A day at the Beach

Off the boat and a walk through a small village to the beach.

A few of the village boys

No, this is NOT the boat we came in on. Although this is exactly what most Nigerians ride in. Terrifying to most of them since the boats are very rickety and most people don't know how to swim here.

The beautiful Atlantic Ocean!

Sadly,  someone drowned here last year who was caught in a rip tide, so we aren't allowed to swim. The tides are very strong here which we felt even at knee deep.

Moriah was surprised at how warm the water felt.

Jenna put her flip-flops down for a minute and next thing we knew they were getting carried out. The kids grabbed one and I went in after the other. Thankfully my camera didn't get wet! The man in the background with the box on his head, had many goods to show us and I ended buying a few. They're incredibly steep on their asking prices so you have to barter to get a reasonable price! I thought Nigeria would be cheap. It's NOT!! Prices on everything are very expensive!

This roasted pig was part of our lunch spread. Yum!

Jenna loved the hammock!

At the end of our stay, we passed out Santa hats to all the kids in the Village and left them with two huge bags of rice.

These girls helped carry out all our bags and coolers to the boat.

 Back to the boat..

to ride back to Ikoyi.

Scenes along the way--

I hope we can return again soon!

Thanksgiving

Our compound community with a few added invites, getting ready for our big communal meal.

The main dish table has 3 turkeys, various potato dishes, stuffing, etc. There were also salads, rolls, and plenty of dessert on the middle counter and other table. We all ate way too much!

Jenna with a few of the neighbor kids who were in and out of the pool all afternoon.

Halloween

Leyla and I in our afro-wigs with the compound kids as they departed for the neighboring compounds to do trick-or-treating. Leyla and I work together in the CLO, planning events and keeping the community informed.

Everyone enjoyed the no-hands donut eating game. Although these local donuts are much less sweet than Crispy Creme!

Jenna's attempt

Moriah's attempt. Looks like she went for a two. =)



Moriah and Jezira, her very close friend who also lives in our compound.

Jenna as a very cute witch this year. =)

Wedding Day for Praise and Utibe

Jenna felt like a princess in her flower girl garb

Flower girls

The Hall in beautiful Christmas colors for the wedding celebration

The beautiful bride

The third princess and the ring barer

Here the come!

Married!

Signing the paperwork

Big smiles as they receive congratulating greetings from guests

 

A few quick poses

Beautiful, sweet Praise

                         

Goodbye and God bless you both!

                        

Before leaving for the temple where they will be sealed for time and all eternity!

Tomaro Island Medical Outreach

On October 24th the U.S. Consulate Medical Team and a group of volunteers from the Lagos medical community spent the afternoon doing service on Tomaro Island. Two boats transported about 40 of us to the Island and we were warmly welcomed. The volunteers raised almost $5,000 providing much needed medication to stock the Island's small clinic.

Awaiting our arrival

Heading to the school area

Otto instructing the other docs

Lining up outside the rooms

Diagnosing..

The pharmaceuticals

Taking blood samples

Checking vitals

School kids checking out the scene.

School kids

Coca Cola donated drinks for all

So many cute Moms and babies!

And so many Moms that look VERY young!

Snacks!

Drinks!

Swinging..

So fun!

Well water

The village

Otto did two or three interviews before we left

The majority of volunteers

He helped us back on the boat as there wasn't a dock.