My Volunteer Experience in Nigeria.

Introduction - September 2, 2007
I am back in Canada, after spending 6 weeks in Nigeria, on my volunteer work experience with Global Relief. I want to thank all of you who supported my financial expenses to see this trip through. Getting to Nigeria, and raising the money was nothing short of a miracle. My passport and my approved VISA arrived in the mail only 20 minutes before I scrambled out the door to catch my flight. I knew it was coming, but what a test of faith, up until the last moments!! What is more, I calculated all the funds needed to cover my expenses for the trip, including the accomodations, food, (funds to Global Relief), medical, VISA, travel insurance, etc. , NOT including the flight, and I needed 5230$ to raise to cover the expenses... guess what, I raised exactly 5235$ - five dollars to spare! Incredible. Miracles have been every step of the way.

The summer was a time of growth and learning. It was trying at times, and foreign. I got sick quite often adjusting to the new environment and the food - so I had to be careful about everything, chronic hand washing, bottled water only, bland foods, etc. I just don't understand what was attacking my system... and being sick there is no laughing matter. I am only glad I am home and well... I have put this BLOG together in the first week back from Nigeria and I am still quite sick actually - with a cold and flu, and what ever bug hitched hiked its way home with me... so I am hoping I will be better soon, I still havent been able to see many of you due to my illness. And as soon as I get my voice back I will change the answering machine message, smiles.

There was so much I experienced in Nigeria, its hard to really capture it all on film or even in words.. this BLOG is only tidbits of this and that... I only hope it opens but a window into the culture there, and my experience of it. Cheers.