Nigeria

Elder and Sister Panter arrived here April 5th and on April 7th we flew with them to Nigeria.  They were to serve in Nigeria but the Area Presidency and others decided that they would be safer here in Accra and will do the humanitarian projects in Nigeria from here.

We also traveled with Elder & Sister DeLong (short term water specialists from SLC) and Bro. Buah.  They did some training with us and with the Water Project Managers and Site monitors in Lagos.   After the day of training we went to the different area and met the Water Project managers there and toured some of their boreholes, etc.   It was a busy week and we were exhausted at the end of it.

We were accompanied for the entire trip by the head of Church security for Lagos.  He took good care of us and tried to make sure we were in our hotel before dark.  One night we were a bit late and it started to rain as well.  He was quite stressed about it but we made it safe and sound. 

The great thing about this trip is that we were in the same area (Ibadan) where mom and dad served about 20 years ago.  We met some people who knew them.  One couple who remember them, now have a small hospital/clinic, and he also teaches at the University there.  The wife is a nurse.  They are doing wonderful things.  He is also the Branch President.   We are going to do a project for his hospital - give them some lab equipment which will really help what they are trying to do there. Well, I should say that Panters will write up the project and submit it and it most likely will be approved. 

I am glad we were able to go to Nigeria.  I can say now, that I have been there.  It is pretty much like Ghana.  Eld. DeLong, who was there about 20 years ago, was amazed at how things (main roads) have improved.  The ones we were on to get to the boreholes in Villages were not so good!   There is a lot of road construction being done and they are doing a good job of it too. 

It rained almost every day (or night) while we were there.  Things were green and nice for the most part.  Security is an issue.  There is only one white couple serving there right now and they are restricted as to where they can go.  

I would send some pictures but they are on my I-pad and I don't know how to take them off to add to this.  I'm sure it must be simple.  Saturday we are going to a class put on by one of the senior couples to teach us all how to use our I-pads more effectively.  Should be interesting and I have a lot I could learn about it.  ;)