Day 31: The Only Way We Could Be More Classy Is If There Were Nigerian Rap Blaring In The Background.

This was the first day for me that started while it was still dark! Prayer vigil breaks people’s normal habits, which is one of the reasons they dedicate this time to God. From midnight to 3:45 a small group of us spent time praising through song, reflecting on what God has been teaching us, meditating and listening, and praying for every aspect of Faith Alive. We lay hands on different departments, the gates, on certain people. We held hands, black and white, and spoke to the same God about the same struggles and blessings. It was a really beautiful experience. Everyone at once singing, speaking in English, Hausa, spritual tongues, crying, laughing, every emotion exposed. By the end of it all we were exhausted, filled and exhausted, but, as is normal in Jos, unable to leave until light came. Our staff spread out among the Clinic and found places to fall asleep until the sun rose. When the roosters started crowing just before six we picked up our things and said Good Morning to all the shopkeepers who were opening their stores. Once we got home it was good to fall asleep in a bed as opposed to the early morning row of chairs.

 

            The four of us who went to prayer woke up in time for lunch and enjoyed another great time of food and conversation together. Somehow we got on the subject of childhood sentiments and we all confessed our undying endearment to one teddy bear or blanket that still sits in our closet. The need for chocolate arose quickly after finishing our food so the four younger of the group took at walk to the Tamarash market, the only place to our knowledge in the area that has some recognizable American brands. It was a nice stroll through a couple of neighborhoods before coming to the main commercial street. Inside we spent more time than normal contemplating what our hearts (and stomachs) most desired. We got Biana some Oreos, Adrie picked up a bag of chocolates, Jon and Kristen grabbed a bottle of wine and some mixed nuts, and I chose the three best looking candy bars. We justified the extra calories with the length of our walk.

 

            Today was Joshua Dow’s birthday so I was eager to give him a call when we got back. There is something very refreshing about hearing someone’s voice when you are far away--but that comes along with missing them even more! After our chat he went off to breakfast and it was time for my dinner (I’m still thrown off by the eight-hour time difference) so I went to enjoy another Baba-cooked meal. We were all tired after eating so Biana went upstairs and the rest of us decided to have a relaxing evening in the living room. We pulled out the six-dollar bottle of red wine, some floral mugs, and turned on America’s Funniest Home Videos. Classy! I did my respective one sip followed by the ugly face so the other three enjoyed my share of the bottle. The rest of the night was dedicated to finishing my book (I can finally admit to having read something of Jane Austen’s) and getting some early shut-eye. Saturdays just seem to be the best days no matter what setting you find yourself in.