When I first
saw NIGERIA on my placement match email from VSO my initial thought was
“WHAT?!?!” I know I wanted a placement in Africa, but Nigeria – really??? A
quick search on google did little to reduce my fears, Boko Haram, kidnapping,
violence – what was I getting myself into? But when I read about GPI and saw
what they are doing, well that was my decision made. How could I not go to
volunteer in an organisation that was so obviously needed and so relevant,
Empowering young women and helping them live health and happy lives free from
violence and oppression – it was a worthy cause and one close to my heart. Having
more time to research Calabar reduced my fear a little as it is the safest
place in Nigeria and a tourist destination!!
And in the
months I have been here it was the best decision I could ever have made to come
here. I have loved every single moment. The year has had its challenges –
malaria, no light for weeks, washing clothes by hand, heartbreak, accidentally
eating nuts and loosing nan. But I’ve also learnt how kind strangers can be,
how a simple smile or wave can leave me happy all day, how resilient I am, that
I can make friends, live without electricity and a television! I’ve had time to
read many books, reflect on my life and decide on my future. I’ve seen
marriages, danced Atigy and Azuntu, drank star and guilder, ate cake, travelled
along some of the worst roads ever, negotiated awesome deals in the market,
made people shriek with laughter at my attempts to speak the local language,
posed in hundreds of photos, had some great clothes made, and enjoyed being a
local celebrity!
I’ve loved
my time in Calabar and recommend people are brave and come and experience Nigeria
– it really is not as bad as the media portrays. The people of Calabar are
peaceful, kind, welcoming and generous!
And what can
I say about GPI? Well, they are a bunch of dedicated and crazy people, but I
love each and every single one of them. From day one they made me part of their
family and I feel blessed they were my partner organisation. I’ve never been
somewhere where everyone is this huge family, and everyone supports one
another. Yes there are issues (or why else was I needed) but the team spirit is
one thing to never doubt here at GPI.
And the
staff – well here are my few words about you all:
Pastor Peter
– greets me every day with a smile, laughs at my jokes and has the kindest
heart
Nduenso – a
great conversationalist, highly intelligent and lovely guy who will go far in
this life
John – will
always grab me for a hug and makes me laugh whenever I see him
Ine – quiet,
strong and dependable, he looks great wearing traditional clothes!
Maggie –
keeps my cubicle clean and has a smile that lights up the room and radiates
warmness
Oga Drive - our smiley "pilot" driving us safely to all our destinations!
Oga Drive - our smiley "pilot" driving us safely to all our destinations!
Mercy – my
“Nigerian Mum” and a wonderful friend and mother
Bassey – a
princess no less who shares my sense of humour, would make an awesome TV
presenter and is so down to earth
Comfort – my
first GPI contact with a gorgeous laugh and a relaxed, kind manner
Emilia – my
confident and friend through all the good, bad and crazy times!
Dorothy –
the best dancer ever! So innocent, kind and intelligent
Arit – I
admire her strength, focus and determination, she will achieve in life
Bliss – a
deeply devoted Christian, wife, mother and friend whose advice I treasure
Helen – her
honesty is refreshing and I learnt a lot from our conversations that challenged
my own views
Ndodeye – I
lost count of how many times this lady made me laugh – a comedian and natural
leader
Maggie U –
quiet and elegant, highly considerate of others
Maggie A –
always a kind word and beautiful greeting each day, tall and gracious
Emmanuel –
my knight in shining armour, protecting and helping me!
Mumsy B – a
formidable lady who made all things possible by founding GPI
I will miss
everyone from GPI so much and my next workplace has a lot to live up to!! I
hope I have managed to meet their expectations and have made a difference. I
pledge my continued support to GPI in any way I can and want to remain part of
your lives forever.
Glad you enjoyed your stay in my country...
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