Nigeria is beautiful.

Nigeria is beautiful. The people and cultures you will find are breathtaking. What's more, the faith the Christians have in Nigeria to depend on God for basic needs is inspiring. Tonight I thought I would share with you some of what I saw...

I wish...

What an incredible trip. This has been tough to unpack in my head and verbalize much on this blog. I have seen much and experienced much. I am sitting here wishing....

I wish you could see the kids smiles at the orphanage.

I wish you could meet the community elders who came today to thank us for the work we are doing here.

I wish you could hear Julie's sarcasm (classic).

I wish you could sing songs with the kids.

I wish you could see Adrienne getting her hair braided.

I wish you could meet Daniel and his family (incredible).

I wish you could see the faith these people have.

I wish you could have seen me & Doug get scolded by the Nigerian police.

I wish you could have seen Larry teach the kids in Sunday School this morning.

I wish you could see Kay playing with the kids during clinic.

I wish you could have seen Renee receive good news about her adoption after the visit from the commissioner.

I wish you could experience their culture - beautiful.

I wish you could see the cow being loaded in the back of the car.

I wish you could see Paul light up around the kids.

I wish you could have seen that judge with the funny, old school wig on.

I wish you could see the kids hanging on Matt.

I wish you could have seen the ruckus we caused at market.

I wish you could see the gas stations we fill up at.

I wish you could experience church this morning.

I wish you could see Adam loving on the kids.

I wish you could taste the good food we have eaten.

I wish you could ride like sardines in these little cars they cram us in.

I wish you could see Eric being such a great brother to Hassan.

I wish you could see the patience Ken shows in every situation.

I wish you could see Kyla tie-dying shirts like a machine.

I wish you could have seen the children's programs Cibolo did (totally rocked).

I wish you could see them laugh at our attempts at Igala.

I wish you could see....a lot.

I saw this qoute the other day and it would be appropriate now...

"Now I have seen, I am responsible."

Side note for Dev - I love you and Asa and baby b SO much it hurts. It makes me cry thinking about how much I miss you. Lucky for me the sweat is covering for me. See you very soon.

Nothing but love, stu

"Not in Kansas anymore"

I have a whole new appreciation for the movie Wizard of Oz when Dorothy starts wondering around a whole new world. I know she was feeling anxious and nervous as she had people come up to stare/touch her. How do I know? Because today I went to Market in Anyigba, Nigeria....it is a whole new world.

For those of you from Texas, imagine the flea market in Canton on steroids only it serves the purpose of meeting their daily needs such as tools, food, & fabrics instead of the "good junk" one would get in Canton. Goods are lined under rows and rows of small, tin or palm covered shelters. It is loud. People were yelling. Venders were very eager to coax you into their area to "push" you into buying something. At any moment, motorcycles, cars, or people carrying large bundles on their head could squeeze their way down the narrow alleys.

We had 12 Americans plus 1 Nigerian walking through the Market. The entire 3ish hours we were there (seemed much longer) we stopped [foot] traffic, literally. People would yell at us "ENEFU!" (White Person). A massive crowd formed everywhere we went (no lie). This was an odd experience. They had no shame stopping to stare at you for a looong time or coming up to touch your hair. Nigerians typically speak aggressively so what seems angry is normal speaking for them. It was a new experience on so many levels. I have videos and photos that will come later when I get back home.

After leaving, someone asked our Nigerian driver why they crowds formed all around us. He said "They will never again in their life see that many white people at one time." They would shout "ENEFU" so other people could come see.

All that to say, today was an adventure that was awesome. Filled with a new smells, new sights, new people, and new cultures. It is awesome to sit back and watch these people genuinely live by faith. Faith that He loves and He provides.

God is teaching. God is good.

Although I am learning tons and seeing tons, "There is no place like home. [Dorothy]"

Dev & Asa - Love you and miss you. I will see you soon!