Nigeria

Many of you have asked, "Where is Jos?" Here is the best way we know to answer you-with a map. It takes about four hours to go from Abuja to Jos. Abuja is the capital of Nigeria, Jos is the capital of Plateau State. Abuja is where we fly in and out of and where Jon and Lauren go once a month for her orthodontist appts. Nigeria has about 140 million inhabitants and is the most populated country in Africa. It is a little more than half the size of California. Life expectancy rate is about 47 years old. Muslims make up 50%, Christians 40%, with indigenous beliefs filling in the other 10% of the population.

Football (soccer) is Nigeria's official sport. We see it played everywhere we go, on the side of street, at school, in the backyard, everywhere...with soccer balls, wads of paper wrapped in tape, anything anywhere. Jon, of course, LOVES to join in any game he sees going on.

Many worship services/prayer meetings both in the Christian church and at the mosque are broadcast on loud speakers, very loud speakers! Having both a mosque and large Christian church near our house, we often hear the competition of how loud each speaker can get.

Education isn't free. Parents must pay school fees before their children can attend. Most children wear uniforms to school. Each school has its own colors and patterns for the uniforms.

There are two seasons here. Rainy (May-Sept) and Dry (Oct-April). You can figure out the weather by the name! During Nov-Jan, we also experience Harmattan-the desert winds blow in dry air combined with fine sand/dust. It appears to be foggy outside and will become quite cool since the dust cloud blocks out the sun's rays. We are now in Harmattan season. We use vaseline for lotion and lots of visine. EVERYTHING is dusty. At night, when we wash our faces, it looks like we are taking of make up! It is kinda like getting a spray on tan!

For food, we are blessed with fresh vegetables and fruits. Meat is more expensive, so we try to eat "close to the earth" -better for us! The market where we buy most of our food now is quite interesting. The little girls and I love it, but Jon and Lauren avoid it if possible. The smells are not pleasant, to say the least. It is very crowded and bartering is necessary for anything purchased. It does take a long time to shop, but it is fun to get out and meet others. We have made friendships with some Igbo (tribe) and enjoy talking with them each time we go.

Hope this answers some of your questions about Nigeria-specifically Jos.