Elijah and Lily go to the cinema!

Two of my GPI small friends, Elijah and Lily came to hang out with me! Elijah came to stay on Friday night and we had a great time drawing pictures, watching movies and hanging out together - Elijah was an angel! 

The next day we travelled into Calabar South to collect lovely little Lily and from there went to Marina Resort to the cinema to watch Smurfs 2. It was the kids first ever time at the cinema, so we took lots of snacks and had popcorn! Then we played cards and ludo and watched the people in boats fishing. 

It was such a wonderful day, I enjoyed myself so much! I was sad to say bye to Lily and Elijah. I've become so attached to them. 

Lily and Elijah outside the cinema!

The fishermen in Calabar South

Marina Resort

GPI graduation

Today is the day 48 of our GPI girls graduate from the Sunday Lesson Programme after successful completion of 3 years. It’s a great celebration with speeches, drama, singing and prize giving! The girls looked amazing in their gowns and caps

Our graduates!

Elijah and I watching the ceremony

Head Table

Bassey - Our Director of Ceremony

Mumsy B - the founder of GPI

 Proud GPI mums!

Behind the scenes preparation: 

Members of the GPI drama troupe!

The lovely Emilia

Our younger GPI girls

GPI News Broadcasters - they were great!

I was so proud of my “Nigerian Sister” Blessing – she won two prizes for her attendance and time=keeping and knowledge!

And I got to meet more of my adopted Nigerian Family – Aunty Peace and her child. 

The day whizzed past – I’m finally used to the rhythm of Nigerian ceremonies, and I find myself enjoying every single moment. I even had a tear in my eye, I was so proud to have been part of this. GPI has really impacted positively on the lives of these girls. 

Abuja and VSO Leavers Forum

Thankfully I had flights booked to Abuja as due to the malaria there was no way I’d survive the 14+ hour journey by road with my health. The flight was lovely, only one hour in relative luxury! No bone shaking bumps, peeing by the side of the road, aching muscles and headache from dehydration!!

Abuja was all about the VSO leavers forum. When I had the invite I debated whether I wanted to go, as I miss Calabar when I’m gone! But I wanted to see my fellow VSO volunteers and see what the forum had to offer. I was actually so glad I went and recommend it to other volunteers. I had a great 2 days discussing our placements and our future paths. It really hit home that I have just 9 weeks left as a volunteer. I can’t believe I have to say goodbye to all my Nigerian friends and fellow volunteers. How am I going to say bye to my little Peace?

The leavers forum really helped me identify my long-term 5 year goals and has made me reflective as to how I can achieve these goals, and also helped me identify what I have given GPI and what I have gained from this experience.

It was also nice to have a lovely meal with VSO volunteers and staff – it was just a shame the malaria prevented me from enjoying the Abuja nightlife. I missed a great karaoke session apparently.

Had a wonderful bacon sandwich – my first taste of bacon for 10 months!! Also brought a beautiful painting at the crafts market, tested my negotiation skills and reduced the price from 30,000 to 13,000 Naira! This artist is amazing and has great style. Loved another painting also, but the oil was still wet. I hope to pick it up on my next trip to Abuja, it is great to have some things to take back as my Naija reminder.

I also embarrassed myself entirely by walking through silverbird shopping mall with my mouth literally hanging open – it was a proper mall with actual shops and escalators, it even had a mango and body shop!! I pity the poor people accompanying me on my first shopping trips when I get home – I’m going to be so embarrassing pointing out all the things that are completely “normal” in the UK!

Had fun in Abuja, its much closer to UK life, but I miss the ‘mbacarra’ shouts from the local children here in Calabar. Calabar has much more of a community feel to it, I stand out here but in a good way and to be honest I love the attention most of the time! I like the hustle and bustle of Calabar, the markets, the people carrying things on the head and hawking in every free space possible. Calabar has a soul that is obvious to see and experience, and if you have the right attitude you soon become part of it and are welcomed with open arms.

Malaria the fourth…..

Woke up feeling tired and weak today, have a headache and am feeling hot. Yesterday I had bad stomach cramps. Wait these symptoms are familiar…………………. Yep malaria AGAIN!!!! 

Went to the clinic and confirmed diagnosis – given medication and told to rest, not great timing as I head to Abuja tomorrow for the VSO Leavers Forum. 

I am fed up with malaria now – I’ll be at the front of the queue when the vaccine is made available!! Malaria is such a huge issue here in Nigeria, people are sick so often and it really is a horrible illness - making you feel weak and not able to think normally. 

I have so much more sympathy now, but what I will say is more needs to be done in terms of prevention and medication to treat. I used to be a bit of a critic and thought if people slept under a net then they would prevent malaria. i'm sure this does reduce instances of malaria, but now as someone who sleeps under a net EVERY night I can say its not the only answer.