hackin' it

You guys, I can totally hack it here in Abuja. If I didn't believe it before, I believe it now.

Today, I volunteered to do our weekly shopping. Our reliable driver, Obi, took me around town. Safety Disclaimer: While I was technically alone, Obi was never far away. He is very protective of me. (Don't worry, Dad!) Shopping is...a bit more involved here, due mostly to availability.

I felt so empowered that I knew exactly which shops had the lowest prices on our everyday items. Which, if you're interested, include: Bonux Laundry Soap, Morning Fresh Dish Soap, Dano Powdered Milk, Funtuna Eggs, FarmFresh Yoghurt, Amigo Wheat Bread, and Emborg Cheddar or Gouda Cheese.

Shopping for fresh produce is my favorite. I went to my favorite local open-air market, Maitama Farmer's Market. Today I got lettuce, red and green onion, garlic, cucumber, avocado, fresh green beans, pineapple, 20 mangoes (4 varieties!), bananas, plantains, and I splurged on 6 apples (imported from South Africa). I bargained like a maniac, and got all that for about $30.

See? I shop just like your family. I may have to go to 4 different grocery stores/markets to get all my stuff, but my shopping just takes a bit more effort...you try negotiating with a man who speaks a tonal language and has half his teeth!

On the final drive home, I was struck again with gratitude, for what I have, for where I am, for who I know. This place is so special to me. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.