Nigeria - a land of love and laughter

This is  a street in Auchi. It is typical of what the shopping district is like. There are no street signs so the car and truck driver's must use a great deal of caution when traveling, as the motor cyclists drive on both sides of the cars in any direction. Car horns are used all the time to warn other drivers that you are there and might be passing them or making a turn. This is not a country where I want to be behind the wheel of a car! My sitting in the back of the car at all times is actually very welcome. 

As you can see, also, people cross the street wherever they wish. Many of the motorcyclists are actually a public transit system. And you will very often see 3 or even 4 people on one motorcycle. Very few drivers wear helmets.

This gorgeous, little girl is sitting in the corner of her mother's classroom. Many of the teacher's bring their infants and toddlers to school with them. Some carry them around as they teach, others leave them on the floor as long as they are able, while they teach. When the little ones get hungry the teacher/mother simply stops for a little while and feeds her child. The classroom children are very used to this and take it all in stride.

This is the XI Station of the Cross in Igarra where a pilgrimage of 3-5 days is held each year. There is quite a large complex here, but from what I've been told these grounds must be packed to the hilt during the first week of October when the Pilgrimage is held. People come from all over Edo State as well as from much further away as well, to make the 'Way of the Cross' Pilgrimage each year. They bring their own food and sleep out for the time they are there. The faith that these Nigerian people have is astounding. They have taught me a great deal about how to Praise God.

These children are from the village of Imiegba, where Bishop Dunia's mother lives. These are some of her grandchildren who have gotten ready for their cousin, Vero's, wedding which I attended and at which the bishop presided. The wedding, which was to begin at 10:00 a.m. prompt, (this is what the wedding invitation stated) began at 10:30 a.m. and ended just before 2 p.m. Yes, truly that long! The wedding ceremony itself is very similar to ours in Canada, but with a lot more singing and dancing and with a very long sermon,

Road construction is going on in many places in Edo State. This is very good as many of the roads are not much more than dirt trails and others are very narrow and in disrepair. The people of Edo State are very happy with the governor that they have right now as he is putting lots of money into road construction as well as improvements to the education system. In other states they are not so lucky, as the governments do not see the need for changes in either the education system or road improvements. 

These piles of sand are brought to a building site where a bridge is being built. Women carry the pails of sand and dump them to earn a little money to help pay for their children's education. This picture doesn't really do justice to just how large each of these piles are. I didn't actually see this taking place but the buckets must be a fair size.

Well, my journey continues. I have been away for a month now and have learned only a snippet of what life is truly like in Nigeria. I am still waiting to go and teach as I have been helping out in the office at the bishop's compound. I have met many wonderful people, having attended two funerals and a wedding; have visited 3 hospitals, a police station, several schools and churches and have begun to refresh my very cobwebby memory about Latin. (Parts of the Mass are said in Latin.) 

What I have learned most about the Nigerian people is their love of life and of God! There is a great deal of laughter wherever I travel and always talk about the goodness of God.

I have also learned to appreciate our Canadian winter just a little more. It is very HOT and muggy here. 

I hope that you are all well.

Take care. 

God bless,

Jeanne

Pictures from Nigeria

Picture 1.  The goat has been slaughtered. Phillip, Mark and Courage cut it and cook it in the compound where I am staying. The bishop has also begun a fish farm and raises turkeys at the compound, along with crop production. The ground is not the best for growth but a number of trees grow here including cashew trees, mango and cocnunt trees and okra (spelling?) trees.

Picture 2. A church under construction. Only 5 families belong to this parish and yet they are determined to have their own church. Mass used to be said under a cashew tree. Now it is said here under this partially roofed church.

Picture 3. A kindergarden class at St. Josephine Bakhiri Kindergarden and Primary School. Yes, the little ones really do sit at desks like this, with as many as 5 to a desk. Most learning is done in rote style and materials are limited. No blocks, dolls, farm animals, games, etc. to be seen. The bright lunch kits at the back of the room hold their snacks and/or lunches.

Picture 4.  A grade two class. Although crowded, the children greet visitors in unison and sing their school song in full voice. They are happy to be at school as so many children do not get to attend. Tuition fees are paid by all to attend school. Uniforms must be purchased by the families. Most parents want their children in school. But many cannot afford the cost.

Picture 5.  Wherever we travel the people gather quickly to come and greet us and welcome us. They also love to have pictures taken and I am happy to oblige. This church (sorry can't remember the name) is where Fr. John Okosun (now at Holy Redeemer Parish in Kanata while studying at St. Paul's) was the parish priest for a couple of years and then Bishop Dunia was parish priest there for a couple of years before he became a bishop. The name of the village is Iviuwek.