Back in B-More

Hey folks. We arrived safely home yesterday. We landed around 12.45 at Dulles. Our parents were very excited to see us (so much so that some tears were shed I believe). The flight was long - we had been traveling for over 24 hrs by the time we got home. But we made it home safely, soundly and very tired.

The end of our trip was memorable. The people at the Anawim Home sang songs and gave us hugs to send us off. We were all very inspired by their faith, hospitality and community. It was definitely difficult to leave, but it is also nice to be back home.

Our experience in Nigeria was one that we will never forget. We will never forget the people we met. We will never forget the experiences we had. But our goal was not to go to Nigeria and have an amazing experience for ourselves, although we definitely did. Our goal was and is to determine how Nativity as a parish can serve the people of Nigeria.

The best part about returning home for me is knowing that this is not a one time thing. This is just the beginning of a long-term relationship. It's more like saying "see you soon" to a new friend rather than "good-bye" to an old one. Whether or not I will go back to Nigeria, I cannot say. But I know Nativity will. I know that our parish is committed to serve the people of Nigeria in the way that God calls us to serve. That doesn't mean hanging out with them for two weeks a year, but a true to commitment to understanding, appreciating and loving those people.

Our group has tons of ideas, thoughts, questions and experiences that will help shape what that means in the future. But right now we are committed, and that is the most important thing.

Thank you so much for reading this blog and participating in our experience. Like I said, this isn't just a good time for the four of us, but a first step for Nativity. And we couldn't have made that first step without the support of the entire parish. So thank you for that.

Keep checking back regularly. We will post as new ideas and plans come to fruition. As soon as we can we will make sure to get some pictures up as well. Thanks again.

a different sort of pace...

Hello!! We are still in Abuja, but with limited interet access. This is probably our last post from Africa until we get back Monday afternoon. Things are very different in Abuja, but the common theme of things being inspiring and challenging continues. Our schedule is very different here-much more scheduled and regimented. The sisters wake up around 4am (!!) and meet for prayer/meditation until 5:30, which is when they get ready to leave for mass. The boys tried waking up at four the first day (Tuesday) but we have all decided to just make it to mass at 6am. We're tired enough as it is from our busy days! So far we have visited several villages to distribute clothing, delivered food to a leper colony, and chatted with "street boys". Sister Oresoa has gathered several street boys and now takes care of them in her home. She wishes she could take more, but she is completely full. She is full of visions of having multiple houses and homes so that she can take in anyone who needs a home. She has a heart of gold, but runs a tight household! All of the children, teens, young adults and young mothers all have chores to keep things running smoothly. We have been playing a lot with all the children-the boys had a rousing long game of soccer yesterday. I have spent lots of time with the unwed mothers helping them hold and take care of their little babies. There are about six mothers with six tiny babies, most under 3 months old, in this one large room. I am so thankful that we have three guys with us on this trip-because most of the young children are boys...and they are eating them up!!! They love rough housing and being thrown in the air by the boys. They are just LOVING it! Today we visisted their school and caused a bit of mayhem distraction as all the kids left their classrooms to come play with us.

It has been a very rewarding trip, which I am sure we will have much to reflect on when we get back. We return Monday afternoon! Thanks for reading out blog-can't wait to see you next weekend!

Return to Abuja

(We tried to post this a few days ago, but our internet cut out before we could get it up. Sorry for the delay.)
Yesterday was our last day in Jos working at Faith Alive. They asked us to share at the devotion in the morning, so we each gave a little nugget about trust and sang a song with the patients. The people were really responsive to our talk, by the obvious round of applause and intense Q and A/ comments session that followed. One woman even told us that even though we were "oyboe's" (white), she still considered us her grandchildren. This comment had the entire room reeling with laughter. Later in the afternoon, we continnued our trek to Abuja, and arrived after an adventure through the Nigerian Bush. As it turned out, our driver was not sure about the location of the Poorest of the Poor House, and insisted on asking for directions only after 45 minutes of being lost. Eventually, a motorcycle motorcade lead us closer to the neighborhood we were looking for, and after recognizing Sister Orasoa's car, we arrived. Upon our arrival, we moved our bags into the compound and took a tour of the grounds with Sister. After that followed a dinner with Sister and a great welcoming from all of the children who stay at the Anawim Home. They sang and danced and we did a little musical number for them as well. Jason and Kristin pretty much carried the tune of "Lean on Me." After that came a few hours of rare electricity, showers, and bed as an early wakeup was in store. 4am came soon and the next day began. After praying with the Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor, we traveled into Abuja for Mass with them. After that came breakfast around 9am. Kristin traveled to visit the prostitutes in their homes and all of us then went to visit with the street boys of Abuja. We stopped at various homes, met and talked with the boys, and gave them clothing and food. This journey took us to remote areas of Jos to visit with these boys in their homes. The week in Abuja will certainly be different than our time in Jos in many ways. However, it appears that it will be just as fruitful.

A community of heroes

Hello Nativity!!

This afternoon we attended a Support Group meeting at Faith Alive Hospital, and this I think has been a serious highlight for our group during our week stay at Faith Alive Hospital. This support group meets weekly on sunday afternoons, and lasts a few hours. When we first arrived, we were amazed to see that the lobby of the Faith Alive Hospital was already packed with singing and dancing people. It was unlike any "life support" meeting I've ever heard of. Instead of people sitting in a circle talking about their issues and challenges. Instead, at Faith Alive, their idea of Life Support was to pray, listen to motivational speakers, and dance and sing. We, the guests, were asked to sit up front of the gathering facing the audience. During the meeting, members of the audience came to the front of the room to iterate their personal stories of living with HIV. The stories were all immensely tragic, and depressing to hear. The first and perhaps most powerful speaker, was Helen Davou who discussed the difficulties of raising her two children single handed while living with the disease.

After the audience spoke, the visitors were asked to speak about our opinion on the experiences this past week. Each member of our group walked up to mic and described how we were all touched. I can't describe the feeling that hung in the hospital during this meeting. Each of the people in that room, have such an unbelieveable amount of courage and strength. To be HIV positive in Nigeria is to open yourself to a harsh world of discrimination. However, these people come weekly to openly affirm their disease and in the process have created a community.

In the past week, we have heard many people discuss the concept of unity in Nigeria. This is the new affirmed goal of the Nigerian Government, as you can even read on car license plates here, "Nigeria: Land of Unity." Through their acceptance and courage, these patients at Faith Alive have created real unity for a population in their country that has in almost all cases been pushed aside and treated as outcasts. With this example, Faith Alive has not only created a foundation for a unified country, but has also created a community of heroes.

-Jason

P.S. This is our last night in Jos, so we aren't quite sure about our internet capabilities for the rest of the trip. Please check back soon, and we will post the second we are able. Thank you!

Spoiled Oyboes Making Home Visits

We've been really spoiled in terms of the accommodations that we've been giving. We having running water at our guest house in Jos, electricity most of the time, food cooked with consideration to our sensitive American digestive systems, and we don't have to worry about mosquitos too much while we sleep because the room is pretty well sealed off. But most of the homes in Jos don't have these same ammenities. In fact, they haven't had running water for about 6 months in most of Jos. We, on the other hand, have been afforded all the luxuries. Our showers, however, have been pretty spotty (not that we're complaining, because most of the American volunteers don't have the opportunity to shower at all). Jason and Bob have gotten a shower pretty much whenever they want, but whenever Kristin tries, she doesn't have any water. At one point, after Kristin was trying about 15 mintues, she came out and said "I give up!" The second the word "up" came out of her mouth, the shower turned on. I've never seen anyone with so little luck with running water. So we've been coddled for the most part, but have a little experience of life in Jos.

Faith Alive relies heavily on US dontations; about 80% of the drugs persribed are from US donations. Through the US PEPFAR program, which provides medical relief in developing countries, about 2500 people are on anti-retroviral medication which helps treat individuals with HIV/Aids. Their vision is to eventually be self-sustaining. Without the support from the US, Faith Alive would be really limited in terms of what it could do right now.

One of the most amazing things about Faith Alive is their commitment to each individual. Because of the social stigma invovled with HIV, many people lose their jobs when their employers find out they are HIV positive. Faith Alive has schools to help train people in sewing, knitting, wood work and computer skills so that these people can have marketable skills which allow them to have some income. They also have counselors that work with people who are being tested or treated for HIV. Yesterday we all got a chance to work with some of these counselors. They spend a lot of time educating people about the disease before they are tested so that no matter if they are negative or positive, they will be able to help prevent themselves and others from exposure. The counselors also check-in with patients to make sure they are taking care of themselves and that they are getting the care they need. It was amazing experience to sit in with a counselor and a patient when they were reading the results from the test. I was able to be with, pray with and support some one through a crucial time in their life. It's a really moving experience. (Side note: I actually had an interesting conversation with the counselor about his son who is studying to be a teacher, although being a teacher is not his first choice. He said that I should talk to his son, because he would be really encouraged by seeing some one in the "developed world" who also wants to be a teacher. For better or for worse, many people in the world look to the US as a model and we have a lot of responsibility to live up to that.)

We also got the chance to go on some home visits. Faith Alive provides home care for people who don't have the strength or ability to get to the clinic. We were welcomed into homes graciously, but saw some pretty extreme poverty and health situations. One woman was a single mother with six children whose husband had run out two years ago the day he found out his wife was HIV positive. She was doing really well on this visit, but apprarently had been barely able to walk a few weeks ago. It is amazing to see the strength and love of this woman that cares for her children while dealing with her own illness.

Ok, I'm off my soapbox. Thank you all so much for your support and prayers. We got some really good video and interviews yesterday, so hopefully you will get a chance to see those when we get back. Peace.

--Joe C

Faith at Faith Alive

Hard to believe it is already Friday! The Nigerians in Jos officially take the cake for the most hospitable, welcoming friendly people ever! Everytime we meet anyone, they aways stop what they are doing and say hello and welcome us right away!

We keep meeting more and more children. We walk to the Faith Alive Hospital from the apartments (where we eat all of our meals) and on the way we see countless children in and out of their houses "oyboe!!!!" (white person in Hausa)! It is very funny...sometimes adults do it too! We met several children on the side of the road and all they want to do is give high fives and give your hugs and handshakes. I cannot get enough of them, they are so very cute. Most speak English and Hausa, even those that are only two years old.

There is so much to say about the Faith Alive Hospital. In the mornings we go to their devotional program, which involves singing, a small testimony, and prayer. It was so energetic and uplifting. Usually they invite their guests to give the testimony-so this Monday, our last day here, the four of us will lead the devotional! Pray for us!!!

Biana took us on a tour yesterday, and the whole place is really beautiful. They have so much change and growth going on. When you go into the waiting room, even though it is always overflowing, there is still a huge spirit of peace. It is so incredible, because most of their patients are probably more ill than I will ever be, God willing. Yet, there is so much patience in the room. On our tour, we barged into all kinds of rooms and offices, and no one ever minded. Everyone is so welcoming. Even though the people waiting are probably nervous, there is not really any sign of their anxiety. I can't help but think of how much tension and worry exists in American waiting rooms...
There is so much need there at the hospital. They have been building new space, yet they are in need of electricity and furniture and supplies and all kinds of things. They have such confidence and trust in the Lord for what He has promised to do. They started with nothing, and now they are a huge completely free hospital that takes care of so many people, including tons os those affected with HIV/AIDS. They need so much more-but they do not seem to worry or fear. I cannot imagine myself in such a situation. They all seem to live life in such a Godfearing way. They showed us how people who come in regularly have "team doctors" , and the team doctors (about 8 of them) see minimum 40 patients per day! Some have 700 in all!!!

We attended a weekly staff meeting also, which happens on Thursdays. It really was a large prayer meeting with tons of singing, praying and a sermon. Pastor Rich, who is volunteering with Faith Alive from Colorado, gave a great talk on spiritual gifts. It was really great!

I particularly have loved being with the children and the women in the sewing school. Everyone is so full of life and so joyful. We love being here, and we have been doing a lot of filming and interviews so we can show everyone at Nativity a bit of what we have been doing and have seen. Thanks for all the prayers!!!

-Kristin Marie Costanza

If It Stings It Means Its Working

Hello guys and girls, men and women, blue fish and green fish. As the sole remaining member of the contingency who has yet to share his intimate thoughts, I decided to give all of you readers from around the globe a glimpse into the culture (i.e. food) of this sub saharan adventure into the proverbial jungle of the unknown.

Our first day in Nigeria was spent in the capital of Abuja as discussed in Jason's earlier post. The food there was an interesting mix of western influence and Nigerian persuasian. Our first Nigerian meal was in a small bistro reminiscent of a sidewalk cafe at which two of us ate the middle easter delicacy known as shwarma and two others ate beef and chicken, relatively tame as we would soon discover. Our breakfast the next morning was the local delight known as the meatpie. Essentially meat, gravy, and vegetables in a pastry, this was a whole new kind of breakfast. After arriving in the rural town of Jos, lunch was served in a local appartment which consisted of boiled eggs and lamb in a curry and turkey gravy over a bed of mixed rice. Jason tells me there was a ceviche but i'm skeptical. Surely amused my bouche. Dinner consisted of a long noodle reminiscent of a negotiation of spaghetti and angel hair, with an interesting gravy reminiscient of strogonoff.

Jos has proven to be quite the experience so far. Goats in the street. Minimal electicity. Intermitant water. After dinner each night is somewhat of a community time with some of the other volunteers. We also had some late night munching (Jason: raisins and almonds; Joe: peanut butter and crackers; Kristin: starburst jelly beans which she hides from us; Bob: straight peanut butter out of the jar) Jason is learning the local language of hausa and we have met some very interesting locals. We were invited to the house of the chief doctor of the hospital last night and met his family and children. As I walked down the streets today, children flocked and hung on my legs, guess I didnt smell as bad as Joe told me. This morning we woke up to no electricity, no water, and rain outside.

We proceeded to devotions, a prayer service that takes place each morning at the hospital with the patients awaiting treatment, during which a close american friend of ours spoke. This was followed with tours of the hospital that is being built and then some personal time with various patients and doctors. Each group member was separated and spent time with a variety of people seeking outpatient therapy and scheduled treatments. The rain has let up and the sun is coming out. Thats all the news thats fit to pring kids. Off to eat more peanut butter.

- Bob "ilikeachallengeandfoodisoneofthem" Barczak

Don't drive at night and Flat Tires!

Hello All!! We have safely arrived in Nigeria after two long days of traveling. The flight was long, no doubt, but the flight from Germany to Abuja, Nigeria was fairly empty and we all got some decent rest while stretching out over an empty plane. Our hosts have been extremely enthusiatic to have us and are very friendly. We were all greeted with huge smiles and hugs when we completed a stressful adventure through Nigerian Customs. After our first dinner in Abuja, we traveled to a Guest House in the city for one night. We stayed in Abuja for the first night, because we arrived in Abuja in the early evening, and night travel is not recommended through rural areas. For this reason, we saved our trek to Jos for this morning (wednesday morning). After many stops along the way; a flat tire and a few police check-points, we finally made it to Jos. Upon our arrival, we ate lunch and fixed another flat tire. The only thing funnier than fixing two flat tires in a day, are the crowds that gather to watch foreigners change flat tires. We were obviously the highlight of the day for one village we drove through, as about 30 people (mostly young children) came to watch us. How many people does it take to change a tire in Nigeria? Well today, it took 5 Americans and 2 Nigerians. No wonder we were so entertaining. We are now getting ready to move into our Guest House here in Jos, where we will be staying for about a week. We also met Dr. Chris earlier for the first time, who shared some amazing facts with us: he sees up to 400 new patients a day, and as many as 17,000 in May alone. This only goes to show that our help and time here will be extremely valuable to Faith Alive and their cause here in Jos. Well thank you for reading, and make sure to check back with us soon!
Signing off Nativity!
-Jason "I forgot the sheets" Hillis

The moment of truth....

First of all, thank you so much to everyone who donated multivitamins for the people of Nigeria. We had such an outpouring that we couldn't even bring them all with us this time. We will definitely, however, make sure that they make it to Nigeria in the near future.

Well, today is the day we leave for Nigeria. We fly out of Dulles at 5.50 PM. We will land in Frankfurt, Germany tonight. After a short layover there, we will fly to Abuja and arrive on Tuesday afternoon, their time.

This is such an exciting time for the group and the entire parish.

Please keep us in your prayers as we travel.


-- Joe Ciesielski

Countdown: 8 days!

Welcome to our blog! Its purpose is to record the progress, thoughts, and experiences of Church of the Nativity's service project to Africa. Four young adults from Nativity are traveling to Jos and Abuja, both in Nigeria, this month. We leave in a mere 8 days, and will be in Nigeria for about two weeks, until August 27th.

This past Friday, August 3, our parents and the Blattner family gathered together for dinner and discussion about our upcoming trip. The Blattners have just returned from Nigeria, and so they shared some photos, video clips, and helpful hints for our trip. I think it calmed most, if not all, of our parents concerns. I know my parents were very thankful to speak to someone who just returned from where we would be going.

We are very excited for this trip, but now my days are filled with gathering everything we need to bring with us for the journey. Things like insect repellent (2 kinds!) and toys to give away to the children there are just some of the things on my packing list.

Please pray for us as we prepare for this life changing experience. Pray for peace, purpose and the eyes and heart to see a vision. We are going to vision cast for Church of the Nativity and so we need to be aware, alert, and able to soak in all that we can. May we be open to all the Lord has in store, and may He protect us and bless us with energy.

Be blessed,
Kristin