We started the day by visiting a small business called Gidan Bege a seamstress shop that was started by a local ministry to provide jobs for widows. We bought miscellaneous Nigerian apparel for our families & friends. We also got measured for Nigerian clothes.
We spent the rest of the day working at the CLAF (Children's Love Advocacy Foundation) house. A young couple named Emmanual & Kyenpiya run a school for kids who have been orphaned by AIDS. The kids stay with them during the week and return to their relatives for the weekend. We did many projects around the house as well as playing with the kids. Diane & Jeanette did medical check ups for the kids and ladies who work at the house. They also cleaned the kids' ears & taught the ladies how to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Tony, Matt, Ernie, Tim (from Mexico), and Matt (the intern) mixed sand, rocks & cement to repair the porch and install a swing set. Jim & Dan hung doorway curtains for all the rooms to keep mosquitoes out. Cathy & Rhonda hung hooks for lanterns so they can have light at night since the house has no electricity or running water. Dana built a table for a drinking water station and learned how to draw water from the well, mix it with Pur, and end up with clean drinking water. Kathy & Kenzi (from Mexico) taught the Nigerian ladies how to salsa dance.
After we finished all the projects, we played with the kids. We brought footballs, wiffle balls & bats, soccer balls, and Frisbees that were all in motion at once. We also colored, painted nails, and made bead jewelry.
Everyone is in good health and having a great time. We built a bonfire tonight at the house where we're staying and learned the answer to the question, "How many batura (white men) does it take to start a bonfire?" The answer is 5 batura to discuss and plan and one Nigerian man to actually start the fire. When you see Dana, ask her about the dinosaur that lives next door and makes loud noises.
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12 comments:
What Dan, didn't those Dartmouth bonfires teach you anything? :) Thanks for the update! What an awesome time. love, Guess who? (dan's sister!)
Rhonda is a Girl Scout leader- she couldn't get that bonfire going?
Sounds like everyone is having a great time and doing some wonderful things! Love that we get these updates too!
Why didn't you just run down to Walmart and buy a Duraflame?
(Inside joke)
Denali and I miss you. She, of course, would have been helpful in digging the pit for the fire. In fact, since you have been gone, our backyard has been transformed into an archaeological dig--we should have never let Denali watch that new Indiana Jones movie with us!
Now if i can just figure out how to post her findings with the National Academy of Science, of course she is a dedicated ID researcher, so her work will be dismissed as DOG-ma.
Sorry about the cheap pun.
Anyway, it sounds like you guys have been very productive and effective (besides the fire building) so keep it up, and make sure you guys have some fun to. That is an important part of kindness.
WOW! I have to admit I wish I was there with you guys and girls. Your stories are bringing back the great memories of my trip last year.
Dana and the Dinosaur... sounds like a kids book. Can't wait till its published.
The horses are doing great and we have had two mornings of frost....
Can't wait to hear more about everyones trip.
God's Best
Have you had any yams yet?
Hi Guys!
Sounds like you all had a great day! Dan did you get fitted for a Nigerian outfit? If nothing else you can wear it to a Halloween party when you get back! :)
Love,
Dan's wife Jaime
Hi Tony!
It sounds like you're having such a great time. After reading your post yesterday, the girls told everyone that Daddy is in Nigeria playing soccer with the goats :) We miss & love you!
Diane -
my Greg and son Sean just left yesterday for 8 days in Honduras with Mercy International, doing much of the same stuff you are. We are confident God will use them in very special ways, as He no doubt is using you. What an awesome experience! Thanks for sharing that with those of us left at home, keeping the home fires burning!
nancy eckel
Maybe the bonfire was too amall for a Dartmouth man. All is well here. World Series starts tonight between Tampa Bay and Philly. Mom and I have been praying for you all and have a candle going to remind us. Sounds like the time is being well spent.
So there is a x-Girl Scout, Rhonda. I hope you introduced Smores to everyone. YUM! It is great hearing about all your activities and all the times you are spreading God's love to the people you meet. We are so proud of you and all the effort you are giving. But it sure sounds like they are giving it right back! We are looking forward to hearing all about the neighborhood creature living next door -- Dana!! God's blessing to you and your new friends.
Love, Dan's Mom (Rose) xoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox -- to all!
I forgot to let you know the lastest on Moeller High School football results. I know that Dan is interested. Moe beat St. Ed's from Cleveland 33-29 in Cleveland. In the last few minutes of the game Moe ran back a 90 yard kick off to win the game. I heard today that if Moe beats St. X on Saturday and certain teams beat certain teams, Moe will make the play-offs. Keep them in your prayers.
Weather here went to freezing last night -- first time -- with a high of 60 degrees during the day. I wonder if you packed a winter coat on your return trip home!! God bless and keep you.
Love, Rose (Dan't Mom) xoxoxoxoxo
p.s. Blogging is fun!! It makes me feel closer to you, too.
Since ALL the Pieing/Scheib/Murrin clan is writing Dan and the group... I thought that I didn't want to be the odd duck out.
Just for reference, I am Dan's brother - Ben.
Actually, I am utterly impressed that my mom and dad were able to figure blogging out and how to comment... then again I think that mom has her student helpers that lend a hand (or so I have been told). Dad is still trying to figure out how to send political forwards to the blog... don't you know - Obama is a terrorist and Palin eats moose for Thanksgiving and not turkey. Oh the humanity.
Oh well, I think that Dan might be the only one laughing so I will stop the inside jokes.
In all seriousness, I am glad everything is going well. Tell the kids not to pick on Dan in soccer. And tell Dan not to tackle the kids because its not football.
Keep the updates coming on the blog as it is nice to read about you daily events.
Thinking of you from the cold of Chicago!!
- Ben XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO - i learned that from mom
p.s. I like how mom commented/worried on making sure you have a winter coat when you get home. She never stops being a mom - something we all love about her!!
Praying for you all...I'm with Mark, wish I was with you.
Diane - are supplies stretching? We are praying for that :o)
Be well.
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