linger

I am definitely back, in all senses of the word, but bits of Nigeria still linger with me.

My body is fighting me to stay on Africa time. No, for real. This morning I was up at 4:30am and awake for the day.

I catch myself saying "sorry," "ah-ah," and "well done" to people who don't understand the depth of meaning in those sentiments.

I spend too much time finding YouTube videos of people speaking pidgin, just so I can hear it again.

The phrases "Well in Nigeria, I..." or "When I was in Nigeria..." have already been worn out on friends & family.

I'm introduced to new people as the girl who just returned from Africa and I'm okay with that identity. I find myself desperate to let people know that I belong in two places in this world, and that is a huge part of who I am now.

God knew that the "homesickness" was creeping in, and yesterday at church, I spotted a woman wearing a traditional gown. My stomach clenched; I just knew she was Nigerian. Even though batik cloth is not limited to Nigeria and even though sometimes I fake myself out with Ghanaian styles, I knew. I think what I actually said aloud was, "Ah-ah. That's Nigerian cloth." My mom, ever the encourager, told me to go talk to her. And I did.

Turns out, she's from Delta State and has been living here for 10 years. When I told her I'd just returned, she replied with the greeting, "Oh, you're welcome" and it sounded like "Ah, ya well-comb." It was music to my ears! My Nigerian accent came out in force and it felt so fulfilling to say "well done" to this woman and mean it in the most African way possible.

I'm very clearly not in Nigeria, and yet her customs, her traditions, they linger with me. It's a comfort - like having a friend nearby if ever I need her.

I guess this is welcome home.

Nigeria Day Celebrations

Since today is Nigerian Independence Day, ICS celebrated yesterday with a morning program for the parents. The whole day was a big to-do, and everyone dressed up in traditional Nigerian dress -- even expatriates, including me! It was truly one of the best days I've had since arriving 6 weeks ago. Below are just a few highlights from the day.

Everyone, meet my 11th grade homeroom class. These 4 students (yep, just 4) are known as "the angels" by the rest of the staff and it didn't take me long to agree with them. After my first week of school, the students presented me with cloth they'd purchased in the market; I had it made into the skirt and blouse you see in the picture. These students are some of the most hard-working and studious kids I've ever met; I'm routinely the first to leave the classroom at the end of the day - they love school so much they just stay. (Add that to the list of differences between America and Nigeria!) Also, let's just acknowledge now that I look about as old as they do. I know, I know.
And yes, that's me with my hair in plaits. I don't think it's the right style for me, but it definitely made me feel a bit more Nigerian! I also wore a traditional head tie during the morning celebration, but as the day wore on it became Nigeria-hot, and for the love of all things good and sacred, I had to sacrifice the head tie. Seriously. The Hot Season is headed my way and I'm already melting.

These precious faces belong to the two youngest girls in Drama Club, which I help lead. Our club performed a dramatic reading of a poem about Nigeria at the morning program, which I helped choreograph and direct. The young ones at our school are collectively known as "babies," not out of condescension but out of love and affection. These girls, my Drama Babies, give me hugs every time I see them. They light up my day.


These are my new friends Leke and Henry. Leke is doing his I.T. with us (it's like student teaching) while he completes his university studies, and Henry works in the Print Office at school (someone told me he's also a tribal Chief). The 3 of us are probably closer in age than anyone else in the school, and they're really easy to get along with. (Also, note my head tie.)

More Pictures!

Thanks to Mom and her high-speed internet, I'm able to share a couple more pictures from Nigeria!

This picture was taken on my very first night in Abuja. If I look absolutely out of it, it's because I was. :) The white woman is my Canadian/British flatmate Jan and the Indian woman is Rachel. We're in her flat, which is directly above ours.


















I have adopted Nigerian fashion with open arms, and take great joy in wearing traditional dress to school on Fridays. I get tons of compliments for trying to "fit in." I bought this dress ready-made in the market, and top is a bit constricting, so I might have a tailor let it out. (I'm also having 2 other traditional outfits made - I should have those within the next 2 weeks)