Love Story

Gin Gin barely towering over the children at Hwol Yarje School.

Artwork at Hwol Yarje School outside Jos.

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

Newly built Faith Alive Community School at Hwol Yarje.

A reflection from Gin GIn Diokno of the Faith Alive Team:

They say when you fall in love, you think about that person day in and day out. You can’t wait to see him again. You only want to do things to make him happy. If that’s the case, then I have fallen in love.

I’ve fallen in love with a special place called Jos and a farm called Hwol Yarje. This is our story.

People in this farming community do not have access to clean potable water. Yes, that is still the grim reality even in the outskirts of the city of Jos. Children did not have access to school. Dr. Chris and Naomi, later joined by Amos, the architect, told us about the history of how the temporary school structure came about. We entered the three classrooms adorned with simple posters of alphabets, letters, and drawings hanging on the aluminum walls. We walked a few paces further, and there it was: an empty lot full of promises.

In front of us was a football field of grassy untended land, surrounded by a low hollow brick fence, waiting to be dug and built upon. This is where 200 plus kids can comfortably sit on their desks learning not just about Science, Math, Reading, Social Studies, English but also their Christian Faith. This is where girls and boys will gather to sing to their visitors at the top of their lungs in unison:

You are welcome to Faith Alive Community School

You are welcome to Faith Alive Community School

You are welcome to Faith Alive Community School

You are welcome….

This is a place where they can play in the courtyard during their recess breaks. This is where they can have a library and read to their hearts’ content. This is where young girls like Blessing can pursue her dream of becoming a nurse someday, and her classmates can dream of becoming a judge, or a doctor or a pastor. They will learn that with the efforts of their community hand in hand with Faith Alive partners and their hard work studying their lessons, nothing is impossible. This is where children will dream big and pay it forward.

This opportunity fell on the Faith Alive Team’s lap and everybody embraced it. I felt this was our higher purpose. No commitments were made except the ones we made to ourselves that we will make it known that this is a special place. We can make a big difference in this community, in the lives of these children and their future. We saw hope in those children’s eyes. A clean well will meet a basic human need for these people. A school will further feed their minds and their souls.

I joined this trip with an open mind and an open heart. I guess you find love when you least expect it. God works in wondrous ways.

Bringing Everyone Back Together

Last night, we got all three of the teams together for the first time since they have returned from Nigeria. It was awesome to get everyone back in the same room and the reminiscing started almost instantly. Charles even brought his kids. Pictures were passed around and everybody had some awesome stories. We also started to delve into the projects we will be working on in the future. It looks like we will be focusing on some water and possibly school projects at both Faith Alive Hospital and Anawim Home. This ties into the larger Church vision and the relationships which we have continued to build with both organizations and communities.

Also, this weekend at Church of the Nativity, there will be a short video during all Masses compiled from footage shot this year in both locations. Also, we are hoping to post it on the blog as well after this weekend. Team members will be out and about at Nativity this weekend and are more than happy to chat about their experiences. Thanks for all of your support.

Reflecting on an Emotional & Insightful Day

A reflection on some of the people she bonded with at Faith Alive Hospital from Teresa Pompa:

The first story I would like to share with you is about a touching experience form this trip. Many people touched my life and inspired me once again. But this day of our trip stands out in my mind.

I consider it a blessing that I was able to return to Faith Alive this summer. There were events in my personal life that could have deterred me. But I prayed and persevered. I’m so glad I did because of the amazing experience. I learned much more about Faith Alive, got to know some of the people better and mostly was able to experience this trip with the Faith Alive team. It was special to see them fall in love with the Faith Alive Family like I did last year. I feel privileged to be part of this team.

The most special day we shared together was when we went back to the Faith Alive Community School, Hwol Yarje – which is in a temporary structure. Even though school was not in session, the teachers gathered all of the children to greet us. Some were dressed in their “Sunday best” clothes. They were so excited about our visit. They sang songs to us that they had practiced. There was such hope in their eyes. This village had nothing before Faith Alive came (read Rob’s previous posting for details) – no school, no health care, etc. Even though these things are in a primitive state – it is something, a start and Faith Alive is striving to improve the quality and provide even more. High on the priority list is a source of clean water. Most of the children wear the donated clothes from the Faith Alive “clothes bank”. The children live in mud huts in the surrounding area. One little boy was all dressed up in an American outfit, from his cap all the way down to his shoes. He kept following me and touching my blonde hair. Another boy was dressed up in a suit that was way too big for him, but he was proud nonetheless. There was a look in the eyes of these children. Yes, they were joyful that they now had a school, but there was something else that I can’t quite name. Their eyes seemed older – wisdom was reflected. I’m sure it’s hard for these children to trust. Some of us cried when they sang to us. Dr. Chris was with us and I saw him get emotional.

Our team experienced something unique that day. We all shared a passion to help the water situation and make a permanent school happen. This was real – not some article in a magazine. We hugged the children, played with them and listened to their dreams. It was a very emotional day for us.

There’s a story within a story on this day too. Initially, Greg Strouse, a young man on our team, was not sure he was going to be able to be a part of the mission. But fortunately he worked things out. He works for a building company, so he was excited about the future of a permanent school site, because at first he thought they were ready to start construction. He thought he was going to be able to get his work boots in the mud and build something – but that was not the case. We were told there was an architect working on the project but he was not around. After we had returned to Faith Alive, Erika, Greg and I were standing outside the hospital. A man seemed to just pop up next to Erika. Erika introduces him to us – it was Amos the architect! He visited the guesthouse for lunch and told us amazing stories.

So, we not only saw need in this situation, somehow we think we saw God’s will in it too. The children have come back in my mind since I have returned home. As I’m so happy to be home and I’m getting my children ready for their wonderful schools, I will pray for the children of the Hwol Yarje temporary school:

Dear God,

Please keep the children of Hwol Yarje safe.

Strengthen them as they go through their daily struggles.

Comfort them when they cry.

Give peace to their families.

Let them know You are always with them.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Refreshing & Harvesting Ideas

Well, all of the luggage is back! I've heard that there was some mixed sentiment about being given back a 50lb bag of dirt laundry; as one team member put it: "delta can just keep it." Both teams are taking some time this week to readjust to the lives they left two weeks ago as well as refresh themselves physically and emotionally. Most of the team has either returned to work or are preparing to go back to school in the fall, but there is a great fire and passion coming from all of them. Everyone seems to want to tell their story and the stories of the people they met and worked with over the last few weeks. Also, the ideas are flowing. Big ones and small ones. Look for some awesome stories and pictures to be posted in the next few days on here. Also, the teams will be back at Church of the Nativity this weekend and are more than willing to chat about everything that they did and saw. The week after, there will be a larger presentation welcoming them home and planting the seeds for some huge projects we are going to be doing this fall!

Back in Baltimore

Rob Devereux with his family.

Danny & Becky with Mrs. Sue.

Family mayhem!

Ed King & his grandchildren.

Both teams flew back into BWI this morning. Although a little tired, all were excited to see their families. The rush to make the connection at JFK was described to me as "something out of Home Alone" by Rob Devereux. Although none of their bags made it due to the quick turnaround in New York, everyone was thrilled to be reunited with their families. Although, there was certainly some sad sentiment about leaving Nigeria as well. As one person said "I kind of just wanted to sneak away and stay longer." As we said in the previous post, stay tuned for huge and awesome things that are going to be coming from this team this fall.

Return to the States

After speaking to both teams, they were both given great sendoffs from their communities in Nigeria. The Faith Alive Team in Jos was treated to Chinese food and The Anawim Home Team was given traditional African clothing. Apparently there was dancing as well (video to come). Both teams will be traveling back tonight to JFK and then back to BWI in the morning. Look for updates and photos tomorrow. Thank you all for your generous support and stay tuned for updates on the next steps we will be taking now that the team is back. There are going to be big and awesome things happening this fall that we want all of you to be a part of!

We All Walk to the Same Place Called Home

From Marina Lynch of The Faith Alive Hospital Team in Jos:

It is so hard to believe that we are near the end of the most amazing spiritual journey. We have experienced so much that I am finding it difficult to express my thoughts into words. From the noises of children playing in the streets, to the sounds torrential down pours clanging on tin roofs - nothing could have prepared us for what we have found... and what we have found will impact our lives and the lives of those around us always.

Since we arrived at Faith Alive Hospital, our schedules were jam-packed. We spent most of our days working on projects that suited our talents. Dr. Gin Gin and her medical expertise pulled her in every direction imaginable, including health talks, surgeries, and a trip to Kafanchan to speak to local tribal leaders on the HIV and AIDS Epidemic.

Our rocket scientist Rob Douglas became the Faith Alive Technical Support Specialist, assisting with updating computer systems and giving talks about computer viruses at staff meetings. But don't let this computer geek fool you, Rob has led prayer meetings and has become the most fluent of our team in the tribal language of Hausa.

Our team leader, Ed has been our saving grace, making sure everyone was accounted for and has making sure that we spent our time here wisely. He has been our Nativity voice when speaking to officials at Faith Alive and even had the opportunity to sit down with Nigerian Catholic Relief Services representatives to discuss the roles between CRS and PEPFAR. I had the honor of being a part of that discussion myself which provided both Ed and I with a wealth of knowledge and insight into this partnership.

Teresa is our team's angel. She has used her time praying for patients, leading prayer meetings, counseling the sick, and offering encouragement to those around her. I have caught her several times journaling and I can not wait to see what she will contribute to this blog when we return. I have a feeling we are in for a treat.

Greg, our carpenter has been our "surprise story". Our first impression of this young man was one of a quiet and focused person. He has managed to surprise all of us and I think even himself. His love for life and his passion for Faith Alive have gotten him appointed here by locals as the "Mayor of Jos." His outgoing nature and his drive to make difference is seen by all. Keep an eye on this young man, he has much to tell you in the days and weeks to come.

As for me, I have spent most of my days doing what everyone else has done, leading prayer meetings and discipleship classes, and teaching new sewing skills to the women in social services. I even had the opportunity to help develop a new children's outreach program here at Faith Alive. The program is called "ANGELS" . This program is designed to educate and offer support to children who are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. Being asked to help develop this program is truly an honor for me. I can not wait to see how God will move this program in this community.

As for our down time, well, there hasn't been much. After dinner, the team would gather around our make-shift coffee table reviewing the days accomplishments and planning for the next days events. We coined this our "debriefing time." These table discussions proved to be challenging at times....imagine a room full of extroverts and talkers planning out the next day's events. It was difficult at times to get anything done, but thanks to Ed, there was always a plan and we ended our talks by praying a decade of the Rosary.

This has been the most amazing journey. We have all been moved. We have all shed tears. We have all grown humble. And we have all gained a new and deeper level of faith. What I realized most of this journey is this: That we have one faith, one God, and one Salvation. There are many paths to this destination, but we all walk to the same place called home, to our creator who sees us all as beautiful and worthy of his grace.

Final Days at Anawim

From Alex Sidlak & Becky Zawodny of The Anawim Home Team:

Just spoke to the team, which is stuck in "crazy Nigerian traffic." The team traveled out to a monastery in Ewu and provided food for the destitute yesterday and today, which was described as an "intense and emotional experience for all of us." Also, they will soon be traveling back to Abuja for their departure on Sunday evening. In fact, Ed & The Faith Alive Team will also traveling to Anawim Home early in the day on Sunday to spend the day with the Anawim Home Team and Sister Oresoa. This should be an awesome way for the two teams to spend the last day or so together in Nigeria.

A Part of the Large Picture

From the Faith Alive Hospital Team in Jos:

On Wednesday evening, Dr. Gin Gin and Greg headed out to a remote city called Kafachan, where we were last Saturday. They traveled with Dr. Chris and key members of the Faith Alive Staff for a 2 day conference on HIV/AIDs being presented to tribal leaders from villages all around the area. This is about 2 hours away from Jos and we heard back from them last night, via text message:

"The people we spoke to today represent half a million over Nigeria. Pretty cool."

We are so proud of them, but can't wait to reunite the team. We expect them back around 4:00 today.

A Big Dream

From Teresa Pompa of The Faith Alive Hospital Team in Jos:

As I walk down the mainly dirt roads full of trash and see the houses that are no more than shanties and the children wearing mostly soiled clothes, somehow I can still see beauty. I see Jesus Christ here and that is because of Faith Alive Hospital. Faith Alive wants to be more than a hospital, even more than a physical building. They believe in helping people physically and spiritually. People travel for hours and hours to arrive at Faith Alive. That is why Faith Alive is now focusing on reaching out to surrounding remote areas.

Faith Alive has a big dream. The dream started with Dr. Chris and it is growing. Our church has a big dream also and our church is growing. I see the similarities of Faith Alive and our church in having a divine vision, I don't think it is a coincidence that our church is involved here at this place and at this time. Faith Alive believes strongly in helping people to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They know that their children and youth are the future. The sooner they receive a good education and a firm foundation to build a relationship with Jesus Christ the stronger and healthier their country will be. Most people outside of Faith Alive don't even have clean water or electricity. They live in mud huts. Faith alive has a big dream---a very big dream.

Early Mornings & New Towns

From Rob Devereux of The Anawim Home Team:

Greetings from Ewu! That is currently where we are on our trip. This is Sister Orsoea's home town, where we stopped last night for dinner when we first got here. It was about a 4 hour trip from Gwagwalada and Anawim and we are staying at a monastery. I got up at 3:30 for early prayer, everyone else slept in till 5 when Mass started. This place is beautiful, a very different setting than anywhere else thus far, a much cooler temperature and tropical as well. Today we are making food, and feeding the destitute. Should be a great experience, as we have learned a lot so far. We met another American here, her name is Elizabeth and she is studying herbal medication here at the monastery. All is well, and we look forward to what God has in store.

Wednesday in Abuja

From Alex, Becky, & The Anawim Home Team:

It has been a great few days back in Abuja. Sarah & Becky traveled to a brothel with the sister to visit with the prostitutes. The whole team traveled to take clothing to the poor and food to the members of a leper colony. Also, they have been traveling to the new school as well as the site for a new school which Sister Oresoa hopes to build in the future. Just a short update for now, but more to come soon.

So I Can Help the Poor

Gin Gin interviewing Blessing.

Kids in one of the classrooms at Hwol Yarje.

Marina & Teresa teach the kids "I Am Not Forgotten"

A young pup nestles with a mother and child.

Kids lining up to be "snapped."

Teresa with children at Hwol Yarje School.

A child who wished to be "snapped" by himself.

Children at Hwol Yarje School.

Marina leaps over the stream.

Gin Gin contemplating the water situation.

The "washing rock," where clothes are beaten.

John Pada, brother of the man who donated land for farming by the patients of Faith Alive.

From Rob Douglas & Greg Strouse of The Faith Alive Hospital Team in Jos:

What a day! We had an early meeting with Dr. Chris to take us out to the school at Hwol Yarje. We were there last week, and have fallen in love with the place. If you remember, this is a small farming community that Faith Alive found by chance - they were gifted a plot of land from a grateful patient. It measures nearly an acre. When they came out to see the land, they found a hundred kids of all ages and wondered why they were not in school. They didn't have a school.

So Faith Alive built a temporary school with the help of volunteers from the Naval Academy last year. Now they have 200 children - and today, they were called in to class to greet us! They were so excited. They were so happy. When we came in, they acted as well-behaved young students - sang to us, answered in unison, and stayed in their seats.

Three overstuffed classrooms with dozens upon dozens of children. We went outside and took some photos, and the kids surrounded us, and couldn't get enough of us. They were intrigued by our appearance, and by our cameras - wanting to be snapped over and over. It was actually a challenge to stay controlled.

We left them for a moment and wandered down to see the water source for the village. We walked past a plot of land that has been donated by the village to build a permanent school. Faith Alive is hoping to do that over the next 10 years, but they are already outgrowing the school they have.

What we saw at the stream was very disheartening. It is a small stream, easily stepped over, running through reeds and over rocks. It is used by the village of 500 for all water needs - including bathing, washing clothes, relieving themselves, as well as drinking. It is also used by all animals for the same purposes. This stream is an average of 10 minutes walk from the villagers homes, some more, some less, and they have to carry it all back.

We walked back up, feeling a little down, but we went back to the kids, and their excitement was so infectious! We played with them, and taught them games, running all around, teaching them songs, arm wrestling, and thumb wrestling. Finally we got to interview the kids, and learned about their big dreams - they want to be nurses, and doctors, and lawyers, "So I can become a judge and help the poor people," said one.

We left feeling hopeful and wanting to do as much as we can for these wonderful hopes for our future. We were exhausted at the end of that, and had to rest. This was the most emotionally charged day yet.

Welcoming Baby Charles

For the second year in a row, one of the young women at Anawim Home has had her child while our team has been there! Baby Charles (named after one of our team members) is healthy and doing great, as is his mother Iphoma. Congratulations to the new members of the Anawim family!

On a side note, while all of this was going on, Rob Devereux went with another man to a farm to purchase a cow. It was described to me as a "spur of the moment shopping trip." Apparently he then transported the live cow (bucking and all!) back to Anawim Home in the back of a blue minivan. Can't wait for those pictures!

Returning to the Children in Abuja

Just spoke to Mrs. Sue Zawodny, longtime friend and mother of Becky, Sarah, and Danny. She just talked to her kids and wanted to fill us in on what the Anawim Home Team was up to. The team has arrived back in Abuja after working in Kaduna since last Wednesday. The new Anawim Home site is partially completed and there are some babies and toddlers living there with sisters. The team helped to build onto a wing of the building which will provide bathrooms and a bakery for the compound. They mentioned that the people of Kaduna were extremely welcoming and brought them into their homes for dinner more than once. Although they had to leave the cooler weather of Kaduna, the team was extremely happy to return to all of the kids at the Anawim Home in Abuja. As they were headed off for bucket showers, she passed along that the team all seemed to be in very high spirits and excited for upcoming week.

God is Everywhere Here

Teresa, Marina, & Gin Gin with women after the support group.

Teresa speaking during the support group.

Faith Alive Hospital soccer team.

From Ed King of the Faith Alive Hospital Team in Jos:

Sunday in Jos started at an easier pace and we all needed it. Gin Gin, Marina, and Rob went for an early run. Rob was able to get in a long run to help him keep on his training schedule. Ed, Greg, and Teresa slept in a bit on Dr Gin Gin's orders and Ed had three wonderful cups of coffee after breakfast. Goddy, our driver here at Faith Alive, gathered us up at 10 am for the short ride to Mass at Saint Louis Catholic Church. This was a very traditional Catholic service but lacked the colorful post communion offertory celebrations that some of us experienced in Nigeria last year, but this was more than made up for by the beautiful clothing and headdresses worn by most of the parishioners. Father Gotan, a very soft spoken priest celebrated the Mass with attendance approximating an Easter celebration at Nativity with a large overflow of parishioners outside the main church. We were all very happy to attend Mass to compliment the spiritual replenishment we are experiencing every day at Faith Alive. We are now eager to see if we can even get to a morning Mass during the week, made difficult because of a nightly curfew in Jos until 6 am each day.

Following another of Babba's great lunches, which included lots of cooked vegetables, we briefly attended a soccer match to cheer for the home Faith Alive team and headed to the two hour HIV+ support group meeting held every Sunday afternoon at Faith Alive. This was the most inspirational service yet and featured our entire team sharing our individual life experiences with those living daily with HIV. Pastor Esther led the service with song and words of praise for the Lord. Led by Teresa, the only FA returnee from last year and recognized by many of the attendees, we each spoke and were interpreted in Hausa by Pastor Esther who would inject some laughter during a very emotional session. We also heard the stories of four patients and each touched our hearts. Ed was asked to close the support group service with a prayer. It was perhaps the most natural and spiritually uplifting experience of the trip as if God had brought us there for no other purpose. We walked "home" to the guest house with a bit more bounce in our step and joy in our hearts. God is everywhere here.

Go Where You are Needed

The Faith Alive Hospital Team has been working in and around Jos. They have traveled to a variety of surrounding villages and remote clinics in order to provide assistance. Below are some of the pictures and stories they have passed along from the past few days:

Chief of Bakin-Kogi with children after they sang the Nigerian national anthem for us.

Workers in fields near Jos.

Women leaving the fields on their way to market.

Greg playing with children at a clinic in Kafanchan.

Church outside of Jos.

Huts in villages outside of Jos.

Rob, Greg, Gin Gin, Teresa, Ed, & Marina at St. Louis Catholic Church in Jos.

Ed at Assop Falls.

Children from the village of Bakin-Kogi.

Marina, Rob, & Greg with children and a well boring machine.

Fields near Jos.

Rob at Assop Falls.

Rob "snapping" kids at Faith Alive Hospital remote clinic in Kafanchan. This clinic will be moved to Bakin-Kogi, and this site will be turned into a sewing school and social outreach center. Bakin-Kogi is 2 hours away from Jos by car.

Near Jos.

Home visit outside Jos: "Lotti" has TB and AIDS, and lives here with her brother and sister and their families. Her sister first took her to Faith Alive Hospital. She is now able to stand up, and is getting better. But she cannot come in to the clinic so the Home Care team brings the clinic to her, providing medication and spiritual support. We had an opportunity to pray with her for healing, comfort and strength and the health of her family. We were all moved. We are seeing God and so many miracles.

Go and Give

From Teresa Pompa of The Faith Alive Hospital Team in Jos:

Hi everyone! The Faith Alive Team is doing very well. At Thursday afternoon's staff and prayer meeting our team was asked to stand and tell our story of how we became interested in coming to Faith Alive. We each stood up and talked and introduced the next team member. I was amazed how well everyone did! Each was unique, but each person spoke of how God was part of the story. Dr. Chris was very thankful that we shared with his staff. He said we each need to understand each other's stories. The worship music the staff performed was very beautiful. They even did a couple of songs that our church knows like "Our God is an Awesome God."

I've been spending most of my independent project time in the Social Services Area. I've been helping out in counseling and attending discipleship class with the sewing class ladies. I love the Social Services Area. Pastor Esther is a counselor and also teaches the class. I remember her from last year, she is very compassionate and always has pearls of wisdom. The little boy I made friends with last summer is gone as his mom has moved on from the sewing class but there are new children for me to make friends with.

Our team has many stories to share from this trip with with you and we are only halfway through it! We are all touched and in awe of this place. There are many improvements here for the people since last summer as the third floor of the hospital is finished. There is an OBGYN clinic and even a staff cafe.

Yet there is still so much to be done. There is still so much need. Some of us are seeing a kind of poverty that we have never seen before. But there is much hope for tomorrow.

After yesterday's staff and prayer meeting Pastor Ben came over to talk to some of us. Pastor Ben is a wonderful man and a gifted preacher. He said we have to understand that every day is a gift and that every day is different, what we might not have today we could have tomorrow. He said we must realize that happiness and peace are not based on circumstance. Our circumstances do not define us. God is in charge. Paul praised God in prison.

Pastor Ben spoke to us of the missionaries that came to Nigeria in 1904. He said the word mission means to go and give. Yes, the missionaries brought money and material possessions that were very needed. But mostly he saw what they brought to be spiritual because they came and cared and prayed for them. What they did is they left their comfort zone, like Jesus left His comfort zone of heaven when He came down to us. Pastor Ben thanked us for leaving our comfort zone to come to Faith Alive. We were very touched by this. We went off to dinner thinking how thankful we are.

Garden Eggs & the Zoo

From the Anawim Home Team via Alex & Becky:

Today started with Sister telling everyone that she had a "surprise" for the team. Anyone who knows Sister Oresoa knows that this could be anything, anywhere. However, Sister took the team to see the zoo in Kaduna! No word yet on what animals they saw, but they all seemed to be thrilled at this chance to relax and see some of the sights of Nigeria. The conversation ended with them asking me to "google" the food "garden egg" for them. Alex, having traveled with the team last year, had some idea as to what they were but nobody was quite sure. After some research, I discovered that they are actually a member of the eggplant family. In Nigeria, they are small and green with stripes, and look almost like tiny watermelons from the outside. However, having bitten into one like an apple in the past, they taste much more bitter. Another great cultural experience! The team will be traveling back to Abuja tomorrow and will be working in the schools and orphanage there for the remainder of their time in Nigeria. According to Alex & Becky, the team is getting along great. The conversation was short but we wanted to pass this along to all of you. More to come from both teams soon!