Ikogobo Masquerade Festival

I've joined a new society called the Nigerian Field Society. They plan and arrange for various trips around Nigeria. Each month waiting in your inbox is a list of the most recent trips and some that are upcoming. Spending the 2000 nira, which is around 15 dollars, for membership has already been a highlight of my time here.

Today was my first adventure. This morning came early after the 9 course Valentines dinner I feasted on late last night. Linda and Renzo rolled out the red carpet again with their normal outrageous generosity. My favorite part of the night was seeing Renzo sweep a reluctant Linda up in his arms. He was being moved by the accordion music setting the mood. Linda blushed and said "Oh, he is drunk." Eventually he won her over with this toothy grin and they swayed together with an ease that comes after 25 years of marriage.


So, this morning came early but it was worth the lost couple hours of sleep. Me and 7 other teachers piled in a our school van with the trusted Tunde at the wheel. We joined the link in a long convey of 18 other cars holding 50 other people. The drive in itself was entertaining. It's refreshing seeing the different faces and landscapes of Lagos.


After an hour of disturbing any peace around us with this long snake of a convoy we arrived at the launching site where about 10 canoes were getting last minute repairs of tar patching and water bailing.


The next hour was magical as we paddled up a meandering stream. Fish jumped in front of us, birds serenaded us from the side lush vegetation, and the sound of the consistent paddle stroking the water could have put me to sleep. It was a beautiful ride and I sat next to my principal Justin and his wife Shannon so the conversation was interesting and rewarding.






Just when our butts couldn't take any more hard planked wood we drifted into the village. We could hear the wild beating drums long before we saw them. Our boat driver with one eye worked hard but we were passed three times by other boats and were the second to last to arrive. The festival had already started as we followed the path into the heart of the village. Our group had settled under the shade of a large tree. The woman congregated in the back, chopping goat meat and stirring garri which is a cassava porridge. The children picked up discarded juice boxes and shook out any remnant droplets. The men congregated, arms crossed leaning to one side.




The smells of burning fire, the sights of mud brick houses, and the sounds of a unknown dialet and chidlrens laugher reminded me of the Africa I am familiar with. You could have taken Maria or Alberto from Mozambique and placed them in this setting without much imagination. The familiarity was refreshing to me and stirred the memories of previous dreams and unique comforts. It's from experiences like these that remind me I have an American passport but it's a label that doesn't stick. This unexplainable feeling of home comes over me when I'm in the most simplest environments.


The masquerade was loud, colorful and long. There was dancing goats, masked wives and twirling colored characters to provoke rain. This Yuroba tribe of the backwater village, Ikogobo put on this festival just for us. We participated by giving the dancers 20 nira when they approached you with outstretched hands. Or if they were a lizard with an open mouth you stuffed the nira notes down into it.



While this was beautiful and festival with ornate costumes my attention was drawn to the villagers, especially the women cooking over woodpiles and the children running around barefoot and happy.


There was a group of women skinning meat, slivering onions, and stirring garri. I told one women that I wanted to help. I sat down next to them and made gestures so they understood. The garri was scooped up with a plastic bowl and plopped into pre-cut pieces of plastic wrap. I was surprised with how scalding hot the balls were in my hand because the women didn't respond as I wanted to. I wanted to yip and drop the contents into the dirt. The women were so pleased with my help they announced "You will marry my son!", they proceeded to drag over their son and said proudly, "My son. This is your wife!" I just laughed, pointed to my ring on my wiggling fingers and said "Sorry, your too late." This made a loud crack of laughter roar through the group. But, that put an end to the wedding ideas and the guy sheepishly returned to his mates.


Another thing that drew my attention was the photo ops surrounding me. I was grateful for the three pairs of batteries I had charged and switched them out regularly. There was just too much beauty around me to not be distracted.



After a couple hours of the festival we loaded up and packed back into the canoes. This time there were two drivers. We quickly arrived back at the launching point and gathered into the van for a reflective drive home.




The drive wasn't peaceful though beacuse we were part of a convey being lead by a escorts who preferred driving in zig zags rather than straight lines. We weaved and jerked our way through traffic and joked that the leader of the convey had enjoyed a little too much palm win.

To see all of the pictures go to Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=57167&id=515407286&l=ebe72

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=57158&id=515407286&l=cf803

Glitter Mounds

Today I'm covered in glitter. We were decorating our valentine's holders. I was standing over them watching them the mound of glitter grow gradually on the ground and I began to wonder if this mess was worth it. I was about to tell them to wrap things up even though they just started. But, right as I was contemplating this Dieta whimsically said "This is the best day of my life." Followed by a slight sigh. I took a mental note that gathering glitter mounds was worth a comment like that. It means so much to them to be creative and artistic and to have access to fun mediums.

This weekend I'm going on a trip to a Yuraba village. In the backwaters we are going to attend a masquerade festival. We will each be loaded into a canoe and paddled to the village by waterway. I'm thrilled and will take pictures and tell you stories about it when I can.

Ain't no mountian high enough!

We have a new class song. We sing it 100 times in a row. It's stuck on repeat. We sing it on the top of our lungs with our own hand motions and they wait to see who I'm going to point to when we sing the line about "nothing can keep me getting to you Babe!" The boys grin and blush, tucking their heads in embarrassment.

In honor of Valentine's Day I've taught the Sparkle Diamond "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"performed by Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell. It's quickly became "our" class song. Today we decorated our Valentine holders and impromptu they sang a capella it for the whole 30 minutes! Otokini came up and said, "Excuse me Ms. Diamond, because we love singing this song so much, can you play it on your computer?" So we spent the rest of the time listening to the verses and then chiming in when the chorus played.

Now, it's playing through MY head on repeat. So, let me tell you Baby! There ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough. Ain't no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you BABE! And yes, I'm pointing directly at YOU! Happy Valentine's Day!

Acid

Me at the market

For all of those who are not part of the Facebook world. Here are some links to my pictures. One is from my most recent day at the beach. Another album is views that I see from the passenger seat while we drive through Lagos. The third takes you along my weekend adventure to the local markets. And finally the last is the compound of my friend Linda. I thought you would like to see scenes from my life here.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=55209&l=c7b23&id=515407286
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52885&l=6be9c&id=515407286
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=55626&l=85967&id=515407286
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=55604&l=dc146&id=515407286

Some highlights of my week were getting my eyebrows waxed, finding a new steward Lawrence, having the principal get the janitor Daniel to unlock a bathroom stall to get one of my students out, stirring our 100’s stew to celebrate the 100th day of school and getting a long detailed email from my friend GP!

As you can see some beauty and some beast in there.

This week I picked up the poetry of Mary Oliver as it always refreshes my soul. Here is one of my favorites because it reminds me of the poverty I see around me. I had a great conversation with my friend Gbenga a couple weekends ago concerning something similar. He said that people who abnormal growths will beg for money on the streets here. You see them holding out their hand and you try to look them in the eye but your attention is drawn to the huge inflamed body part. Overgrown penises, swollen ears, or elephant hands. The hearts of many are pulled into response as they dip into their nearly empty pockets and leave their tattered nira bill. This swollen limb plays on the kindness of the human soul and pays the bills. But, when is enough? Often once they have collected the sum for an operation many decide not to. How could they give up the steady income? Desperation is their daily companion. They are acquaintances with a dependency but never become close friends. Having lived here for 6 months my mind is full of shadows that will stay with me like a bead of acid. As I live here I can't help but access that nest of wires and imagine myself in their position and I wonder what would I do?

Acid
Mary Oliver

In Jakarta
among the venders
of flowers and soft drinks,
I saw a child
with a hideous mouth,
begging,
and I knew the wound was made
for a way to stay alive.
What I gave him
wouldn’t keep a dog alive.
What he gave me
from the brown coin
of his sweating face
was a look of cunning.
I carry it
like a bead of acid
to remember how,
once in a while,
you can creep out of your own life
and become someone else—
an explosion
in that nest of wires
we call the imagination.
I will never see him
again I suppose.
but what of this rag,
this shadow
flung like a boy’s body
into the walls
of my mind, bleeding
their sour taste—
insult and anger,
the great movers?

This group of Nigerians were working along the go slow (traffic jam) They were all missing some limb or another and were begging for money.

Lawrence

There was a light knock on the door around 6:45. I opened it expecting to see an older man but instead it was Grace with her normal brilliant smile. She said she came to get her muffin pan. Seconds after she left another little knock rattled on the door. This time it was the expected face of Lawrence. He politely stamped his feet on the mat before he walked in. We reviewed his tasks for the day and made sure we were on the same page about lunch before I left.

When arriving home for lunch the table was set with plates and napkins. When we brought our plates so the kitchen he told us no. He wanted to bring the food to us. The plates were left on the table. He also apologized for not being able to do all of the cleaning because of the bad state the cleaning had already been done in.

We like him and can tell already that he is going to be a great improvement.

On Saturday we have an interview with a steward named Mark. But, unless he is super impressive we are going to hire Lawrence for two days a week.

The latest

This weekend I saw a great movie called Bridal Wars. I loved it! It was funny, had great dialogue and the two main characters were different from each other but the film presented both of their strengths and weaknesses well. The Nigerians loved it and were squealing with delight. They would throw their hands and feet up while laughing.

I also got to work in my friends garden. I had two little helpers age 5 and 8. They live in the boys quarters and their dad works for someone who lives in the compound. It was tough work and we all three got a long so well. We turned dirt, weeded the scattered weeds, outlined one of the garden plots with broken white plate, and planted and transplanted rocket, lettuce, garlic, radish, and bok choy. I was sweating like a cold coke on a hot day. I also planted little pots of these vegetables and they are now decorating my patio. I can't wait for our own fresh veggies! Lettuce is around 10 dollars a head here so it will be nice to have our own.

I lead a scavenger hunt on Sunday. It was organized by my friend Stacey for her son Kaelan who is in my class. It's always a hoot to see your children outside of the classroom. Some go shy and get cold feet. Others will wave and dance at you from a distance but ignore you when you are face to face. Others love you and aren't even aware that the setting is different or that you are wearing shorts and flip flops. It makes me wonder what goes on in their heads and how they process this familiar face is a very different setting. The scavenger hunt was a blast. We had to ring doorbells and bribe them for different items. It was very creativly done.

I'm trying to decide where to go for my spring break. I'm torn because I was going to go with a group of my flatmate, and a couple, to Turkey. But, I'm not sure if I want to. I like their company but I'm not sure if every night will be spent getting drunk or high. And I had mentioned that maybe Mark would be coming along with us and so now Mary Ann has invited her boyfriend and he is thinking about coming. Mark has not returned however and so I would become the odd duck out with two couples. If Mark did return I still wouldn't invite him because it would be too couply.

I got to help with my first professional development class. It was about guided reading. I loved teaching it and it was amazing because Dee Dee and Paiga were attending. They have had to realize that this is the direction the school is going and that I am one of the teachers they are using as a model! That night Paiga called and told me she needed my help and so we talked through her questions and she said that she would want to see me in action. Amazing! The tables have turned and time and talent has proven the truth. Cool huh? I'm excited to help her too because it's really a more individualized style of teaching.

Different than expected

Mary Ann and I made two phone calls this week. One to Esther and one to Felica. Mary Ann talked with Esther and it seemed to go pretty well. They agreed on a time for an interview to be our steward; 2:30 Thursday. I called Felica and it was a confusing mess. She sounded worlds away and talked as quickly as a chipmunk.The only two words I could make out were "Oh God!" After 10 times of telling her I couldn't hear her and asking her to slow down so I could understand I ended the conversation with "Okay, so we'll see you tomorrow at 3:00!" I wasn't surprised when three o'clock came and passed with no knock on the door to announce her coming. But, I'm sure she has just as much trouble understanding my accent as I do hers.

Today we had three appointments and three no shows. Even our art teacher Lanre didn't come. But, I did get a text from him. And instead of a packed, busy afternoon it became a luxurious, relaxing afternoon. An afternoon where Mary Ann and I looked up vegan recipes online, were I IMed with friends around the world and I tried to bake cookies (they turned out looking like those melted clocks in the famous painting by Dali.

Harmattan

This is the setting sun during Harmattan season. I caught it on my way home from work.

We've official entered the "winter" of Nigeria. It's a season called Harmattan. The temperatures can get down in the 60's! But the signature of this season is the dust. The deserts bring in the coolness of this season and all the dust with it. My contacts are frequently scratchier and we all have sinus issues such as stuffy noses, and the constant nasal drip.

We have some amazing skies due to the dust in the air.

Here is what Wikipedia had to say about it:

The Harmattan is a dry and dusty West African trade wind. It blows south from Sahara into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March (winter).^[1]

On its passage over the desert it picks up fine dust particles (between 0.5 and 10 micrometres). When the Harmattan blows hard, it can push dust and sand all the way to North America.

In some countries in West Africa, the heavy amount of dust in the air can severely limit visibility and block the sun for several days,comparable to a heavy fog. The effect caused by the dust and sand stirred by these winds is known as the Harmattan haze, and costs airlines millions of dollars in canceled and diverted flights each year.The interaction of the Harmattan with monsoon winds can cause tornadoes.

In Niger, people say that men and animals become increasingly irritable when this wind has been blowing for a while, giving it a bad reputation.However, the cool wind brings relief from the oppressive heat, which is why the Harmattan has earned the nickname "The Doctor".

Confirmed

My alarm began croaking at 5:30 am. (The ring tone is frogs) I hit the snooze button for half and hour. I counted up the hours of sleep on my fingers and lay wondering why I was still tired. I went through my morning routine and walked to school for my two minute commute I'm always so grateful for.

The morning bell announced the beginning of school. The Sparkle Diamonds greeted me at the door and were now busy reading or writing. I had a small group of three with me. We meet every day to practice their reading. I was happy with their progress as the books I had chosen were too easy for them. They were growing as readers. Yet, why was I so grumpy with them and short with them? I quickly called the group to a close.

It came on suddenly. The nausea and the flash of heat. I just stood there battling in my head about what road of action to take. Could I throw up in front of my kids? I decided not and told them my stomach was hurting and I needed to rush to the bathroom. Tonyee the teaching assistant was still at her morning duty but I had to get to the bathroom before it was too late. Plus, I trusted my kids to stay alone.

I made it just in time. Now, I'm home sick.

I was sleeping when I heard the front door open. I thought it must be Grace since it was too early for Mary Ann to come home for lunch. I shook off some of my grogginess and decided to walk into the kitchen to see what Grace was doing. Maybe she came down for her slippers or radio. I wanted to be ask quiet as I could so I wouldn't interrupt her. As I walked in she was filling a container with noodles. I asked her what she was doing. She said that she was getting lunch. I had told her she could eat. I never thought to clarify only on the days you are working for us. I told her but you aren't working for us today Grace your'e working for Shair. She kept repeating that I told her she could eat. She didn't seem to understand that my invitation to eat wasn't an open invitation for any time she liked. Now, I don't feel so bad about our decision.

Thoughts provoked

This week was smooth and steady. I’ve felt more organized since returning from break and have really felt settled in our classroom routines which results in more sanity of everyone involved. It’s been wonderful because I’ve been able to be one step ahead of the game now. On Monday I’m already using my planning time to tackle the necessities for the next week. I’m really excited because this week I get to help teach my first professional development class on guided reading. I get so passionate about teaching and it’s nice to have this fresh outlet to teach teachers.

The weeks here just flash by. It seems like it’s constantly another Friday. I’m not complaining. This weekend I had some new adventures. AISL hosted a softball tournament against local companies. We took advantage of this and went to the beach hut. Immediately upon arrival I changed into my suit and waded into the water. It had a completely different personality this time. It was calm and the breaking waves were small and friendly. I was pleasantly bobbing along when I felt a sting on the back of my leg. I drifted my hand through the water to see if there was anything around under there. I found nothing. I just ignored it and swam away. A couple of minutes later my friend, Amanda, said that she was getting stung as well. By this time it had happened repeatedly to me as well. We quickly swam to shore to reveal welts, bumps and rashes. I showered and hung my suit up to dry, that was it for the day. I’m not sure what it was but it must have just been that spot because a young boy was in for triple the time and he never get a single sting.

While basking in the sun to dry I saw a lot of movement down the shore. There was a long wooden boat circling the water. A net was being left in its drift. A lone man was in the water smacking the surface. On shore there were a group of about 40 men in a long line pulling in the net. I walked over to investigate. I wanted to learn more about what kind of fish they were catching and see if I could possibly help pull the nets with them. It was only men and a group of young boys. Their back breaking work had produced them two small grouper fish, some blue crabs the kids adopted and a couple of silver bait fish. They were very kind, letting me snap their photos and ask them questions. Finished for the day, I didn’t get to help pull the nets but maybe another time.

I have some lovely friend named Ronke and Bonkole. They have two kids that I’ve written about previously. I found out the first weekend of my return that they were moving to Abjua because Ronke got a new position working with the UN on environmental issues. The kids have moved already since school resumed on Monday for them. I thought Ronke had made the move as well but I was pleasantly surprised when they invited me over this weekend. Since the beach is ten minutes from their house I invited myself to spend the night. They were touched that I wanted to spend so much time with them. I got the real African treatment. Ronke and I spent the evening chatting over boiling and bubbling pots. I had asked her to teach me how to make some the traditional Nigerian meals I so enjoy. My lessons for the night were Okra soup and Amala, which is similar to cream of wheat. I got to bucket bath and live with tiny bugs, cockroaches that scatter and hide on the door hinges, and investigating mice. One thing that I was surprised with was how noisy was. I was constantly woken at night by local dogs, the 5:00 am morning masque call, and the creaking doors of someone venturing to the bathroom. I enjoyed my time with them but missed the company of the children.

I’m in school. My professors are my Nigerian friends. Saturday while at the beach I had a class lecture from Gbenga about the scammers and the life of poverty. I’ve quickly learned that Nigerians LOVE to talk. When they have a quiet audience they will take full advantage. I sat for a couple of hours only asking questions for clarification but never getting a real opinion or word in. Conversations here are one sided and there never seems to be a proper place to end them. I’m surprised they don’t hyperventilate from lack of breath. But, I don’t mind because I do love learning from them. Their world view is different than mine because I’ve never had to survive poverty. While I’ve been in situations of empty cabinets and negative bank accounts I have plenty of family and friends to call upon. My opportunities don’t involve an intricate scam or a ripping off a mirror to resell it on the market.

Today Lindas driver Lukeman came to see me. He was all shy and nervous as we quickly recapped our weekends. We walked toward the office as we chatted and I wasn’t surprised when he asked behind his grin and a handkerchief if he could ask me two questions. I told him that I was on the way to the office to talk with the principal but he could ask me right then. He got nervous and with a face that is all grin told me he would come back later. I was wondering what he was going to ask me and was seriously hoping it wasn’t about a date. Twenty minutes later he stuck his head into my room and said “Oh, you are busy?” and before I could answer he quietly closed the door while saying he would come back. A brief second later there was a slight tap on the door and he stuck his head in again and said “When will be a time that you aren’t busy?” I told him that I would always be busy but that I wouldn’t mind meeting right then that I could make time. He stepped in a started to tell me his story about needing to relocate and that his wife (huge breath of relief and extreme happiness) was a hairdresser and that she worked out of a container. To save money they were also living in the container. He wanted to move to another part of Lagos and needed money to get this done. You know I’ve heard a lot of different stories. I’ve leant money to my art teacher and friend in the past. It’s either the ATM ate their bank card, or they need money for transport back to their state. They always pay it back and are respectful when they ask. Every time they start their pitch I think in my head “No way.” And I begin to mentally form my rejection. And every time by the end my heart has turned and I find myself saying “Sure, hold on let me go and get it.” BUT, before you paint me as naive, let me explain. I also ask them are they expecting a dash (tip) or a loan? It’s always a loan. We also clarify when they will pay it back. The amounts have never been much 35 dollars here, 50 dollars there. When I heard Lukemans story and how he just needs some 90 dollars to get him and his wife out of the container and back to his kids how can I refuse? I figure I collateral as well; his job being Lindas driver. Plus, I like to trust the Nigerians. Most of the expats diss them and don’t believe even the most honest truths. Of course these opinions have been proven over time by the select few, but I’m glad to help Lukeman. I can part with the 90 dollars for a couple of days. It would sit unused in my drawer otherwise. I’m learning to be a bank.

Friday will be our stewards last day. She doesn’t know this yet. We’ll tell her in person, pay her and ask for the flat key. We’ve tried to talk with her, and have written her an official letter detailing what were are dissatisfied with and what we would like to see. A “trail” month has come and gone with no drastic improvement. We have already lined up some interviews for the replacement steward. It’s nice coming into this new relationship with the perspective and wisdom we’ve gained from these past six months. Grace will still work for our friend two days a week. But, we never run into her so hopefully things wont be awkward. While I’m confident I can’t have any more “conversations” about expectations, and gripping sessions with Mary Ann about how those expectations aren’t being met I still feel conflicted. Is it right to fire a widow who has two children and a grandbaby to support? But, then again it wasn’t my actions that decided this. I feel like I’m playing devils advocate with myself.

My first trip to the beach

My flatmate Mary Anne and me on the beach. She just got soaked by a huge wave. 

As the last part of our orientation we all packed into a bus and took a trip to the beach.  The drive was an hour away and we were guests on a board members beach lot.  It took us a while to find the house as they all look the same.  We had to have some local help to direct us there by driving ahead of us on their motorcycles.  

Within minutes of our arrival the word was out on the beach that the ex-pats had arrived. They lined up and down the fence calling out "Hello!" and also making kissing sounds with their lips to grab our attention.  Most of us ended up bargaining and buying art, beads, and baskets for our homes.  I ended up with three beautiful bead necklaces that are too heavy to wear but are amazing as decorations. 

We played a little tag football and grilled some seasoned and perfectly marinated roast. A couple brought over two coolers from the states and generously shared.  The flavors popped in my mouth and made my taste-buds do the tango.  

After more bargaining we reloaded the van for the drive home which was quieter than the drive there.  We had our share of fun and had the treasures to prove it.  

Oh the Joy!

Today marked my first Friday at AISL. The day began with a bell ringing at 7:15 am. My TA Ms. Ossai and I looked at each other and she said, "Does that mean school has begun?" I looked at the clock and said, "No, it's still early." Teachers need to have signed in at 7:15 and school starts at 7:25. I diddled around the classroom checking last minute plans and making sure the everything was in it's place. I kept on hearing the kids say "I'm going home." And I was sad they didn't want to be at school, and debating in my head if I should address those comments. At 7:20 I was walking to the door and it popped open. The principal Mr. Smith was there and said surprised "Oh, you are here!" And then we had a brief confusing conversation about when school was supposed to start. Was it whenever the bell rang or was it at the official time of 7:25? I didn't get a straight answer but he said that he would address it. We all had a laugh and in came the kids carrying rocks they brought from home.

The parents are just as amazing. One mother asked me if I needed anything because she remember how difficult it was moving to Nigeria and not having anything. She started listing off things like a trashcan, towels, etc. And then today she left it by our classroom door, full of things and a note telling me to make a list of the other things that I need. And to give the stuff I didn't need to other teachers. This gesture was so thoughtful and I know it's only the beginning as everyone has told me that the gifts these families give are beyond generous.

We've been studying rocks. So far we've rubbed rocks and collected the dust and washed rocks which changed the colors and made while show up on the basalt rocks. So, a lot of children have brought in different rocks from their homes. The amazing thing is I never even asked them to. They just did. And with so much excitement as well. This so far has been the approach to everything. I'm in teaching heaven!

Last night was Tex Mex night at the GQ. I'm not sure what GQ stands for, but it's connected to the commissary which is a privilege granted to us even though we aren't military. A lot of other from school go and it's a fun social event because you get to met other ex-pats. The food is buffet style and instead of paying at the end they just put it on your bill and you pay when you want as long as it doesn't exceed 500 dollars. The ribs were tender and saucy and the pecan pie seduced for seconds.

Today after school we got a phone call from an artist who wanted to come and show his work. He has been to the other flats and is well known around campus. His name is Landre and is pronounced like laundry. He spread out his work on the floor and began to explain how he did his work. He had three different mediums, boutique, oil painting but not with paintbrushes, and string art. It was absolutely beautiful and I was completely entertained as he told us the story behind the work and the technique. I asked him if he could teach me and he agreed. After some negotiations we agreed that he would teach me for two months how to do boutique and the string art. I am thrilled! I was leaping up and down and yipping! My flatmate and I are started lessons on Wednesday for an hour and twenty minutes. He will buy the supplies and come to our flat after school.

But, it gets even better. For the dyes and paints he gathers plants from the bush. He began to tell me how he breaks the plants apart. I asked him if he could take us there and teach us about these paints. He agreed and said that he had done this before for another teacher. The bush in in another state about two hours from Lagos. So, I've decided to plan an outing for my friends. There is a national park called a tropical forest and he says that the ex-pats stay there. I'm dreaming up a plan for a weekend trip where we can use the school transport and have a beautiful and cultural weekend away.

I bought a piece of his work. It's a colorful painting of three womens walking with fruit bowls balanced on their heads and babies tied to their backs. The view is of them walking away. He is also having it framed for me. My heart is so excited to learn this African art and experience the bush and plants. I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures.

After we arranged for our art lessons we drove over to Tom and Lauri's house. This is the super intendant. They had invited everyone over for drinks and food to celebrate the end of our first week and the beginning of the school year. Everyone I meet I've enjoyed. People here are very unique as most of them have taught all around the world or are very outgoing and unique. Since everyone has been new at one time there is a common kindness and hospitality.

Now, I'm in bed exhausted and with a very happy dancing heart. It's been an extremely productive and positive week.

Ten Days

I have been in Lagos for a ten days. It's gone by really quickly. The first couple of days were schedule orientation. We got information about Nigeria, had a safety meeting with the American Embassy, ate at some amazing restaurants, and shopped in some busy markets.

The flats are very nice and it's been convenient living with my co-workers. It will be interesting to see if this lasts. :) I can see the pool out my window. I've been in twice. One time it was really empty and I felt like I was swimming on the bottom of the pool. I think they were doing some cleaning. My flatmate and I get a long well. She is very sweet and thoughtful.

After the couple of days of orientation my focus was on my classroom. It was piled full of left over stuff, which was convenient because my shipping school supplies that I sent in April didn't come yet. Having tons of stuff was also inconvenient however because I had to spend a couple of days sorting through all of it. I threw away so many papers from last year themes. I felt like I was wasteful but space is really tight. Today was another really long day at school. I've been working so hard to get everything ready. I have to do everything artistic. I'm so visual that I have all the details taken care of. This is okay, but it leads to a lot of work. I'll send some pictures of the classroom. Before and After ones so you can see all of the transformation.

Sad thing, I don't think we have enough broadband for me to get the latest This American Life. I have to ask our tech guys. I have had to ask them for a lot of help here and there.

Speaking of that. It's amazing the turn around here. When I ask for help or for something done they are right on it. Today I had a lot of little things done around the classroom, like some sticks sawed down, two hooks put up in the cabinet, five burnt light bulbs found for a station I made called the Light bulb Lab, my banner put up and some things laminated and printed. There are just so many capable people around. The Nigerians really make this school run smoothly.

We've gotten a wonderful steward named Grace. She come three times a week and does our washing, shopping, and cooking. We share her time with another teacher. It's been so nice to come home to a full fridge.

I thought that I could possibly use public transportation while living here but it's not safe. While I took it all the time in East Africa they recommend for us to not here. Nigeria is at the critical level for crime and they were thinking about creating a higher level just for this country. I was thinking today as I was pealing off labels that I'm so unaware of the world around me. I am not even conscious of the 20 million people zipping and zooming around me. There is no noise that would remind me I'm in such a densely populated place. The sounds I hear are the banging or hammers and shouts of calling Nigerian voices with such thick accents it's hard to tell they are speaking English. That is until I go through the compound gates. The world moves fast out there.

I will share a car with a couple of other people. This will keep the cost down and it is just more fun that way. There is a couple from Tacoma that I most likely will share with. They live in the off campus housing so I'll find some refuge over there during the weekend and they will find refuge in my flat during the school day.

I've not felt trapped at all yet and it's been a week since I last went off campus. I know this wont be normal, but I have been so consumed with getting my classroom together. Tonight was the first night that I sort of felt the pangs of missing friends and family. I'm so used to having an active social life. Hopefully, I was develop one that includes off campus friends. That is key!

The way my time flew

Here is an update on my summer. Beware it's long and detailed.

I'm home in Portland right now and I leave for Nigeria in four days. I'm getting packed up and have a couple of stops for the everyday commodities.

The summer has been more than I could have asked for or expected. It was jam packed literally every day.

I finished school really strong. There were a couple of activities with the students that brought sweet closure. While the school year overall was a major challenge and heartbreak at times it ended on a really victorious note. The children in April finally started to trust me and we were able to do some really outstanding lessons with cooking and nutrition. It's so rewarding to hear your students ask for seconds and thirds on bok choy and spinach. They even asked if they could take their lunch and recess time to continue cooking in the class. How can you deny them that. It just really confirmed my desires to use fun lessons such as cooking to make teaching holistic. They were surprised to see how much reading and math was involved in our cooking. School was done on June 17th. My friend Katy came after school to help me move my classroom. We had an auction at the end of the school year so I had given away my couch, area rug and the many lamps that scattered through the room. The move was done in a couple of hours and that was my end to teaching at Manitou Park.

The next day I packed up my room and drove down to Portland. This was more stressful than I thought. It was a challenge getting everything into my car, but I made it all except for my bike, which I planned to get the next time up.

I had that night to pack for New Mexico. I was going to visit my best friend Roxie. We hadn't seen each other since last March when I was here for those two months before Australia. She was the perfect host always telling me about the surrounding geography and history behind the names that we zoomed by on the highway. We did two hikes at Pueblo Indian reservations. And we had some great conversations since we have had some different theology.

My mom picked me up from the airport late that night and I stayed up until 2:00 am unpacking, doing laundry, repacking and uploading pictures. My dad arrived at 5:00 sharp the next morning to start our 2,200 mile road trip down the West coast and into Baja. This was a momentousness time of my life as I've never had such a long period of uninterrupted time with my dad. Not only do I love him because he is my dad and it's my daughterly duty, but I adore him as a person. I made sure to take some mental snap shots and store some of these memories into my heart forever. The drive was great and long. I slept most of the way and also read and listened to podcasts. It was all desert and dry land until we got to the Sea of Cortes which was a brilliant blue and such a welcomed sight.
We picked up my step mom the day after we arrived at our house and after that we rested, swam in living aquariums of teeming fish, and enjoyed the tiny artistic town of Todos Santos.

We left our rig in Todos Santos and flew back on the 13th of July. I then had four days to get some shopping done and to tie together some of the loose strings before my move.

But I still had a lot more fun scribbled into my diary planner. On Thursday night I picked up my friend John who had gotten a ride share down to Portland from Tacoma. He spent the night and the next morning we set off with a packed car of borrowed camping gear. We were going to a Bluesgrass Festival called The Northwest Summit. We arrived to a sea of cars and tents. It seemed like the rest of the crowd had come early to steak our their spots. We eventually found a spot to unload. I was a little anxious going into this festival. John and I are really good friends but we had never discussed drug use as we have some different views in some areas but not most. I was totally reassured when I researched the website for the festival and it overly stressed that this was a family event, cars would be searched and any found drugs would result in a cut bracelet. But, as we walked around the camp grounds the smells and sights made me realize that this was just a facade to keep the officials away. I was in culture shock for the first day and John told me that he was pretty sure me and him were the only ones sober. Despite this shock I enjoyed the concert with the dancing and people watching. The outfits were outrageous as it was a mix between Halloween and giant frat party. I do regret not taking pictures of these characters. I've concluded this aspect of the hippy culture is not for me and it was empty compared to the dancing we get to do in response to the Divine.

We came home dusty and smelly on Sunday night and after getting cleaned up and me doing another load of laundry we feel asleep to the strumin bluegrass still dancing through our heads.

Monday I repacked and we set off for Tacoma where I would meet up with friends until Wednesday. My time was busy and satisfying. Every day I got to see at least three different people. I went for walks around my home town, sipped tea at my favorite cafes, and best of all just connected with people. On Wednesday I picked up my friend Phuong and we headed north for the San Juan Islands. We had reservations at a bed and breakfast on Orcas Island. Surprisingly enough one of my friends was also on the island during the same time. Tray was leading a biking trip and she was cooking lunch for her group. She invited us to join her. Also I had made a new friend on the ferry, Damion, and we had dinner at his friends house that night. The trip was charming and I'm very much drawn to island life in this artistic community that has only curvy roads with a 35 miles speed limit. I think I might look into moving there some day.

We got back on Friday through tons of uncalculated but expected traffic. It was Friday afternoon and the whole world is trying to escape from work. I did arrive home in time for my dinner date and was ready for bed when it was time.

Saturday was more friends and some really amazing conversations about spirtuality and Christianity as I have been having tons of questions recently. In a nutshell I'm trying to figure out if I'm solely disillusioned with the church or does it go deeper to the core of something bigger. I've been asking questions and this day I had two great conversations that were food to my soul.

Sunday John and I drove down the the state capital and meandered through the farmers markets and then down the waterfront. I wanted to go to my favorite free trade store/restaurant. They were closed. After lunch at a different restaurant and a quick walk John caught the bus back up to Tacoma and I drove east to Shelton.

This is my last adventure. I joined my friends Sandra and Sage and we went up north and had a grand time skipping in and out of the watery tide pools.

Now, I'm home. My sister comes up from San Fran tonight. I've packed one bag and have two more to go and am confident I can fit all of my life in.

Here is my new mailing address. All else will remain the same.

AISL
Sandy Hackbarth/ CAb Annex
For: Meag Diamond
C/O Tacoma School District
P.O. Box 1357
Tacoma, Wa 98401-1357

They will send the mail to me twice a month.

Now that I've given you a novel to pour over I would love one in return. Don't leave out any details! :)

Lovingly,
Meag

I have been having grand adventures around the area for my spring break. Actually, my finger tips are so sore right now, it's hard to type. The reason why is I got to work on a garden plot. There is only two organic farms in Tacoma and I have a plot of garden in one of them. My friend John is a Jesuit Volunteer and he lives in a house next door to a intentional community. They have the organic garden. They gave space to John to plant and have fun and knowing how much I love gardens and getting my hands dirty he invited me to have it with him. We worked yesterday in the pouring rain and the brilliant sunshine. It was a very fickle day and on moment would be blue skies and warm sunshine. The layers would need to be stripped off and then passed thirty minutes and the pouring rain that drenches you in seconds would start. When it was raining we would retreat to the greenhouse and we planted seeds of tomatoes and basil. In the garden plot we were preparing the land by getting ride of the intruding morning glory, black berry bushes and fennel. I come alive when I'm in a garden surrounded by nature, but my fingers sure paid the price. It's even tender to the slightest touch making writing, typing, and dishwashing unbearable.

I had a beautiful spring break. Just breath taking. On Sunday through Wednesday my friend and housemate Julia and I drove up to Mount Rainier. We snow shoed for 7 miles with a 2,000 foot elevation gain to a little cabin called Cooper Creek Hut. It's run by a non-profit and can sleep 14, so each night we had different company. During the day we would take long day hikes that lead us out on the very tops of mountain ridges. The mountain was close and up in our business. We would come back to the cabin right when the other groups were booting up and heading out for their day skis. This left the cabin quiet and peaceful. We blasted the fireplace and got all toasty after taking a quick snow bath. With so many others sharing space we had to share the stove, but worked out really nice and we made some delicious food including a Trader Joes pot roast and roasted green beans and almonds.

Wednesday was a day of relaxing and transition as I got ready for the second half of my break. I drove the opposite way this time to the Olympic mountains. I was so engulfed in my music that the hour and half dive seemed like minutes. Here I stayed with my friends the Weissgerbers. They are a comfortable older couple in their late sixties. I had a lot of space to read, work on a puzzle, and journal. Mary Lou was an excellent cook and I looked forward to her meals. One day we went exploring on the shores of Lake Cushman and we all found walking sticks as souvenirs.

I had such a wonderful spring break and today we went back to school. We had a great day and I was surprised with how much my students had grown. They came back with new hair dos and a couple of inches taller.

American International School of Lagos

One of the things that I am thrilled about and losing sleep over (not really) is this teaching opportunity in Nigeria. I have my interview tomorrow and we had an informational meeting today. I've never been so excited about anything! Honestly! I keep on thinking, "Could I be any better suited for this job?" It will beautifully intersect all my passions except for one but I'm sure that will work out as well. Through this teaching job I would get intentional community living, a two minute walk to school,an international diverse classroom, cheap travel opportunities, more money, live in Nigeria, live by the ocean, explore a part of Africa I've never been, get to be with people who share the same passions, and be part of a team of teachers who will pour their heart into their teaching. Pinch me, I'm dreaming! My interview is tomorrow and I will be heartbroken if I don't get accepted. I'll let you know how it goes.

Revolving door

I'm always so surprised with how quickly my life changes. There seems to be a permanent mark of accerleration. And I perfer it this way! The very next day things have already rotated many degrees. First off, two kids left my classroom. One was Cole who's move has lead him to a teacher Mr. Most across the hall. What caused this move was constant sly remarks and name calling by some boys in our class. I was so sad to hear about this happening and that it couldn't have been resolved a different way. The principal reiterated that it wasn't my fault, but I it makes me wonder what I could have done differently to prevent this. I was so unaware and so oblivious. Adrian is the second student to be moving, but his location will be a farther distance. Today was his last day and I made sure he left with a letter I wrote to him about my determined belief in him and how proud I was of him. I hope those words can cancel at least two or three of the negative ones that are thrown at him day and night.

As an added bonus I got the infamous pink slip in my box this afternoon meaning we have a new student next week. CRAZY WEEK will be the official title for it because we lost one student, had one move to the next door classroom, and gained a new student. Three major changes, one day to adjust!

Another change has been a proposal that I've not decided how to respond to yet. Amy Rogers who I wrote about in the last email has asked me to teach her two sons while living in Kenya. I was thrilled but have not concluded if this is the direction I want to take. For some reason it seems like a step away from my dreams and so I need to give it further thought and ask her some defining questions.

Future plans? Glad you asked!

I have felt a lot of clarity on my future and have been getting this direction straight from God himself and then it's been confirmed through other people. Since you asked what my future held here is the answer in a long winded way, but I don't feel that this could be answered in brevity. When I came back from Australia I felt that I could do both teaching and Africa. I thought it might be teaching during the year, Africa during the summer. I'm still not totally sure what will manifest but this is where my heart is leading. I really feel like I'm still seeing in part but that there is more direction then even two weeks ago.

Well, my life continues to unfold like a red tapestry. It's beautiful and the closer I look the more I'm aware of the intricate details. Here is some of that detail, I've been planning on going back to Kenya this summer. But, I'm not sure what will happen with the violence over there. There is a chance that it might not happen. I'm really praying that I will be able to go and support them in the rebuilding and reconstruction.

But, there has been some more open doors as well. There are some job openings to teach at a sister school in Nigeria. I'm feeling excited about applying. I can see how God could have perfectly arranged for this to happen. It is only open through the Tacoma School District. It's required that you have three years teaching experience. And my principal was principal over there for five years and just got back last year. She said that she would write me a really great recommendation. The commitment would be for two years. And I feel it would be an amazing next step towards starting a school/orphanage in Africa. God has been expanding my vision for teaching and Africa even just within the past weekend.

I also got off the phone with the directors wife of the mission I'm working with this summer. They said that they are thinking about moving back to Kenya like in a year or so but that they would need a teacher to work with their autistic son. I have a lot of experience with this and am wondering what God has up his sleeve. I've begun to see glimpses of the future an there is a great excitement and anticipation in my spirit. I'll continue to keep you updated on these changes but I'm excited to see where God is leading.

Chapters of my life

If I was to write you a story about my classroom and the experiences there it would be titled GOD MY VINDICATOR! My teaching continues to be a challenge. BUT I can see how everything is really purposeful. I'm learning so much and I feel that if I can see the big picture of why these lessons are important than I can handle anything. It's been really amazing because I've been challenged by God to live up to His standard and not to compromise to the standard of the school district of the school or the individuals on my team. Over all of these there is a heavy spirit of apathy and victim mindset. He has challenged me to be the atmosphere changer and bring the presence of God into everything I do. Recently there has been a lot of opposition to me. My teammates will start to yell at me, my parents will refuse to come to the conference or the guardians will storm into the school to report an issue. But, the great thing is since I've been working for God I've built a reputation with the administration of being fair, consistent and dedicated to my students. They have stood up for me in every issue and I'm seeing justice and vindication. It's been beautiful and I've been learning that if I take care of myself and walk in integrity, then God will take care of the rest.

One of the chapters in this story about my teaching would be called MIRACLES IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL? IT IS POSSIBLE! Also there are some real miracles in my students recently. That has been giving me motivation to continue. One of my students Adrian has changed so much just in one day. I prayed for the apathy over him to be broken and the would have motivation to work. The next day he was different. He was productive, staying in his seat, not having side conversation, raising his hand with answers or asking for help. I've rarely seen this from him. I took time out in the class to brag about him to the other students and then gave them the chance to brag about him and complement him on the things that they've seen him doing. People began to sit next to him, they initiated conversations with him, they would put their arm around him. I feel as if all of heaven has encouraged each of us in this classroom to reinforce these positive choices he started to make. It's been miraculous to watch! I'm excited to see what God continues to do!

Wow, a lot has been happening with me. A couple of weeks ago I was just so dissatisfied. Tears were my constant companion. I was really longing for more of Jesus. I just wanted to be in heaven with Him. My friend was telling me today that in Heaven His face is like liquid crystal and it has sparks of color flying off of it. I want to see that!!!! I was longing also for Australia and the Tribe. I miss having a community that is corporately seeking supernatural realms and walking in the truth of Jesus' message. It's not happening here. Everyone seems so far behind in what God is doing. I have to be grateful for the little pockets of water holes. When I come to one I drink deeply and greedily.

I've been living with a family and on Sunday I said to God, I am longing for something different but I'm not going to look for it. If you want me to move out then I'm asking you bring the opportunity to me as confirmation. The next day I was spending time with friends and one of them mentioned they are looking for a housemate. I knew it was divine. This house is a couple of blocks from some of my best friends and it is more central to my lifestyle. Plus I would get to share a room with Katy who is someone I learn a lot from and connect really deeply with. It's not official in the physical but I feel a shift in my spirit and know this will most likely happen.

Also through a series of crazy confirmation I've began to dream about returning to Africa again. This is a major heart transition. Even two weeks ago I was saying "No thank you!" My dreams were to settle down in Tacoma and transform lives through teaching. I'm not totally sure what is up God's sleeve but as I began to pray "Lord, don't let the devil have any glory concerning my destiny. If I'm supposed to go to Africa, change my heart." That weekend I got two emails about missions and Africa. One was a dream my friend had of me. She went to hug me and I had lost all of my "Chineness". My eyes and skin were Anglo. She was incredibly grieved and saddened. As she prayed for an interpretation she felt God was saying "Don't forget your heart of missions... . perhaps Africa." So, I know that something is shifting and I'm praying about where I should go and for how long. Is it just a summer trip or a diving fully into this missions idea again? I'm not totally sure but I do know that God is going to vindicate all that happened this past year and it's going to be glorious, not half baked.

One place I've begun to see this redeemption is by getting to share what I've gotten from Austraila. Whether that be music, books, teaching, or the lessons I've learned. It's been so great to see people get provoked and encouraged from this. Yesterday my friend and I soaked to the Captured CD and she said, "Man, Meag it's like you prophetically know which Cd to play because I get so touched every time." But, I resurred her it's all good and it's all soaked with Holy Spirit. I was so spoiled in Australia to be surrounded by such rich resources and I've decided that I'm not going to be shy on spending my paycheck on these resources so others can have and eat this rich life packed food.