Kashe bera

So many fun things have been happening, I haven't been able to chain myself to the computer long enough to post a blog. Also, my computer is currently still in the states, awaiting transport back to my bosom. I've been snagging other people's laptops shamelessly for about 2 months now. Since I moved a bit, I've also had to steal (or ask in a really guilt-instilling kind of way) the use of other's internet. Furthermore, the mooching had reached it's climax in my moving in with this awesome couple, Jocelyn and Mark (pictured) Redekops. Because of the whole incident that happened over a month ago, the general concensus was that I should live with some people for a little while. This has been way better than I would have imagined because the Redekops are amazing and we really clicked...yes, I'm giving myself a compliment indirectly. At any rate, one of the joys of living in another home is the novelity and constant discoveries that are made. Lucky me, I got to be around when this little guy(pictured) was discovered! Jocelyn and I returned from Hausa class and a neighbor of ours came to tell us that we had a visitor. Mark informs us that Rogers, a Nigerian who works on the compound, killed a rat. Well, lunch was going to have to wait because I wanted to see this sucker. Since we are buddying Hausa language scholars, Jocelyn and I attempted to ask, "Where is the rat that you killed?" = "Rogers, ina bera da ka kashe?" but didn't pronouce it right and said, "Rogers, ina bera da ka kashi?" which means, where is the rat that you pooped. Mental image? Beautiful. We continued to get giggles out of that one for the next couple of days. At any rate, Rogers was leary about showing us because he was afraid we'd want to keep it and eat it...and he was hoping to have some nice "bush" meat for dinner. Jocelyn reassured him that anytime he killed something in their yard, he was welcomed to take it home. Rogers responded with a huge grin.

Speaking of grinning...my dear friend and partner in crime, Shannon (pictured here in front of Miango Falls), has headed back to the states. Ok, so I'm not grinning because she's gone, in fact it's been a bit sad, but the time we had together was full of grins...and giggles. I'm continually amazed at how quickly relationships are formed out here. Part our of necessity, but also in part because if you've made it out here to Jos, Nigeria to serve the Lord in some capacity, they're something that runs through your blood that'll unite you with others. And especially as single white females attempting to be about God's business here, we have an extra special bond. Shannon and I hangled many a street vendor, caught taxis, investigated sketchy churches, and basked in the beauty of Nigerian culture. She is just one (but a very snazzy one at that ;) )example of how God has answered my prayer for fellowship and sisterhood out here.

In other answers to prayer... Hausa class will be wrapping up this week and so from now on all my entries will be in Hausa. Wait...maybe that would only be cool for like, 1 sentence...ok, I'll keep it in English for your sake, but just know that I COULD do it all in Hausa.

AND, I must say, "Na gode domin kin hakori" = thank you for your patience. I haven't been as avid of a blogger lately...but the tides are turning my friends. Hope you have your life vest on!