Updates from Jos & Abuja

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/6/11 6:00PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:

The Team spent the morning playing soccer (or football in Jos) with the Faith Alive Hospital U-13 Team. Everyone played with the boys, who played with enormous enthusiasm as their coach looked on and provided words of encouragement and advice. In the afternoon, the team experienced the central Jos market, led by our friend, Blessing. Jonathan described it as "Canal Street in New York City times 10." The day ended with dinner with Pastor Ben and a game of team building hacky sack.

Anawim Home Team:

Today the team saw a huge range of Nigerian wealth and poverty. They attend the wedding of one of Sister's family friends - the Father is a top Nigerian gynecologist and the Mother of the Bride is a Magistrate in the government. The team stood out as Americans, but loved the entire experience: singing, dancing, and tons of food. Sister Georgina from Anawim Home made us each person on the team their own traditional African attire to wear at both the wedding and the burial ceremony.

After, the team bought bread and visited a local senior home. It is by far the worst poverty the team has seen. These women have been forgotten by their family and community, and are waiting out the rest of their life with little provisions or basic needs. The team's presence was encouraging and seemed to be the brighten their week. The short visit left all six members of the team strongly affected, particularly after attending the lavish wedding earlier.

Photos:

1. Anawim Home Team in Nigerian clothing: Tyler, Kathi, Gin Gin, Sister Oresoa, Adrienne, Jess & Joey

2. Bill after keeping a clean slate in goal during the U-13 soccer game

3. Faith Alive Hospital Team playing soccer with Faith Alive Hospital U-13 Team