Monday

Saturday March 12, 2011

Went to a revival at Lnakiviri, not far from Jalingo. The kids went also. Magdiel took a van load then came back and got us and more children and orphanage staff. We were supposed to be there at 10:00 a.m. but were not on time. Lots of group singing before our turn. A politician came by to say hello. Just like at home. Whenever folks gather they show up (election is in April) to campaign. Hannatu asked Linda and myself to greet folks. Benji had asked me to speak about the orphanage. Of course, not everyone could understand us so she had to translate. Then the orphans and some of the staff posed for a group picture. Next was an offering for the orphanage. I got some video of the band playing while they held the offering. The morning session closed. We went to Rev. Liatu’s house while we waited for Magdiel to get back from taking the first group of children to the orphanage. When Linda and I got back to Benji’s office there was no electricity, so couldn’t check e-mail or do any other work. We each had a bowl of mixed fruit. I proceeded to not feel well. I think I’m not hydrating well enough. Don’t know what the deal is. Magdiel brought us bck. I drank more water and took a Pepto and a shower. Then I started to feel better. I hope I can rest more tomorrow. Worship at the revival starts at 9:00 a.m. Hope I can deal with it OK. High temp was 113F with 11% humidity. No wonder I cannot feel myself sweat.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Good luck transition team folks with your webcast! Of course you won’t get this until after it’s all over. I cannot use the internet. A transformer is out in the orphanage and secretariat area, so guess I’ll just wait. If we get a chance tomorrow, maybe we’ll do the internet café. Of course, cannot put this on. Too many viruses. I’ll have to wait until the electricity comes back to blog again.

We went back to the revival for the closing services this morning. It started about 9:00 a.m. and I didn’t look to see what time it was when we finished. It was well into the afternoon when we got back to the guest house.

It is really hot! When I looked at the thermometer this afternoon it said 111 F. I’m feeling much better today! Yesterday I couldn’t even sweat much. Couple things I think I figured out: 1) I’m not eating the foods I’m familiar with 2) Drinking bottled water with no trace minerals 3) I’ve been sweating a whole bunch 4) I am probably deficient in a couple things. Started a multi-vitamin. Brittany has some sent from the US. Her parents sent her some that were better so she isn’t using these. I’m not going to be here much longer so these should help a bunch. I’m not eating much either since it’s so hot. I’m sitting on my bathroom floor. It’s the coolest place I can find in the house.

Anyway, back to the revival.  Sitting through a church service in a different language is tough, even if part is in English. There were about four of five little boys who did a synopsis of the event at the end, journalist style. They were really darling. They spoke in English first and then switched. Rev. Salamatu, the former director at the orphanage, is the District Superintendent in the area so I got to visit with her a little.