You know when your tired and driving home and you make some turns and stop at the stop sign that you always stop at...but once you get home you realize that the whole drive was just second nature because you were so tired you couldn't even remember making that turn or stopping, but you know your home so well that even though you're tired...you still made it home safe without really thinking about it? You know what I'm talking about? Well, I know the streets here in Jikwoyi, I walk back from church sometimes tired at night and once I get home I think, "did I actually make that turn?" or when I go get eggs in the morning or a drink through out the day I say "Well Done" or "Good Afternoon" to the same ladies on the side of the road. Ive been walking with my Nigerian friends and Ive completely forgotten at times that I'm white and that's why people are starring at me. This place is home to me.
Before this trip I had my own thoughts on what "Africa" was like, and I need to tell you all that Africa, in and of itself is compiled of many different countries each one unique and full of life. Nigeria though...Nigeria is where my heart is. Nigeria is the place no one wants to go, I didn't even what to come here and now...I don't want to leave. Nigeria is the pearl inside the oyster, the diamond hidden in the rock that someone tossed to the side. People have their views on this place and Ive heard things said about Nigeria being one of the worst places to live, I'm fully prepared to tell any and everyone that you're completely wrong. This place is full of passionate and caring people, everyone is always greeting you as you walk the streets. Once you've made friends, people remember you and Ive come to see how much they value family and relationships. Nigerians are beautiful people and in the midst of religious confusion and being money hungry because of poverty, you'll see hospitality that you can't buy in America and you'll find that they are incredibly hard workers, and full of dedication and diligence.
I'm really at a loss for words, and I don't know how to continue this blog. When I think about leaving this place I just become speechless and I pray that God will reveal when and if He has plans for me to return. I will write again once I am in Decatur, Texas and hopefully then Ill be able to convey in more depth how the end of this trip is going. But just know that truly, words just aren't good enough. How do you try and describe your feelings after falling in love, or having a dream come true...words don't do your feelings justice. So you see my problem with this blog...God has gripped my heart and as of right now, my feelings go beyond description.
Keep our travels in your prayers and please continue to pray for the last few days we have here in Abuja, Nigeria. I desire to make every second count and I just pray that I leave here having fully completed all that God has intended for us. Also pray for my future desires to return here, pray that God would reveal His plan and His timing...I know His ways are higher than mine and His thoughts are higher than mine, so pray that His ways and thoughts would be revealed to me in the fullest.
Next time I write I wont be so far away...until then...WALK IN LOVE. Always.
