle cap wars
iTunes surfing
soup
taking kids home for odd reasons
stress relief product creations
new friends
cookies
Uno-lots and lots of Uno
Facebook
visiting at friends' houses
so much laughter
French toast
texting back and forth
driving
homework (for students and teachers)
koolaid
a sick child
warmer weather-much warmer
yummy (but not too yummy) grilled cheese
I love the life we live here. Never dull.

The Trick

2008-02-28T21:26:00.000Z

At the beginning of the school year, I was coerced into trying a little trick. This trick was supposed to be good...real good. I should have know by the word "trick" and by muffled laughter of the two guys who talked me into the trick that it might not be so "real good"! Wanna try the trick?

Put a good amount of salt on the back of your hand.
Place an ice cube on top of the salt.
Wait.
Pride kicks in and you bear a bit of local discomfort.
Cry.
Decide your friends aren't your friends and forget about pride. Try to save the hand.
Bandage hand.
Plan sweet retaliation. (with loving kindness, of course!)

Fast forward six months-which was last weekend. A big batch of kids were over playing games, sharing music and hanging out. I looked over and saw it! On the back of one of the guy's hands was the remnants of the trick. HA! We now have matching scars!

Random Photos of Valentine's Dinner

2008-02-28T21:04:00.000Z

2008-02-26T22:56:00.000Z

For years I have struggled with a concept we call early death. Some days it haunts my every thought. Other days I find myself caught up with great joy until the notion hits me in a split second and the joyful moment is darkened as I consider the trauma of leaving this earth too soon. Early death seems to be one of the cruelest form of torture. The suffering is often non-existent or short lived for the one who dies, but to those who are left behind to try to put the pieces back together, it can last a lifetime.

But, is death ever really early?. Only to us, not to our Maker. Our Maker knows the number of our days, even before we were conceived. So, death will come when our days here on earth are over. Never too late and yet never too early. Even with this assurance there is still an abundance of concerns. For the one who has lost a loved one, there is the wondering of how can I continue without? Will a day ever be normal again? For the one who foresees their own early death, there is the concern of if those we love are adequately prepared, not only for a loss, but for the rest of life. These pains of “early death” can only be comforted by the One who is our Creator and the Creator of perfect timing. Perhaps in eternity we will understand, perhaps not.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14)
"Teach us to number our days” (Psalm 90:12)

Missing Girlfriends

2008-02-26T22:38:00.000Z

Someone recently asked me what I missed the most while living in Africa. I quickly responded, without even needing to think, “my girlfriends!” I left behind a few incredible groups of girlfriends. Due to a very demanding job, along with various other chores (shopping, laundry, cooking, etc.) that take longer here than in the States, I have been too overwhelmed and tired to try to build those type of friendships again. Of all things I look most forward to when going back to the States, it is my girlfriends.

These words ramble around in my head when I think of my girlie girls: salads with cilantro, backrooms, chocolate, Target runs, long phone calls, lots of tears, Choxie, cross country flights, antique shopping, Ben and Jerry’s, scrapbooking together, new babies, tons of laughter, Hardee's breakfast, cleaning each other’s houses, Children’s Place sales, lime Tostitoes, white shirt/black pants uniform, Yankee candles, Las Vegas, electric toothbrushes, DDP, Croptoberfest, reuben sandwiches, long conversations, pb&j, music, sewing, trips to LaFayette, dancing on the bed, Chef’s, doctor appts, new houses, and so much more!

*****************************************************************************************************************************

But oh! the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one's deepest as well as one's most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. ~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859

Face to Face

2008-02-26T19:42:00.000Z

As I sat in the little café in the middle of town this past week with my new friend, I was in awe of how computer technology can bring two together. We had such a great time chatting about Africa, family and so much more. What a gem of a friend I have from Switzerland…one that introduced herself to our family via the internet so long ago. And yet one that I have just now met face to face. Monika, thank you for submitting to that little nudging to contact us. And thank you for looking me up while in Jos. Love you dearly and look forward to the next time we are face to face. Yeah technology! Yeah friendship!

Pancake Breakfast

2008-02-09T22:24:00.000Z

At 7 this morning, 39 eighth graders and a few teachers could be foun in the hostel preparing for the annual pancake breakfast, a popular fundraiser. This year's theme was "the 80's" The kids had a blast dressing up. I had to laugh because I was their age at the beginning of the 80s. One of the kids asked me, "Mrs. Parker, have you ever heard of these old songs?" HA! My answer was two-fold: 1) not only have I heard of them, I know all the words and 2) these songs are really not old.

After all, who doesn't still sing:
Another Bites the Dust
Smooth Operator
We Built This City
Working My Way Back to You
Walk Like An Egyptian
I Just Called to Say I Love You
Eye of the Tiger

By 11 am, hundreds of pancakes had been cooked, served, and devoured. (Just heard that a boy eating 27 pancakes had won the "who could eat the most" contest.) Money was raised and everyone had such a great time.

Whatever It Takes

2008-02-08T22:07:00.000Z

Reading...what I encourage the MOST in my middle school English classes. So, to encourage (or should I say 'bribe'?) my students to read, I have a reading contest each quarter. The class that reads the most pages wins a party at my house. Along with unlimited hotdogs to roast, we have FUN (and very messy) games. The sixth grade class beat out all the 7th and 8th grade classes last quarter so they were at the house on Thursday for THE PARTY!

On the bus on the way back to school, one of the boys said,
"Listen everyone, we ALL have to read a BUNCH of books this week. We have to win again!"

Whatever it takes to get them to read!

Medicine for Two, Please

2008-02-08T21:02:00.000Z

We have had to talk to a doctor twice in the last week.

Mattie has had some skin problems on her back and it didn't clear it up its own. We hope the medicine will kick in soon and relieve her discomfort.

Naomi had malaria-again. After crying in my arms at night and sleeping in my classroom's storage closet during the day, she has turned the corner and is much better.

The week was long, but we are thankful tonight for good health. So very thankful!

Please pray for
-the families of Nigerians who have lost their loved ones due to an outbreak of Lassa Fever in jos.
-the family of one of our school's security guards who unexpectedly passed away yesterday
-a friend who lost his brother (who was like a father to him) last week

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Quick Update

2008-02-04T22:28:00.000Z

Wow...never knew we could be SO busy!

*Jon spent some time last week with the chief of a tribe trying to negotiate a land purchase. He also helped out with the pe class' rock climbing/rappelling trip. Pray for Jon as he has felt a bit sick the last few days. He and Lauren still managed to go to the hostel to watch the Super Bowl early this morning...they made it to bed around 5 AM, only to wake up an hour later for work and school today.

*Naomi participated in the elementary school's science fair. As always, she had much fun.

*Mattie continues to play her flute EVERY day. (We've had to limit practice so chores and homework could be done.) Pray for Mattie as she is fighting a fungus on her skin. The medicine makes her a bit sleepy.

*Lauren is finishing up her last year of high school. She has applied to different colleges and we are praying for a clear direction (and a bunch of scholarships) for where she will attend in the fall.

*I still love teaching English to 81 middle school kids! We are reading some great books this year: The Giver, Number the Stars, Diary of Anne Frank, Flowers for Algernon, The Freedom Writers Diary, The Whipping Boy, and more. And beginning tomorrow, I am attending a series of Indian and Lebanese cooking classes.

*Jon and I both lead 8th grade discipleship. Please pray for our kids as they learn about prayer and God's sovereignty. Many of the kids are opening up and sharing their struggles. I am seeing so much growth in the kids and am thankful for how the Lord works in so many situations.

*Basketball season has begun. FUN! FUN!

Before Christmas our compound pitched in and had a borehole dug. Having water available all the time is a blessing we don't take for granted.

We are glad it is finally warming up here. The harmattan dust from the desert kept us quite cool (COLD at night) for a few weeks. At school we huddled together and tried to dress as warmly as possible (-a funny sight with flip flops on our feet). However, the last few days have been a bit warmer.

With mixed emotions, we are already having to think about our return to the States in May. Time is flying by this year and I am afraid it will be here in the blink of an eye. Please pray as we job, house, and car hunt from a different continent. Saying "hello" will be such a joy, but saying "goodbye" will be.....well, let's not even think about it until we have to! No goodbyes..only "see you laters!"

Blessings abound!

Just Makes Me Smile

2008-02-04T21:31:00.000Z

Each Sunday afternoon, about 90 Nigerian children rush onto our compound for Bible Study and play. I pulled out my camera this week and got a few shots...before I was literally swarmed with kids yelling "Auntie, snap me!" Many faces are engraved in my mind...and I just wanted to share a few with you. Some of the more shy ones check me out for a few minutes before the smile arrives on their faces. Beautiful beyond words!

A Great Day!

2008-02-04T21:15:00.000Z

We buy our eggs from our neighbor's chicken farm. Very fresh! On Saturday, he called and informed us that he was killing chickens. Naomi decided to head over. She was excited about seeing how they kill them and then drop them in boiling water to help take off the feathers. A while later, she ran home and told me of the different kinds of chickens there: little chicks, chickens who lay eggs, chickens who are still growing, and chickens ready for dinner now! She considered it a great day: a new friend made, a bit of knowledge about chickens and a pretty cool tour of the chicken farm!

Lizzie and a Smile Update

2008-01-12T19:16:00.000Z

Naomi's new pet is Lizzie, the lizard. Trust me on this: Lizzie is FAST, curious, and likes to escape at least once a day. Never a boring afternoon around here. She eats cockroaches. Naomi loves having any type of pet. Africa has proven to be a great provider of pets.

On Friday, Lauren and Naomi made their monthly trip to Abuja for their orthodontist appointments. It was Naomi's LAST one because she got her braces off! She only has 8 permanent teeth, so we will have to wait until she looses her baby teeth to see if she will need more work. Right now, they look great. She has an entirely differently look from 18 months ago...when her bottom teeth could not fit under her top ones. Now, a perfect bite! To make this possible, an orthodontist from Rwanda who lives in Lagos flies into Abuja once a month....we drive down (4 hours) to meet her at a borrowed dental clinic where she works her magic.

Lauren is not as joyful as Naomi. She had bands (three) put on causing MUCH pain. More than when she first got her braces on, I think. Today she ate mashed potatoes. I think she 'needs' ice cream! I keep reminding her that she will be happy one day with the results. Patience, my dear...patience.

Share It!

2008-01-12T18:42:00.000Z

Kitchen Rules

If you empty it-
Fill it
If you dirty it-
Clean it
If you open it-
Close it
If you spill it-
Whipe it up
If you cook it-
SHARE IT!

This quote is on a plaque a few of my (former) students brought me today. I love it! Immediately found a place to hang it in the kitchen. When they came, we were cooking fish pepper soup. They weren't too keen on asking me to share that! However, there were some fresh chocolate chip cookies that were DEFINITELY shared! :) We had the best time talking while eating cookies, drinking cokes and laughing. I learned so very much....as we discussed politics, personal hygiene, various dating customs, travel ideas, etc. FUN Saturday afternoon. YUMMY chocolate chip cookies. Shared.

Thank you...

2008-01-07T20:29:00.000Z

...for your many prayers and emails. Naomi is feeling better and even made some jollof rice today for lunch. She got a new pet (photos coming), a lizard so she has been building a home (or 'habitat' as she says) for it and preparing food ('bug catching' I would say). We are SO thankful that she is up and around now...almost feeling better for the first day of school on Wednesday.

Active and Inactive

2008-01-06T23:36:00.000Z

Naomi was part of the elementary school's Christmas concert/play. She had a blast...a true actress. She played the "drums" (bottom of trashbins) and sang her heart out. I love watching her in her element.

However, last night she came down with a high fever. She has been sleeping on and off for the last 24 hours. As much as I love watching her have fun, I hate seeing her sick even more. Please pray for her as we wait to see the best way to treat beyond ibuprophen.

Happy Birthday, Mattie

2008-01-06T23:13:00.000Z

We've got another teenager in the house. Mattie turned 13 on 30 December. Seems like not long ago when we delivered a black haired little baby just before New Year's Day. (Loved that tax deduction!) Mattie spends lots of her time practicing her flute and drawing. She loves babies and works well with little kids. We look forward to seeing how God will use her over the years of her life.

Prosperity Theology

2008-01-06T21:51:00.000Z

If you have a strong enough faith, you can get that big house you always dreamed of...ask and it will be given to you....think positively...believe and nothing will go wrong.....

I thought it was a heresy-this prosperity theology. Turns out it has been a heresy of my own soul. This is probably the greatest lesson I learned this past week at our mission's Spiritual Life Conference. At times I have thought that if I obeyed the Lord and served well (sometimes even dangerously), all would be ok. Things would turn out for my good. Nothing could really hurt me or those I love. Not the prosperity theology I had so often criticized in my heart...or is it? No where in scripture am I assured that all would go as I think it should. In fact, I find the opposite. I am called to be a living sacrifice. When the Lord uses me for His ultimate purposes and perfect will, I cannot understand what I must go through. May I grow to find joy in my trials...because then I am becoming more like Christ.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Road Scenes

2007-12-30T16:38:00.000Z

While driving down the road the other day, I snapped a few photos of scenes we see every day.

A truckload of yams.

A que for petrol. This is usually quite long.

Women carrying firewood, water and more.

Veggies being sold on the side of the road. Roasted corn in the middle! YUM

Fresh, very fresh meat market.

in Memory of Daniel Yakubu

2007-12-30T16:19:00.000Z

The day after Christmas we were driving near the zoo...little did we know that in a few hours it would be the scene of a brutal murder. Daniel, a man from the church we attend, was walking home from helping at a concert when his throat was slashed by a guy on a motorbike. Please pray for his family (he has three children) as they grieve their loss. At church today the pastor reminded us all that vengence is the Lord's.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T22:59:00.000Z

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. "
~Dr. Seuss

"...and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

A Christmas Tradition

2007-12-25T22:27:00.000Z

Often times it is hard to make (or keep) traditions when you move...and even more so when you move without many of your belongings to a place far, far from where you have called home. For the last two years, we have shared Christmas meal with the Andrews family. Today we had pounded yam, red stew, beans (black-eyed peas), rice, and chin chin. YUM. This family has gone through so many hard times this year (emergency c-section-the little girl Lauren is holding, loss of a baby, kidnapping of little boy, and more) and yet they continually praise the Lord for his goodness. We enjoy being with them so very much and we call them family!

Pray for Sarah (pictured with Naomi) as she prepares for her upcoming wedding. Sarah is like a sister to me. Together we shop, cook, pray and continually talk. Sarah has taught me so much about cheerfulness and fulfillment. She has such a servant's heart. Truly a joy to be around!

Joy

2007-12-25T22:10:00.000Z

We were able to go down to our friend's (David) village earlier this week. David has six children, three boys and three girls. He works so very hard and helps our family in many ways. His children are beautiful, as are all the other children in the village. Joy and contentment are the two words I think of when this family comes to my mind.

Yankari Park

2007-12-25T21:52:00.000Z

Almost four hours away there is a wildlife park we love! While Jon was in the bush, we took my (Julie's) mom there for the day. Leaving out at the crack of dawn, we arrived in time to go on a safari and to swim before having to head back so we could be home before (or at least close to) dark.

We were very disappointed to not see elephants this time, but blessed by the sightings of monkeys, baboons (MANY we could touch!), warthogs, waterbuck, and so much more. The swimming is my favorite! We love to relax in the warm springs. I think we could have stayed in the ater for many more hours. Next time, we must spend the night.

A few updates

2007-12-25T21:35:00.000Z

Just wanted to update on previous posts---

But first, photo above - This is a good snake because it is a DEAD bad snake.

Bush travel - As the team traveled into the bush, they had so much van trouble, but they pressed on. Over 250 people made commitments. To help encourage these new believers, please pray for churches to be established in the areas where there are none. And yes, Jon was VERY ready for a shower by Sunday.

Baby bird - We buried the little thing under the orange tree in the front yard.

Christmas 'tree' - The orginal 'tree' was replaced by a real fake tree, delivered by a sweet friend of Lauren's. We have so enjoyed our little tree this season.

Our table - Our table has seemed a bit lonely without the students (on break) who so often gather here. We do miss their smiling faces and constant chatter.

Bush Travel

2007-12-22T20:32:00.000Z

Jon has traveled out into the bush with friends to show the Jesus Film. I asked him exactly where was going....he wasn't able to tell me because he didn't really know. However, today we got a phone call from him and he said he had climbed to the top of a mountain to get a *weak* phone signal to check in. Please pray with us for those who will be watching the film in their own language. I am sure when Jon returns he will have stories to share....right after a good shower.

Tweet New Pet

2007-12-17T18:31:00.000Z

Since saying goodbye to our bushrat babies, Naomi has been wanting a new pet. Today while playing with a friend outside, she found an injured baby bird who had fallen out of its nest. The bird looked as if it wouldn't last the hour. However, with much love and some nourishment (minced meat with egg), it is still alive and much more alert. Never a dull moment in this house! Never. Ever.

Art from the Heart

2007-12-16T17:52:00.000Z

The art show this year showed off some gorgeous pieces. Each as different as the artists. I love art. I especially love the pieces that I know came deep from within the heart of the artist. I loved hearing the reasoning behind the pieces. And I could tell there was often more than the artists wanted to reveal, which makes the piece much more interesting. I am so thankful for a wonderful art teacher who allows the students to create what their hearts are feeling---not to just reproduce what is in a book or on someone else's canvas.

Beautiful!

Are the bricks being torn down by the love, or are they building up a wall?

I wish you could all see the details in this piece of art.

Just one of many by this very talented artist. The stencil below was used to dye cloth. He is extremely talented in the more detailed drawings...an architect in the raw.

I wish I could explain all of the details in this fabulous piece of work titled "Love + Hate = Chaos" Both love (rose) and hate (skeleton) can produce fire (both in a flame) and have consequences (smoke).... See the chains. Notice the veiled women. Can you find the windows...stained glass and the one in the eye? Eyes are the window to the soul. There are thorns on the rose (love) becuase sometimes it hurts. Find the bottle...pouring out the word "love"....yes, so much in this piece.

Like Family

2007-12-16T17:20:00.000Z

During the last week of school we had exams-which produced a very stressful time for both students and teachers. But, on the last day...after all exams were taken....the pressure was off and we had a great time of celebrating the end of a great semester---casually hanging out with friends, and tearfully saying goodbye to those who will not return next semester due to moving or going on furlough. There is a bond between these students that is similar to that of brother/sister. SO fun to work with these kids...many of them have become like sons/daughters to us.

Goodbye, Beautiful One

2007-12-16T17:06:00.000Z

One of my dear eighth graders is leaving us! She will be going to another school very, very far away. So, of course, we had to have a party! The eighth grade girls all piled into our house. They quickly turned our front room into a pretty cool dance floor. The music blared, the girls "exercised" and I hope we helped provide a wonderful memory.

Dearest J-
I remember when I first met you. I thought to myself, "Self, that is one beautiful girl!" Your smile has often brightened my day when I would see you first thing in the morning beside the science room. Your laughter is contagious and sometimes I had a difficult time staying in control when I would hear you laugh in class. I appreciate your honestly. Now when I think of you, I not only see your outward beauty, but also your beautiful heart. Thank you, my sweet J for loving your friends and your English teacher so very much! I love dearly and will miss you (and your dance moves) like crazy! When you are so far away and wondering what your Hillcrest family is doing, be assured that we are missing you. Godspeed to you.
With much love-Mrs. P

Backed Baby

2007-12-16T13:44:00.000Z

Mom is in town and brought a baby doll for our friend, Rejoice. Rejoice loved the baby, especially the silky blonde hair. After checking out the baby, combing her hair, and loving on her, she backed her! We found her a strip of fabric to help out. Rejoice is still often backed by her mom, grandmom, etc. but she is now backing her baby and loves it!

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas....

2007-12-16T08:10:00.000Z

Ahhhhhhhh.....exams have been taken and marked. Grades are in. Our long awaited, much needed break has begun. Since we have been super busy with the end of school, Christmas decorating has been put on hold. However, Naomi decided to go ahead and put up her own tree in her room...made from trash bins, Indomie (like ramen noodles) box, and other odds and ends. She has threatened to move it into the living room if we don't get something up soon! Now that is motivation!

The Table

2007-12-01T21:59:00.000Z

My favorite table ever was purchased as we were moving into our century-old farm house five years ago. The table was large but not formal-a distressed farm table. Often many friends and/or family would gather around it. When we sold our house to move to Nigeria, the table stayed.

We now have an old hand-me down table with a piece of cloth over it to cover the chipped formica. Our chairs are mismatched wooden school ones. Not a scene you'd find in a furniture catalog!

However, it is here, around the table, where many relationships are formed, strengthened and sorted-out while memories are made. At this table we play games-all sorts of games!, do homework, decorate cookies, write lesson plans, carve pumpkins, build puzzles, eat meals, and share many-oh so many-stories. The conversations around our table always amuse me...especially when we have extra kids over. If you were here the other night when a bunch of students ate with us, you might have heard:

-Oh-that stinks! Who just stepped on the stink ant?
-After killing the rat, he ate it. (along with the details of the process of preparing the rat)
-Was that gunfire we heard during lunch at school?
-Can I have another sloppy joe?
-You've NEVER had a Christmas present?
-Can I have your dessert?
-Are you white? (not as easy to answer as you might think)
-They just rip the head right off with their hands. (This wasn't referring to the rat!)
-What are you having tomorrow night for dinner?
-Let's play a game.

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”
Frederick Keonig

My Other Girls

2007-12-01T19:07:00.000Z

My 8th Grade Girls.
Love them.
Lots and Lots.

They are silly.
They are LOUD!
They are moody.
They are precious.

Thursday afternoons after school we gather for an hour and a half to eat, chat, try to help others figure out life issues, pray for and encourage each other. They will talk about most anything! They are rarely quiet or still. Coming from all over the world, they have a bond that goes beyond race, religion, likes and dislikes. Last week I watched them divide into small groups to pray together, I was amazed at the tenderness I heard in their voices. They are so very precious to me.

I love you Jeneba, Layal, Samantha, Anna, Jessica, Michelle, Funmi, Heather, Francine, Esesua, Nubwa, Ashley, Anica, Janel, Karita, Amelie, Manyil, Chinelo, Sarya and Anulika.

New Pets (?)

2007-12-01T17:03:00.000Z

You know you are a MK in Africa when....

....you beg to raise baby bushrats.

While fellow missionaries were cleaning out a storage room beside our house, a batch of bushrats were discovered. Three large adult ones were killed, leaving four baby bushrats. They were so young their eyes had not yet opened. Of course, nature-girl Naomi rushed to their rescue. She fixed a little box for them and prepared some milk in a dropper bottle. She has loved on them all day. However, news got around and we were informed that we are not allowed to keep them. (Something about rats carrying diseases-who knew? HA! ) They will be given to a friend who raises snakes! Since Naomi loves snakes, she didn't seem too troubled by this news. However, she has just moved them inside so they don't get cold tonight...before we can get them to the snake man.

busy, busy

2007-11-26T00:07:00.000Z

Senior class play

driving lessons

craft sale

Thanksgiving Day celebration

board meetings

fund raisers

college applications

tennis practice

discipleship groups

food fair

track meets

welcome back party

not to mention actually being at school for classes!
Super busy, super fun.

♥, Lauren

2007-11-25T19:49:00.000Z

- I still manage to be fascinated at God's awesome will for our lives.
- He never gives us more that we can handle.
- And those big challenges that seem to be hurled at us... we are prepared in small steps for them.
- Although the tasks set before us can be very difficult and seemingly impossible, we must always remember that Jesus will provide us with the strength that we do not have on our own.
- Prayer is always the key in any circumstance. Being a teenage girl, I love to talk, and i've found that God is the One who always listens.
- Today's society asks us to have open minds. While this can be considered either positive or negative, may we continually have open hearts.

[Since I refused to write anything more for our prayer letters, I decided to write a few thoughts on the blog.
Disclaimer: Most of you will not fully understand the circumstances surrounding these thoughts, so just take them generally.
♥, Lauren]

A Living Example

2007-11-25T19:00:00.000Z

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

As we were cleaning the house on Saturday, a loud knock on the door got our attention. We were so happy to find Sarah and Joshua waiting to greet us! The girls quickly ushered them in, served a mineral, and we began chatting. My heart overflowed with joy as I just stared at Joshua's deep dimples and listened to his belly laughs. A week before I wasn't sure if I would ever experience them again...as he was in some unknown place with kidnappers.

Why do I continue to share Joshua's story? Because he is a living example of 1 Timothy 4:12. During his captivity, he woke every morning at 4 am to sing praises and pray. He even asked his kidnappers to join him. When the men called his father, they asked for prayers that they would not continue living in their sin. They said they were worn down from Joshua's continued prayers. Little Joshua.....What an example!

My heart overflows with thanksgiving.

So Thankful For.....

2007-11-22T00:28:00.000Z

*America - my home country
*a husband who is full of integrity and unconditional love
*music...of all kinds to fit my many, ever-changing moods
*a home filled with laughter
*an almost teen daughter who is learning to cook...and willing to share what she makes
*the internet which helps me stay in touch
*faithful supporters who bring such encouragement through letters, prayers, finances, and care packages
*friends who help me conjugate verbs for a good laugh
*special places I go to spend time all alone
*my 'baby' who dissects snakes with her pocket knife and yet still loves to cuddle
*students I call friends
*grace that cost Him so much
*a successful bore hole dig
*Nigeria - the country I call home
*a daughter who loves deeply, still
*and the blessing of another year of life.

International Food Fair

2007-11-20T20:10:00.000Z

The school's biannual food fair was held on Saturday. Injera, schwarmas, jollof rice, samosas, falafel, pastries, hot dogs, snow cones, and cotton candy were some of the highlights. Proceeds of the sale will help school projects and scholarships. We had a good time eating different foods and enjoying the company of friends.

Safe

2007-11-19T17:01:00.000Z

Joshua is now with his father and heading home! Details aren't real clear, but the father has been able to get Joshua from the kidnappers and is bring him home right now! We are SO very thankful and relieved. Thank you for your many prayers. We are shedding tears of JOY!

Freedom Excursion

2007-11-17T17:27:00.000Z

After a difficult week of classes, ACT tests, and progress reports, we were in great need of some fun. We loaded up the van and went out to eat and then up to my favorite hang out.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2007-11-17T16:46:00.000Z

Please pray for the safe and immediate release of Joshua, a 4 year old boy we love so very much. He was kidnapped from school yesterday. Pray for his family's comfort and wisdom as they go through this most difficult time.

Track Meets

2007-11-17T06:06:00.000Z

Each weekend we've been watching track meets. Categories include long distance runs, sprints, hurdles, relay, long jump, shot put, discus, javelin, and high jump.
This weekend is the largest meet...multiple schools have come in for the events.

Sheep, Wolves, Serpents, and Doves

2007-10-28T18:33:00.000Z

Over the last two weeks I have been at a loss for words to explain situations and resulting emotions here in Jos. Fortunately, as a mission community, we have been given an official statement...a statement that I pray will bring you to your knees, lifting prayers to our Heavenly Father.

"Please be in prayer for the healing of 3 SIM missionaries who experienced a very traumatic armed robbery on the evening of October 16. Pray for the mission community in Nigeria to know the best ways to protect their members. Pray for discussions with security agencies on ways to improve security. We need God’s grace to be wise in taking practical steps to protect our staff, and at the same time calm rest in God’s strong protection."

A few days ago a friend (who had no idea what has been happening here) sent the following article by John Piper. The message has provided encouragement as we continue serving here. Too good not to share in its entirety!

Matthew 10:16
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

When Jesus sends us to bear witness to him in the world, he does not send us out as dominant and strong, but as weak and seemingly defenseless in ourselves. The only reason I say 'seemingly' defenseless is that it is possible that, since all authority belongs to Jesus, he might intervene and shut the mouths of the wolves, like he did the mouths of the lions that surrounded Daniel.

But that does not appear to be his intention. The text goes on to say that the 'wolves' will deliver the 'sheep' to courts, and flog them, and drag them before governors, and have parents and children put to death, and hate them, and persecute them from town to town, and malign them, and kill them (Matthew 10:17-31). So it is clear that when Jesus says he is sending us as sheep in the midst of wolves, he means that we will be treated the way wolves treat sheep.

But, even though sheep are proverbially stupid (which, on the face of it, is what it looks like when they walk toward wolves and not away from them) Jesus counters that notion by saying 'be wise as serpents.' So vulnerability, not stupidity, is the point of calling us sheep. Be like snakes, not sheep, when it comes to being smart. I take that to mean that snakes are quick to get out of the way. They go under rock.

So, yes, go among wolves and be vulnerable as you preach the gospel, but when they lunge at you, step aside. When they open their mouths, don't jump in. And not only that, be as innocent as doves. That is, don't give them any legitimate reason to accuse you of injustice or immorality. Keep your reputation as clean as you can.

So both the snake-intelligence and the dove-innocence are both designed to keep the sheep out of trouble. Jesus does not mean for us to get ourselves into as much difficulty as possible. He means: Risk your lives as vulnerable, non-combative, sheep-like, courageous witnesses, but try to find ways to give your witness in a way that does not bring down unnecessary persecution.

This brings us to the dilemma that has faced many faithful witnesses: When do you flee from danger? And when do you embrace it and witness through it? In 1684, John Bunyan published a book called Seasonable Counsels, or Advice to Sufferers. In it, he addressed this question: When does a sufferer fly (from danger) and when does he stand (and suffer the danger)? Bunyan knew how to answer for himself. He had four children, one of them blind, and he chose to remain in prison for twelve years rather than promise not to preach the gospel. How does he answer the question for others? May we try to escape?

Thou mayest do in this as it is in thy heart. If it is in thy heart to fly, fly; if it be in thy heart to stand, stand. Anything but a denial of the truth. He that flies, has warrant to do so; he that stands, has warrant to do so. Yea, the same man may both fly and stand, as the call and working of God with his heart may be. Moses fled, Ex. 2:15; Moses stood, Heb. 11:27. David fled, 1 Sam. 19:12; David stood, 1 Sam. 24:8. Jeremiah fled, Jer. 37:11-12; Jeremiah stood, Jer. 38:17. Christ withdrew himself, Luke 19:10; Christ stood, John 18:1-8. Paul fled, 2 Cor. 11:33; Paul stood, Act 20:22-23. . . .

There are few rules in this case. The man himself is best able to judge concerning his present strength, and what weight this or that argument has upon his heart to stand or fly. . . . Do not fly out of a slavish fear, but rather because flying is an ordinance of God, opening a door for the escape of some, which door is opened by God's providence, and the escape countenanced by God's Word, Matt. 10:23. . . .

If, therefore, when thou hast fled, thou art taken, be not offended at God or man: not at God, for thou art his servant, thy life and thy all are his; not at man, for he is but God's rod, and is ordained, in this, to do thee good. Hast thou escaped? Laugh. Art thou taken? Laugh. I mean, be pleased which [how]soever things shall go, for that the scales are still in God's hand. (p. 726)

Let us be slow to judge the {person} who chooses death rather than escape. And let us be slow to judge the {person} who chooses life. Rather, let us give ourselves daily to the disciplines of word-saturation and obedience which transform us by the renewing of our minds that we may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect in the moment of absolute urgency (Romans 12:2).

Camping with the Guys

2007-10-28T15:15:00.000Z

Weekend of October 19-Jon went camping with the Senior class guys. They spent two nights out in the bush. They came back with tired muscles, dirty clothes and a new batch of wonderful memories.

(Yes, someone is in the tree!)

Progression of a Party

2007-10-27T23:15:00.000+01:00

It all began as an incentive for reading...the class that read the most pages in a quarter could have a party. Once one of the eighth grade classes won, they talked to me about the party being at our house. We dug a firepit, bought hotdogs, prepared games, and invited the class over. Sounded simple and benign.
Began with some food.....jollof rice, spring rolls, rabbit (yep, some of the guys raise rabbits, so they killed one for a special treat!), and hotdogs. We roasted the hotdogs over the fire.

Then came the games.....gum buried in flour. This is so fun to watch. You must "search" for the gum without using your hands! Flour was everywhere, especially when a few people decided to toss what was left after the game.

Then the game of "fill the bucket with water" by passing cups of water over and under, over and under....

until the electricity went off and it got really dark...

and then someone threw a BIG bucket of COLD water all over us....and the water fights began!

And continued until the end of the party.

Needless to say, there was much laughter! Although I didn't feel (or look) very professional (dripping wet!) as I greeted parents who were picking up their kids, we sure had lots of fun!

A few of my favorite things....

2007-10-08T20:22:00.000+01:00

..of living in Nigeria.

The welcome sound of water....from the sky, from the water board, from the tap...wherever.
The undeniable joy in Nigerians even though (or maybe because) they face so many hardships.
The unique taste of chewy roasted corn I buy on the sides of the street....and the sweet flavor of Silver Queen corn delivered to my door.
The sweet melodies and lyrics sung with enthusiasm (and accompanied with dance) by my fellow believers.
The resounding laughter from my students throughout the day.
The experience of eating food from various cultures...Nigerian red stew and Middle East hummus are my personal favorites.
The pleasure of watching my children grow up in a foreign country, and yet calling it home.
The delight of watching an African sunrise and thrill of seeing a tropical storm blow in.
The excitement of driving-enough said or my mom will have a coronary.
The comedy found in the assortment of animals on our compound-dogs(big and little), cats, rabbits, parrot, goat, chickens, donkey, and of course, a snake.
The amusement of noticing local children watch us....we are very white to them and quite the attraction at times.
The unexpected (but highly welcomed) visits each day from students, friends, and new acquaintances.
The rare convenience of internet....no matter how slow and how inconsistent it is, when it is on, we are thrilled!
The surprise of an email from a friend.
The black darkness at night allowing us the ability to see so many stars.
The comfort in knowing that living smack in the middle of God's will is the best place to be!
The deep thrill of sharing the love of Christ with someone, knowing His Word does not return void.

These are a few of my favorite things.

Happy Birthday, Lauren

2007-10-08T19:43:00.000+01:00

written 6 October

(Since she is 17, I won't say much or even post a photo.)

Happy Birthday to my sweet Lauren
May you always know you are loved deeply.

This song by Mark Harris sums up some of what I am feeling today as I think of the next few (and last) months left with you under our roof:

Find Your Wings

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I pray for all that you might do
But most of all I want to know you're walking in the truth

And if I've never told you
I want you to know,
That as I watch you grow
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So, let my love give you roots,
And help you find your wings.

May passion be the wind that leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong,
Guide you on your way.
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
But more than memories
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So, let my love give you roots,
And help you find your wings.

It's not living, if you don't reach for the sky.
I'll have tears as you take off,
But I'll cheer as you fly.

Mr. & Mrs.

2007-10-07T22:52:00.000+01:00

Nitnki and Pongwan's wedding was beautiful. Megan was the "little bride" but told me she wanted to be the big bride! Highlights of the wedding were the songs sung (with the beat of the drums), the vibrant colors of the bridesmaids and guests, the glow in Nitni's smile, and the opportunity to see many friends! We didn't stay long at the reception because Naomi's tummy was still hurting (malaria), but we were able to take 15 extra ladies to the reception in our 8-9 person van!!

Thank You!

2007-10-04T20:40:00.000+01:00

Thank you for your many prayers and emails about Lauren and Naomi. They are both feeling much better now. Naomi has just finished her malaria treatment today and her tummy finally stopped hurting. Lauren got some great medicine too...and after a day out of school to rest, she is feeling much better.

For those of you who inquired about our bouts malaria, please know that we are not as concerned about this as you may be. We live in a tropical area and malaria is common. It isn't unusual for a handful of my students to have malaria on any given day, especially at certain times of the year. Do we take precautions? Yes, but we weigh the benefits to the disadvantages. Oddly enough, Naomi is the one member of our family who never misses taking her anti-malaria pill, but it isn't 100% effective. Treatment is inexpensive and has been very effective for us. We hope that eases some of your worries.

Concert and Chocolate

2007-10-04T20:28:00.000+01:00

Thursday Afternoon- I was tired from teaching all week with a horrid cold and was looking forward to a relaxing evening with a bit of chocolate (secretly hoarding a few Hershey kisses) and a few tunes from James Blunt in the comfort of my Levis! Then I remembered....I was to be chaperoning the middle schoolers during their band/choir concert at 7:30 PM. I had been asked to arrive at 6:30 to help the music teacher while she warm up the kids....and it was already 6:10! I quickly sucked down a couple of tylenol, brushed my teeth, and drove over to the school....

........and was warmly greeted by the students, with instruments in hand. They were all dressed up and ready to perform. And perform they did! The 7th grade band has improved and we even enjoyed a few duets! The 7th grade choir sang "Takadamu" - Swahili for "Lead the Way"....and it was fun to watch their movements to the song. A highlight of the evening was the 8th grade band playing a bit of Corelli and Mozart and a piece from Star Wars, Revenge of the Sith! WOW....they were incredible!

I find it such a blessing for our students to each be able to learn to play an instrument. Every middle school student is in band. Over 85 kids. (I don't pray for our music teacher enough!)

After tucking in bed my trumpet playing/choir member daughter, Mattie, she asked me if I enjoyed the concert. Without hesitation I said, "ABSOLUTELY! I wouldn't have missed it for anything." After all, the chocolate can wait.

My Sick Ones

2007-10-01T00:40:00.000+01:00

I think one of the most difficult things in this world for a mother is to watch your children's suffering. Lauren and Naomi have been so very sick the last few days and I have shed tears, praying they would get better soon.

Apparently I gave Lauren whatever I have had the last few weeks. She is now very sick with a fever, runny nose and bad cough. She feels horrid all over. Today she slipped into her favorite t-shirt and snuggled down in her covers.

Naomi has malaria-again. She was doubled over in pain last night and ran a fever of 105. She cried, begging me to make her feel better. I pulled out whatever meds I could find that might help her and just prayed for her. Today she forced her little body to go to Nitni's send forth, but I could see the pain in her eyes. Fortunately, sweet friends came over to check on her, recognized it as malaria, and encouraged us to start treatment. We did...and glad we got it in her early...hopefully she'll feel better soon.

Please pray for the girls....for quick recovery and for comfort and patience while they are waiting to get better.

A Send Forth

2007-09-30T23:55:00.000+01:00

About a week before a bride is married, there is a send forth. Today, Naomi and I went to our precious friend Nitni's send forth. The invitation said it would start at 1 PM (prompt). We got there at 2:30 and hadn't missed a thing. Some highlights of the send forth:

-Seeing how beautiful Nitni looked and the love expressed today by so many.

-Listening to the music by the Women's Fellowship.

-Watching Naomi join the women in the dances-where money is given to the bride by placing it on her forehead.

-Seeing Sarah (Nitni's aunt) in her beautiful yellow dress...knowing we will be celebrating her wedding in April!

-Talking with so many of my Nigerian friends that I don't get to see too often.

The wedding is on Saturday...we are so excited for Nitni. She will be a beautiful bride...on the inside and out.

Ladi

2007-09-29T22:19:00.000+01:00

Meet my dear friend Ladi. I talk with Ladi five days a week. Ladi cooks potatoes in a small hut on our campus. Pounds and pounds potatoes are hand peeled every day with a knife and fried. Ladi also makes puff-puffs (kinda like a hushpuppy, but sweeter) and fried plantain (my all time favorite!!) She is such an encouragement! She knows almost every student's name. In her broken English, she greets them so patiently and with such love. Ladi has an incredible testimony. One day I will sit down and transcribe it and share with you. Needless to say, I love Ladi!

PARTY TIME and Dr. Pepper

2007-09-29T21:13:00.000+01:00

All four hostels got together on our compound last night for a big party. And a party it was! The night started off with lots of food...hot dogs, suya, and rice (of course!) A cake walk provided the winners (everyone eventually won) lots of sweets-cookies, cakes, cupcakes. This was the only cake walk I've seen that had a soccer game go through it every 5 minutes or so. Lots of the kids played soccer or basketball throughout the night. After the successful cake walk, prizes were handed out. Over 70 gifts allowed almost everyone to get something! About 10:30, a movie was set up outside for all to watch.

Meeting the request of some of you, I have included a photo of myself! (See, Anna, Samantha and Edie, I really am here in Nigeria with my family!) OK, so it is blurry and far away...but you can see me advertising my favorite drink...one I miss terribly here! I heard one time that a shop in town had Dr. Pepper, so I rushed down to buy it all up! However, when I got there, I found out that the shop owner didn't actually have any for sale, but he said that he did have the recipe! I asked him about this mysterious recipe and he told me to put some pepe (red pepper) in my coca-a-cola and it will taste just like Dr. Pepper. Hummm...now there's an idea!

Happy Birthday, Nigeria

2007-09-29T00:05:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday, Nigeria!

2007-09-28T23:51:00.000+01:00

At school today, we celebrated Nigeria's independence birthday-47 years! Most all dressed in tradition Nigerian clothes today. (Naomi chose her fabric and designed her own outfit-in case you wondered... I'll have to add a photo of Mattie later.) Monday is the official holiday-and we are out of school that day!

What a joy it is to be teaching here!

Meet You at the Pole

2007-09-28T23:38:00.000+01:00

7:45 AM Wednesday-Meet you at the pole.
Hillcrest School
Jos, Nigeria

A time to pray with students and staff.

-Thanks, Rachel, for the photo!

Can You Hear Our Discipleship Group?

2007-09-27T23:53:00.000+01:00

"Julie, the decibel level was really high over at your house today. What was going on?"

Yes, that was asked of me tonight. My answer:

It was our discipleship group!!

Every Thursday afternoon for about an hour and half Jon and I lead discipleship groups....eighth grade! Today I brought 20 girls over to the house for our meeting (and eating!) On the bus over, there was non-stop chattering, singing, talking, yelling, squeeling.....typical girl noises. By the time we reached our compound, I am sure our neighbors heard us coming. Brownies, cookies, popcorn and 9 gallons of koolaid were consumed. The girls can talk and listen at the same time...all of them! Sometimes I have a hard time keeping up, but today I seemed to have caught most of what was said. About 75% of our time seems to be goofing off, having fun, and belly-laughing at each other. However that 75% allows the other 25% to be quality time of sharing and lifting each other up.

These girls are growing into Godly women....and it is such a priviledge to be walking beside them....even when they do blow kool-aid out their nose!

Naomi and Sarah

2007-09-27T23:13:00.000+01:00

Sarah cooks for our family. We have grown to love and depend upon her so very much.

SEW

2007-09-22T21:22:00.000+01:00

Every year at Hillcrest, one week is set aside as SEW-Spiritual Emphasis Week. Weekly chapel becomes daily chapel and a special speaker brings encouragement and challenges to students and staff. This week has been SEW.... and so very great! Steve Strickland from North Carolina has been a wonderful speaker, encourager and super fun guy. The kids have been excited about going to chapel and they are holding on to his every word. Quite a few kids are part of a special praise band/choir, complete with drums, violin, flute, guitar, piano and more. Today I thought of the verse that says, "there is no greater joy than to know my children walk in the Truth." Please join us in praying for our students who are not walking in the Truth. This realization brings me to my knees and to tears so very often.

Jona (9th grader in photo with stripped shirt) shared his testimony with the school. What a joy it is to see the fire of the Lord burning in a 15 year old!

If I could use the words of the kids, Uncle Steve (as the students called him) ROCKED! His passion for the Word was evident as he shared every day. During class on Friday, we reviewed each lesson Uncle Steve had shared and my middle schoolers could recall them each with no trouble. That, my friends, is incredible. Uncle Steve also provided SO much more. As he hung out with the kids, they fell in love with him...and he fell in love with them. (Not hard to do!)

Photos: Jona and friends
Uncle Steve hugging on a middle schooler
Some middle school kids with Steve
Praise team leading worship

Beautiful Faces

2007-09-22T21:08:00.000+01:00

A few of the beautiful faces I get to see every day.

It's a What??

2007-09-22T21:01:00.000+01:00

We see goats in the middle of the street. We've followed sheep through the market. Cows munch grass wherever they can find it. However Friday was the first time I saw a bat hanging from the ceiling of the middle school hallway.

My 7th Period Lifesavers

2007-09-22T20:48:00.000+01:00

On Friday I was feeling so bad (and had lost my voice), some of my former students (9th graders now) came by and helped me with my sixth grade class! How sweet is that?? Love them so much. They are all such an encouragement and joy in my life. And they proved they really do still remember a few things about poetry!

Rainy Season

2007-09-22T20:39:00.000+01:00

We hadn't had rain for a few days...the rainy season is coming to an end. However, last night it poured all night. As we were coming to school, Jon and I were discussing whether or not it would rain all day. We thought it might not. We were wrong. As much as I love the dry season (definitely my favorite!), I will miss the coolness the rains bring. I will miss the green all around. But I'm sure the kids won't miss getting soaked as they go from class to class.

Bodily Fluids, English Grades, and a Lock In

2007-09-20T21:29:00.000+01:00

Me: Students, if I pass out, please don't step on me when you leave the classroom.
Student #1: Mrs. Parker, I would move your body out of the way.
Me: Thank you! I will raise your grade in English for that sensitive comment.
Student #2: I would help you too, but I am afraid you'd leak bodily fluid and get me yucky. I'll just go around you.
Me: You don't even want to see your grade, buddy!

After coughing and wheezing all week, today I felt as if I might just not make it through another class. I tried to warn my students in my hoarse, man-like voice. You can see the range of compassion I received! You have to love middle school kids. They don't beat around the bush, do they?

One more day this week and I can rest for a few uninterrupted hours on Friday night. Jon is chaperoning a lock-in at school from 6 PM til 6 AM. I'm sending 100 cinnamon rolls. I think I got the better end of this commitment!

Because

2007-09-16T19:16:00.000+01:00

Invited the 9th grade class over Friday night...

...because we had extra popcorn and kool-aid to share.

...because 18 freshmen can spice up a weekend.

...because when you laugh together, you strengthen bonds.

...because they need a place to hang out.

...because it is nice to share a different relationship with them now that I am no longer their teacher.

...because I couldn't say "no" when one of them asked if they could all come over.

...because they are lots of fun!

...because I miss them like crazy!

...just because.

Bigger Here

2007-09-08T20:15:00.001+01:00

Last night Naomi and I were outside lying on our backs, looking up at the stars. We were talking about how the sky looks so much lower in Africa than in the States. Most of the time (at least half!) this would be because the rain clouds are low and heavy. But tonight Naomi noticed how much larger the stars look here. She's right......so much larger. Maybe it is because we spend much more time looking at the stars now...maybe it is because when power is out at night, stars and the moon are our only source of light.

Tonight, however, Na is suffering with a fever and odd rash. She rarely gets sick, but when she does, she does it big...

txtin-da new lang4me

2007-09-08T19:28:00.000+01:00

learnin how 2 txt. its da new language 4 me. txt msgs cheaper dan callin, takes me 4eva but im tryn. i cud b fast soon w/prct...dat wil take time. id luv 4 u all 2b here....missin u. luv2all- j/mama p/or just me!

Plaited Hair

2007-09-04T22:07:00.000+01:00