Well the Nigerian meal went really well! It was challenging for sure(mostly because I was so afraid of messing it up and because there were a million recipes and I was going between several) and I couldn't find several ingredients that I wanted but we made do and it was still very authentic tasting AND looking. And everyone was a great sport and tried it..most even said they liked it:)
I also got to talk casually about Nigeria, what A Place of Hope is doing and what my role will be. There were some good questions and it was nice to do that casually before having to do it with a bigger audience. I'm grateful that they asked me to come and for the prayers and encouragement.

Unfortunately I didn't get too many pictures, I was too tired by the time it was ready but here are a few to give you an idea:

palm oil is what gives it the yellow color.
there is spinach,chicken, shrimp and ground melon seeds in ours.
the dish gets it's name from the melon seeds: Egusi

You use some type of "fufu" to eat the soup. You just grab an edible portion of the fufu, roll it in your hand and make a small indention so that it's easy to pick up the soup with. We used garri, which is made from casava,
and pounded yam although we had to go with "instant" yam since I couldn't find African yam.

they're smiling as they eat...that's a good sign, right?

Matt and Jenny::we had church and lunch at their home

On a slightly different note, I'm currently reading this book. It deals with the frustrations
and differences in mindsets and culture of Westerners and Africans, giving both outlooks
on things you would deal with in every day life. It isn't the easiest read but it is very helpful
and I am picking up on a lot of frustrations I had when I was there. I would recommend it to anyone
living or working in Africa and even for Africans who would more like to understand the Westerner's view.

Thank you so much to all who are praying and giving. I can't do this without you and I can't express my gratitude to you enough. Thank you!

:Prayer, please:

• that I would continue to raise monthly financial and prayer partners
• that I would live right now to the fullest and allow God to work on and through me instead of being discouraged and impatient that I'm not in Nigeria yet
• that I would invest the time I'm here into friendships, family, and knowing God more
• for wisdom in future decisions

I would love to know how I can be praying for you! Feel free to private message me and let me know how I can be...please! Let me know if you or anyone you know may be interested in hearing about what I'm doing. Have a great week!

"And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will
of God abides forever."
-I John 2:17