Safe and Sound in Ibadan!

Just in case you were awaiting the message, I arrive safely in Ibadan, Nigeria. I can’t believe that I have only been here a few days! I feel like I have already known some of these people for ages now! Needless to say, they are all so welcoming to me. I have been told/seen that in Nigerian culture you must welcome everyone upon entering a room. If you do not “greet” they will not invite you into your conversation. Also, even if you greeted them in the morning, if it is afternoon you must start the process all over again.

Well, our work week began on Monday! I am actually working with another 2nd grade teacher, who is about to have a baby any day now. So I will have both classes for this term (through December), then come January they will be split. It has been wonderful to have someone to give me ideas and help me out as I learn more about the school. I also finally have a class list!!! I have twenty students, the majority are Christians, though I do have some Muslim and Hindu students, so you can be praying for them. As far as nationality goes, I have students who are: German, Indian, Nigerian, American/Nigerian, British/Nigerian, Irish/Nigerian and Lebanese! So quit the mix! I also found out that I will be coaching the girls soccer team and possibly to running/assisting in a speech and debate club. 

I also got to go to the market for the first time today! I am glad that I went with two guys, I had no questions in regards to my security :) The market was hectic! It was a good experience, but I will only go on days that I have a lot of energy :) Well, for now this is just a quick update! I do want to say though that I am settling in very well and the knowledge that God is close has been my security!! I have stepped into a school that truly loves God and recognizes His sovereignty! 

~ Both of these pictures are a view from inside the school onto the street. Sorry, not a very good ones, I will try to get a better one sometime.

         So I have finally given in and decided to join the world of blogs. I have to say that I have put off blogging because frankly, I wasn’t sure I would keep up with it. However, with my new move to Nigeria I feel that this may be one of the best ways to keep up with people. 

Well, as most of you know I have signed a two year contract to teach 2nd grade in Ibadan, Nigeria. I leave this Friday the 26th from Nashville where I will fly to Atlanta. In Atlanta I will meet up with two other American teachers and the three of us will hop on a 12 hour flight to Lagos Nigeria. From here we will take a two hour drive to our new home in Ibadan. We should be arriving sometime Saturday afternoon.  

For the mean time though, I am trying to finish packing and just enjoying my time at home in TN for a little while. Well, actually I have been here for three whole weeks, which is longer than I have been home since who knows when! Surprisingly, we also had one weekend when we were all home and we even managed to fit in some family pics.

I know, my family is great :) It will be sad to leave, but exciting to see what God has in store for me. That being said I really appreciate everyone who is and has been praying for me as I start out on this new adventure. Currently, I would really like prayer for:

• the trip over for me and those traveling with me.
• the ability to adapt to my new surroundings
•         wisdom on setting up and preparing my classroom.