Praise Week Activities

          This week our school had a Praise Week to thank God for all he has done for us and to share what we have with others who are less fortunate.  The teenagers gave testimonies to the younger students, we had a food drive, a Christian movie night, a Bible quiz, a praise and worship service, a church service and two trips to visit children's centers here in Calabar.

          As my Thanksgiving Day came to a close yours was just getting started.  We had a normal school day.  In class, I broke down in tears reading, "When the Relatives Came".  It reminded me of the family gathering I was missing.  But the most amazing thing happened.  After school, the teachers and teenagers visited  The Destiny’s Child Center.  It was established in 2009 by the same lady who founded our school, her Excellency, the Governor’s wife.  The Center is for the abandoned children which had been living on the streets of Calabar. 

The Destiny Child kids sang to us.

This is where they were cooking the rice and chicken.

          Our students sang with their students, "We are the World."  I realized at that moment just how incredible it was, to be in that place, at that time.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.  I am so glad I was here in Nigeria on Thanksgiving to experience it.  They also sang to us and one of the students told us a story.  A volleyball and soccer game was started which included both sets of students and the adults who were there.  We brought sodas and they fed us IndoMie rice and chicken.  

The goat was only a week old.

          Within the compound there were several goats and chickens running loose.  I held a week old baby goat.  I wanted to hold one of the chicks but the hen was staying very close to them.  We did not get to tour inside the buildings but they looked well kept and the children all looked happy.  I tried to talk to some of them but they were really shy.  I wondered if they spoke the Native tribal language and did not understand everything I was saying.  The principal pointed out one of the girls. He said she had attended our school in the past, but was expelled for bad behavior.  He did not elaborate but I wondered if her family had abandoned her.  The youngest children I saw were probably 8 years old.  Most were middle school and high school age.  The Center is teaching them a trade so they will be able to make a living when they are graduated from the program.

The donated food during Praise Week.

          Saturday morning, we went to the Infant Jesus Orphanage Home.  It is operated by the Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar.  We brought food from our food drive to present to them.  We were allowed to walk through the buildings.  All the children were in one room which looked like a living room/classroom.  The bedrooms were filled with cribs and a few single beds and bunk beds but most of the children looked too big for the beds.  We were told the children sleep two to a bed and the oldest students have to sleep on the floor. The bathroom had a strong odor and had no privacy doors. 

One of three bedrooms

I finally gained her confidence and she let me hold her.

Little Miss Shy - She had two left flip-flops on

          After the presentation and formal pictures together we were just standing there staring at the children.  It was so awkward and I felt so stupid just standing there.  I asked if it was okay if we play with the children and requested a ball.  I must have been inspired because I have never played football (soccer) in my life but I started a game and played with them until others joined in.  I tried to talk to the younger children but all I could get was their name.  I finally gained the confidence of one girl and she let me pick her up.  Another one after that came and sat down beside me and put her arm around mine and held my hand.  It was really special.  I realized we should have brought toys and books.

          I am going to try and get a book drive going and bring some books for them when it gets close to Dr. Seuss’ birthday in March.  Maybe I will even wear my Cat in the Hat costume.  We will see what the Lord has in store.  These two trips were such amazing experiences.  The best I have had so far here in Nigeria.  If I came here for no other reason than to visit these two places it would be satisfying enough.  Clint is working on a project to gather money to help support the Orphanage.  I am going to attempt to persuade some of the teachers to go with me to read and listen to readers on a monthly basis.  We had to have armed guards because of the location of both Centers so I do not know how all this will all work out.  It will cost money for the guard and the driver.  If it is in God’s plans it will happen.  I will just have to have faith.  I do believe God has me here for a reason and this feels right.

It was so special spending time with the kids at the orphanage.