I speak whale

I've been loving this long two week winter break. Ahhh. I'm so relaxed, so rested, and so thrilled with some of the photos and experiences I've been sharing.

Our daily routine is pretty much the same. Only with slight changes to the schedule.

Today I woke up early around 6:00. The sky is still dark, but there is a lot of activity. Trucks are busting down the dirt road to the beach. In these early trucks you see fishing poles through the dust-caked windows. Later after the sun peeks through the Sierra Lagunas mountains the trucks will be toting sun-kissed surfers with tassled hair.

This was my second morning waking up early to fish with my dad. I actually don't do any of the fishing. I'm behind my camera lens fascinated with all of the life around me.

We drove the one minute drive to the beach and found a smattering of other trucks and cars. This is a good sign. When the local fish you know you are bound to get something too. The fishermen space themselves out along the shore. Many of the locals still use the traditional method of throwing and pulling the line by hand. They need space to swing the line and let it zoom through the air. The sound is magical as the line whizzes and whinnies before plopping into the water. This morning they were pulling them out of the sea like crazy. Quickly they release the floundering fish from their lines, deposit them on the sea and within seconds are back casting into the glassy sea.

I used my macro lens to watch the Humpback Whales on the horizon. It's like binoculars. They are spouting and arching. I envied the boats as they nosed their way up close to them. Yesterday while my sister, dad and I swam in the ocean we would dive under and hear the whales moaning and trumpeting to each other. It is a beautiful experience. Sort of thrilling and a bit scary at the same time.

After fishing we stopped at home to drop off a sort board surfboard. My grandma joined my dad and I to check out the surf on a beach called La Pastora. It's just a couple minute drive from our house. While the waves weren't great my dad couldn't resist an opportunity. He went out anyways. As my grandma and I sat out a towel we oohhhed and awwed as the whales were leaping straight out of waves, repeatedly thumping their tales against the water and were very talkative. I could hear them hollaring from the shore. We also saw pods of dolphins and jumping fish. All this activity within the first couple hours of morning sunlight. Can't beat that!

It's been a trip full of amazing experiences.

Another Meag Adventure

We were sitting around the empty metal containers that just moments ago were filled full of steaming shrimp dumplings and sticky rice. If you know me and my family you know this is a familiar scene of ours. We frequent Dim Sum so often we have a golden membership.

But, it was in this blissful setting that I had a horrible realization. It was Christmas eve and in two days I would be catching a flight to Mexico with my sister. We were going to join my dad, step mom, grandma, aunt and migrating whales in the sleepy town of Todos Santos.

I had been so preoccupied packing all of my crafts that I had forgotten to pack my very important passport. But, I did have a photo copy in my wallet left over from my years in Nigeria. I called the airlines to see if this was legit. It's not.

Then I tried to mentally imagine where my passport was. My desk drawer? My unpacked Tupperware bins stored behind a wall of clothes? My memory was foggy with too many moves into different houses since my return from Nigeria.

We had planned to cross the street to Target where I was to buy some eyeliner. Instead we headed home where I searched the desk, the drawers, under the bed and sadly concluded it was in a pile of documents up in Tacoma.

About an hour later my step dad Tommy and I were in his Prius on the straight and forward I-5. Two and a half hours later we pulled up to my house. I rustled through the expected hiding places and found it moments later. Shoved safely in the pocket of my new Omni Heat jacket we piled back into the car and headed South. Since we wouldn't be making it back in time for Christmas Eve service and the dinner of Cajun tots we stopped by Burger Ville for our own hamburgers and waffle fries. I was so grateful for Tommy's company. We actually had a wonderful time talking. I loved hearing about his Irish family and how he grew up as a first generation Irish. My favorite part was when he did the Irish accents of his parents.

Now, I'm sitting in the airport, waiting for our delayed flight to Todos Santos. Don't worry. I know exactly where my passport is. It's safe and close by me. Exactly where it should be.

An innocent beginning

It all started so innocently. A little conversation based on a little question leading to something big. This past weekend at Geiger's staff holiday party a colleague asked if I had brought anyone as a date. No. At this time in my life there is no one to bring, but I do await the day when I will have someone to discuss and debrief with on the drive home. Well, Jo found my current status absolutely appallingand turned immediately to our principal, Paula, who was in the kitchen with us. Paula was giddy and said, "I wanted to talk with you about that! Now that I have permission I'm going to find you a guy! Just you wait." Chuckling she says, "Oh... this is going to be good!"

This evening I poked my head into my principals office to see if she had a moment to talk about phone call I had with a parent. She was on the phone, but took the time to talk with me. It was as if she saw my mouth moving but created her own dialogue because in response to what I said she talked back into the phone and said, "Hey, Brian, (her nephew) you know who I'm talking to? This really hot, smart, well traveled, artistic, amazing teacher. Do you know of any of your friends who are single?" Then she continued on for a good solid couple of minutes about my qualifications. Well, I take that back. She would pause for a second to ask me questions. "What's your type?" "When did you graduate?" "Blond or blue haired, I mean eyes?" "How young are you willing to date?" I would stumbled around for an answer all the while thinking.... can this really be? She never really waited for an answer. She took the liberty to translate my gawking and nervous giggles.

Brian was doing his own talking on the other end of the line. I couldn't hear what he was saying but from her answers I have a pretty good idea. "PLU." "Hot" "She thought you were hot." "No, he needs to be smart." "Artistic and athletic" "She's lived in Africa and Australia." "What are you a sicko, 18 is WAY to young!" " Yeah, like an 18 year old would think she is hot." And I'm wanting to sink into the floor, run far far away, and burst into hysterical laughter all at the same time. Instead I stood there dumbfounded. Could this really be happening? Who does this? What have I gotten myself into?

It gets even better.

With some perimeters laid she and Brian start to rattle off names of guys they mutually know. While she is talking at the same time she begins to open her facebook account, she goes to her friends list and types in a name to find a picture of a guy who would be just perfect for me. She shows me various pictures of him. Tells me his life story starting with his fathers' occupation, his jaw surgery and how he had to drink only liquids for two years of his life when the surgery went bad.

I'm flattered Paula thinks so highly of me and can so easily brag about my qualifications, but it's just hilarious to think about how my good intentions to keep her in the loop on my students turned into a speed dating session. I've also never worked for someone who can so easily blur the line between professionalism and personal life. I sort of like it, it catches me off guard constantly. Definately keeps me on my toes and is giving me plenty of good material if I ever write a sitcome about the life of a teacher.

Often my friend Kathy and I joke about creating a sitcom like The Office based on the lives of teachers. We've already talked about scenes in the staffroom. With really healthy teachers who dream about going to New York to visit the famous Moosewood Cafe. About the conversations around what that teacher pulls out of their lunch bag. And the quizzical looks and questions other teachers have about what's being eaten. I can't wait to tell her about the most recent scene. I think it will get some laughs. We'll have to store it away in our resources of good ideas because it's definitely laugh worthy. Yet at the same time it's actually my real life.

Field Trip

Our Mayor declared the 30th of Novemeber as the official day to honor our First responders. With banners rolled up and umbrellas protecting us from the rain we made our way to the neighborhood Fire Station. We huddled under the covered area and rang the bell to announce our arrival. After a short wait, we rang again, and again, and again. Even though we had called a head and arranged our visit they weren’t there. Since two of the firetrucks were gone we inferred these first responders were out on a call. To honor them we sang a Fireman song, propped our banners against the door and bundled up for the walk back to Geiger. Back in the class we talked about celebrations and disappointments. I reflected on the events and decided the children had a wonderful experience. In real life we have opportunities to show gratitude. Sometimes the process and planning is just as beneficial as the end destination. Through our preparation of the banners we got to reflect on the first responders role. We learned team work as we shared paper and crayons. Jayden and Dylan solved the problem of a ripped banner. Octavia got to feel pride as she saw how beautiful her fringed end looked when finished. I agreed with Natalie that while it was disappointing not getting to hand deliver the banners or to sing them the prepared songs, we did have a great time walking in the rain and working together to show our gratitude.

Eventful week

Well, for a while I've been thinking that I needed to update my blog. I'm never sure if anyone is following, so sometimes I just don't bother taking the time. Sometimes I also don't think my North American adventures in the neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington are all that interesting compared to the humidity and clash of cultures in Nigeria. Last week, however, I began to write an entry in my head after I enjoyed an amazing theater workshop and perfomance of The Color Purple. I found myself writing yet another entry in my head as I enjoyed a dance performance called The Furniture Series. Getting an email from my friend Sandra, telling me she had visited my blog hoping to find news encouraged me even further.

Considering this past week was an eventful one I'll write about that. It's full of good news. I had an observation with my principal last week. During our post conference she was extremely encouraging. She asked me where I learned to teach like this. When I told her I had been trained under a teacher who did her student teaching with "The Sisters" she said, "No, Meag, I'm not just talking about literacy." I said, ok... well I just understand kids, I get them. To this she replied,"No, that's not just it Meag." There's more. You are amazing at your classroom management, you use target language effectively, you have kids self-assessing.and have creatied a beautiful environment." She told me that she had nothing to challenge me on. She said that she was going to fail me because there honestly wasn't any suggestion she could think of. Every time she comes into my room she learns something. She said, that she has told a couple of people this, but I am the best teacher she has ever seen. I was so honored by her compliments. And the weighiness of this statement. Having been a teacher herself for so many years and having been a principal for over 16 years. Then she asked me where she could help me. I told her I wanted to learn Montessori better and really devote my career to understanding the material and the philosophy behind the practice. She asked how I was using my para in the classroom and this lead to a great conversation about my difficulty working with paras because of my high standards and expectations and how I never felt I had enough patience or time to train them. I'm always really critical of them too. She said that this would be a great goal for me since she saw me going higher in the school district. She thinks I would make an amazing instructional coach. And I would need to refine my skills with working with adults. I left beaming and so happy with her encouragement. She asked me, "Haven't you heard all of this before?" I told her, "Well, yes... My parents tell me all the time that I am an amazing teach. I just figure they are bias." I told her I got all exemplary marks on my observations in Nigeria, but I figured the principal just didn't know what to observe since he was a P.E. teacher and couldn't give me any suggestions on how to advance as a teacher. She just laughed.

That was the good news I wanted to share with you. But, then on Friday I got more. I took the day off. I had planned to go to the zoo with Nora and Kathy. It was the day I would find out about the National Board results. I wanted to take the day off to eitehr grieve in my private tears or celebrate with those I love. After seeing the baby tigers at the zoo we came home to put Nora down for a nap. I signed onto the intenet and the National Board website. I logged on and my heart began to race. The next moment would be really significant for me. I opened the site and saw the words. Congradulations you are now officially a Nationally Certified Teacher! I couldn't believe it. This is such wonderful news. To celebrate Kathy and I went to buy a pair of new shoes, as earlier that day I had told her I needed some fancier and more grown up shoes for school. Sometimes my Keen Mary Janes just don't cut it. I found the perfect pair of green books with these cute buttons. I'm wearing them right now and loving the way they match and accesorize my wardrobe.

Earlier in the week one of my parents from my class who is a trained massage theapist has asked me when I could come to their house for a sauna, massage and dinner. I had told her Friday, forgetting it was my big day. Later when I remembered I kept the date knowing that a massage and some home pampering would be perfect for either verdict. They have a georgous house in the North End. It's remodeled with a huge downstairs meditation room, hard wood bamboo floors, and a welcoming massage studio. I stayed for over five hours with them and soaked up every moment. This was such a generous gift and a wonderful way to celebrate all the hard work I had done the previous year.

Now, I'm wishing I was in the sauna because my hards are frozen as I write under thick layers of clothes and blankets. There is a light snow flurry outside and I'm really hoping it's going to cause only a two hour delay but not a cancelation of school. When did a become such a grown-up when snow is a nusance rather than a joy? I guess with age sometimes comes praticalitiy. But, we never want to grow up too much.

A symphony of spices

Turkey was wonderful. The Spice bazaar was festive and bustling. The smells of the spices danced through the air and made me smile. A seller introduced me to all the spices and scooped them up near my nose so I could better experience them. I bought some red pomegranate tea and he made me a cup to ensure I enjoyed it. It was the best pomegranate tea I had ever tasted. I also bought three jasmine flowers and am looking forward to putting them into the water and seeing them blossom open. Also at the market were vendors selling special rugs and hand-sewn pillow cases. What I love about Turkey is how everyone drinks tea all day. People walk around with glass tea cups balanced on silver trays. Customers drain the tea quickly and leave the cup on the ground for the chai runner to come and pick up later. Also, when you enter into a store they always offer you a cup of tea, either Turkish or Apple. So, while learning about the history of the kilemns I was able to sip and enjoy the experience entirely.

On my way home from Turkey I had a long layover in Chicago. Jokingly my friend Shelly said to let her know if I ever had a layover there. And to our great surprise I did. Very rarely do I stop over here. It's usually Atlanta, as Lagos flies directly there. She had written me a couple days before to tell me it was 90 degrees and to pack a bathingsuit. I landed to rain and dark clouds so instead we went back to her apartment and munched kettlecorn while catching up on things. Then we went for a walk through Wheaton college and ate an appetizer. The time went really quickly, but I was so grateful to see her face to face.

I bought a car the day after I arrived here. It was perfect and I felt that it couldn't have gone any better. My mom works with a teacher who's husband is a manager of the Toyota dealership. They had one Subaru Forester a 2007 on the lot. It had arrived five days earlier. My step dad and I stopped there first and took the car for a drive. I loved it! It drove smoothly and it was higher up cause for great visibility. It has a moonroof that is almost half of the car and lets in great light. My buns will be nice and toasty with the seatwarmers and it has a place for me to plug in my ipod or listen to six different cds as once. The color is a beautiful blue and we bought it without looking at any other cars. Because of my mother's connections we got a nice discount on the already bargain. I drove away a happy camper in my new car; amazed at how well all the details lined up.

I made a big mistake in the planning of the Turkey trip and my National Boards exam. I had scheduled the exam in February and just thought that I had arranged to take it on the 14th. The day before I was looking for confirmation and information about directions and times and all that jazz. I found the old email in my inbox and realized I had actually scheduled the test for the 11th! It was Sunday so none of the offices were open. I woke up at 5:45 the next morning to call the National Boards office to check my options. I was able to reinstate my application and they called me yesterday telling me I was approved to sign up with Pearson to schedule the test again. Surprisingly during this time I was never nervous or concerned. I just had a confidence that it would work out. And everything did but now my pockets are 175 dollars lighter. One great thing is now I will have the full function of my brain as it has recovered completely from jet-lag.

I have gotten to talk with my new principal on the phone. She is incredibly excited to meet me. We will meet this weekend for her to give me a laptop for my Montessori program and for me to pick my classroom. My first impressions of her continue to hold true and I think this year is going to be extraordinary. She once again confirmed that I will not have to pay for the program and that the district is handling all costs. During our meeting she will try to arrange for me to meet the other people taking the Montessori classes so we can arrange carpooling.

I think that is the latest and greatest news. My life seems like a wonderful whirlwind and as I reflect upon my day before sleeping I'm pleased with the progress each day holds and I'm giddy with excitement about the learning I'm getting to do concerning Montessori. I've started to read a biography about her and have already completely fallen in love with her perspective. I've found a new role model.

Things I will miss

In less than a month I will be leaving Lagos with two suitcases each at 20lbs and one backpack full of airplane distractions.

While these two years have been challenging they have also been rewarding. I've been making mental lists of things I wont miss and things I will always cherish. My flat mate and I tell each other of the most recent additions to our mental lists and I am looking forward to telling her of one I added last night.

Here are some of the things I will miss:
1. The thunder and lightening storms that are so loud they wake you up at night and strike your porch leaving it sizzling with steam.

2. Students who have extra support from their parents and community. The discussions we have in class because of the things they've seen and places they've been.


3. My friend Staci who when picking me up last night said, "Do you like my new boobies?" as she puffed out her chest. This was the purpose behind her and her husbands recent trip to Thailand. I will miss the diversity of friends I have here.

4. Fabric, all colors, designs and quality. I will miss walking through the market and having the men wrap it around their waist showing me how it would look as a skirt.


5. Suya, a spicy meat that you can get on the side of the roads. They serve it with raw onions and you eat it with toothpicks.


6. When buying things in the market being able to tell the vendor to dash (give me for free) something. The other day I bought flowers for my friend and confidently told the guy "You dash me this now" and he did without hesitation.

Days of Mourning

Nigeria's president died last night and was buried today. I found out from Talia one of my students. After she shook my hand and greeted me good morning she told me the news and asked if we would have school tomorrow. This was the first I had heard about it and so I told her I would email the principal and find out. The nation is in 7 days of mourning, so we wont be having school tomorrow.

Things are quiet around here. Since November the Presidents health has been shaky. For the past six months there had been rumors that he was already dead. I've not been off the compound, but from my room I hear silence and calm.

We had Monday off for Workers day so, this has been a three day week! Short.

I am not sure how the Nigerians feel but I am grateful for the day off. I do know that it will impact this nation and that it affects people some deeply other more superficially like me.

Here is a Time article if you want more accurate facts and details.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1987442,00.html?xid=rss-topstories

t







A couple hours ago I landed in the Lagos airport. The fact that it will be my last time arriving and that I will be departing it for the last time in two months are truths that helped me stay positive as the plane began it's decent.

But, on to happier things. My vacation in Portugal. It was magical. The perfect balance between traveling on trains through the countryside, sleeping in bunks with other travelers, dinning on Portuguese delicacies while listening to Fado, and exploring village ruins by day and sleeping in a glowing yurt by night. It was simply amazing. Beautiful people, landscape and culture. You would have loved the buildings and how they are covered with tile. Often the tile is in shades of yellow and blues. Whole, huge builds covered! I went into an old shop that sells the tiles and I bought one that is green. I will hang it on my wall.

The people were so friendly. They would always take the time to help you find the right bus or give you directions. There were a lot of tourists from Europe. It seemed that everyone was busy snapping pictures and posing. One day I took the train up north to a city called Coimbra and I had my information written down in a little black notebook which I had glued a bird and a nest that had written around it, "A little birdy told me" When I bought my ticket I unknowingly left it behind. I was sitting outside the train-station journaling when the ticket man approached me saying, "A little birdy told me." He had my notebook in his hand. He was charming and I was shocked by his act of kindness.

My favorite part of Portugal was my two day stay in a romantic yurt. I loved the colors, the sky roof that allowed me to sleep under the stars and the hospitable hosts who ran the operation. The couple is from London and when Derrik with dreads and a silver tooth picked me up from the station I knew at once that this was going to be a wonderful adventure. We had a lot to talk about as we both are well traveled, well read and love music. Him and his wife made me delicious meals from the food of their land. They can their own olives and soak the elderflower for a sweet drink. I enjoyed picking their brains about yurts and local produce. Derrik gave me a detailed tour of the area when taking me back to the train-station. We stopped at the olive-press and river beaches which all entice me to return during the summer months. They had two friendly children with great fros and a twinkle in their eyes. Both kids are enrolled in a local school and are now fluent in Portuguese. Staying in a yurt made me start to dream about living in a yurt. I want so badly to do it! I have been researching how, but I know there are some major hoops that I would need to jump through. I want it do it so badly.


My heart has been revived, especially by the last two days of the trip. An hour away from the city of Coimbra, nestled into the heart of mountains filled with eucalyptus and olive trees, ecologically sound with solar power and compost loo.

I waited for Derrik at the train station. He was told to look for a girl with an avocado backpacking pack and a flower cap. I was early an hour and hoped he would be too. My eyes scanned the crowds of people coming and going. I tried to catch eye contact with potential Derriks. I was expecting a white Portuguese male. So, you can understand my surprise and delight when an African European with dreads stuffed into his beanie and a silver tooth hollered out in a British accent, "Are you Meag?" And from that moment on until our goodbye at the same train station two days later I continued to be surprised and delighted.

Their house is built on an old ruin and is inclined into the hillside. At the top of the stairs leading down to the house we were greeted by Balloo their content black lab. Within two seconds I was introduced to a gaggle of happy people and the kids with great fros and the twinkling eyes that come from pursuing dreams and living an ideal life.

I enjoyed their homemade meals that were served at a picnic table and had little touches like a mint leaf or tiny jars of sugar and salt. Nightly they gave me a water-bottle to warm up my bed and would bring me elderflower water to cool me off. I was sad to leave and even tried to push back my departure time.

I came back to Nigeria refreshed, a tanner, and more fit from walking up and down the steep hills of Lisbon, the beaches of Lagos, and the mountainside of Coimbra. I definitely recommend discovering this small European country even if it is considered the Africa of Europe.

Today after school Tiffany arranged for an artist named Abun to come to the flat and lay out her fabrics, string art, batiks and cards. This actually is the third time we have hosted her and her masterpieces. I sat back and watched as she brought each fabric out of her bag and draped them across the back of the couches. I found one that I loved and could picture it as curtains against a green avocado painted wall.

Previously, I had ordered some fabric cards of butterflies and turtles so she brought those with her as well. 5o in total.

I love being so connected to the things I buy. I know the story behind them, who's hands crafted them and the eight children that will be fed by the money that bought them. I have really enjoyed this aspect of Nigeria. There are many famous and every day artists that travel up and down the beach selling their one of a kind pieces. It has been wonderful for me to learn this technique of batik and to see the struggle of the artist here as they make long trips balancing heavy bags of fabric on their heads. And to see their success as one expat taking an interest in them can change their status and ease their daily worries.

Visitors

We have some guests at our school this week. Very significant guest. One is a principal at a Tacoma high school and the other is the Deputy Superintendent for Tacoma Public Schools. They have come to see AISL in an attempt to strength our sisterhood connection. 45 years ago Tacoma School District started AISL at one point most of the overseas hires were from Tacoma. Gradually, the school has diversified bringing on board a Texas school district and more international hires.

On Monday we met and mingled over fried foods and platters of hummus. Even this brief interaction was beneficial as within a five minute conversation one of them asked me where I taught before and where I was returning. I told him that I was interested in teaching at Geiger elementary as they were turning into a Montessori school. He told me to email him and that he would work on this. I left this gathering extremely encouraged as my Curriculum coordinator has already emailed the principal at Geiger twice, and the High school principal has emailed her for me as well and even called her. I was feeling so supported and could see a bigger picture behind these details and conversations. The bigger picture of being dedicated to a school for a long time as it grows, changes and progresses. The bigger picture of finding a school where I live that is committed to a style of instruction I can invest in and be committed to. A principal that has vision and holds high standards.

I was thrilled today to get an email from the principal of Geiger! Progress!

Tomorrow we are having dinner with this group of people visiting from Tacoma and the timing couldn't be more perfect. It's great trusting and seeing doors of opportunity open.

The great defrost

I'm in the process of thawing out. On Friday I printed off my last National Board entry, laid out all the paper work on my bed for a quick quadruple check and released my blue box to Gaye who is taking it to the states for me. What a process this National Boardy thingy has been.

I learned about myself as I wrote, analyzed and dedicated almost every weekend this year to this process. I learned that I thrive in structure. This surprised me; I thought I was a wild child who embraced spontaneity. Actually, I found myself pondering this as I became giddy by my ridged schedule of teaching, working out, dinner, and studying. I loved the rhythm this routine brought. I loved how quickly the clock ran while I engaged in this. I loved setting the daily goals and then crossing them off the list. So, how does this fit with my love for free expression and art and spontaneous flitterings about nature? While I was reading a book on how to teach reading I read this quote that led to an epiphany.

It is significant to realize that the most creative environments in our society are not the ever-changing one. The artist's studio, the researcher's laboratory, the scholar's library are each deliberately kept simple so as to support the complexities of the work-in-progress. They are deliberately kept predictable so the unpredictable can happen.
-Lucy Calkins

Brilliant! My life has been summarized. I was telling my mom that I love growing older because these are the types of discoveries that we get to make. It is an adventure of self-discovery; older people seem so secure in who they are.

I was surprised with my ability to focus. I literally put aside all other pressing issues and was able to focus just on my National Boards. I think living in Nigeria helped to do this; if I was at home I would want to met with Katy to take photos. I would have planned to swim with Mardie. Kathy and I could have worked in her garden or walked with Nora. I could have been in Sandra and Kevin's glorious wedding. I could have flown down to Pacific Grove to celebrate my grandma's 80th birthday. I could have gone to yoga with my Marme. Good thing Nigeria is far away and no one cares if I shut myself in my room and am not heard from all weekend.

I feel like I am defrosting. I had to be so focused. So dedicated. I have to admit I was impatient with people. You are probably glad I am so far away. I found my patience for silly questions, slow people or other people's disorganization to be absolutely nil. I would be irritated with all those people at our school who meander at a turtles speed and don't move to the side when someone else wants to get by. Or those in the financial office that take money out of my account with an invoice that doesn't even state what the amount is for. I just am tired of living here. I am tired of living with people who can't do their job properly. And I am ready to come home. I don't like who I am here. I don't like the aggression that is common place here and necessary if you are to be taken seriously by anyone.

But, before I come home I am going to Portugal for my spring break! To be exact I will be on a plane in 19 days! It will be wonderful to see a new place and experience a new culture. Today I have been booking different hostels and dreaming about swimming and hiking in a new land. It is going to be beautiful.

In the meantime I have been celebrating my new found free time by watching Gilmore Girls, buying plane tickets, and watching some beautiful contemporary dance http://www.evidencedance.com/. Tonight I am going out to celebrate by eating dinner with some other teachers. We are going to the GQ where the margaritas are cheap. They plan on drinking whole individual pitchers. I plan on getting some good cheap food and a nice chapman which is a traditional drink of Nigeria. Complete with a cucumber.

Consistent Love

One of my favorite teachers says that God's love is consistent. It never changes. The only thing that changes is my ability to receive it.

Here is an excerpt from an email to two of my friends: In 2006 my friend wrote me a prophecy. It was a gift for working in the healing rooms. She asked God for a number and a color for each person. I was sitting right next to her and watched as she flipped through the cards. The numbers and colors were printed on the covers. They were mostly 4's and 6's, smaller numbers. But, one was 200. I thought wow! Who is going to get that number. It was saved for last and it turned out to be mine. Inside the card she wrote that bright pink or magenta means emotions and love. Blue means communion, revelation. The number 200 means double return for the hundred fold (2 meaning multiplication and 100= 100 fold). She wrote that I am one who naturally has a lot of love to share-but God is going to increase it so that I will receive into my life a double return of the 100 fold of prior years. This anointing will also flow out from me to others as my communion with the Holy Spirit increases. Prophetic revelation will blanket all releases that are to come regarding this. It still rocks me every time I read and I've been reading it almost every day and declaring it back to God. I've been reminding him of his promise and telling him I want this fulfilled. I've always thought that it would be my husband. And recently God has told me yes, it will be it will be others as well. And as I was reflecting on this I realized I'm so loved. I'm radically, beyond imagination loved. I think being here where a lot of things are superficial and a lot of interactions revolve around the topics of sex and being drunk I've come to realize the richness of my friendships. Those friends that see the treasure in me and who call it out.

I've been thinking about this a lot. It's been like a marble in my pocket. I keep on fingering it and rolling it around. I've come to know this word deeply. I know the shape, the texture, the nicks. And I've been wanting to see this radical love that I'm supposed to receive double hundred fold.

And it's been happening. For years now, but it's been slowly growing, little by little. Rising little by little until I'm more convinced now than I was yesterday, and the day before. It's like a grain of sand being added each day. At first the amount is not noticeable, it's just a pinch. But through the years it's become a handful, and eventually it will fill a room.

And I can confidently say that I am loved. My ability to see love has changed me.

Mother Teresa says, "Love is the fruit in season at all times and within reach of every soul."

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I've been introduced to a new author since living in Nigeria. Since then I've gobbled up all of her writing and have her new one on the docket for my next read. She depicts the life of Nigeria with vividness and accuracy. Months after I finish the book she has me wondering about the characters while I drive through the city and villages.

I listened to her talk about the danger of a single story today on TED talks.

http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

It aligned perfectly to what I blogged about earlier last week. I like how she address the stories we heard about Africa from a Western view and she continues on to challenge us to tell the other stories as well. Those stories of the successful heart surgery in a Lagos hospital, or of the female Lawyer fighting the law that says a woman must need to the consent of a man before renewing her visa. There is wonderful people and events here in Nigeria. And it struck my heart that as I get ready to leave I need to have a balanced collection of stories. I have the opportunity when returning home to change the stereotypes of Nigeria. You can make this your personal challenge as well. To find balance in the stories we tell and listen to. No more one sided reports. Get a new perspective.