Out of the last ten days, I believe we have had one block of electricity for 48 hours. It’s back off now. The internet has been off for the past week as well and has just returned to grace us with its presence yesterday. So I am partially back and ready for 2 hours of action before my battery dies!
My roommate has left. Also, my brother and his wife are in Sudan now. Please be praying for them. They are going to see the city they will be based out of long term when they leave next year.
Here is a picture of my city.
Nigerian Taxis:
So in Jos, there is a plethora of honking…always. Honking can mean many different things. “I’m coming so don’t move.” “I’m coming so you better move.” “Just letting you know I am passing so don’t randomly dart into the road.” “I’m a taxi. Do you need a ride?” And I am sure there are several more. This brings me to an interesting point. When I think of taxi, I think of…yellow, high prices, an awkward silence between me and the driver, and of my dad speaking Spanish. Here, taxi drivers are the masters of their own cars. In other words, there is no Yellow Cab or ‘insert another taxi company name here.’ Taxis are just normal cars which can lead to some interesting mistakes. I am getting better now, but I may have had some awkward moments asking private drivers if they were taxis. Also, taxis don’t just take you where you want to go. You have to be going somewhere along their path so you might have to take multiple taxis to get somewhere. There are certain places where taxis line up (kinda like at the airport) and just wait for people. This is always fun because you walk up and they point you to the taxi in the front of the line which is normally going where I need it to. However, then I have to wait for the taxi to fill up. Yes that’s right, two in the passenger’s seat and four in the back. Get friendly quick!
Things I miss (cont):
Internet
Friends
Not being run over
More Things I Am Thankful For:
I have not been sick! Praise the Lord!
All 15 boys at Gidan Bege (Jos) were tested negative for HIV! Praise the Lord!
I will be getting internet at my house within the week! Lord willing!
Blessed is the man WHO LISTENS to Me, watching DAILY at My gates, waiting at My doorposts. Proverbs 8:34
AND HE WILL BE THE STABILITY OF YOUR TIMES, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is His pleasure. Isaiah 33:6
Lauren- your posts are always encouraging! It is good for us in America to hear that the Lord still works even when there’s no electricity or…*gasp*…INTERNET! Haha. We miss you and love you, see you soon!
-Jaclyn
p.s. if Kara could talk, she’d say hi too
Hey Lauren!
May the He continue to bless your ministry!
It’s so good to hear that you’re doing well! Your updates always make me laugh, yet also give me a much needed dose of reality. It’s amazing what we take for granted in this country, like not being overly concerned about whether or not our children have HIV. I am grateful that the Lord has chosen to put you in that city to serve and love those kids this summer!
I miss you and can’t wait to see you!
~Laysa
Hey Lauren,
So I’ve been kinda behind on reading the posts and I just read this one. It makes me laugh that when you think of taxis you think of your dad speaking Spanish! That’s so funny…cause me too!
I’m continually praying for you, may the Lord continue to touch the people you work with daily and may he always reveal his precious love to you!
-Kim