Day 25 (25th May)

What a beautiful day, praise Jehovah.  I took a trip downtown Lagos again, this time to buy some souvenirs for the We CAN training. There is so much to choose from. We 9gerians do not throw parties without Aso-Ebi (family wear) and souvenir printed with the details of the party. We got some interesting stuff and I’m very well pleased.

My sister came from Kogi state with her husband to visit. I’m so happy to see them. They are an inspiration to me. Both of them are in full time ministry, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 I kept noticing some houses that were painted this green colour with the GLO (a mobile network provider) logo. I call this green colour, Shrek green. If you have watched the movie titled Shrek, the colour is exactly like him. I’m sure they pay the owners money to get their houses painted (as per my own taste) this hideous green. Maybe if I’m offered more than a million naira to paint my house this colour at least for a limited time who knows what I’d say…… I can always close my eyes anytime I want to enter.

I thank you Father for your abundant blessings today and always.

Day 24 (24th of May)

It is wonderful to be woken up by God each morning. There is so much to be thankful to God for. I’m counting down to the return day to Southie. There is still so much to do but some would have to be postponed for another time.

I did some running around in the morning using a chartered taxi. It’s so expensive without a personal car however its convenient to be driven round Lagos with our traffic system.

I started or should I say re-started reading the book by C.S. Lewis titled ‘ The Screwtape Letters’. This book is listed by John Maxwell amongst the top 100 must read books. It takes a bit getting used to. Essentially, it is a masterpiece satire of the portrayal of the human life from the point of view of demon Screwtape, through a series of letters to his nephew. It is an interesting book. I saw myself in some of the situations that Screwtape adviced his nephew to exploit, examples are the posture we maintain in prayer and how important this is. We learnt about posture in school of disciples, how different postur.es signifies various level of submission.

 I also learnt about the danger in focusing on specific objects (as s symbol of God) during prayer, for example some people focus on the image of the cross. I remember asking some more matured Christian what they focus on when they pray. I got some very interesting responses. Some said an image of light as the bible tells us that God dwells in light. I used to have an image of a figure in a long white gown, could not put a face to the head though. Now, as I mature my focus is more on His presence than an image. The Presence is so real and active.

The other reflection from this book was on the importance of knowledge. One of their approaches is to keep knowledge out of the mind of humans in particular Christian. This immediately got me to think about the word of God that says ‘My people perish for lack of knowledge’. Without the word of God, we die spiritually. If the enemy can keep us from this, he is happy.

I’m looking forward to reading more of this book. It got me thinking about my attitude as a Christian

Nothing much today except sitting for 4 hours getting my hair braided. What we women do.

Thank You Jehovah for blessing me with another wonderful day.

Day 23 (23rd May)

I can’t believe it’s day twenty three already. Time is flying so fast. I give all honour to God in the Highest.

Day 22 (22nd of May)

Today is a great day, glory be to God. I spent the day with my immediate younger brother Akin and his family in Lekki. We went to their meeting in the morning and I returned home later in the afternoon. My brother has two beautiful girls and two boys. They are so sharp and make me laugh. The youngest child who is about three years old kept calling me ‘grandma’. What! Do I look like grandma?

On our way back, we witnessed a near fatal accident on the Third mainland bridge involving a speeding car and an OKADA (Bike)

The car involved was speeding so much and could not break on time as it approached the OKADA. It ended clipping the back of the bike which sent it flipping backwards with the three people on it being thrown in the air. We were coming directly at the back of the speeding car, but fortunately we were not speeding. If not, the three men on the bike would have landed on top of our car or underneath. Thank God for his banner, that forever protects. I was too shocked to take any picture which would have helped as the speeding car increased its speed and sped off without stopping to see if the people were ok. Thankfully, no-one was killed. It emphasized my view that these OKADA are death of wheels and should be banned. How can a bike meant for two people carry three people without any helmet on a Motorway. I can’t understand how people do not care about their lives by taking these bikes without any safety helmet.

It was a disturbing end to a good day. Yet, in all things I give God thanks.

Day 21 (21st of May)

We came back to Lagos today. I thank God for journey mercies. It’s been quite fruitful but there is still a lot I need to do. I took Keke Marwa (Marwa’s bike) today. This is a form of transportation initiated by the then Lagos State Governor, Marwa as an income generating initiative as well as a mode of transportation. I think they have something like this in India as well.

I went passed my primary school today. It’s been over 33 years since I left. I was glad to see it’s been repainted and look good. It brought back a lot of good memories. I used to take public transport from Ketu to Maryland, about 7kms even as young as 10 years old. It was so safe in those days. I remember wanting to get to school very early in order to be part of the school bank for the morning assembly. I didn’t even mind not having breakfast. My younger brother Akin who was a couple of classes behind me loves his breakfast and I used to hurry him up just to get to school on time. The primary school is a catholic school and we used to have Holy Communion every so often (can’t remember exactly how often). I remember one time for such when only Catholics were supposed to take the communion. I and some other children decided to see what all the fuss is all about and took the communion. I don’t know how the Reverend Mother and Sisters knew, needless to say our names were called and we were punished. No one told me not to do it again.

I would love to visit my secondary school but I’m not sure I would get the time this time. There is a very good Government College Ikorodu (GCI) old student association, in particular the Lagos and London chapter. My old classmate who used to be our Head boy Oladimeji Odunlami with other dedicated GCIians are doing a great job getting this going.

This evening I was bitten so much by these tiny mosquitoes called koinkoin. I was helping a family friend do some work on the generator outside and these things feasted on me because I had on a wrapper as it was very hot. I saw multiple small lumps all over my arms and legs. I’m glad I was able to provide their evening food for them.

I’m spending the evening updating my journal as I’ve not been able to do so in the past couple of days. I was able to follow a discussion on facebook intermittently with respect to the issue of some Pastors having spent over 200 million naira on private jets last year. A lot has been said already. However, there was a comment by someone on the need to be circumspect when it comes to talking about the anointed men of God, and that facebook is not the right forum. You know, I hear this a lot. You can’t talk negatively about Pastors, because they are men of God. Does this mean Christian should keep quiet when you see and hear what is not right? What is not Christ like? On the issue of the right forum, where and how? Maybe, if there is more visibility on the accounts of Pentecostal churches, it would allay the concerns of people on how these blessings are being utilized. Where there is lack of information, it provides a breeding ground for rumours. I remember when I was younger and followed my parent to the African Church, in the Sunday bulletin; they would publish the total offering, tithes etc taken in the previous Sunday. There is also an annual Vestry meeting where all members of the church attend and each committee in the church gives account of income and expenditure in addition to the total church account, and all activities undertaken. Maybe many Pentecostal churches do, and I’m not aware of. God will bless His own. I would just like to see, as Christian are amongst the richest people in the world, they are also counted amongst the top most Philanthropists in the world. There is a lot to be done in alleviating poverty in our immediate environs. Father, make me a channel of blessing.

I’m praying for strength this evening. I have a couple of proposal to do amongst a few other things. God is my strength. Over and out for today. I’m giving God all the glory for today.

Day 20 (20th of May)

We spent yesterday’s night at my Uncle’s place and left Abeokuta city around midday today for my brother, Gbenga’s place. Gbenga got married in January and lives not too far from Abeokuta with his wife.

It was really good spending time with him. He lived with me in South Africa for nearly 3 years, so I’m really glad to see him now settled. And I can see his contentment as he is now sporting a round belly! He won’t hear the last of this. I’m happy for him.

Before we left Abeokuta, I met with the Area Director for Industrial Training Fund who was so hospitable. The ITF is doing good work in the area of training and empowerment. We have gotten our first youth mentor for Nigeria. Great things ahead all for the glory of God.

Oh yes, finished my reading book today! One down, lots more to go. Good book, recommend it for those who have the time to read. I think in this day of social networks, writing a book of over 200 pages meant for twenties to fifties, I think, is too much. I would also want more audio (not too expensive) books.

It was such a relief to get indoors after a hectic two days. All glory belongs to Jehovah.

Day 19 (19th May)

What  a wonderful day! Glory to God in the Highest. Today is going to be full of activities. We are off to Abeokuta for a couple of projects. We are taking public transportation and that is an experience. Unfortunately, we have to leave Lagos early in the morning right bang in the midst of early morning traffic. My Mum and I, poor ma had to take a morning walk to the transport park.

Off we go. Was this driver speeding or not? Trust my Mum, she can’t drive but she drives verbally than any driver I know. She was telling this man to slow down every few minutes. Did he listen? Of course not. These public transportation drivers are a law unto themselves. Needless to say, I spent the entire trip in prayers. We got there safe and sound.

Abeokuta, the city under the Rock has changed slightly. There is definitely more people, more cars and more traffic in the city. It’s still a beautiful city. Our first port of call was my Uncle’s office. My Uncle, who is my Mum’s immediate senior brother, is a twin (his twin died many years ago even before I was born) and very handsome, even at 78 years he is still standing. He oversees the Oba of Oke Ona’s office (King of Oke-Ona’s office).  Abeokuta has many monarchies in different clan with the overall King known as Alake of Egbaland. It’s been known that my father, Akintoye comes from one of this kingly lineage, the Olowu of Owu. He was meant to be crowned as such about 20 years ago, then there was some family issue and someone else was eventually crowned. It’s a good thing it didn’t happen as far as am concerned because the person that was crowned died not too long after. Anyway, I am not into all these Kingships, I would rather be the child of the King of Kings and a princess in His Kingdom than any earthly kingdom.

Going back to my Uncle, this man’s life is full of experiences. I wish that he or one of my cousins would write his memoirs. It would be filled with learning for young men (and women). I am thinking right now of him being an excellent We CAN (Nigeria) mentors. He, my mum and my Aunt (Mum’s immediate sister) are the remaining siblings from the same mother and father (Rev Jiboku). They are so close, in fact we say if you can’t tell one of them something, just tell either of the two and you would be sure that the third would hear of it. It is great to see such closeness in siblings.

I can really appreciate being mobile with your own vehicle. In Abeokuta, there are small cars which are used as taxis. It’s supposed to carry four passengers but sometimes, they carry two in the front. And they keep picking up passengers along the way which makes your journey twice as long. We just had to make the best of the situation because we need to go about a lot today. One thing which is strange and quite shortsighted of the taxi men is that they don’t do charter. They prefer to do all these short picks ups for 20, 30, 40 naira expending fuel than charging a lump sum to go to a fewer places.

It was a fruitful day. We were able to buy supplies for the project, started the work and also spend time with family. Unless you had a truck, you need to get truck owners to help you to transport building supplies to the site. I was priviledged to be transported in a truck whose gear stick was set so far from the driver, practically right between the passenger seats. Being the slimmer, I got to sit near the driver with my mum by the door. It so happens that the gear stick had to be between my legs. Luckily I was wearing jeans. But I had to hold my giggles anytime the driver had to lean over my left thigh to change the gear. Hilarious!

I also got to see my 84 year old step grandma. The King of Oke-Ona was celebrating 22 years on the Throne and she attended the ceremony. We were there as well briefly as it was being done in the Palace where my Uncle’s office was situated. I managed to take a photograph of the King but unfortunately could not get a good shot of his 3 wives, yes 3 wives. These wives goes everywhere with the King, they wear the same outfit, in fact they look so similar to each other I wonder how the King know which one is which. I still can’t understand how we women can share a man. I don’t get it. My Dad had a few wives but none lived in the same house. Yet, I can’t imagine how one wife would feel when their husband is with another wife. As I was writing this, I asked my mum how she coped, she said she felt disappointed. That she had no choice. I pray that God would give women going through such the grace and the spirit of patience. I understand there are some polygamous homes that worked well. I can never do it. I would rather be single. It’s even depressing writing about it.

I went to meet the Proprietor of a group of private schools who also happens to be my mum’s cousin. This is part of profiling We CAN youth empowerment initiative in Nigeria. The meeting generated a lot of interest which was fantastic. I am quite hopeful that we would be able to partner with private schools as well as public schools to run a series of leadership workshop, develop a mentorship programme that would empower youths in secondary school to chose the career of their choice, where their  gifts and talents lies.

It’s so far so good. I thank you for your mercies oh God Almighty.

Soory, its not possible to upload pictures that goes with the blog. These pictures are available on my facebook.

Day 17 and 18

Day 17 (17^th May)

Almighty God Jehovah praises unto you. Today is a very quiet day for me. Nothing much doing than indoors after my sojourn again to the bank. I cam home and slept most of the day. Thank God for the gift of sleep.

Day 18 (18^th May)

Praise God for waking me up this morning hale and hearty. I went out with my step mum to Lagos State University (LASU), my best friend Kemi Akinosho graduated from there so many years ago.

I have not been to this side of Lagos in over twenty years. The area has developed so much. The road to the Campus used to be like travelling through the forest, although they had not moved to their permanent site then. I remember the days we used to travel down from Ife to ‘shift’. I thank God for His mercies which are not dependent on the work of our hand.

I met a very interesting 74years old man, Mr. Amodu, who just graduated with a second class Honours degree in Sociology this year.

It’s amazing. This man has got children who has P.HD and a wife who has post graduate qualification. He is starting his Masters programme this year. He said he was motivated by his wife. He is very well spoken and articulate. I was impressed. Where there is a will, there is a way. It’s never too late to be educated. See a clip of my mini interview on my facebook (if you are on my friend list). If you are not on my friend list, once you subscribe to follow my blog, send me a friend request and I will accept.

My visit to LASU was very fruitful. God opened the door of favour. I am networking to profile We CAN Leadership Institute. We want to explore opportunities to access Youths for training and empowerment. God is leading us to work with Youths in Nigeria to empower them with skills and knowledge to develop them into great leaders of tomorrow. We have so many Youths who do the wrong courses in University because of Parent pressure or misguided mindset about how to make money. We do not have effective career guidance in our secondary schools; neither do we have enough Social Entrepreneurial projects to support potential young Entrepreneurs. There is a role for We CAN as part of our vision to develop leaders for this generation. As we are investing in South Africa, we also have to remember ‘home’. So far, there is great potential in the land. I know many Nigerians outside the country might say why bother but I know my home, where I come from and I will always remember home. God has a reason for making me be born in Nigeria to Nigerian parent. If God wanted to make me a South African or any other nation, He would have done so. For those Nigerian who lambast the Country and vow never to return or have anything to do with the Country, remember you did not create yourself and God never makes a mistake.

I have also started the process to register We CAN in Nigeria in order to facilitate the events we plan on doing and enable partnerships. We had a start and stop process but God has taken control and the process is now on track. God is great. When He gives a vision, He provides the means. One only needs to obey and take that step to start. We have been spending time this year to do some background work to start the Business part of We CAN. God has enabled opportunities to partner with great people that are helping to consolidate the governance, the documentation and all processes we need to have in place. I am trusting God for open doors for resources to enable us do more training free for people and thus impact lives.

There are a few more people to see before I return to SA, as the first stage. I am so excited to be doing something that would impact people’s life. And doing it not with the intention of making millions but just to impact lives as a way to glorify God and spread His love. God says seek ye first the Kingdom of God and everything will be added unto you.

Another project I’m working on is perfecting my father’s probate. It’s taken so long and I have now resolved to go direct to the High Court. It’s unbelievable how wicked people can be. You pay for a service and then they start dribbling you like a football. But God always stand by His own. He exposes the plot of men; He provides resources and ways to help you. I am determined to have a breakthrough before I leave.

I’m already halfway of my stay in 9ja and there is still so much to do. I take it that the days of rest is now over. I’m off to my home Country Abeokuta in a few days. Ori Olumo (Top of Olumo rock), mayo mayo mayo o, lori Olumo (be joyous on top of Olumo rock). It’s so different from Lagos, peaceful, less hectic, and calm, I love it. This is where I would like to settle when I retire. It is also the location for We CAN’s Village for Orphans and Widows. I will say more on this later.

My God, my Father, I glorify You for this day

Day 16 (16th May)

I thank you Father for waking me up today. I’m spending today sorting out my Dad’s document and cataloging them appropriately. I will also be chasing up the Estate lawyers regarding my father’s probate. Can you imagine we are still on these 11 years down the line? I am so frustrated with the way professionals work in this country. The client is the one that will be chasing up on the work you give them and are paying them for. If you don’t call them in years, there would not be any progress on your work. And when you do call them, you will be asked for more money and more money.

The lawyers I’ve had the opportunity to relate with have been a disappointment. Maybe I’ve been unlucky and did not walk with God on this, I don’t know. The estate lawyer has been telling me the only thing needed was to collect the probate fees from the court. The week before the last, he said he would be going there the next day, last week when I called for an update, he said he just sent someone there that day. I’ve been calling today but have not gone through.

I went though some chunk from document we collected yesterday. It was so tedious but worth it. I found some interesting document. We came across a locked box which we had to force open. It was carpeted with red velvet and it contained my parent’s wedding album! It was still in pristine condition. Beautiful. The pictures were so beautiful. My parents looked beautiful. This was over 43 years ago.

We came across so many pictures of times past, including my elder brother’s graduation day with his then girlfriend Sister Toun. Lovely pictures.

Day 15 (15th May)

I worshipped at a Redeemed Church in the Estate which is situated close to my Mum’s place. The Church has moved forward since they were using a school venue for service and are now in a church building. It was their prayer Sunday and the sermon was short with more time spent on prayer. The major aspect of the prayer was thanking God for mercy drops and asking for showers of blessing.

We went to Ketu in the afternoon to sort out my father’s document and other stuff which has been kept in a room for the past 11 years. The place was full of dust. Unfortunately it has to be done. It’s been too long. We also needed some document for the estate, so no choice and it fell on me to make this happen. Sorting it out of the room was one thing, now cleaning and cataloging the items is stage two. There goes three days of my second week. It’s a good thing I spent last week resting.

I have realized that if I don’t do my reading, reflecting and writing first thing in the morning, once I go out that is it for the day. This place is too hot. I have not met my reading target but I’m hopeful that I will finish the book this week. I’m nearly at the end of the book. The major insight that made an impression on me throughout the book was that, walking with God requires us to Ask Him first in everything. After asking, we should wait and listen for His answer. I totally agree with this; however this does not come automatically, at least for me. Sometimes, I would have made a decision to do something before I remember I’ve did not even ask God if I should do it. When I have problem with people or something or a situation, it’s easier to ask God to sort it rather than ask Him what I should do. Even in our human relationship, I do not recollect asking God, how He wants me to relate with individuals (relationships are all different). Sometimes, we think we know our friends’ need and we pray accordingly. It can be obvious sometimes, but I bet most times we don’t stop to ask God what we should pray for our friends before we launch into specific prayers. This book ‘Walking with God’ has really affirmed my conviction that I need to do more in consciously referencing God by asking before I do.

The other major insight from the book for me was a deeper understanding on the healing power in the death and resurrection of Jesus. One of the projects I started working on some time ago was on the power in the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Healing is one of this; ‘By His Stripes we are healed’. I got a more rounded view of the healing power. I hear in most preaching the physical healing aspect but actually when we are talking about healing power of the blood of Jesus, we should be making it holistic. It is not just physical healing, but emotional, psychological, mental everything. I feel there is too much focus on physical healing in our sermons. John Eldridge mentioned that we carry wounds deep in our soul that needs healing before we can be whole. We need to understand and be aware of these wounds before you could even begin to take the journey into healing through the power of the finished work of Christ on the cross. Some people had terrible childhood, the scars of which has not yet healed, some people has low self esteem due to years of mental abuse from their spouse, some people carry depression due to years of waiting (for a child, for jobs, for breakthrough etc); all these are wounds that need healing. We need preaching on total healing in our churches.

Anyway, this is not a sermon blog.

I was able to take some pictures now that my phone camera is sorted. Although, I’ve not been able to upload any pictures on my blog, I will get this on my facebook.

To God be praises, honour and adoration for a day well spent

Day 8th (8th of May)

There is nothing much today after a very hectic day yesterday. I was at home in the morning and then went to visit my Aunt in the hospital later in the day with my elder cousin who is around from Atlanta.

All glory be to God in the Highest

Day 7 (7th May)

Today is going to be full of activities. It’s my cousin’s wedding today as well as my friend’s father’s funeral. I am determined to attend both even though it’s happening in two different cities nearly 400kms apart. I decided to go to the funeral first as the service is at 9am while the wedding is at 10.30am. I accosted my youngest ex step mother (I think at the last count I have 3 ex step mothers) to accompany me to the funeral.

We left Lagos at 8.30am; I think I’d forgotten the state of the Ibadan- Lagos express road not to mention the traffic. It took us about 2 and half hours to get there, then we missed the direction to the place, totally my fault, where I thought was not where we should have taken. Luckily, I called an old friend on arrival in the city and he asked where we were going in order for him to come and meet us there. When he heard where we were headed, he laughed; he actually laughed and made fun of me because, according to him, he expected me to know the direction given the number of times I had taken the same route. Needless to say, I could have pinched myself because he was right.

We turned right back and got stuck in traffic. We eventually got to the venue about one hour to the end. It was really nice to be able to attend. We stayed for about one hour and had to rush back to Lagos to attend the latter part of the wedding reception.

We 9gerian’s love parties! I think there would be over 1000 people at this reception. The venue was packed with myriad of purple and lilac colors which were the bridal colors for the day. I saw cousins from my Mother’s side which I have not seen for over twenty years.

It was beautiful, it was rowdy and it was hot. We love parties, with colour coordinated shoes, bags and accessories. We 9gerians don’t mind getting our attire on debt for parties. And everything must match because you would be checked out just like you too would check others out. My goodness, King Solomon was right to say vanity upon vanity all is vanity.

The millions (both in money and effort) you spend on an event that lasts only for a couple of hours. I guess as a parent one wants to give ones’ children the best wedding. I do wonder though, is it for the children or for the parent. I was at the reception for about 2 hours and the newly wedded couple was on the dance floor all that time. I know they’ve been on it before I arrived. I pitied the bride’s feet oh. At one point the couple were dancing all alone on one side of the floor, whilst a group of people, I guess one of whom was being lauded by the musician, were busy on the other side of the dance floor. I wonder if the wedding was about other people enjoying themselves much more than the newly married.

It took me back to mine so (with emphasis) many years ago. We spent most of the reception sitting feeling (at least I did) neglected. I felt the wedding was more for my parent than anything. We were just there. We get the occasional acknowledgement of greeting but the center of attention was my parents definitely. Maybe they deserve it after all the years of hard work, care and effort over me. Hm, I must definitely ensure my girls are the center of attention on their wedding day. They must feel pampered like princesses.

Anyway, we got home ready to drop. It was a good day, spent with family and friends. We also had elder family members stay with us. One that is very dear to my heart is my mum’s step mum, who is 84 years old but oh so strong and active, with all her faculties still intact. Her elder sister is 99 years old so I guess longetivity and good health runs in the female side of the family. We call my mum’s step mother (does this mean she is my step grandmother?) mama oriapata, mum who lives on top of the hill. The name is because my grandparent’s house is built on a rock. You have to climb a rock to get to the house. The house has been there since the 40’s and its still standing strong. It reminds me of the saying that a house built on a rock stands forever. I wonder whether my grandpa who was a Reverend was thinking about this when he got the land or should I say the rock. I remember so many great experiences with the Jiboku dynasty in that house we call Oriapata (on top of the rock) in Abeokuta. Those experiences are for another day and another time. By the way, Mama Oriapata gave every one of her step children and their children nick names. My mum is Ibadi aran (A bum that is wrapped in Aran – a type of Yoruba material that shines) I guess because she is roundly endowed, she calls me Ereke Po – chubby cheeks ( I wonder why!), my mum’s sister is Gelee o dun (No pleasure in head tie unless you know how to wear it, my Uncle is  Ashelebe ( a slim person) and so one for others. It’s so charming. This is a tradition that is no longer common, who a wife that comes to the family to give nicknames to the children of the house as a sign of affection. I think I will ask her to teach me some names to give to my sister in law and brothers in law. Ereke po that is me, yes ke.

To God is the glory for a day as this.

Day 14th (14th May)

I went visiting to an area called Abule Egba (village of Egba –a tribe in South West Nigeria) this morning. I don’t know why this place is called a village because it is a city. The area we went to is not accessible to the house we were going so we had to park some houses away and walk. The town planning in Lagos is something else.

I got back in time for my family meeting at noon. Anytime we have such meeting, it requires pre-meeting prayers. God has really been my banner since my father’s death twelve years ago when I was thrust into a leadership role that my elder brother did not fill. The meeting by the grace of God went well, however the trustees still has a lot of work to do. It has been difficult getting trustworthy people to manage the estate and we’ve resolved to do it ourselves. This is one of my sabbatical projects. I know it shall be well.

Polygamous family in Nigeria is one of our root problems. It has done uncountable damages to families from one generation to the other. It was the mercy of God over my father’s house that has been sustaining us. I thank God for His mercies, for His banner and protection that He has continued to bind us with the cord of love, peace and unity.

I have not been able to upload my blog unto the site for the past couple of days because the site was down. I had to do this today which was a bit tedious since I was also completing the write up for today. I was a bit concerned about the lack of pictures on my blog. I wanted to take some pictures some days ago and my phone was asking for a media card, which I thought was there already. I missed some picture opportunities on my day out to Lagos. We came across a fight on Thursday when we were in Lagos between a lady and a man which thank goodness was stopped by passerby’s’. I noticed the man was trying to rip this lady’s top. It’s bad enough that a man would be physically fighting a woman on the street, and they were strangers, talkless trying to uncover her nakedness in public. What a shameful act. I wonder how he treats his wife at home. Luckily the fight was stopped in the nick of time.

As I was trying to get some information from my South Africa sim card, I noticed that the media card in my phone was not clicked in place properly. Haha, this accounted for the undetected media card! Boy, was I happy because this means I can take pictures that would make my write up less boring.

I slept soon after the family meeting today around 4pm and woke up a few hours later. I got up feeling so tired in my spirit. I could not say a word to my Mum because I know she would start putting 2 and 2 together to make 5, particularly after the meeting. I took a leaf out of the book I am reading about speaking against all negative feeling. I felt it was not physical and I immediately started praying against feeling of dejection, of tiredness, of heaviness and I immediately started feeling better. I really felt the spirit of God overshadow me and I started praying from the depth of my heart as I felt God’s presence so strongly.

My God is Awesome. I love you Jehovah. I adore you. Continue to keep me as the apple of your eyes. How You took control today can only be YOU. My heart, my soul, the air I breathe, my eyes are on You today & always. Help me LORD to live for You in all ways, at all time, everything for You. I feel you LORD. Help me to be a doer not just a hearer of your word. Help me to touch life in significant and profound ways, all to bring glory to You. Help me to impact lives, to impact nation, to impact my generation, to be a Blessing not just blessed so that YOUR name only would be glorified. My Father, my friend, my love, my past, my present, my future, my All. I LOVE YOU.

I could not get to sleep easily today after having slept earlier in the evening, so I decided to update my journal. It’s about 1.30am now and I am going to try and sleep now with the droning of our neighbour’s generator providing the background music. There is church tomorrow.

God Almighty, thank You for blessing me with another wonderful day in goodness and mercy.

Day 13 (13th May)

I decided to stay at home today after yesterday’s sojourn in Lagos city. I was not able to upload to my blog site yesterday due to the site’s technical problem, which am hoping has been sorted now. I spent most part of the morning at the bank dealing with some transactions on my father’s estate with one of the trustees and my mum. I will not say anything further about banks today.

It’s so hot here and it’s supposed to be the raining season. The Electricity board blessed us with some electricity in the afternoon but took it after about one hour. I decided to give the generator a rest and stayed outside to get some cool breeze. I noticed many small spots on my legs and arms, seems I have been providing some juicy food for the mosquitoes. They’ve been particularly vicious today, both tiny ones and big ones. It’s too hot to cover yourself from head to toe. I forgot to bring the mosquitoes swipes. I definitely need to get some soon.

I managed to catch up a bit with my reading today.  I was reflecting on the Author’s perceptions on Joy. He said we need joy, lots of it. The bible tells us that the Joy of the Lord is our strength that we should rejoice always. As a student of Bible School and School of Disciples, we are taught that Joy is one of the weapons of our warfare. It got me reflecting on whether Joy is a feeling, a decision or both? Can you decide to be joyful even when you don’t feel joyful? I think it is both. If we are meant to rejoice always, sometimes our circumstances does not  facilitate this, and we have to make a conscious decision to be joyful irrespective of what is going on around us. It makes me link this also to love. You make a conscious decision to show love to people because if you have to wait to feel love, you might wait a long time in some people’s case. You know most of what we have to be as children of God requires a conscious decision to be it.  It is a tough call to make this decision and stick to it, to be joyful, to love, to live in peace, to be patient in fact all the aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. Once you make this decision, you need the help of the Holy Spirit to keep to it. Hence, the need to walk with God.

Another insight I got from my reading today was on relationship with People. John Eldridge was indicating, in my understanding that we need to ask God how to deal with people. Most of us we do things and say things automatically without first pausing to ask God what He wants us to say or do. I have been in meetings where we table an issue and people start giving their views. Inside me, I’m thinking shouldn’t we first ask God? I used to think maybe, the other people who have been born again way before me have a way of doing this subconsciously or maybe something was wrong with my own thinking. I’m glad I had it affirmed today.

How do we get to this level of taking a pause before we do or say anything regarding all aspect of our relationships with people? Some people might think it is impossible for every single interaction. I say it is possible but it would require a conscious decision. God is awesome.

I can feel the mosquitoes trying to suck me dry this evening. I need to pack up my laptop and face them squarely. To God is the glory. I thank you Father for today.

Day 12 (12th May)

I woke up with thanksgiving on my lips and in my heart.  Each day that God wakes us up is a blessing. I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to take time out of the buziness of life and spend quality time on things that is entirely under the direction of God. For some time now, I’ve been discontent about the limited time I spent focused on God. I try to find time amongst other things (doing school run, work, running the home, We CAN, church activities particularly on Saturdays and Sundays) but I still have a heavy heart that I am not living for God the way I should but expecting God to fit into my schedule.

Just to have the time to reflect, read the Word at my own space and articulate insights from God is fantastic and a blessing. I don’t want to cram a lot of activities into the six months. It’s interesting that most people when they hear of my sabbatical, they ask me what I will be doing. I think they expect me to say either doing some studies (which I am doing not just to seek a world qualification), where I would be going (expecting me to do some travelling) and when I tell them I want to spend time on spiritual development, for Christian they understand immediately as all genuine and passionate Christian know the challenges of dedicating time to the things of the Lord. The unbelievers look surprise! This is just the perfect thing for me to do at this time in my life and I’m so looking forward to taking this journey with God.

I did some write up on the insight from studying the book of Luke on the temptation of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit opened my eyes of understanding to three key aspect that the enemy uses to keep people away from God. I have heard many sermons on this temptation but more in terms of how Jesus overcame. I got shown a different aspect on what He was tempted on. I am writing this up as part of my collation on Spiritual Maturity. Sorry, you have to read more on it from there. Check extracts on my blog http://ajourneyintospiritualmaturity.blogspot.com/2011/05/heritage-of-servants-of-lord.html

I ventured into the city today. I mean Lagos center (Isale Eko, Idumota, Balogun – you get the picture). And I drove there. I went with a friend of mine to buy some stuff to take back to Southie (South Africa). First he wanted to go to a shop which we couldn’t locate. After walking round and round he eventually gave up and we went to get some Gospel CDs. From where we parked the car to where the CD sellers group themselves, we walked and walked. We eventually got to the first set of sellers, sat down and we were shown some CDs just for my friend to say no, got this, got that, this are not the one I’m looking for. So up we got, the trek continues. Well, not after I bought a selection of Christian movies at an inflated price, I know ,but I felt sorry for the guy selling it. He claimed he only makes a tiny profit because these particular movies (Mt Zion) are more expensive, not sold in Lagos and so on and so forth. Oh yes, I was taken in.

Off we went trodding along, looking for the particular gospel CDs my friend wanted. Eventually, we went through a passage way (Isale Eko is full of these types of passage ways), got to a man selling CDs in a corner e told him what we wanted, and then he said we should follow him. So we followed him, climbed a spiral (at least it looked spiral ) stairs, maneuvering the uneven steps and curves and holding very tightly to the (very) thin  staircase rail because it was situated right at the edge of the building, it’s quite possible to miss your footing and tumble headlong into a painful fall

Now, in 9ja we know how to turn anything into something. We got to this upstairs warehouse and I was blown away by the rows and rows of CDs both video and audio. The movies I bought at the earlier place for 350 naira, we got here for 280 (so I was taken in!). And thank goodness my friend got what he wanted and he bought sets and sets of different gospel music. I did not bother to buy any except a set of traditional hymns, because I know I will ‘borrow’ what he bought and he has a very good taste I must say. I think I still have some of his audio CDs in Southie and they are good.

We left Lagos to go to Surulere. It was about closing time now and I was dreading the after office traffic. On our way, we were reminiscing about the good old days. They were still some structure in Lagos that has been there since our childhood; Mandilas House, Elephant House, a lot has given way to remodeled structure like Leventis where we used to buy our clothes when I was a little girl. We took some video clips which I will share later.

The traffic oh my word! On our way home on the 3^rd mainland bridge, it  was move for a second, standstill for a minute. Having to do some maneuvering and fighting for your space has started making my head pound like a pounder. I was thinking to myself, never again will I come to Lagos in the afternoon to finish in the evening. We must come early in the morning to finish in the afternoon. We made it home after about 4 hours in the traffic. The heat! I got home, had a shower, got something to eat in order to take some pain relievers and went to bed. Needless to say, I could not do any write up this evening and I missed my reading targets. I’m just reflecting its better I get the reading done in the morning before I go anywhere!

I managed to call the girls before I lay me down my head to sleep.

Thank you God for your mercies today and always!

Day 11 (11th May)

To God be the glory for waking me up hale and hearty this morning. No electricity since yesterday afternoon.  This morning, there was no water as well, neither from the main tap nor the reservoir. What a wonderful way to start the day. It’s a good thing I have no plan to go out today. Yet in all things I give thanks.

I met with my fashion designer (sophisticated term for Tailor) this morning. I have some materials which I have not made and would not want to do this in South Africa. I remember I’ve still got a material with a sister for over a year, anyway it’s cheaper to make it in 9ja.

Thank God for facebook. It is a 21^st century revolution. I have met so many old friends and families through it. One of such old friends is my best friend when I was in secondary school so many years ago. I touched base with her today. She told me about her son’s accident on OKADA which broke the bones on both legs. Praise God it was not more than that. So many people have lost their life on OKADA. OKADA is the local lingo for motorbike which is a major type of transportation in Nigeria. It is death on wheels. There is no training for the drivers, no safety protection, and no regulation, coupled with the reckless driving of the drivers, it is death on wheels. What is even so disturbing is the number of passengers that are carried at the same time, can be up to 3 or 4 including the driver! Yet with the state of traffic especially in Lagos, it is the fastest mode of transportation, and most people usually say they have no choice. There are some areas that you can’t even drive a car to, it’s either you walk or you take an OKADA. There are too many deaths as a result of OKADA and something must be done by our Government or the people.  Maybe one can start a ‘STOP DEATH ON WHEELS ON OUR ROAD’ movement. Hmm worth thinking about. Anyone interested?

I made progress on my project by meeting with a couple of project managers. This will really be a learning experience for me and would definitely need the leading of the Holy Spirit because I tire for masonry in 9ja. You really need God to help you choose the right one.  

Despite the heat, I was able to get through more on my reading book. I also shared some insights on my tweeter. I learnt about the power of the enemy over our life through our negative thoughts. Every time you give in to negativity in your life, you are agreeing and affirming with enemy’s lies over your life. That is why positive confession is so vital as a child of God, Makes you think about the negative proclamation we 9gerian’s make over our nation. I’m making a decision to take authority over negative thought, negative speech from today. There are so many beautiful and inspirational insights which I’m pulling together in another journal.

It’s been a very restful time for me this week and I thank God for the opportunity. I’ve been binging on mangoes from my mum’s garden, very juicy and organic (not planted with fertilizer), vegetables from the garden as well. My Mum has green fingers. She planted some vegetables (tomatoes, bitter leave) when she was with us in SA and we enjoyed it for a while. Her compound here is full of fruits and vegetables. Awesome

We are blessed in 9ja (Nigeria) with abundance of fruits and vegetables. So many varieties. You don’t appreciate these until you live in a Country where you have to pay so much for fruits and veg. We are blessed

I need to take some pictures and videos once my rest period is over.

Jehovah, for today I say thank you.

Day 10 (10th May)

Woke up refreshed today, thanking God that He kept me alive. Mightily conscious of my reading targets, after my bible passage got stuck into getting through some pages of the book I started at the weekend. I managed to get to page 76 from 52, not bad. I took another trip to the bank, my own bank today and did not have too many unpleasant experiences.

I’m still surprised that the internet connection through Multilink Telkom is working ok. I was able to log and had a good conversation with my friend Ibukun in Canada. As usual, she was encouraging; yes and the first person to start following my blog.

I sneaked a look yesterday night on my work email, maybe not sneaked a look, I needed to get some personal email from UCB which I’ve not managed to changed. I responded to one official email on the interim cover for my post. Well, I have a vested interest after all; whoever covers for me can either make my return stress free or stressful. I would prefer the former! But, seriously, I need to wean myself off OGB.

I’m still fasting and trying to conserve energy. I decided to add variety to my reading and continue another book I started a few weeks ago in SA. Written by C.S. Lewis, it’s titled the Screwtape Letters. This is a series of letters written by Devil to his nephew Wormwood. It is a classic satire and really an eye opener on how the Devil and his demons operate to sabotage the Christian life. This book could only have been inspired by the God as it exposes the machination of the enemy. It is unbelievable the insight Lewis provided in how the enemy manipulates our mind, our prayer life, the circumstances around us and anything to take our focus from God. This book is a must read for those wanting to understand the enemy’s tricks in order to fight it victoriously.

This evening I went with my Mum to see my Aunt (Mum’s junior sister) in Isheri. She has just been discharged from the Hospital after an acute bout of Malaria. My Aunt is the youngest sibling from my grandmother’s side. I have noticed that siblings always have this soft spot for the youngest in the family and do they not know it! My youngest brother Gbolly is the same, bless him I love him to bits, not only because we share the same birth date with a 10 year difference but he is so cute. I remember when I used to clean his nappy (shuusssssssssh, he is now a married man!). Love my Aunt to bit as well. She, my mum and their elder sister (of blessed memory) were so gorgeous when they were younger. And still are. My mum at 73 is one of the strongest people I know.

I had to drive my mum and myself to Isheri. I do have a Nigerian driving license. Driving in Lagos, oh my word. Needless to say, I was driving sitting nearly glued to the steering wheel. You need all your senses and faculty on alert. Going was ok but coming back, chi my mantra of ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ was nearly thrown out of the window. I need to start taking pictures, seriously. We took one hour for a distance that should have taken us about 10 mins. Thank God we made it without scratching the car and also managing to give some people the opportunity to get into my lane.

I can’t believe how viciously we talk to each other in 9ja. There is no love in our words or tone at all. I am amazed. Yet, we are a religious (?) nation. We are a nation that does not have love in our heart for anybody except our self. You get to see this everywhere. Yesterday, I had to borrow a pen from a lady at the bank, and the way she spoke to me with a loud conflict ridden tone, just to tell me ‘TO BE QUICK OH, AS SHE WILL BE LEAVING SOON’. I was sorely tempted to tell her to stick her pen except of course I needed a pen and I do not have one. I just smiled. We can’t talk to each other without shouting, there is no humility in our tone, and we are so full of suspicion. We Christian need to focus our prayers for God to instill in us a loving heart, a humble heart, for God to heal our heart that has been damaged by distrust, self interest and wickedness. Having good leaders is not the only solution if we the people are not healed from inside out.

We had a visitor from South Africa visit; he is here for his father’s burial which happened last Saturday. My mum was at home and I could hear her internally analyzing our friendship. Mothers!! Just want their children to be married and keep breeding. Well, this eligible bachelorette is a follower of Jesus, where He leads I follow. Enough said.

The girls are having a blast I presume. School is keeping all of them busy. I miss them. As the saying goes absence makes the heart grow fonder. Love them all, my beautiful Nubian beauties.

So far so good for day 10. I give God all the glory. Time out.

Day 9 (9th May)

We had rain last night, thank God! Made the climate cooler. Still managing the on-off electricity but this is something one gets used to in Nigeria. Although the continuous drone of generator drives me…. Especially my Mum’s tenant whose apartment is directly underneath my room. They keep their generator on all day and night; sometimes they don’t even know when the electricity comes back. Couldn’t the Chinese come up with a noiseless generator for goodness sake? I wonder how people who lives in a block of apartment of rooms manage, each one with their own noisy gen. Am sure this would be affecting our eardrums or something.

Anyway, one of my quiet days is Monday as it is a fasting day for me. As usual I tend to spend it with as little physical activity as possible. Was in doors except when I went to help a fried pay in some dollars into his domiciliary account. I still can’t decide if it’s more beneficial and cost effective to hold a hard currency account or a Naira account if you are in Diaspora. Anyway, not an issue for me right now, any dollar I have is for spending.

I always have this anxiety anytime I have to go to a Nigerian bank. Anxiety because you don’t know what you would meet when you get there. You might be told your account is dormant, or your signature is not the same as their record or you fill this form and put the pink in a box sitting on the far end of room. I find my banking experience in 9ja tedious. Oh yes, not to forget that you have to relieve your body of everything jingly, hold your many phones (in 9ja we do have more than 2 phones as you never know which network might be clearer) in your hand with your hands up in the air as you enter the security entrance. Anyway, this time I completed what I went for unscathed. Although I heard something like ‘the account is dormant....’ and I was thinking just pay the money in my friend.

I managed to get my laptop out and start typing my sabbatical journal all the while praying that God will help me keep it up. I know am not a daily journal person. I have a diary which has been writing in for nearly ten years now and the small black book is not yet finished. Just goes to show. But this one, I am determined and focused (by the grace of God). I want to challenge myself and push my limits in these six months. I know I can do it and will do it.

All the while am thinking of the many things I want to accomplish. Related to this is setting up a blog to share my sabbatical journey. I’ve asked a friend to help get a data bundle to start this as DIY (do it yourself), should be easy what is it. Am quite excited.

Still on John Eldridge book ‘Walking with God. I want to finish this by end of this week, in fact, I’ve set myself a target (so many targets chi, God will help me oh) to read one book per week. I have been buying and keeping so many books that I promised myself I would get through in this six months. So far, not bad, am on page 52 of 210 and its only Monday. If I read average of 50 pages a day (did I mention that I started the book four days ago?), then I should be able to finish by the weekend. Very good book, a lot of emphasized on Jesus as the Shepherd leading the sheep, in essence that we believers should be followers of Christ. He must be the one leading in all areas of our lives. Makes me wonder how many times I had taken a decision to do something and then just remember to ask God to bless it. I conveniently forget to ask Him first, if I should do it or not. Father, take me to that level where I don’t breadth without asking you first.