Still in Transition

It is now nearly three weeks since our last crisis started and we have been in our new flat for over two weeks. The house is comfortable with plenty of space; in typical African fashion we are only using two rooms as the kids and aunties choose to all sleep in one room. The only thing we miss is more frequent light. Rarely is there light in the morning and often we only have a few hours in the evening.

The kids like that it is easier to get to school on time and it will be much easier when Nat starts after school discipleship and when Nat and Annette have after school sports, but I find I have less time at school for planning and marking since we now go home together. Once I get home it takes a lot of effort to finish my work, but I finally set up a study space for myself so it's getting a little easier.

With all the adjustments it is finally hitting me that I still have some emotions to deal with. Since we live on a smaller compound now I noticed we spend more time together as a family. While that is good, it also means that I have not had much space to deal with my emotions The curfew is now 6:00 pm to 6:00 am so Amson is usually in the house by 5:30 pm and the kids and I are often home by 4:30 pm.

Sundays we have been spending the day at Dogon Dutse. The church is on the same compound so we attend church, have lunch and the kids have some time with their friends. With all the police checks we allow at least 1 1/2 hours to get across town. Before we could take the same route in about twenty minutes, but now there can be delays on the way.

School has resumed well. All students are back and classes are going strong again. I find it is taking me more effort to concentrate, but the first week back went well. I was lucky that I had done most of my planning already so it I only had to make a few adjustments the first week. The kids are doing fine in their classes too.

We continue to pray that calm remains and that we will eventually be tempted to take the peace for granted, but for now, security is still a priority that requires one's attention. Please pray with us that people of Jos and Plateau State will be able to trust one another again and not be tempted to fear one another. Without forgiveness, reconcilation, and the efforts of the government many wonder how peace will reign. As Christains, we are fortunate that we know the bringer of peace and that we can be at peace in God's hands. I also pray that opportunities to share the God of Peace will occur so that more will come to know Him.