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
One of two shelves which is the school library at St. Anthony's in Imegba, Nigeria. Only teacher manuals available.
Bishop Dunia - welcome visitor, at St. Anthony Education Centre. On either side of the bishop are the two girls who live here. Judith and Ofomhe (which means Peace). The third girl is a visitor from the village.
A meeting with the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Adam Ushumori.
Taxi service. Most of the locals, including the sisters, travel by this mode if they need to get some distance. I have not tried it out and am not likely to. lol These drivers often carry 3 passengers at a time.
A visit to Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary where over 200 boys attend school. Many of them board here.
THE STOVE at the convent at St. Anthony's Education Centre, Imiegba.
