Living and Teaching for God in Nigeria

Twenty Years and Counting!

2011-11-22T11:48:00.001-08:00

Three weeks ago I marked twenty years in Nigeria. When I look back over the years I am amazed at how rich my life has been as a result of my accepting God's call. Sure, I've missed out on family events in the US, but in return I found a husband and we have formed our own family here. Yes, I have lost touch with many friends in the US, but I've also made many friends here and with the help of Facebook have reconnected with friends from years past and kept in touch with my extended family.

I am also very fortunate to have work that is rich and and rewarding. Granted, teaching is never easy and the workload only slows down when we have a long holiday, but I enjoy my colleagues and my students keep me young at heart and challenge me in ways that are never boring...frustrating at times, but never boring!

This past year I have also watched my children grow and mature in ways that make me proud. Both Nat and Annette are now taller than me and I love that Daniel still comes in from his play to give me a kiss. Nat is developing into a top notch soccer player and Annette has just become a teenager and is showing talent on the clarinet and becoming a more serious student.

I pray that God will continue to bless my family and our work here in Nigeria. Amson and I are often on the go with his pastoral duties and my teaching duties, but fortunately the lifestyle here reminds us to keep family as number one and allows us to slow down when needed.

God, it's started again...

2011-08-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

Tension again, cars burning, people dieing,

Shots in the air,

What's happening out there?

"Stay at home, don't go out."

Shots in the air,

What's happening out there?

School cancelled, events postponed

God, why has it started again?

School work sits,tests and projects postponed,

It's hard to read today,

When there are shots in the air.

What's happening out there?

God, why is it happening again?

Don't shut down,

Keep the pessimism away.

Let optimism and creativity rule,

Even though there are shots in the air.

Remember, God is in control.

God, let our dreams of peace, when neighbors can live without fear and suspicion, become a reality again.

This poem was written during the August 30-31, 2011 crisis. After my summer in the US I returned to Nigeria with the determination to live with a more pro-active perspective. This was written after I realized I was starting to shut down and just go on auto-pilot where I just live by responding to comes before me instead of thinking ahead to what needs to be done and planning ahead with more creativity and purpose.

Home Is Where You Hang Your Hat

2011-07-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know where this saying came from, but I tend to agree. I've lived outside of the United States for nearly twenty years now and Nigeria has become home. As I write this I am visiting my home of origin and am even sleeping in the same room that I slept in about 45 years ago with three of my sisters.

I've been back for over a month now and I have certainly enjoyed my time back with my mom and visiting other family members and sharing bits of the American culture with my kids and husband, but the thing I think I have apprecited most is the order I see in the institutions that are the social caretakers and the orderliness of most citizens living within the society. Most of all, I love my nearly daily walks around Lake Sacajawea, a lake and park system that has been such a part of my childhood.

As I walk around the lake I see how well it is cared for, as I observe the preperations for the Independence Day weekend I am amazed at how well the details are planned out. I see how people drive on the highways and how most follow the rules of the road. I see how organizations have concern for making positive contributions to the well being and education of the children it serves.

Granted, there are parts of the society that are not so great or seem so trite after my years in Nigeria, but I'm lucky to be a part of two cultures. It's funny, I'd say the US culture is one to be admired from a distance and the Nigerian culture is better close up. It's people that make the difference and I have great friends and families in both cultures

Family Memories

2011-01-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

I received word last week that an aunt died. Living outside of my home country for nearly twenty years means that years can pass before I see some relatives; such was the case with Aunt Beverly. As such, when I was able to view a slide show of her life on the internet I found myself somewhat detached in the beginning.

Nonetheless, as I watched the slide show memories came flooding back from childhood experiences with extended family. I thank God for the many times we traveled back to the Midwest for holidays and family reunions.

It has been nearly fifteen years since I last attended a reunion so I look eagerly toward this summer when my family hopes to attend the next gathering. My kids only have memories from visiting the Northwest so it will be exciting to not only introduce them to extended family, but also more of the United States.

I'm thankful that my children know their Nigerian aunts and uncles well, but look forward to introducing them to their extended family on the American side. Memories are special things, but sometimes they take a lot of planning; I hope our plans work out well for this summer.

Back to Second Quarter

2010-10-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

After having a week off, we head back to school tomorrow. It's been good to have some time off, but now it's time to head back to work.

It was good to have a change of pace, and I've decided not to feel guilty that I haven't finished quite everything on my "to do" list. There was plenty of things to do: go swimming; bake muffins, bisquits, cookies, pizza; visit with other Niger wives, missionary women, visitors from the mission (ELCA); mark essays and assignments; read with Daniel; help Annette with a project; encourage Nat to practice the trumpet; teach youth at church about courtship; read for fun; revise my AP WH syllabus for the next few weeks; write up the minutes for the guesthouse board meeting; visit a Nigerian relative in the hospital; welcome Nat and Annette's friends for sleepovers (a total of 7 nights and three different guests)....see, it was a busy time!

I'm so glad I put that all in writing, I really don't feel any guilt now....maybe a little tomorrow when students ask about their essays!

Time to finish helping Annette with her Abraham Project.

Storing Up Treasures on Earth

2010-10-02T03:30:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, when my husband was feeling overworked and rundown, he asked me to preach for him and the gospel text was from Matthew 6:19-24.

Living in Nigeria for nearly nineteen years has brought a variety of meanings to this text, but the one on my mind today relates to how my attachment to material things has been challenged over the years here.

I remember when I first came, I had to learn to keep my "treasures" in my bedroom because too often a visitor when see my abundance and request that I give one to him or her. I finally started to say, "When I leave, I'll try to remember your request." (That turned out to be a pretty good way to deal with it since I'm still here!)

Another thing I learned was to think twice before bringing a treasure from my childhood or youth when I'd have to risk getting it here. When I was first married, I carefully packed a china egg cup I picked up in London when travelling there with a sister. I wrapped it in the bottom of a sock and hoped it would make the journey: it made the journey ok, but not the unpacking. My new husband was helping me to unpack and had no clue why something would be in the bottom of a sock and when he shook it, the egg cup went flying across the room. I remember holding back the tears on that day, and have tried to learn to detach myself more and more from such material treasures.

(Over the years, my husband has proved to such a good cleaner that I had to teach his younger sister to check the rubbish pile after one of his cleaning episodes because he invariably throws one or another of my little treasures into the rubbish hole!)

Today I learned that lesson was more deeply learned than I would have thought. When I was in the USA over a year ago I decided to bring back another treasure. It was a special cut glass vase that I had gotten after a special event when I was in high school. I can't remember now if it was for a birthday or graduation or if it was from my parents or a sister, but I knew that the technique used to make it was nearly a lost art in our area so I had several special memories attached to it.

I brought the vase back and it was placed well in our previous house on a shelf in our bedroom, but here in the new house I put it on display in my study. I have noticed that it draws some attention and have held my breath a few times as it gets picked up and admired, but I think it must have somehow gotten placed on a lower shelf and too close to a curtain so when Nat pushed back the curtain when coming out of my bedroom, it some how got caught and came crashing down and became shards of glass on the cement floor.

Seeing it on the floor in many tiny pieces forced me to the edge of the bed and my first reaction was to want to cry, but a funny thing happened...I realized my reaction was not really one of tears or even to shout at Nat, instead I just wanted to retell the story and share with him how special the piece was to me and why. Nat took charge of sweeping up the mess and helped me pick out a few larger shards with designs on them to put away for a few memories and I realized that I had learned the lesson of detachment better than I had thought.

Treasures are nice, but memories and working together are far more important. I have memories of going to the Arnetz shop to purchase special gifts for others with my mom and of receiving one myself, and now I have memories of my teenage son helping me clean up the mess and share its memory with me. Annette will be sad too, she knew it was special to me...thank you Lord, for keeping my heart in tact and not worrying quite so much about material wealth.

Living in His Shadow

2010-09-25T00:59:00.000-07:00

Our first quarter of school is coming to end. It's been a good start to the year, but as always, each year has it's challenges. The word I've come to use for this year is "intensive".

My day starts out with AP World History and it's like jumping into the frying pan. I'm fortunate that I have fourteen very serious students to work with. Each one is out to do well and, for the most part, are staying on top of their work and doing well. I find that it's much easier to work hard for students who are working hard to meet my expectations.

I enjoy my world history classes, American Government, and US History too. Most days I have energy to have some fun with them and the older students know me well enough to encourage me when I do have moments of stress.

For example, as I plan for this week's Independence Day Assembly that, as student council advisor, I'm in charge of, I've experienced some stressful moments. One day, after a rough class, I came back from lunch to find a luscious piece of cake with an encouraging note from one of my students.

In one of my previous blogs I wrote about getting to know students on a deeper level, but some days I feel like it's students who are reaching out to me! I guess that's why I chose this title, "Living in His Shadow". When we live in God's shadow we stay open to evidence of His handiwork in our lives; often when we least expect it.

May you too experience moments of His handiwork in your own lives.

The new Year

2010-08-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Well we've been in the house a few weeks now and have had a week of school. I honestly can't believe how comfortable it is to be in this house and how well the school year has begun.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised; I prayed and God answered my prayers! It still amazes me when he does that!

Recently I wrote about the book, Story, that I'm reading. I decided to share it with my 1st period class for our daily devotions. My 1st period is AP World History so the students are juniors and seniors. I'm sure it's been awhile since someone read them a story, but I pray they will enjoy it as much as I am.

As the school year continues, my prayer is that I can keep up with the daily demands.

Dorthea

Back to School

2010-08-05T21:38:00.001-07:00

Another school year begins for me today as teachers head back for meetings and three days to plan for the new year. School officially starts on Wednesday.

Each year I try to set a new goal so this year's has been on my mind.

Last year I prayed that I would begin to enjoy teaching US History more; and it happened! First semester was still a challenge. I am fortunate to have a really good book and by their junior year students are pretty responsible to do their reading and other homework assignments on time, so I struggle with what to add. We always do current events and try to have discussions, but the films I show are getting more dated and after we get through the basics it's been a challenge to be creative with the end of the class time.

But then, students started to share some movies they had in their home collections and when we watched them after having studied that time period in the book and found that it really added to their understanding! Plus, by the end of the year we all needed something to look forward to so we watched several different movies and ended on such a positive note that I hope to continue the practice.

The year will still start out much the same since the movies I'm familiar with start with the Revolutionary War, but I'm also encouraged to find other ways to enhance the class and make it more relevant to students.

Now my goal for this year is to get to know students at a deeper level. These past few years I've realized that even though I feel I have a good relationship with most my students, there is a difference between being friendly and really knowing them.

We had a teacher here for just one year last year and when I saw how much he interacted with the students and how much they responded to him and were impacted him, it really hit me hard. I must admit, I was envious! Granted, working full time and raising three children does require me to divide my energies, but I still pray I can find ways during class, between classes, and during student council activities (I'm the StuCo Advisor) to connect more with students at a deeper level.

As a christian teacher I feel called to both teach and disciple my students so I pray I can do that in a way that will allow them to see Christ in me more and to relate more and sharing more of myself with them. It's not easy though, It's one thing to teach, and quite another to interact more socially. The latter is quite a challenge for me!

Please join my in praying that this goal might be reached during this year!

A Good Read

2010-07-31T23:03:00.000-07:00

This summer I've been reading the book Story:recapture the mystery by Steven James.

When I first started reading it I found it so delightful that I thought I rush through it and absorb it like a sponge, but then I decided to take it slowly and just soak it in in bits.

I find it to be a delightful summary and synthesis of the Bible as it relates to today.

Here is what I read today:

"Jesus isn't interested in admires. He never was. And that's why his invitation was not 'Admire me' but 'Follow me.' That's why he was so blunt with crowds. Jesus didn't want a fan club. He wanted a spiritual revolution." p. 112

One thing I appreciate about this book is that the author processes and ponders the Word of God as it relates to today and asks questions that I might. His thoughts are not traditional, but common and random in a fresh and honest way.

Today I consider what I read and am reminded of how easy it is to go through the motions and and start looking at my feet as I go about the day and lose sight of what is going on around me. When I do that, the result is often miscommunication with my husband and children, boredom in my classroom and rising stress within me.

The thoughts in this book help me remember to look up and rediscover God's word.

Today I pray that you might also "look up" and rediscover God's handiwork.

Moving Day cont.

2010-07-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

We moved a few more things today and tomorrow a few more. Here are a few pictures of the front room with our new furniture, two of the back rooms, and the kitchen.

The house is more American than we've lived in before. It will be a treat. Tomorrow we'll move the dining table, a desk for our room which you can see through the doorway of the second picture. A few other pieces will be moved too. I put a few more pictures up today. On Thursday I hope to check in the store of furniture in hopes that we can find a few odds and ends like bookshelves, small cupboards, chairs, etc. I'll post some more pictures as the days go.

We're trying to connect the light so we can pump water too.

Keep checking in for updates!

The Slow Move Has Begun

2010-07-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

Today I unpacked the first carton in the new house, hung up a few clothes, made sure there is soap and toilet paper in the bathroom (My late Daddy drilled me on the importance of that one!), moved a few of Dan's toys over, and enjoyed first cup of coffee in our new house.

But before any of that, I went from room to room saying a multitude of prayers for our new life there. I pray it is a home of comfort, security, fellowship, and peace.

Since the kids and I are on holiday for about another month there's no reason to stress about moving in haste. I'll do a little each day while the kids are at soccer camp. Tomorrow we'll move some furniture and the new refrigerator and the tailor measured for curtains today.

I put up a picture of my parents too. Little by little it will all be done.

I look forward to setting up a new place, but it's kind of overwhelming to go through all the nooks and crannies and know what to move and toss, but as I said the other day, it will all get done one way or another.

Maybe in a few days I'll post a few pictures, but it will take awhile before it will start to look like our home. Maybe I'll find some more pictures to set around. Stay tuned!

Back Home

2010-07-10T10:32:00.001-07:00

We arrived back in Jos a few hours ago. One thing that hit me hard is how much clutter we have. That was one thing I enjoyed about being in our Yola house...no clutter!

It's amazing how easy things add up. Even now, I need to unpack, but since we're moving soon I don't really want to unpack, only to pack up again soon. I'm tempted just to run my suitcase over to the new house on Monday and just unpack it there. I'll still find stuff to wear, especially after our clothes are washed.

I think I will try to be selective about what I take to the new house and then look at what's left and decide if I really need it or not. It's easy to give away things that don't fit the kids anymore, or things they have grown out of, but it's really hard to start giving away books, things I MIGHT need one day and so on and so forth. At the same time, I look forward to the opportunity to have a fresh start.

It is a good time to scale back...I'm sure I could find good homes for some of the things and I'm sure there are some things I should just toss out.

At least I know some places that can use some things and I can think of a few people who might be interested in some of the other stuff. It's summer break and a good time to scale back and examine priorities. Wish me luck...or better yet, pray for discernment between things that would be wise to save and those that are just clutter at this time in my life. Perhaps you want to join me in this effort!

Holiday in Yola

2010-07-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

HI, we've been in Yola for over two weeks. It has been a wonderfully restful time. I've had time to read novels, magazines, a few devotional books and had time to bake. The kids and I have enjoyed time with our extended family here in Adamawa. Amson's cousins and their families are here and his mom spent two weeks with us.

We are really blessed to have this home here. I really love all the space we have and we've gotten to know one neighbor better, they have two boys Daniel enjoys.

Now we just have a few days left before we head back to Jos and move into a new house. As much as I have enjoyed our time here, I'm ready to head back...besides, my novels are all read and I only have one devotional book left and the magazines are fun, but I much prefer relaxing with a good book.

Amson arrives today to spend our last weekend with us and then we head home on Tuesday...we are so rich to have more than one home we can enjoy!

I have often wished I could share some of the various thoughts I have pondered on these past few weeks: thoughts on living more simply, rediscovering my faith in God, enjoying my children and family in Yola, and just being able to slow down. It has even been good to have less access to the internet.

Well, it's time to sign off. I've been on internet while Nat is taking confirmation class....more about that another day. Now it's time to go.

Hope you too are enjoying some downtime this summer!

Schools Out!

2010-06-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been on break for two weeks now. The past few days haven't been so fun since I've been sick, but I am feeling better again.

It's been a bit busy too. Last Sunday I preached on Mark 8:28-34. It was a good experience and I felt the Spirit's guidance.

Now we're getting ready to pack up from the "Blue House" in a few days and then head to our home in Yola, or Jimeta as the locals call it (not to be confused with Yola Town where the traditional ruler has his palace).

Staying in this house has had it's ups and downs, but then I guess that's just life in a nutshell. No matter, I'm ready for this chapter to close.

We'll have three weeks in our house in Yola and then come back to start moving into the compound where there are other ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) missionaries. It will be good for us to be on a larger compound again, I like having a little more life around us, even though I tend to be a homebody.

I also look forward to having a larger community to be a part of, I know the kids have missed that a lot. It will be different though, we've never lived around other Americans here in Nigeria, but at least one of our neighbors will be Nigerian/American like us so that will be good.

It's hard to explain how that makes a difference, but I guess it is kind of a tribal thing...though our husbands are from opposite ends of Nigeria. I've been in Nigeria long enough to know that while tribal tendancies can be dangerous, they're also quite understandable....and comfortably familiar.

Perhaps that's what I've missed most these past months, feeling at home in my home. I pray that as we move to our new house it won't take long to feel at home. In December 2008, when we spent a month in our brand new home in Yola, it was home from the moment we walked in the door. I pray that might happen again.

Well, it's time to turn off the gen and go to bed so I'll sign off.

I pray that as you read this, you too feel at home where ever you are.

Dorthea

Inner Peace

2010-04-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

Life in Jos, Nigeria continues on. School is in its last quarter and is going fine, kids are managing fine with their own school work, staying in touch with friends they see only on the weekends, church activities are going fine....everything is going on well, in spite of occasional outbursts around town, the state, or nation.

As I was making supper last night I found myself aware of the inner peace I was feeling and giving a word of thanks for it.

Most afternoons I head home tired from the day at school, and it doesn't take much stress added to the tiredness to where I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, but at the end of the week the load of work and family was feeling much more manageable.

It's amazing how much difference a positive attitude transforms life's challenges to become minor inconveniences.

At school this week I wrapped up a chapter on WWII in one class and discussed the Great Depression and earlier revolutions in others so perhaps that's part of why my own life's challenges seem so minor at the moment. Survivors of these events endured so much and lived to share their experiences.

When the kids and I were on spring break last week it was wonderful to take note of their frequent smiles and enjoyment of the restful week. I thank God that in spite of the many things, life is good and His love and care is ever present. May it also be apparent in your own life.

Spring Break

2010-03-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

After a good weekend of fun with the family in Abuja we are back in Jos and will be at the guesthouse for the next week. For the rest of the week I don't have any big plans. I did sit down and make a list today, but I don't feel compelled to exhaust myself with lots of baking or stress myself thinking about the reports I collected last week.

I do hope to do some baking. I have two pumpkins waiting to use and today I bought some cheese for pizza, but I think I'll put it off a day or two. I may do some marking too, time will tell. For now though, I just feel the need to rest and enjoy a few things I don't always have time for. Writing a few blogs, watching some mystery/detective shows on TV, reading for pleasure, tickling my kids...those kinds of things.

Tomorrow I will meet a longtime friend who has been inviting me for a lunch date since my birthday in October. When I realized I had no big plans I sent her a note and look forward to spending some time with her.

I have another lunch out planned too, but that one is a little sadder. One of my fellow Nigerwives is leaving Nigeria. Her children have pressured her to move back to her country of origin. I pray that it will be a good move and that her husband will follow. I also thank God that my family understands my calling to Nigeria.

Nigeria, and Jos in particular, continue to be full of uncertainties but we are still here and pray God will give us courage to trust Him. Uncertainties or not, I still feel God has work for us here in Jos.

Living for the moment...

2010-03-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

For the past two months we have continued to spend the week at the house on the other side of town and the weekends at our home at the guesthouse.

In between the longing for a normal routine in the midst of our constant state of flux I try to imagine that going between two homes is a luxury Truth be told, I miss knowing where I left my book, not worrying about leaving the kids' school stuff at the other house, having the right spices or cookbook when I need it, and the list goes on.

I've been thinking a lot about living for the moment; these days in Jos the dynamics of daily life often change with little notice. Last Monday, for example, there were rumours of possible riots so soon after lunch there was an announcement at school that parents were being called to collect all children and in about an hour everyone was on their way home. School resumed the next day, but that night many of us heard shooting and several received messages that attackers were coming from outside the state. In the past few days more then one group of suspected attackers have been discovered, some even today.

On Thursday students' attention was claimed during the morning while the Christian women of Jos marched past the school during a peace march. Some how my student's managed to finish their essay test, but it took a fair amount of effort...but then most school assignments demand an extra effort to be able to concentrate these days.

Even within our own family we live by the moment. Yesterday we had planned to spend the weekend in the Blue House, but soon after Amson arrived he suggested we go to the guesthouse compound and within twenty minutes we were on our way.

Living for the moment and being ready for any change...that's where we're at now. It can be exhausting and emotionally draining, but we trust God's steadfastness will sustain us.

Today, Saturday, we had some fun at school as the annual Carnival was held. It was five hours of fun for the younger kids as they enjoyed the zip line, horse rides, dirt bike and motorcycle rides, water slide, kiddie pool, time to chat for adults, and other games for the middle school kids. All was organized by the sophomore class and their sponsors and parents. For a few hours we parents just worried about our kids having fun and not getting sunburns.

Living for the moment...or perhaps I should not say "for" the moment, we live trying to concentrate on the most pressing demands so that the larger issues of security and stability do not overwhelm and consume us. Granted, those issues are vitally important, but as a mother and teacher I find I need to focus more on caring for the immediate needs of those closest to me, that is where my attention must go first.

Still in Transition

2010-02-06T06:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Crisis 2010

2010-01-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

This is day six of the most recent crisis in Jos. This is my second time around so I don't feel the stress quite as much and yet our life has been turned upside down a bit.

This was our second day at a new residence. My husband is concerned that we live so far away from the school where all the kids attend and where I teach so we have moved to a different Lutheran compound and may be here awhile. When we drove here yesterday the drive that usually takes under 25 minutes took about three times that.

There were many security checks as we passed through the areas where the crisis began. As we drove through the check points most passengers had to get out of their cars and walk, with their hands above their heads, until the got to the other side of the check point. Our police escort and the military we passed allowed us to stay in our car.

This new compound is just across the street from the school so I feel like Amson is quite relieved that we are here but the kids miss their friends and it's an adjustment to be uprooted. One nice thing is that my sisters-in-law came with us and the two other families on the compound have kids the similar ages to our kids so they can connect.

The other changes we're dealing with are that is that the flat we are staying in doesn't have light so by 7:00 pm it's dark. We are fortunate that the upstairs' neighbors are open to us charging laptops, cell phones and hanging out at their house.

There is still no news about when school will start. The first few days there was a 24 hour curfew and now it's from 5:00 pm to 10:00 am so it's a little hard to start school between those hours, though I suppose we could get creative if the curfew doesn't change soon!

Even though it's not easy on our family to be spread out between two compounds, our main concern is that peace can be maintained and that those who have been completely displaced and are left with only the clothes on their back, literally, can have their needs met and can heal from the terror they experienced.

I also reiterate what I said in my previous blog, in spite of all the craziness in the world I still believe that God is in control. I think it was during the second day of the crisis when one colleague called to see how we were and asked if I felt safe. I replied, "I feel safe in God's hand, but not man's." Perhaps those who have lived through a natural disaster have another impression, but I pray that they too can look to God for hope.

A Good beginning

2010-01-15T22:53:00.000-08:00

We started our second semester at school and one thought that has often been on my mind is how God provides what we need, when we need it...

As I was preparing for the semester one of the things on my mind was how I could improve my course on government. I've taught the course a couple of times, but never made it a high priority since I was struggling with other courses; but the time finally came.

For the past several months I've been reading a book titled Steppingstones to Curriculum by Harro Van Brummelen (I ponder a lot when I read so sometimes I can only digest a few pages as I go) and as I read a few more pages during the break they really helped as I planned for the new term. I pray that the insights will make class content more real and meaningful to my students.

I'm the kind of teacher who is very comfortable lecturing the whole classtime, unfortunately students often get bored with that approach so I am TRYING to be creative, but it can be really hard. The government course will require more student involvement in presentations of activities and current events. I hope they enjoy it. They can also take the chapter quizzes anytime during the week so I hope they enjoy that freedom. Essay tests will be over a unit so that should also be easier on me, plus, by then they should have more to say!

This idea that God provides what we need, when we need it is something that has become more real to me as I get older and the African setting has probably intensified it too. As a missionary and an expatriot it can be really easy to isolate oneself or become insular. At times I think it is necessary, but other times it becomes a dangerous temptation as one might develop a superior attitude. Often I find that God provides a needed opportunity or interruption just when I need it so that I can grow more and be stretched in ways that deepen my relationship with Him and those around me.

May you too be stretched and challenged to deepen your relationship with God and those around you. Remember, God calls most of us to live in a community.

A New Year

2010-01-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling melancholy tonight; usually I try not to write when I feel this way so that I don't come across depressing. But here I am...

The break has been good. I did wear myself out some with baking before Christmas and managed to make a nice meal for Christmas Eve...then I crashed for a few days. Then I baked, packed, and cleaned for about thirteen hours straight before getting a few hours of sleep. The next morning we headed off to Adamawa, our home state, for New Years.

Our time in Jimeta and Bilachi was very restful. We love our house in Jimeta. It is so spacious and comfortable that we immediately feel at home. Our time in the village was good too. Amson was busy visiting friends and family while I took it easy.

Nat and Annette were out a lot with friends, new and old, and Daniel was in and out too as uncles went around with him a little. I had a little time with my mother-in-law, but since it's a challenge to communicate, we don't try much. She's a very hard worker, especially as my two sisters-in-law that live with us had to head back for classes before we left and Mama was left without all her helpers.

One afternoon I spent a little time with her washing a few dishes and watching her clean and smoke fish. It was amazing to realize how quickly the fresh fish dries up in her smoker; the fish caught that morning was dried before evening.

We came back yesterday and now I am trying to think about what I want to do before school starts. I don't want to stress myself too much, but we do have to celebrate Daniel's birthday.

His sixth birthday is actually today, but we will celebrate it two days late. I'm glad I have tomorrow to do the baking. Today I had a few brainstorms about what to do and what to make so I'll bake tomorrow. Amson promised to look for the remote control car he's been asking for; I couldn't find one before Christmas and the car I did find only lasted a few hours before starting to break apart after the first time it was dropped on the floor.

Nat was happy with the games he got to play on his PlayStation and Annette could hardly believe she got the phone. (Let's hope it lasts, it's already on its second life since it was dropped in the latrine in Adamawa, but somehow continues to work.) I'm enjoying the wall clocks my husband bought me. (Not very romantic, but I did ask him to buy one as our bedroom clock that had been a wedding present finally got hit once too often by a bouncing ball and couldn't be taped up again.)

This mood I'm in has been hanging around for several days, I started thinking about my Dad and sister Mary when the kids and I were playing Monopoly. (Mary and I often played board games when cousins came for a holiday.) Later I realized that the day we were playing was actually the same day my Dad had died two years earlier. Mary died in 2001, just after Thanksgiving. I know one thing that is hitting me more this year is how important it is to not stress so much that I forget to enjoy the moment.

With school starting up again I hope I can remember that. I always get so busy when school is in session and the pace seems more draining this year...I guess that's why I have allowed myself to work less at home.

Well, it's after midnight here in Nigeria and I still plan to get up before the kids to have devotions and get my baking started. I'm always in a better mood when I get up before anyone else and can have some quiet time before the TV comes on and everyone starts waking up.

One thing I have been very thankful for is a peaceful holiday season. After rumors of unrest in Jos, and some problems in a neighboring state it has been a relief to have calm where we are. I truly believe God is in control of our lives and even if He allows trouble to occur, I also believe He provides us with the fortitude to withstand life's challenges. May this year be a year where you turn more fully toward God and trust his control.

Christmas is coming....!

2009-12-21T05:02:00.000-08:00

It's December 21st and Christmas preparations are upon us.

I was out doing my last shopping (I hope!). Found a few gifts for the boys and Amson promised to get Annette's request (she really wants a phone and doesn't think she's getting one because last night he said no...don't tell her!)

Yesterday I did some baking and soon will continue. Tomorrow I have some friends with their kids to do some cookie decorating . I just heard one family is down with the flu that is going around. It stopped briefly at our house, but our kids just had minor cases.

I was playing some Christmas music yesterday to "catch the spirit" but even after all these years it's hard to believe Christmas is coming until it's upon us. I guess I still kind of remove myself emotionally so that I don't miss family that is far away.

One thing I have realized more and more since I've been in Nigeria; especially since I've had kids is how commercial Christmas in the USA is. Here I have to remind myself that the kids might want something fun, besided their Christmas clothes. I always wear myself out by baking cookies etc. Nigeria certainly has it's share of Christmas rush, but I don't sense the pushy-ness behind it.

One thing we started this year that we haven't done before is to share Advent devotions together in the evening. The kids seem to enjoy it and notice when we forgot or were busy with school activities (some nights we've had to read two or three readings to catch up). Nat, Annette and Daniel have all taken turns with our opening and closing prayers and Nat and Annette have helped with the readings. We all seem to enjoy the time as a family and it makes me realize how rarely we do something together. We try to pray in the morning, but it's hard to get the kids up so it's usually Amson, his sisters, and me.

A few weeks the five of us went out for Sunday lunch and a drive in our new van. It was nice to just have time together.

We'll be spending Christmas here in Jos. Christmas Eve we have an early church service and the kids can open their gifts in the morning. (not sure what else we'll do Christmas Eve) Christmas Day we have church and then will share a Love Feast with other church members. (Like a potluck.) On the 28th we'll head to Adamawa to stay in our house and spend at least two nights in the village over the 1st. I think we'll be back in Jos on the 6th, just in time for Daniel's 6th birthday on the 7th.

I pray that this season offers you time to share as a family so that together you can ponder on what Christmas means to you.

Merry Christmas!

Dorthea

Maintaining a Vision

2009-11-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

This morning I was reading a student's report about the development of the transcontinental railroad in the United States in the 1860's. He shared the information that it was in 1862 that President Abraham Lincoln signed an act to support the railroad's development. As I read this I was struck by the implications of such an act.

First of all, this was during the American Civil War and secondly it was only a few years before Lincoln was assassinated. As I pondered on this I couldn't help wonder how many of us allow ourselves to make important decisions about tomorrow when our today might be filled with havoc.

Granted, Lincoln had no idea his life would be cut short, but he certainly had no guarantees that a railroad could be built during a war or that the US would still be a nation when the railroad would finally be finished, and yet he did have Hope.

He had hope in the nation, hope that there would be people to benefit from such a decision. He did have a vision for a better tomorrow. No matter the wars, literal or figurative, that rage around us we should have hope for tomorrow.

We can plan for a better future for our children, ourselves, our church, our community, our nation, etc.

Advent begins November 29th. Advent is a time of preparing for Christ's coming. I guess you could say God was a visionary. He had stopped talking to His people for hundreds of years but planned for a better future by sending Jesus. During Advent Christians are encouraged to prepare their hearts, minds, and souls for when we remember Jesus' birth.

The weeks before Christmas are often busy with shopping, decorating, baking, extra cleaning, etc but if you want to truly maintain a clear vision for tomorrow then the best thing to do is to remember the meaning of Christmas and make sure Christ Jesus is the center of your preparations.

Yes, I would say God had a vision for us all and continues to maintain that vision; let us claim it for ourselves as well.

Annette's Birthday

2009-11-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

Annette too had a birthday this month. We had planned to have a party at the house, but another classmate had one the same day so instead we made cake and cupcakes and sent minerals, that's pop or soda to the rest of you.

The cake was a team effort, Kauna made them and I decorated them. Her smile of appreciation made it worth the while. It is fun to see children grow up, especially when they share such wonderful smiles!

Nat and Boys Birgade

2009-11-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

Not long ago I wrote about Nat (Pwanekam Nathaniel that is). This picture was taken soon after his 13th birthday ealier this month.
Nat joined Boys Birgade last year and this was one of the few times he wore it to church. When they wear their uniform it is usually to act as ushers during a special service. They also have a band, mostly trumpet and drums so Nat is now taking trumpet lessons at school and his teacher says he's doing very well. It's the first time he's shown interest in playing a musical instruement, so it's easy to encourage him and after a few months I can already recognize the songs he's learning.

It's easy to be a proud Momma!

God's Word: Is it your Greatest Treasure?

2009-11-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

My husband is preparing his sermon for tomorrow and asked me to share my views on the text. When I read it, I had to laugh. The text is from Matthew 13:44-46 "The kingdom in heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field..."

Today we bought our first van. Even though it's not brand new, it is an amazing vehicle when you compare it to our other car or our previous cars. It has AC, a DVD player, and seats that will make travel to our home state very easy...even when it's over 100 degrees outside.

When I think of the verse above and the gleam in my husband's eye when he first described the van and explained how we shouldn't pass up the opportunity to buy it since they aren't often such good quality here in Nigeria, (All cars on the main market are used, or second new as we say here.) I began to wonder when I last became so persuasive over God's Word and His amazing love.

I must confess, I haven't felt God's wonder much these past weeks, rather I've felt pretty blah. This part of the school year is always tough because we don't always have a break between mid October and when we close for Christmas. It's tough too because there are tons of school activities for students and events for the community so everyone starts feeling pulled and drained. As such, it's easy to get tired and discouraged.

Yet when I think of these verses I have to stop and ponder on how easy it is to get excited about a new piece of property or something new in our life, like a "new" van or a new haircut, but how often do we rush to our friend and say, "Did you see this in the Bible? Do you know what this means to me? Can I share this precious gift with you?"

Growing up I used to hear the saying that suggested we should be careful with whom we talk politics and religion, but if we can't talk about God to those that are important to us or to those with whom we spend much of our work day, then what's the point? Why should we be so selfish to think that this special gift wouldn't be appreciated by someone else.

We often get so worried about rocking the boat or making someone uncomfortable by mentioning God, but in actuality, we end up not valuing those friends enough by being quiet. If there's a choice between sharing God's love with someone who might be seeking for the Truth and risking losing that friend if we mention God, we are being extremely selfish to decide to remain silent about our passion for God. (Psalm 39 talks about the anguish that can come when we do this and Psalm 40 talks of God's response to us.)

It's true, we shouldn't force God on anyone, or insist they understand our excitement, but I don't see anything wrong with letting others see a glimpse of our love relationship with God, to share a great insight we've gained from reading about Jesus life, or explain the new meaning revealed to us by the Holy Spirit during our personal devotion time. If God is really important to us, then let others see His Joy flow from our lives and when those blah days try to get you down, take time to stay in the Word and give thanks that God's Joy never fizzles out, even when our own threatens to do just that.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to my heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 20:8
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:3-4

A busy but wonderful day!

2009-11-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

Visiting the tailor to drop off cloth for Christmas clothes (we always have matching family attire), taking Annette to a birthday party, making granola, going to the food fair at school, and Internet time a few times to check FB and mail.

We tried to meet the tailor and waited for close to twenty minutes before having to leave to get Annette to her party. But while waiting I watched the market activity in front of the shop and realized how removed I have gotten from much of Nigerian life. This past year I've hardly gone to the market since my sisters-in-law have had more time than I have had. As I watched the traders and their many children running about I gave thanks that we can clothe our children well and that I usually have time to care for my kids, or at least know they are safe and being cared for.

Dropping Annette off at her classmate's birthday party I gave thanks that she could spend time with her friends. She doesn't have any girl friends on our compound and most of her friends live on the other side of town, near school. It was a great day for a swim party and she seemed to enjoy herself.

I've been missing granola for breakfast. Too often the past week I've been hungrier than when I eat a bowl of granola and have often bought fried potatoes and kosai from Ladi at break time. It always tastes great going down, but the abundance of oil hasn't sat so well the past few days!

The highlight of the day was the school's food fair. There was an abundance of food; Nigerian, East African, Korean, Lebanese, American, European, Indian, Ethiopian, and Egyptian.

The basketball courts were all decked out with colorful banners streaming overhead and a stage where the choir sang a few numbers, a few groups danced on or around, and some students entertained with raps and jokes. We've never had such great entertainment and it was fun watching students and parents enjoy sharing their ethnic dances and just having fun together. I feel really lucky to be a part of the Hillcrest community. I enjoyed it even more because my husband joined us for the first time, only Nat opted to stay home so he wouldn't miss his soccer time with his compound friends and sharing his new soccer ball with them.

Well, I guess it's time to close for the day. Amson and Dan are sleeping and perhaps Nat too, Annette is waiting for me to see her to bed; we like to end the day together with special good night hugs and kisses (much like I often did with my own mom).

Yes, it was a busy, but wonderful day! Good nite!

Obligations

2009-11-07T04:16:00.000-08:00

Growing up, even as a young adult, I never thought much about obligations. I guess that's more a part of the adult world...at least in Western culture.

Here in Nigeria I meet it much more often. I remember the first time I thought about it. I had gone to a village with a friend, her brother was my student and we went to greet the family. I thought it was a good visit, but I came to realize it was much different for my friend.

She worked in the town and had a decent job so when she went to the village she had to make sure she went with plenty of money so that she could give some sort of monetary gift to her uncles and other extended family members or neighbors who might be in need. She could not afford to go home often, the demands were often too great; her job was decent, but not a high position.

This weekend there is a wedding I could have gone to. Since my husband is out of town I probably should have gone...probably.... What can I say, I am still like the rebellious teenager who doesn't want to do what she SHOULD do.

I often wonder what Jesus did such situations. Did he go to those "should do's"? I guess he did go to the wedding of Canaan and even did what his mom asked him to with the wine; but then on the other hand, he didn't want to!

Out of respect for our church member I could still go to the reception, but it's been nice to have a rare slow morning and make pizza for lunch; not something I do very often. It was also good to give my sister-in-laws the afternoon off since they usually share the cooking and I rarely do much.

Obligations...I still don't know how to deal with them, but I do know that I would have gone if my husband had suggested I go, or if I had a personal invitation ,or I knew the wedding couple...as it is, I feel I needed some down time so I hope I made the right choice.

My son's turning thirteen!

2009-10-31T04:52:00.000-07:00

Nat is changing before my eyes! He looked taller today as he came home with his new soccer ball and returned the change from the soocer shoes he couldn't find yet. I don't know what makes me prouder, to see him developing and getting older or watching him mature and get wiser. His birthday is Monday, November 2nd.

Even though I don't feel old enough to have a teenager, and certainly not wise enough, I am reminded of how perfect God's timing is. I am so thankful that God is in charge of my life and I can trust his wisdom in raising my children, teaching school, and in so many other challenges I face throughout my days.

I pray that as Nat and the other kids continue to grow and mature that I can teach them to be courageous in Christ. Life can challenging is so many ways that I know I often need God's courage to act boldly in the manner I believe he is calling me to act. May you also claim his courage!

Back at Dogon Dutse

2009-07-30T13:14:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm back in Nigeria after about two months in Washington state, USA. It was a good time with family and friends.

For the most part, the kids and I just lived with my mom. We travelled to Bellingham once, Vancouver and Seaside twice for a little sightseeing with family and friends, but the kids spent most of their time bike riding in the neighborhood and to the lake nearby. They each made a few friends and reconnected with some old ones. We spent a fair amount of time shopping, the kids went to part of Vacation Bible School at my home church. They enjoyed the water slide and beach the most, but otherwise we just kind of hung out on Hemlock Street.

Amson was able to join us after the first month and was with us when we went to Bellingham and came back on the train.

I enjoyed seeing my sisters and brother and living with my mom. My siblings and some of our kids got together for a few days in early July and that was the first time we could be together since our Dad died in 2008 and our first time back in the old house.

My favorite time was early in the morning sharing breakfast time with my mom while the kids usually slept late. The last month we often slept out in the tent that has been in my family for over fifty years. It was also fun to spoil mom as I tried to do a fair share of the cooking, though she deserved it after all the driving around she did for us.

I had planned to get my drivers license, but couldn't prove my connection to the state until about two weeks before we travelled so could only get my drivers permit, but at least it should be easy to renew next time so there won't be such a delay. That meant Mom had to drive us everywhere! She was a really good sport about it, but the kids had far more energy than either of us and would have loved an outing every day had it been possible.

Toward the end of our time in the US, Annette and I were sitting on the back porch one evening and she asked me what I had missed most from Nigeria. Since I am still an American by instinct, I quickly thought in a material sense and could not think of one thing that I was missing! But then I thought a little harder with a broader perspective and realized that what I missed most was the priority placed on people and the strong sense of community.

As difficult as it can be to live in Nigeria, it is a great place to raise our children and to focus on family, faith, and fellowship with others. It is also a great place to live out my vocation as a teacher at an international Christian school.

As I report back to school tomorrow, I look forward to the new school year with Nat starting middle school, Annette finishing elementary, Daniel starting kindergarten, and I'll be back teaching three history courses, world geography with a twist (from a biblical perspective), US government after Christmas and advising the student council.

We continue to live at the guesthouse where Amson is busy with management and is now also pastor in charge of the Lutheran congregation on the adjacent compound and I look forward to getting back into my fellowship groups. It should be a wonderfully challenging year!

Life on Hemlock Street

2009-06-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

It's both fun and a little odd to be here in the same house that my parents lived in for nine years. I was about four when we moved so I have a few memories. Then, when I was about ten I started to take over the paper route that my brother started in the area. It was passed down from sibling to sibling so I did it about three times a week. As a result I can remember the area from then too.

Now we are discovering new areas, like the bike hills that were going in about the time I was in high school. Dan begged all day for me to take him there so we finally made it this afternoon.

There's a little store down the street where I remember buying little boxes of animal crackers, candy cigarettes, and rock candy. Now Nat and Annette like to take a run for a bag of chips at $1.29.

One thing I've begun to wtonder about life in America is how people afford anything!?! I'm not ashamed to say when we go shopping, my motto is now, "Look for the sale signs!" I was lucky to save $16.00 today on ..."unmentionables" (as my mommy taught me to say)!

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to the garage sales this weekend!

The kids have also had fun reconnecting with a friend, Zack, from the old neighborhood where my parents lived for 41 years. I walked around there tonight and thought about all those that lived there in the past years and wondering where each family had moved on to. I see some mentioned in the local paper and connect with a few on facebook, but it does seem like we all move on. Some we remember, some we don't. My prayer for the day is that we leave a positive memory for those that we connect with today.

Relating in the US

2009-06-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

It has been a wonderfully long week, we have travelled to the US, started in on our shopping and have had some fun too.

We arrived in Longview Monday afternoon and had to go out the next day to buy some clothes for the kids. Got some used clothes, or second-new, as we say in Nigeria. The next day I realized I needed some clothes too and of course we found more for the kids and a run to Goodwill provided a few more things. Then there were garage sales yesterday and today; no wonder we're tired!

Today we went to the annual international festival at the community college. It was a lot of fun for the kids and mom and I enjoyed it too. Afterwards we dropped Annette off at a friend's house. She and Annelise have stayed connected over the past three years. Annelise's family used to live down the street from where my parents used to live.

After the rest of us got home Daniel started playing with the boys next door, Nat rode around on the bike loaned to Annette and he found a bike helmet at a nearby garage sale. Then Daniel went for a bike ride with the neighbor boy and his father, Mom went off to a friends, and an aqaintance from my high school days stopped by with his family. Mark and I recently connected on Facebook and I realized our kids were close in ages. (I am so thankful the kid's have all gotten bikes.)

After a short visit they took Nat to thier house for a few hours. Then Daniel and I went for a walk (found a the garage sale Nat had gone to). Daniel ended up back at his friend's house and after Mom got home I actually managed to get a short nap. I really needed it since I got up at 4:20 today. (The only time I can have any quiet time is before the kids wake.)

Now it is nearly bedtime. Daniel fell asleep around 7:30, Annette got home soon after, and Nat was home before 9:00. They all had fun and it was really good to see them connecting with other kids.

All in all, it was a good day and there were lots of fun moments for all of us. It is so nice to be here with Mom (and my nephew that lives with her). Life here is wonderfully predictable in so many, many ways that it is hard to explain. From the reliable electricity to the way people drive and relate to each other. I find the connections with family, friends, church people we have seen in town and people we cross paths with in shops...all the connections have been heart-warming and refreshing to me.

At the same time, I stay connected on the phone and internet with family back in Nigeria and colleagues and past students on Facebook. I have so much to be thankful for over the past week; journey mercies, reconnecting with family and friends, and in the way the kids and I have been able to adapt to life here. God is good!

Parting is sweet sorrow

2009-05-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well, the bags are almost packed and I am ready to start the journey, that is until I remember that we're leaving people behind. It will be hard for the kids and I to say goodbye to Amson, the rest of the family here, and the guesthouse friends.

But on the other end, it will be great to see the family there and to share the kids with them, and at least Amson will join us in a month.

I must confess, I am a little anxious about travelling without Amson. (I never have told him about the time I came back after him and left the passports in my parents' home! We just barely had time to turn around, get them and still make the flight! That is not a drive I'd like to repeat!)

I pray that all will go well, but I find myselft thinking extra hard today and checking my lists to make sure I/we have what we will need and a few wants, but not more than we either want to return with or are willing to toss before we come back.

Looking back over the past year and a half when I was in the US with Daniel for my dad's funeral I feel like it's been an extra long time, and the past six months were the longest!

Well, I guess there's not much to write, just to ask for your prayers for "journey mercies" as we say here. One custom that I adopted on my first mission trip and is also followed here is that whenever we travel anywhere, we always pray first that God will be with, "the driver, other people on the road, and (Daniel insists) for the tires on the car!" This time we'll add, "for the pilots of the plane and others that might be in the air."

According to African time, we fly out at 9:25 pm, that's about noon NW, US time. The journey from our door to my mom's door will be about about 40 hours! Wow, I was thinking about 30 before, but 40 is a loonnngg time for the kids and I. Please do keep us in your prayers!

Dorthea

Summer is around the corner!

2009-05-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Yea! Classes are finished for the year, just exams remain. There is still plenty to do next week and this weekend will be busy, but it is good to see the end in sight.

It has been a very long year, full of ups and downs and challenges with classes, students, and life in general. It will be good to have a break so that I can gain some perspective.

Tonight I asked my son Nat what he thought about when he thought of us going to US soon and was actually relieved to hear he didn't have any expectations. Oh, I know he hopes to buy some air soft guns and would be totally amazed if he could somehow buy some kind of computer game that is the rage now. But nonetheless, it was good to know that he didn't have some expectations I might have to try to live up to. I've often thought it's better to go into a new situation without any preconceived ideas about what will happen. I think it's best to just go and enjoy whatever happens.

I was reading a student's paper on American consumerism and could so identify with US being seen as one big shopping mall. I must confess, I have a long list of purchases I hope to make. We tend to try to buy clothes for the next few years since most things purchased in Nigeria are not qualitative and never last very long.

When I think about what kind of memories I want to create for the kids, I think of going to the public library, hanging out with my mom and hopefully other members of my family, being there for Vacation Bible School, hiking and playing at the lake, and yes, shopping is on the list.

But most of all, I look forward to having a break from school responsibilities and being able to focus on the kids and being an American in America for a little while. As I reread that I realize that I do need some other projects to keep me going so it's good that I have to read a book for renewing my teaching certificate and revise my curriculum for one class I'll teach in the fall. Apart from that, I need to encourage Nat and Annette to be reading more, that's why the library is on the list.

So I guess that means that the next time I write I may be in the US! I might have time next week, time will tell. One thing is for sure, it will be a very, very busy next week!

Dorthea

A Rainy Saturday

2009-05-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy afternoon and I don't really know what I am going to write, but I've been enjoying reading some other blogs and feel it's time to write again.

This was the first Saturday morning I haven't had to rush to Women's Fellowship at church because we shifted it to Sunday after service. Many women have a hard time getting there Saturday because they either work, have classes or struggle to find childcare. Since I am leaving for the US soon, I think tomorrow will be the last time I lead. I hope attendance becomes more regular so it works to make a schedule; if I continue to lead when I get back from the US I think I'll lose some of the joy of getting to know the other women.

Tomorrow I plan to talk about the importance of daily devotions; not just reading the Word, but actually pondering on it and if possible, studying with a commentary or Bible Study.

These past few years I have gone through four of Beth Moore Bible Studies and have really appreciated both the depth and the frequent delving into the Word that the studies require. The ways the studies have impacted me are sometimes difficult to pinpoint, but the need to read almost daily has been a discipline that has impacted me on a holistic level. What I mean by the use of that word is that as I read and ponder on a regular basis, more regularly than I have for some years, I find that my mind and spirit are more in tune with God and in the process he is transforming my whole being and my whole worldview to be more one with Him.

When I was teaching English in at Bronnum Lutheran Seminary and then Lutheran Junior Seminary in Adamawa State of Nigeria I used to tell my students that studying English is a process and each time you look at it from a higher grade and a more mature/deeper level you in turn gain a deeper understanding of it. Now I feel the same way about my faith. I have been a Christian for many years, but I love that my faith too is an ongoing process in which I continue to take my relationship with God at a deeper level. I still find that I learn some lessons over and over and often gain different perspectives about how God is revealed in my life but when I hit those low and difficult times the depth of my relationship enables me to turn that much faster to God's wisdom, grace, and unending love and forgiveness.

I hope that as I share some of these insights with the women tomorrow, I can do so without sounding too perfect, like I think I'm better than anyone else because of my discoveries, but rather that my excitement, joy, and appreciation for my relationship with God will challenge them to also seek a deeper level of their own relationship with God. That is my prayer for you too. Quality relationships take a commitment of time, and that includes a relationship with God. May you too seek a deeper relationship with the one true God.

Dorthea

Religious Freedom in Nigeria

2009-05-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

These past days I have been reading a Randy Alcorn novel about religious persecution in China over the years. It was an intense book to read and often made me to pause and thank God for the religious freedom in Nigeria.

That may sound odd to some, especially if you read my blogs since December, but it is true. In spite of the lack of religious toleration in Nigeria, people are, for the most part, free to worship in any manner they wish.

In fact, I would say that religious worship is one area of life that most Nigerians place at the top of their list. Granted, there are several different forms of religious practice; Christianity, Islam, sects, cults, traditional worship, etc but nonetheless, one or the other is important to most Nigerians. As a result, we have a lot of public holidays here. Most are holy days; Christian or Islamic, and the rest are considered important by the government.

When one considers Nigeria's many other challenges, religious freedom is often over looked, but after reading how Chinese Christians have been persecuted for generations, I have to give thanks for this part of Nigeria.

God's Presence in the Midst of Chaos

2009-05-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Saturday, but last Monday was a really tough day at school. I think I spent too much time over the long weekend looking forward to having two months in the US and not having to spend so much time marking papers and doing other teacher stuff.

As a result, Monday's classes did not go well, I hate to admit it, but there were moments that could only be described as chaotic! At one point I mentally stood back and asked myself, "How did this happen?!?"

At the end of the day I shared my struggles with the high school principal and asked for his prayers. He gave me some good, practical advice and assured me that he would pray for me. At home that night I had more time to reflect and pray. Thankfully, the rest of the week went much better and felt I regained focus. In some ways it had been a case of "teacher-itus", which I am thankful hit me like a 24 -hour bug and has not returned.

I am still looking forward to travelling to the US in only three weeks, but in the meantime we have two weeks of classes, exams, marking to finish, several end-of-the-year events, grades to enter, graduation and then a couple of days to pack. I guess chaos is still a word that describes the next weeks, but the anxiety that had started to crowd in seems to have passed. Please keep me in your prayers, not only me, but my students and the rest of the staff too.

At a school like Hillcrest the end of the year means saying a lot of good byes and it can be tough knowing that some may never even return to Nigeria and many will be scattered around the world in a matter of days. At least there is Facebook and emails to connect!

Dorthea

Nigerian Traditions

2009-05-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken on February 14th, 2009. My son Daniel was the page boy and the groom is my husband's cousin. Annette was the oldest flower girl. The first picture includes my mother-in-law in the center and other women in the village.

Marrying in Nigeria gave me a large extended family and I am so fortunate that my husband's family is very welcoming and is made up of some great people.

Since my husband is the oldest child we have always had extended family living with us. They help me with the kids, especially when they were young, and help with the cleaning and cooking. At present there are two sisters living with us, one brother eats with us and the youngest brother heads back to boarding school tomorrow. We have helped educate most of them and now the oldest sister is helping us out with some of the youngest brother's needs and helps us by living in our new house in Adamawa State so that it doesn't stand empty.

As you read this, you may think it is a lot to ask of an American wife, but more often than not, I feel far more on the receiving end. They give so much and without all their help I could never do the work I do at Hillcrest and work the long hours at school and with marking etc at home.

Pwakavi, the groom in the picture, is Nat's baptismal sponsor and has been a good uncle to the kids. Last December Nat spent several nights with him when we were in Adamawa. He also lived with us for a time and now continues to teach in the same Lutheran school I used to work at. He often says that, traditionally, he should be the one to provide for a lot of Nat's needs. I am so glad the kids feel comfortable with their Nigerian uncles and aunts and thank God for my in-laws. May 4th is our wedding anniversary, I guess that's why I am sharing my thankfulness for all of them.

Dorthea

P.S. I'll try to remember to take a picture of the two of us soon so you can see us together.

Dorthea

2009-05-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

Happy May Day!

We have today off in Nigeria, but I was thinking about May Day when I grew up and putting flowers on neighbors' porches and then running off after ringing the bell. One man really shouted at us until he saw the flowers. I still think of that whenever I pass his house!

Funny how those memories stick in our brains! As we prepare for about two months in the US I have started to think about memories I want to stick in my kids' brains! I was so glad this morning when I read that Vacation Bible School at my home church is while we will be in town. Nat and Annette have gone at least twice in the past so it will be fun for them I suppose this will be Nat's last since he is 12 while it will be Daniel's first.

I've been telling my mom about foods I want us to have and thinking about little short jaunts we can make to show the kids the area.

Well, I don't really have much to write. We have today off so no real plans. Annette is out washing her sneakers, we call them canvass, I guess tennie runners is what I also called them when I was young. I've been trying to write more often here, but wonder if anyone is reading it. It would be fun to get some comments.

I was trying to add titles and labels, but they all end up in some asian script so make no sense to most of us, hey, maybe that would be a way to draw attention to my blog in another part of the world. I guess I'll try!

Have a great day and if you're a parent, think about how you can give great memories to your kids today. This morning Daniel needed A LOT of tickles, even before breakfast and now he's asking for me to read a Curious George book so bye for now! I thank God I have a little extra time for him today.

Dorthea

2009-04-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

GOD IS SOOOOO GOOD!

I have only a moment to write as there is no light and my battery is nearly dead, but these past days I have often been reminded of how great God is and wanted to share my thoughts with you.

These are very busy days; we have only about four and half weeks of school left and in about five weeks the kids and I will be visiting my family in America.

As busy as these next weeks are, I trust God will guide me to get everything done and still remind me to take time for myself.

As a teacher, and now even more so as a mother too, it is very easy to get busy taking care of everyone and forget to make sure I get a good night's sleep, allow myself to have a few moments of pleasure with a novel or a moment to gaze at the trees blowing in the wind or the welcome rain pouring down.

A few years ago we had thieves twice in a few months and after that I found myself having to begin each night sleeping with the children. I found that the extra sleep did wonders for my mindset and gave me more energy to be creative at school. Reading novels helps too; when my mind and soul are fed by novels or sharing in the Word I find it much easier to deal with challenges I meet in the classroom or at home.

I pray that, no matter how busy you find yourself and how much you feel you must do, that you too will take time to ponder on God's word, stare in wonder at His creation and just relish the gifts he provides and the many ways He shows His care and concern for you and those close to you. God is good! (At church the congregation always responds, "All the time!") May you fully enjoy God's goodness!

Dorthea

2009-04-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

GOODBYES ARE NEVER EASY...

Progress reports are due on Monday, that means the quarter is running down and we only have about four weeks of teaching and then exams left. The last few weeks are always so full and stressful.

At a school like Hillcrest we not only have to deal with wrapping up the curriculum and have end-of-year activities like student council elections, awards ceremonies, and graduation itself, but we also have to deal with saying farewell to the graduating class and others that are leaving for good, or at least furlough.

I've only taught four years at Hillcrest, but goodbyes are never easy. In fact, I think saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of being a missionary. First you have to say goodbye to family you leave behind and then there are frequent goodbyes on the mission field as other missionaries and their families are always coming and going.

Sometimes it makes it hard to want to get close to people, especially if they are only here a short time.

Marrying here, having my own family, and being part of Niger Wives, other women married to Nigerians, has made it easier, but I don't look forward to the next time one of my kids has to say goodbye to a special friend. I guess that's why I go through times of not wanting to reach out to people beyond my family and school, it's not easy to stretch oneself.

This week I am remembering the life of one of my Nigerian fathers, Dr. Rekab Bongi. Dr. Bongi died last week after being ill for some time. His wife was my principal and has been my Nigerian mother since I was teaching in a Lutheran Nigerian secondary school. When he retired from an administration post at a post-secondary training school they started a school for children of special needs, the first in the capital of Adamawa State. (This was in addition to the Lutheran Junior Seminary that Mrs. Bongi has run for over eleven years.) His leadership in that community will be sorely missed.

My husband will represent our family at the funeral. A part of me feels I should go, but mostly I am thankful that both my husband and Mrs. Bongi understand it is hard for me to get away. At the same time, I realize how easy it is to keep a degree of distance from the challenges of life and death in Nigeria. My work at Hillcrest allows me a kind of buffer from so many challenges people face here.

I believe that one day God will call my family back to work in Adamawa and I pray that I will be ready to face those challenges in a new way when the call is there; it can be very exhausting and the challenges are numerous. But at the moment, I am called to teach and disciple the students where I am and to see that our children have a chance to get a great education.

So for now, I deal with progress reports and saying goodbye to those God has called me to teach at Hillcrest. Next year there will be a great turnover of staff so I know that my being a source of continuity for my returning students and the school at-large is important.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers during these next weeks. I have just recovered from a bout of malaria and we are at the beginning of rainy season and Nat and my husband Amson are both suffering from colds/allergies. Pray for our health and that God will see us through the end of the school year with its many year-end activities. Then, in the end of May we fly to US for almost two months to visit my mom and family in the Pacific Northwest. In the meantime, there is MUCH to do, both at school and to prepare for our travels!

Dorthea

2009-04-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

Christ has Risen, He has Risen Indeed! I pray all reading this have had a blessed Easter.

I really enjoyed the service today. The pastor that preached is a former student of mine and shared a very strong message. One new thought he shared was about the rolling away of the stone.

He pointed out that the angel didn't roll the stone away to let Jesus out, Jesus had already risen. Instead the angel rolled the stone away so that the women could see for themselves that Jesus had risen.

I love the idea that after the angel rolled the stone away he then sat down on the stone and chatted with the women. He must have loved that moment. Not only was he probably thrilled to share the news with them, he also knew that by sharing the news first with them he was raising the level of women for all time to come. He even went on to tell them, the women, that they should go and report the news to the disciples. They were to tell the men! How revolutionary! To top it off, Jesus appeared to the women before he appeared to the men. Those women must have loved the honor and cherished those moments for the rest of their lives!

Another part of the service I really enjoyed today was how every time someone prayed, or before the gospel text or announcements were read, someone would begin a chorus of praise and everyone would join in...sometimes even with echoes or harmony! It was beautiful! Two lines that really jumped out for me were these...

"Jesus is Alive!...Though I may be tempted, there is no turning back!"

"You are more than people can conceive!"

Easter is a time of joy and I praise God for his great sacrifice for all of us!

My kids have had fun today too. Until this year we never had Easter Egg hunts, but my home church sent us an Easter care package some time ago and we managed to hold on to eight plastic eggs. First I hid them with some sweets inside for Annette and Daniel, then they hid them for me, then we hid them for their Aunt Kauna, Aunt Keziah and Uncle Pwakatti. After that we hid for Nat and Ephrim. Then they hid for Jide and David. It has been fun seeing them share the fun over and over again. We even had a few Swiss chocolates to hide that Pastor Musa, who works for the Lutheran World Federation in Switzerland brought last week. (The kids used to think he worked for a chocolate factory because he always brings chocolate when he comes to visit!)

I pray that your Easter has also been filled with moments of Easter Joy and that you too might rediscover the Joy of God's love for us over and over again.

Easter Blessings!

Dorthea

2009-03-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

"The Lord looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him..." Luke 22:61

This past year I've been part of a group going through the Beth Moore study "Jesus the One and Only". If you're not familiar with the study series, let me just say that they are as in depth as any Bible course.

Today my reading took me to the scene where Peter denied Jesus. It hit me hard how easy it is to deny Jesus, not just by what I say or do, but by what I don't say or do. That is where I fall the hardest; when no one is aware of my shortcuts or temptation to relax with a few more minutes of TV, one more chapter in the book I'm reading and so on.

During a baptism yesterday at church I was also reminded that as a parent, I am not the only one that is impacted by my relationship with God, my children and those that live with us are also impacted. Above all, it is my children that see what I do, or do not do. Above all they are the ones that hear my harsh words or are touched by the effects of the stress I encounter. It hits me hard when I consider the challenge to keep my relationship with God on track, but when I also see how it relates to the rest of my household and those I encounter throughout the day then it hits me even harder.

As a Christian I have to remember that, as Max Lucado writes, "It's not about me." In today's world, especially in the West, that is a very radical statement. Even from Nigeria, the belief that I "deserve" certain things in life, or the idea I might "deserve" an outcome, like a job promotion, to be in my favor are the norm.

Lent is nearly over and Easter is right around the corner so it is a good time to examine how we each deny the cross in a variety of ways. Let us not be guilty of putting ourselves before God or God's will. Let us not be guilty of giving anyone we meet during the day cause to wonder whether or not we are Christians or do assume that we support an idea or attitude that is not of God.

In the end, it is so reassuring that, just as Peter discovered, Jesus does not abandon us when we forsake him. He knows the limitations of our humanity and understands that we are often so hardheaded that we have to learn some lessons many times in the course of our lives. Thankfully, He is always waiting for us to call on His divine intervention and lean on Him even more; He will even carry us if only we ask!

May you too recognize that accepting our human limitations does not deny who we are, but opens up the possibility to become who God envisions us to be!

Have a blessed day!

Dorthea

SpringBreak

2009-03-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

It's funny how we anticapate something like a holiday and then it comes and before we hardly realize it, it is over! Our break from school was only ten days, and now there are only three left. Since I'm a teacher, I'm already thinking about the marking I hope to make a bigger dent in, reading to do, a paper teachers are expected to submit, and lessons to think about.

It's a good thing I'm trying to give up on stressing out, or I'd be climbing a tree by now.

Last month I felt like I was still dealing with crisis issues, but then I finally got around to having a debriefing and realized how much God has guided my life over the years and, amazingly, a few people have noted how much more calm I am or to ask me for advice on living in Nigeria!

Now that I've reached my mid 40's, I feel like I am finally dealing with today, today (as we say here, that means, the here and now). Tomorrow is there waiting, and being prepared for things like retirement is a wise thing to aim for, but I'm finally at that stage where I am happy with where I am in life.

I don't have to stress about finishing school like my high school students, I don't have to worry about furthering my education like the young adults around me, I don't have to worry about finding a husband (God sent me a great man!), I don't have to worry about having babies (I trust that stage has past!), I enjoy guiding my own children through their stages, but don't want to rush them...I enjoy my career (any change there is up to God) and so on...

Oh, don't get me wrong, I still struggle with issues and students at school, I still shout at my kids sometimes and I still struggle with housekeeping, getting to school on time and meeting various deadlines, but seeing God's hand in my life is a great gift and is a great stress reducer!

I pray that God is revealing Himself to you too and that His hand is visible in your life. If you can't quite see it, try meeting him more often. Hearing God takes time, and the best way to hear him better is by taking more time to listen to His voice in His word, in prayer and in fellowship with other seeking Christians.

Take time to open your eyes and your ears!

Dorthea

2009-02-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

Life Goes On...

Not really much to write. I have been busy with school, family, Facebook, travelling to the village, managing life while my husband travels in and out of the country and haven't had time to focus on blogging...

Through it all we had one more rumor of possible trouble, but life has stayed peaceful.

One thing that I am trying to work on for school is a required paper on Christian Education. Over the past few years we have read five books and now have to write a kind of summary paper. I've only begun to think about what I've learned, but was reviewing my notes the other day and came across that I don't remember before.

One book suggested that we should teach (live)knowing that we stand in as a proxy for Jesus. That kind of blew me away. It is both an honor and a great challenge to teach and act in a way that mirrors how I think Christ might teach and act. I know I fall so short of how he might lead my class, but I pray that my students can see glimpses of him in what I do and say.

In spite of the challenge, or perhaps partly because of it, I am enjoying life these days. Oh, life certainly has its ups and downs, but God has kept my family and I safe and healthy in all our travels and continues to watch over us and for that I am very thankful. May you too enjoy God's blessings, great and small, in your life!

Dorthea

Peace

2009-01-30T21:38:00.000-08:00

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

These past few days in Jos we have had rumors of more violence. It resurfaced some of my fears and motivated me to be more ready in the midst of it.

Yet it was still a challenge to focus on the tasks demanding my attention. As I sat at my desk in my classroom, trying to focus on marking papers before my next lesson, I had to stop and pray; then this verse came to mind.

The passage begins with, "Rejoice in the Lord always...have no anxiety about anything..." and ends with the verse above. In the past it was the other verses that claimed my attention, but with the rumors flying the words of peace were given new meaning.

I remember hearing a story when I first arrived in Nigeria on the heels of a similar crisis that hit Kano in 1990. One of the missionaries gave the following account. After the crisis he met a Muslim that he had known for some time and asked him about the crisis. The man admitted that they had been on their way to burn down his compound when they had turned and saw smoke rising as if it was already burning. It wasn't until the fighting had stopped that they realized otherwise.

This story has prompted me to pray for angels with flaming swords to stand on our compound walls and provide similar protection. I am realizing more and more that God can deliver peace in ways that no human mind can understand.

As humans, we want to retaliate. Even people who have preached peace begin to say, "It is enough!" Some churches have been burned several times over the years. When destruction and loss of life has no rhyme or reason it becomes harder to preach peace and yet we have to remember that God's ways are not the world's ways.

These days I pray more and more for this kind of peace. I don't need to understand it, but I do claim it!

I saw another need for this kind of prayer yesterday when one student came in full of anger, annoyance, and frustration claiming he was going to quit school before he hurt someone! It is so easy to fall into traps of anger when we feel slighted or misunderstood. I pray for God's peace to enter the heart of my student too. May you too join me in my prayer for God's peace wherever and whenever you see the need for it.

Oh, soon I have my next women's fellowship meeting. We were only five last week, but again the bonds of connection were made stronger as we realized none of us had ever been in a church group like it. I had thought it was only me! I will share this message with them today and pray that it will also strengthen them and give them a sense of calm and hope in our city Jos.

2009-01-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

GOING OUT OF THE BOX

Today I joined the Women's Fellowship gourp in the Nigerian church. After almost thirteen years of being married here, it is high time I did, but it never felt right until now.

The church we attend now is a fairly new congregation and the only one in the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria that uses English alone for worship services and meetings. The combination and the new congregation and not having to deal with the language challenges makes me interested this time. So when one of the older women challenged us to finally form the group, it seemed right.

There are several other factors that also help make it seem right. First of all, God has been sending me several reminders these past years that I need to strengthen my committment to my local church and make attendence and involvement a bigger issue.

Another factor is that several of the other women, we are only eight at the moment, are also professional women who are very busy with work so I can't use my own work as an excuse this time around.

Plus, it really helps that we can all speak English and have post secondary education. I think I can connect with these women.

At the same time I am a bit nervous. We are planning to meet every Saturday from 8:45-10:00 AM. I am fortunate that we meet very close by so it is just a short walk to the meetings, but I have liked not having to rush off on Saturday mornings!

No matter, I think I am ready for this part of my Nigerian journey and God has been preparing me for this for two or three years so I am ready as I'll ever be.
Stretchin myslef out also makes me a little nervous, but I have to trust God that it will be a good experience. This makes three fellowship groups I am in. One that meets after school is also every week, but the other is one Saturday a month.I'll keep you posted about how the group is.

I guess I am a little excited. My question for you today is to ask YOU how God is challenging you to stretch your committment in the larger Christian family. Are you accepting His challenge????? If so, I pray God will give you courage and bring many blessings your way!

Dorthea

Back in Jos

2009-01-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

There are many titles I could use for today's blog, Had I been able to change they type setting in the title I would have called this,

"Afraid?" Give it to God...

Earlier this week I was contemplating our return to Jos and the tears started falling. As is often the case, it was late at night and everyone else was fast asleep so it was just me and God.

I had been reading a book by Lori Wick, Every Storm and was reminded of God's steadfastness. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold in my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 The passage goes on to describe those that might be after us and the writer offers shouts of joy knowing that, "he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble..." verse 5a.

Claiming these verses gave me peace. That idea of peace continues to be on the forefront of my mind and I can see it is on the mind of many.

How many are not living in peace right now? My husband is hoping to travel to Israel soon; as I write this I hear the news of Israel and Palestine. I pray for peace there.

I have not been following much news lately, but I read that in my home state there are many fearing floods; the elements too can create fear in our hearts.

Life is so unpredictable that I am reassured to seek peace and protection in God's shelter. I have always felt I could trust God with my life and He has so often given me courage, I should say, COURAGE! I have put him to the test so many times in the past years, not just the eighteen that I have spent in Nigeria, but even as a child when life's challenges seemed too great for me, He was there reminding me of the price he paid on Calvary and that if He could rise up from the cross, I too can rise up from whatever happens to me.

There is a lot of Peace in the Promise of His Love! Sharing love can bring a lot of peace, but persnally Knowing the Source of that Love clears the worry and stress that tries to cloud my vision. When my tears stop falling and my vision clears, His Presence is always clearer and I thank and praise Him for the assurance He offers. God is Peace and through Jesus Christ there is joy no matter what happens to us!

May you too know His Peace and Trust His Steadfastness!

Dorthea

Waiting for the Christmas Celebration

2008-12-21T04:41:00.000-08:00

As a child, I remember waiting for Christmas meant waiting to put up all the decorations, waiting to get to eat the Christmas cookies we had been making, watching all the gifts under the tree pile up, and finally waiting to see what was in my Christmas stocking.

As I live in Nigeria, my children experience some of these material parts of Christmas, the decorations, the cookies, and the stockings. But most Nigerians don’t think about Christmas until school is out and they decide where they will spend it; in their homes in the city or in the village where most people prefer and usually have a home. Of course my experiences come from northern Nigeria.

City Christmas doesn’t have much more than going to church and visiting family that might live nearby, but in the village, they DANCE! But still, there are few preparations, it just happens. All of a sudden, the church is decorated with lots of flashy decorations and lights around the altar, and the women and youth present their songs and dramas and after a long Christmas Eve Service everyone goes to the village center and the dancing starts.

On Christmas Day neighbors and extended family members exchange pots of rice and stew, little doughnut holes, a drink called kunun zaki or other foods they have an abundance of. Children wander around in groups in their new clothes (new clothes is usually their only gift from their parents) and collect Christmas sweets or a little money from extended family and friends.

At church, there is another long service lasting three to five hours. Then, after lunch, they gather at the village center again and the Boys Brigade parade around and a program is presented by some village group.

In the evenings, sometimes for several evenings, the dancing will continue until the wee hours of the morning. Sometimes a specific night might focus on the women or the men, but then the youth will take over and dance until they drop. Occasionally the youth will stay outside your compound singing and singing until you pay something to send them on their way.

While Christmas is celebrated with lots of fanfare in the village, I find I still have to search for the fragments of Christmas that are familiar and give meaning to my celebration. Usually I find meaning most in the scripture words that we read; the angels’ song and the shepherds’ awe, and the birth of the babe, Mary basking in the babe’s glory and knowing that Christ is still among us. That is what my Christmas involves. While I enjoy the village experience and feel very comforable with the extended family there, I find myself experiencing it more through my children's eyes and trying not to think of my own family in the US.

No matter how I many traditions I try to bring from my upbringing, it always seems to come down to Christ's birth and sharing time with family and friends that gives me the most joy to my Christmas.

May you each celebrate Christmas in a way that allows you too to bask in the babe’s glory so that the wonder of Christ’s birth might fill your hearts with peace and hope for the new year. Peace is something I crave this year, both inner peace and peace around me. May God's Peace, Love, Joy, and Hope fill your holiday season and the New Year.

Merry Christmas! Barka da Krismati! Happy Christmas!

Dorthea

A very crazy month, but never far from God

2008-12-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

I don't know if all who read this heard about the Jos crisis. It started right after American Thanksgiving and was very intense for my family and I on Friday and Saturday.

Some say it was a religious crisis, but most who know Nigeria and Jos say it was far more political, but since nothing in Nigeria happens outside of religion, neither was this event absent from religious tension.

The guesthouse where we live and work is in a very Muslim neighborhood and when our neighbors started to riot, their cries were very disconcerting. On Friday morning we feared the rioters would enter our compound so we had to flee from the house and run two compounds over through at least one kind of hidden door.

That first day we did not hear police or military, but the second morning it started right after the dawn to dusk curfew ended and again found us in a corner of the next compound, only that time we could hear the rioters cries met by the military response. I must confess, hearing the military's strong presence as the Muslims refused to step down was very reassuring. (I was told later by my brother-in-law who ventured out later that morning that the street was full of corpses.)

That evening (Saturday) we began hearing rumors that the Muslims might try to come from the big rocks behind the guesthouse so we began making plans to leave. I did most of the packing for the kids and I by candlelight and the light of my cell phone. We had a place to stay that was furnished, but we needed to pack food items, some kitchen stuff and our personal things.

Before 6:30 the next morning we left with a military escort and a soldier in the car and drove across town.

The road we travelled on did not show many signs of fighting, but the four neighborhoods that were hit hardest were not on that road. Schools, mosques, churches, Christian homes, Muslim homes, businesses were all lost. A few days later relief groups counted three large refugee camps with 30,000 people. That doesn't count the many, many compounds that provided refuge to family and friends who lost everything. We passed through many military checkpoints on our way through town.

The reports of compassion come from both sides, as do the many accounts of barbaric violence. Even my girl was running through the house looking for bottles to give to her uncle to make gasoline bombs. (We thank God for the poor aim of those that threw a few over the guesthouse wall.)My prayer for Jos is that the hearts of those that have lost so much will be open to the Word of God.

I think of the many Muslim widows and children who have lost their main provider and pray that their need will open the door for those ready to provide relief and a Word of Peace and Hope.

On December 4th the kids and I and one sister-in-law left Jos for our new house in Yola. From the moment we stepped in the door is seemed like we had come home. I remembered a few weeks earlier when I wondered if we were being selfish to build such a nice house when we had no long term plans to use it. I immediately felt God whispering to me, "Don't worry, you will have a need for it." I still don't know if He means more than this one month when our need has been great, but I see his hand in how hard Amson has been working on the house. I also see his hand in how He led me to get the marking I did before Thanksgiving and get it all entered into the school system.

When school was to start last week I just wasn't ready to head back. I thank God for those that stepped in to allow me the time to heal in Yola. Even now, when I think of going back, I feel the tears wanting to fall and yet I trust that when it is time, He will strengthen me. At this point we plan to return around January 8th.

In the meantime, I have other marking that I am trying to finish. The essays for AP World are done, now I am working on portfolio reports for my basic world history class and then I have some tests and essays to finish in US History. On Sunday Amson will come with part of the exams to mark, mostly essays and portfolios from my AP students. Much to think about while the holidays are going on and during the days we are in the village.

In some ways I feel the stress of the workload, but the peace in our Yola refuge still surrounds me and I know, in God's timing, all will work out.

God is in charge and even though crazy events like this happen in the world we have to trust that God is in control and remember, even when all seems well from the newsreports, there are still many who need your prayers to continue living and caring for their families.

Dorthea in Yola

Family

2008-11-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

Family is on my mind a lot these days. November is an important month for my family as both Nat and Annette were born in this month. Today is Annette's birthday and Nat's was two weeks ago. Both had parties the day before with their friends and classmates.

This month I've been thinking of my parents and siblings too as my mom is preparing to sell the home I grew up in and called home for forty years. When I was in the house last January, after my father died, I "said goodbye" and knew I would not return.

Goodbyes are never easy; losing loved ones, seeing ones children growing up and losing their innocence (Nat becomes a teenager next year!), constantly seeing students graduating or returning to their home countries, and the list goes on. I've never been so social that I quickly make friends, and yet these past years in Nigeria seeing so many come and go has made it even harder to connect when I know that I might have to say goodbye in a relively short time.

It's a good thing I deal more with the here and now or I'd suffer from homesickness much more often than I do. Though I guess I am feeling more homesick than usual this past week. There was a group of Lutherans from the US here at the guesthouse for a few days, and I really missed not having time to connect more with them. It wasn't until they left that I realized how nice it was to connect with people from the church I grew up in; my Lutheran roots run pretty deep.

I guess that's one of the reasons why my faith is so important to me. In Luke 7:11-17, we read how Jesus reached out and physically touched a widow's dead son in an effort to bring the boy back to life and relieve the mother's suffering. In verse 13 Jesus spoke to the widow-mother and said, "Don't cry!" He reached out to her, not in pity or because he was uncomfortable or annoyed by her tears, but because Jesus stands for life. Anything related to death greives him deeply.

Jesus constantly and consistently showed compassion for those that came to him. I know for myself that His compassion and never-ending love is something that I need greatly.

I grew up in a family that hugged a lot, but that form of expression is not common in traditional Nigeria so I am fortunate that my kids are good huggers; Daniel and Annette are very affectionate and now and then I can still get a hug out of Nat and my husband has learned that sometimes I just need a hug.

Over the years there have been times when I have just had to reach up and claim a hug from my Father God and amazingly, I have always felt his overwelming love be returned. May you too claim and be touched by His love!

2008-10-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

It has been several weeks since I've written due to computer connection problems, but several times I have thought, "oh, that would make an interesting blog"!

During our recent mid-term break I often found myself playing referee with my kids fighting. It's not a position I like, but it rarely works to let them settle it between themselves. Sometimes I feel my main role is to be a listening ear when they are ready to vent their frustrations.

It finally hit me the other day, that they main reason they sometimes struggle to get along is because they expect everyone else, including their siblings, parents, aunties and uncles living in the house and so on, to understand them fully, respect where they are coming from and basically to never disappoint them! Those are hard demands to meet...actually just impossible! Yet that is what so many of us continue to expect as we grow into adulthood and enter into the workforce, marriage, relate to neighbors, etc.

You'd think that as we grow and mature we would learn that such expectations will only lead to disappointment, but few learn to lower their sights. In fact, there is only one who can meet those expectations...God.

At some point in life we should realize that no one in this world is perfect; not me, not you, not our spouse, parent, sibling, neighbor, boss...not even our pastor! If we can learn and accept that as fact, and rest knowing that God alone fully knows and understands us then we can go to him each day and be filled by his unconditional love.

As each day wears on we often share that love and sometimes, by the end of the day, we may even be running on empty. But even when that happens we can trust that our return to God will fill us again. Along the way we often meet others that remind us of God's love. Sometimes it is our child's hug, a word of thanks from a spouse, co-worker or student, a stranger's willingness to let us enter a lane of traffic, or even our ability to laugh at our own mistakes. Whatever it is, the point is that we don't have to stay on empty.

If you are filling empty as you read this, then know that God's love is real and that His Word is true! God knows our heart and wants to fill us with his presence. Even though no one can claim to be perfect, God is perfect and God is ALWAYS waiting with open arms to hold us like only a loving parent can. If you are seeking for peace and truth like I am, then start with Him today! Let Him fill you up and then go out to share that love with those you meet today. Who knows, you may even get home with an over-flow!

Luv ya!

Dorthea

Called to Serve

2008-09-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

It's Friday evening. I'm recovering from the first part of a root canal. I'm lucky it didn't hurt, but I sure am tired!

I left the dentist today thanking God that for missionary dentists. Those who have been on the mission field know that it takes all kinds of people to serve growing churches and the support areas that the families of missionaries need too.

Now that I am teaching at an international school, I think some people think I am not a "real missionary" (like when I was teaching at a Nigerian school) but I am thankful that by teaching at Hillcrest I can be a support to both missionary parents and Nigerian parents who can afford quality education for their kids. I'm also thankful that my own kids can to there.

I remember that before I became a missionary I read that whoever wants to be a missionary should start where they were at that time. You can't begin serving when you decide to be a missionary, you need to start serving wherever God can use you. Even as a high school student I thought that made a lot of sense.

Today I pray that wherever you are, you allow God to use you in whatever way he can! You too are called to serve!

Dorthea

Beside still waters...

2008-09-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Last week my son Daniel came home with his first library book that he checked out himself. It's titled Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth. In it the main character is a large Panda named Stillwater. When he moves into a new neighborhood he meets three children that he befriends. As each sibling goes to spend the day with him he tells them a short story that has a teaching moment.

After reading the book to Daniel and talking a little about the meaning of the stories we started reading the book again. Then, all of a sudden Daniel exclaims,"I know that one!" and he proceeds to recite Psalm 23 until he got to the place where it goes "...beside still waters". I was amazed to realize that he not only seemed to understand why the author chose to call the main character "Stillwater" but that he made the connection with Psalm 23.

Since then I have been thinking about the areas in my life where I have a sense of increasing peace. It has also been a topic in my history classes as we discuss the Classical Empires of India, China, Greece, and Rome. They too sought peace and harmony in a variety of ways. They all had different belief systems or religions. Most people who study religion include Christianity as a religion, but at our school staff retreat last weekend the speaker made the comment that Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship and that those who claim to be Christains are definitely "counter culture".

Seeking peace and harmony is certainly not a new thing, but choosing to be part of a counter culture is far more acceptable today than it was before Jesus walked on this earth. In the ancient past, social order was maintained by getting rid of any who challenged it; that certainly held true in Jesus' time too.

Choosing to follow in Jesus footsteps continues to bring its challenges, but I also find that it brings tremendous peace. A few minutes ago Daniel was reciting Psalm 23 again as he continues to learn a little more each day. I invite you to take time to meditate over Psalm 23 again, and may you find refreshment as God refreshes you with still waters in your own life.

Dorthea

Back to School

2008-08-19T10:40:00.001-07:00

It has been a couple of weeks since I last wrote; life has been busy now that the kids and I are back to school. The year has started out amazingly well. After experiencing so much stress the first few years and never feeling like I quite knew what I was doing, it is such a relief to feel like I have entered my comfort zone and am really enjoying all of my classes.

I feel very fortunate that one of my classes, African History, was cancelled. (I had so many take it last year that it ended up with only one student and he didn't really need the course.)

Now I can focus on my two main classes; US History and World History. Plus I have my favorite course, AP World History. It actually takes most of my planning time, but it's a fun class, well, I don't think the students are having fun yet, they're still getting used to frequent quizzes and a variety of assignments (often more than one a night!)

It's also a lot of fun to just enjoy students, even the ones I don't have in class right now are fun to connect with in the hall or in the Canteen/Student Lounge.

In many ways I can really identify with the school theme for the year, "Be transformed" from Romans 12:2.

In so many ways I feel my teaching and my attitude towards teaching has become so much less stressful and more ... joyful I guess! I thank God I can enjoy teaching and guiding my students. I only hope that they too can enjoy my classes and see God in me.

It's not easy to be the one to set the example, especially when I still have my own issues to work on, things like getting to school on time (I haven't been late yet!), keeping up on my marking (I need to get some tests marked tonight if I am going to keep to the three-day turn around goal), staying organized (my desk is still a mess, but I'm keeping to my new syllabi) and the list goes on.

I pray that you too might find yourself transformed in a way that your goals can be met and that your relationship with God is at the top of that list. May your transformation be a time of movement; moving closer to God and letting Him infiltrate and be in charge of every aspect of your life. I hope you find it as fun and yes, as joyful as I do!

Dorthea

New Beginnings, New Challenges

2008-08-01T10:57:00.001-07:00

I reported back to school today and have a few days to get ready for the first day of classes on August 6th. It was good to be back.

I am fortunate to work in an environment where we have the dual purpose of educating our students and showing/teaching them how to live for God. These past years I think I have learned even more than my students!

It looks like it will be a good year. I thought I would have a lot of students, but my class numbers are much lower this year, which is good because last year I couldn't spend as much time on skill building, like giving essays and other assignments that took longer to mark.(Last year I had about 83 students 2nd semester and this semester I'll have around 50. Plus I had two new classes)

Even so, there was one point today where I started to feel overwhelmed when I was trying to focus on what needed my attention first. I had to just sit down and remind myself that it was God who called me to the task and trust He would continue to show me how to carry out my work. I really believe that it is Satan that fosters doubt in each of us and if we don't contradict him right away, those doubts will just build and build until we can't do anything!

So, if you start stressing out about any new challenge, just trust that the God who brought that challenge your way has already given you the tools to tackle the challenge, you just have to pick up those tools and start using them! Not only that, God knows our needs even before we ask them, so trust the solution is in sight!

Abide in Me

2008-07-23T23:06:00.000-07:00

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself , unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:4

These past days I have been waiting for some great insights to share with you, but it dawned on me yesterday that my walk with God is spent more in the valleys and climbs than on any mountain top where I feel jolted by God's greatness.

Instead, I have been reminded that our walk with God should be a daily occurrence, a daily "plugging in". I am realizing that the act of plugging in is not just an act of daily devotions, but an act of centering ourselves on God.

I remember when I first came to Nigeria and was teaching English at a Lutheran seminary in Yola, Adamawa State. One assignment I gave was for students to write a paragraph to share the first things they do each day.

I was amazed that the replies were almost 100% uniform: "Sit up (while still in bed), thank God for seeing me through the night and ask him to be with me in the new day, wash my face, get dressed, greet my family and neighbors."

Meeting God from the moment we open our eyes to the time we close them again at the end of our day is what it means to abide in me.

Throughout the day that means reading His Word, seeking his will in decisions big and small, living out our faith when we connect with our children, spouse, family members, colleagues, people on the road, in the store, at school, on the phone, as we decide what to watch on TV or listen to in the car...etc. Centering ourselves in God's will starts with us meeting God one on one in prayer and reading the Bible, but most of our time is spent in our daily activities. How we carry ourselves in our daily activities is the true test of whether or not we are abiding in Him.

I pray that as you abide in Him you can remember that, as great as those mountain top experiences can be, we live down in the valley and it is there we live out our faith and testify of His greatness to those we meet along the way. We need the constant source of encouragement, comfort and guidance that we gain from abiding in Him to get through each day So let us meet him first in His Word and again and again in our prayers of thanks and our petitions for encouragement, comfort and guidance so that we can stay on track throughout the day. Then, when those mountain top experiences do occur, we will treasure them even more because we will have a better understanding of all aspects of what it means to abide in me.

Dorthea

Pizza or Shinge?

2008-07-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

In Nigeria we have a kind of long-winged termite that comes out during the rainy season. Many people like to eat them. Kids especially like to catch them in a big bowl of water and drown them before frying them. In Yola, Adamawa State where we used to live, they even sell them in the market and women can make a fair amount of money. Tonight my daughter and her friends were catching them and now she wants to fry them.

Me, I made pizza today and much prefer it to shinge!

But then, I guess we all have our preferences. Some people can't imagine traveling to Nigeria and these days just leaving one's country is harder than it was before 9/11. As for me, I now feel like a foreigner in the USA.

Soon I will start teaching US History again and have realized that I need to find a way to enjoy it more so that my students can enjoy it too, I much prefer world history and diversity it offers.

Perhaps that's one reason we can have so many different preferences, we live in a diverse world, but diversity can be scary at times, just as the unknown can be terrifying, or at least uncomfortable. Change is like that too.

One of the things I like about living in Nigeria is that it is harder to get in a rut here. Ruts tend to choke me and stifle my creativity.

I guess that's why one of my favorite Bible verses is, "Behold, I am doing a new thing;now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19

There is so much going on around us that it seems crazy to me not to appreciate the diversity, whether it is people or new food like shinge. (I have tried them in the past, and did today too when Annette insisted!)

My prayer for you today is that you can take time to enjoy something new in God's creation. May it bring joy in your heart and may you find a way to share it with others. If you want, you could even come to Nigeria and try shinge!

Dorthea

Give us patience to endure life's challenges!

2008-07-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James 5:13

Yesterday I was reading a news article where Americans were wondering what they had to celebrate about on the 4th of July. I was relieved when, at the end of the article, the writer did mention that some were turning to the church.

So often the way we move on after, or in the midst of life's challenges is determined by our attitude and where we turn for comfort and encouragement. If we turn to a bottle, it will finish, if we turn to a person, they might leave us, if we turn to work, it might one day end, but if we turn to God, He is ALWAYS there!

I finally started learning that when I discovered Matthew 28:19-20 back in my elementary days. I consider it a fact that God will be with us until the "close of the age"! That fact has stayed with me as I studied in Norway, travelled to Colombia, toured in Europe and now as I live and work in Nigeria. Situations may change, but God doesn't! People may come and go, even we ourselves change, but God is constant and never-ending and God is SOOOO big that His Word speaks to us in every new situation and every new stage of our life.

As I dwell on this, joy fills my heart. I pray that you too might recognize the joy that is offered to you!

Dorthea

My first blog...

2008-07-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Living a life for God is a wonderful challenge wherever one lives, but teaching and living in Nigeria makes life a constant adventure. After eighteen years of working with the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, marrying a Nigerian pastor, starting a family and more recently being a part of the LCCN Guesthouse in Jos as well as teaching at Hillcrest School I find I would like to share my challenges and experiences with more people.

That is why I am starting this blog. I hope you will enjoy being part of my adventure and that we can grow and reflect together as God takes us where he will.

Dorthea