We took a tour of the clinic yesterday when we arrived - such big changes have taken place! There is electricity through the whole building now. Administration has moved up to the third floor and out of that dark building they were in.
How great it was to see all my friends and to be welcomed home by them. The kids are bigger. Pastor Ben and his wife are expecting thier first child in June, Yahzie went and got married on me. I am hoping to meet her husband and warn him that if he isn't good to her he will be dealing with MamaG. Blessing is as beautiful as always - we are making plans to go to market soon! Dr Ogbeh and Ayo are gone, Dr. Ogbeh moved with her husband for his job, Ayo went into full-time ministry.
I woke up this morning to the sound of the Iman (or at least his recording) calling the faithful to prayer. So beautiful - and yet so sad.
At breakfast everyone was talking about not getting any sleep because two churchs had all night prayer that included music and drums (very loud drums played at a very untutored level is my understanding). I didn't hear any of that!
After breakfast we came down to the clinic to attend the graduation of the sewing, knitting and computer classes. What a joyful occasion it was! there was singing, then the dance group danced. I suddenly remembered all the shows I used to watch when I was young about Africa and they always showed dancers and I used to dream of watching it for myself - and today I did. The graduates were given thier diplomas, pride was on thier faces as they received them. there were 17 graduates from the sewing schol, 3 from the knitting school and 7 from the computer school. Then Pastor Ben gave message. It was the best one I have heard him give but I am not going to tell you about it because I am going to use the main thought in one of my devotionals.
After the graduation ceremony there were refreshments. Evan showed Florance's daughter, Jennifer, how to use his camera and she took a slew of pictures with it. Char was handed a baby - which she loved - as the mother went somewhere else. After awhile I asked her if she remembered what the mother looked like - neither of us did. We came to the conclusion that if the mother had not appeared by the time we left - the baby was Char's. Then the baby woke up and began to fuss and Char began to change her mind.
Samee and Eve are doing well - Eve started out talking about getting one Nigerian outfit but as the graduation continued she saw more and more that she likes and so I think she will be getting more than expected. Samme is doing great - she loves all the little animals running around - particularly the baby chickens.
Norm and Ivy are reconnecting with thier friends here - it is fun to see that. David is causing a sensation because of his height. I laugh when the children look at him with great big round eyes!
Right now some of the the team is filing medical records - some of them are washing down the walls and I think Norm and Evan are helping to paint the pharmacy. It is good to have actual work projects!
And above all and surrounding us constantly is the never-ending noise of Jos - the people calling to each other, the vehicle horns blaring, the goats bleating.
We are all doing great - still a little tired as our bodies adjust to the time change. It is very hot and muggy which adds to the energy drain (and then there were the two night services!)
I will update you soon
We love you and miss you!
Valerie