NATIVITY:NIGERIA

Christmas Day Attacks

2011-12-30T11:40:00.002-05:00

We were troubled to learn of the most recent attacks on five places of worship in Abuja and Jos on Christmas Day. We are happy to report that everyone at Faith Alive Hospital in Jos and Anawim Home in Abuja are safe. We ask for your prayers of peace and support during this difficult time for both communities.

Humbling & Life Changing

2011-09-26T12:29:00.006-04:00

A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Jess Brown, on her time serving at Anawim Home:

There is humbling evidence throughout Nigeria that God’s love and compassion shines through the simplicity of life. The daily works of Sr. Oresoa and the Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor are predictably modest and self-sacrificing. Without fear or complaint, the sisters live a meager existence, rising early each day for Mass, serving as best they can the needs of so many and giving of themselves in every awe-inspiring way.

It was heartwarming and almost discomforting to see the tears of joy and overwhelming thanks from Sr. Julie who had toiled in the kitchen to prepare our meals each day when our Anawim Team presented her with a simple set of knives which we had purchased for her in the city.

But it was in the eyes of the children that God’s grace was so evident. In some ways, their lives were so very different from mine and the friends that I have in the U.S. These children lived without the distractions of technology, without the comfort of regular electricity and running water, without the guarantee of a next meal. And yet, they smiled with dignity in the simplest of pleasures – receiving pencil sharpeners and erasers from our team, reading ethnically rich novels, playing soccer on the front lawn, performing daily chores, and merely sharing a conversation with someone who really cared about them in the moment.

Daily visits to the Infant Jesus School allowed us to share in the laughs and cries of the primary students. Sister Oresoa insisted that we teach the students American songs and games. The boys and girls welcomed the opportunity to learn the words “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little star” and “Jesus Loves Me.” They were eager to dance in a conga line, play “Duck, Duck, Goose,” or follow the directions to “Simon Says.” I was particularly honored to take part in their joys of graduation. For a week I shared laughs with the primary students while learning and practicing a cultural dance to be performed at the promotion ceremonies. My life-changing experience has truly taught me how similar we all are as God’s children in Jesus’ image. We all have hopes and dreams and fears and needs. We all desire to be heard and to be appreciated and to be hugged.

The mission efforts of Nativity reach well beyond the boundaries of Timonium and Abuja and Jos. I am forever grateful to my many family members and friends of all faiths and backgrounds who have supported me and the team in our journey. Without the prayers, support and contributions from so many who also believe in the awesome power of God’s presence across the globe, this experience would not have been possible for me. I am humbled and privileged to have had the opportunity to serve as an equal to all in the world, which is truly one family in God’s eyes.

Photos:
1. Graduation dance at Infant Jesus School
2. Conga line
3. Adrienne, Sister Julie, Jess, & Kathi
4. "Simon Says"
5. Nursery and primary school student with Jess
6. Dance practice

Grace in Action

2011-09-14T11:38:00.005-04:00

A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Kathi Rogers, on her time serving at Anawim Home:

Traveling to Nigeria has left me with many new memories and impressions. One of the most compelling lessons I learned was inadvertently taught to me by observing Sister Oresoa as she did her work. She likely is unaware of the silent lessons she taught me as I observed her tirelessly providing resources to the needy, regardless of the limitless need. Others may have become frustrated due to the overwhelming and never ending poverty in comparison the restricted resources and limited interest in helping.

Not Sister Oresoa. She continued to persevere, offering each person with whom she came in contact not only food or clothing, but equally important, she provided each individual a healthy dose of hope and kindness. One day, after being particularly saddened by the conditions, the overwhelming need and the recognition of the huge amount of people who were suffering in these conditions, the team discussed the reality of what impact our small group of missionaries could possibly have on helping the people we were serving. I was reminded of a beautiful passage based on a story by Loren Eisely, which a colleague once shared with me:

"There was a man who was walking along a sandy beach where thousands of starfish had been washed up on the shore. He noticed a boy picking the starfish one by one and throwing them back into the ocean. The man observed the boy for a few minutes and then asked what he was doing. The boy replied that he was returning the starfish to the sea, otherwise they would die. The man asked how saving a few, when so many were doomed, would make any difference whatsoever? The boy picked up a starfish and thew it back into the ocean and said "it made a difference to that one..." The man left the boy and went home, deep in thought of what the boy had said. He soon returned to the beach and spent the rest of the day helping the boy thrown starfish into the sea."

We can all lean from this philosophy by contributing in some way, everyday, to someone who appears to be struggling. Whether it is a smile to someone who appears downtrodden, serving the needy in Nigeria, or anything in between, a kind gesture that serves to provide dignity and kindness to any individual on any given day, CAN make a difference. We may never be aware of the effect our positive action might have on any particular person, however what I learned in Nigeria is that grace is in the action, not necessarily the outcome.

Faith Heals

2011-09-08T10:01:00.003-04:00

A reflection from Faith Alive Hospital Team member, Bill Baird, on his time serving at Faith Alive Hospital:

Faith Heals! I describe my experience in Nigeria as humbling and an incredible experience in faith. Our trip to this amazing African town of Jos, Nigeria and Faith Alive Hospital was, as I expected, a true test of my boundaries. I told my daughter Emma that this trip we were taking was "routine" for her given her previous mission experience but was way outside my comfort zone. Emma broke those boundaries down in her presentation at a morning devotional at the hospital (through a Hausa translator in front of dozens of patients and staff) that she challenged us to "open the eyes of our hearts". She said we needed to not limit our view of life and the people around us through the myopic, critical view of our eyes but with the compassion and love in our hearts. It was this perspective that would give us a clear view of the people around us, the needs that they have and a clear path that God had provided us to him.

It was through this heart centered view that I saw God in Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben, Goddy, Greg, Pastor Esther, Joshua, Daniel, Blessing, Ezekiel, Vanessa, Ibrahim, the children and so many others for the joy, care, love and commitment they brought to their work and to all they came in contact with. Through this view, God was in my teammates Emma, Brian and Jonathan as we shared our experiences each day in our time spent together, our reflections and our prayer. HE was present in our kindred connection to our partners at Anawim and in our faithful connection to the Home Team and our Nativity parish. God was even in the simple greeting we received everywhere we went, "You are welcome!", and they meant it. The eyes of my heart were opened. Faith Heals!

Anawim Home Children

2011-09-07T11:10:00.001-04:00

A brief reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Joey Barczak, on his time at serving with the children at Anawim Home.

My most rewarding experiences in Nigeria were those that involved the children of Anawim Home. Whether it was going with them to school, playing soccer in the afternoon, playing cards at night, teaching them computer classes, or simply spending time with them, the children always got an immense amount of job from anything you put forth. They relished any little bit of time or yourself you were willing to give them and they truly made the trip a special one for everyone on the Anawim Home team.

Serving the Destitute

2011-09-06T10:21:00.003-04:00

A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Gin Gin Diokno, on her time at serving with the Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor:

Destitute: (adjective) without the basic necessities of life. That’s according to the Oxford dictionary. In Nigeria, the word comes alive in the most raw representation I have ever witnessed.

For the Missionary Sisters for the Poorest of the Poor, the word is reserved for a certain group of people. They are not only lacking basic human needs like water, food, clothing and shelter; they have been the forgotten members of their society. These people, mostly adult men, have mental illness severe enough that they are not able to keep up with basic activities of daily living. They usually end up roaming in the streets looking for day-to-day sustenance. At times they become violent, thus the rationalization for keeping them chained in closed quarters. The more unmanageable ones are shackled to heavy pieces of logs which again gives a new meaning to restraints. I saw one young man strong enough to drag his log as he shuffled towards us. They are confined within a small compound of dark rooms. Mattresses seemed optional. Their mental problems are usually treated with traditional medicine which include herbal preparations and idol worshiping, at least from what we’ve seen. They are allowed to move more freely when they show improvement in their conditions. If they are able, they help with productive tasks like stripping leaves from stalks of palm to make household broomsticks. As elaborate as I can describe this unfortunate scene, there are no sufficient words Oxford can lend me right now to capture the stench of poverty and loss of human dignity.

Knowing I grew up in a third-world country, one of my team members asked me at one point if I have seen poverty like this. I have been to a community where they literally live on a landfill and sustain themselves with whatever they can scramble out of this “smokey mountain.” I thought I have seen some of the most destitute, but not until now. During our end-of-the-day reflection, one asked “Where is God in all these?” There was just silence. How can one attempt to even answer that question? There is one thing I know for sure I took away from this surreal experience. I saw God in the dedicated work that Sister Oresoa and her community of humble servants do. Her own family has taken a few of them to their home, sheltered them, and allowed them to work on their farm. Once a month or so, the sisters visit several of these compounds (take note there are around 15 in her own hometown alone) and share some of these basic needs. That day, we handed out plastic bags of rice, water and hard-boiled eggs which were very much appreciated. She prayed, sang and danced with them. She gave the caretakers encouragement for trying to do their job with the meager resources that they have. Her presence gives them hope that they are not totally forgotten and that somebody out there still cares.

That afternoon was probably the most intense and challenging part of my Anawim experience that I felt compelled to write about it, bordering on catharsis. It might have hit me in my gut but with it is a greater awe of Sister Oresoa’s commitment to truly serve the poorest of the poor and how much more love she still has to share. This difficult day of ministry just reminded me it always has to rain before you see a rainbow.

Serving the Destitute

2011-09-02T11:01:00.003-04:00

A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Adrienne Brooks, on her time at Anawim Home:

I knew when I came on this trip that I would probably see things that would really affect me emotionally and spiritually. By now, I think everyone knows that Nigeria is a third-world, poverty stricken nation. Understanding that concept is one thing, to actually experience it is another. I have a few pictures of "the destitute", but honestly, a picture can't express the overwhelming sense of hopelessness, discomfort, grief, pity, and so many other emotions that I felt. These are places where people have been unwillingly taken off the street (many are mentally disabled), and forced to live in this place. Those who are strong enough to run away, back to the street where they can beg and maybe get food, are chained to logs, or their feet are chained together. I am not sure how often they are fed, but the system is corrupt and I does not appear that they eat everyday.

After enjoying a lovely day at a wedding, we went to feed the destitute Being there, seeing them, smelling them, hearing them moan or shout, feeling them claw my hands trying to get to the food faster, watching some pick up the logs that they are chained to get closer, was unlike anything I could ever describe in America. I have never seen a such a desperate need to survive. It was animalistic. I have been to many places around the country, on numerous service trips, two different places in Mexico, and there is nothing I could compare this to. At all.

The idea of voluntourism had been playing in my mind since I began planning and applying for this mission. That day, as I watched people bite into the plastic bags that held the rice, not caring if they were eating plastic or food only that they were eating, I realized that that day, I made a difference to someone. I don't know their names, they probably won't remember me, but their hands groping the air, tearing eggs and bags of water out of my hands will be ingrained in my heart forever. To them, I made a difference, that day.

As we went to these places, we were quiet. We didn't know what to say as we looked around at each other. Sister Oresoa was yelling at them to stay back and to only take one, but the other missionaries and I were silent. When we got in the car, felt like none of that had just happened. It was all a rush. Sister even said I was traumatized. I think we all were. I looked at Jess. We both had tears in our eyes, but we didn't know what to do. Sister was so strong and just moved on to the next stop. And we were out of the car again, fighting off more hands, blocking out more shouts for a second bag. When we got back in the van, we were silent again. I'm sure we were all thinking about how someone could live like that, how God could let that happen. When we made eye contact, we gave a weak smile and looked away, no one had words.

I have not quite figured out why God lets things like this happen. I only know that there are people out there, fighting off starvation every single day, chained to logs, unable to run away, to be free. I don't know what I can do for them anymore, now that I'm back here, except tell there story. If I can make one more person aware of this, make one more person pray for these people, then God will be happy.

This is a prayer I found while reflecting on such strong emotions:

O Lord, hear my cry pouring out from a troubled heart. The sorrow which clutches at my soul has driven me to You my protector, my True Friend in time of need. You know, my God, all my failings, my faults and my sins as well as the torment gripping my soul. My greatest sorrow should be for my disregard of Your holy commandments in the past, and I sincerely hope that you will grant me the grace of true contrition. O my Savior, hide not Your Face from me in this tribulation, let the light of Your Countenance shine upon me that I may be illuminated by Its love. If it be Your will, lighten this burden from me, yet should it be a means of my salvation, help me, help me O Lord, to carry this cross, for alone I can do nothing. Radiate Your love upon Your prodigal child O Lord, this beggar who knocks at Your door seeking shelter in Your Sacred Heart; this once proud earthen vessel made of clay seeks You, O Christ, and in a newly found faith, firmly believes that you will receive him in Your limitless Love and Mercy. Amen

Hwol Yarje Children

2011-09-01T11:31:00.004-04:00

Below is a sampling of photos from Faith Alive Hospital Team's visit to Hwol Yarje, site of a school directed by Faith Alive Hospital. More will be posted in the coming weeks and shown at Church of the Nativity.

Dinner and Prayer with Pastor Ben

2011-08-31T13:22:00.002-04:00

In his most recent post on the Church of the Nativity Missions blog, Faith Alive Hospital Team Leader, Brian Crook reflects on a dinner with Pastor Ben and praying for the community. The full post is available here. He writes:

"One evening at Faith Alive, Pastor Ben came to have dinner with our team at the guest house. We stumbled onto the topic of spiritual battle. Pastor was telling to us how diligent he and Faith Alive are about praying for Dr. Chris, his leadership, and especially protection from the devil. Ben said that because the Gospel is relatively new throughout Africa -- he is the first generation of Christians in his family -- the Church is fighting a more intense and often more tangible battle with evil. This really opened our eyes to one of the most remarkable aspects of Faith Alive: the faith of the community and how it's... well, alive!"

Reflections on Anawim Home

2011-08-30T13:48:00.005-04:00

A reflection from Anawim Home Team member, Tyler DeVan, on his time in Abuja:

After spending two weeks in Abuja, Nigeria, I left feeling both humbled and encouraged. Despite the expected poverty and corruption for which the country is well known, there is a strong sense of community, faith and generosity. The Sisters with whom we lived led by their selfless and faithful example. Instead of being discouraged by the endless needs of their community, they helped those they could – and trusted that God would provide what was needed.

Sister Oresoa, the founder of the order and our host for the two weeks, is the most inspiring and remarkable person I have ever met. Her ministry and outreach center, Anawim Home, is home to several populations of impoverished and forgotten. The scope of the Sisters' ministries is remarkable. There is no limitation to their aid. Even while we were there, the Sisters welcomed a new CSW woman (Commercial Sex Worker) to the home and offered to start a new school within a local farming village that we visited. Their generosity, faith, resilience, and trust that God will provide is unlike anything I have experienced.

While relying on donated food and supplies to sustain the Home week to week, there is so much love and warmth which permeates Anawim. The Sisters and residents all welcomed our team openly, shared what little they had, and invited us to join in their daily ministries and prayer. It was simply humbling to be around such a spirit-led group of people.

I spent as much of my free time as I could throughout the two weeks with eight boys who live at Anawim’s orphanage. These boys, ranging from ages eight to thirteen, were disciplined, inquisitive, and extremely smart. At first I was taken aback by the respect and interest they showed me. Something as simple as an afternoon of Go Fish or a trip to the market together was a big deal. I learned that merely sharing time with the boys was all they wanted. Each afternoon brought another chance to play football (soccer), to teach them American card games, and for us to join in evening prayer together. For sure, the time I was able to spend with these boys was unexpectedly the most impactful part of the mission for me. I felt as though I had nothing to offer them; yet day after day, they sought nothing more than my company.

We spent one day visiting four Government-sponsored homes for the previously homeless and mentally ill, bringing food and water to the men, women and children there. The conditions were horrendous, and reminiscent of a POW camp. The residents were mostly unclothed, chained together, visibly starved, and laying on cement floor in rows. The first house we visited was the size of a typical family of four in the U.S., yet inhabited by 220 people. As we walked through each of the rooms handing out bags of rice, eggs, bread, and water, people hurriedly reached for the food. Most of the residents immediately chewed right through the bag to get to the rice, not waiting to untie the knot. Somehow I knew poverty like this existed; yet walking amongst it, and seeing it as others’ reality was shocking.

Sister Oresoa responded to the residents with such grace and compassion, assertively leading us through the rows, singing her usual “thank you Jesus” Nigerian song of praise, and helping us to converse and pray with the individual residents. Clearly, these are places of corruption and pure unfairness. Instead of being a source of support and rehabilitation, these centers merely offered a place for their residents to await death. Our team returned to the van and rode home in silence – saddened and appalled by the inexplicably inhumane conditions which some are forced to live.

The Sisters of Anawim also run a primary school for children in their community, servicing 200 students in grades nursery through 6. We spent five mornings at the school, assisting the teachers with basic lessons, end-of-year examinations, and sharing American games with the kids. The overall conditions of the school were pretty minimal, and not necessarily conducive to learning. The teachers each had one chalk board, and only a few pencils, books, or paper to use. Yet despite the lack of resources, it was clear that the school was a place of hope for the community. The students diligently worked hard to master mathematics, English, literature, public speaking, etc - to propel themselves to a specialized profession. On our last day there, the kids proudly participated in the school’s graduation; literally beaming as they were promoted to the next grade.

Spending two short weeks with the Missionary Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor was an amazing and enriching experience. Their life is one of sacrifice, prayer and limitless generosity. For sure, I will forever be impacted by the time there, and come away with a new perspective on living in response to the needs of our community.

Photos:
1. Sister Oresoa, Tyler, Adrienne, Gin Gin & Jess serving in a nearby village
2. Tyler with boys at Anawim Home
3. Anawim Home School children
4. Resident at a home for the destitute
5. Joey & Tyler playing soccer at Anawim Home
6. Tyler & Joey with boys at Anawim Home

Photos from Anawim Home

2011-08-25T11:39:00.008-04:00

Below is a sampling of photos from Anawim Home Team. More will be posted in the coming weeks and shown at Church of the Nativity.

Photos:
1. Gin Gin and a young girl at Anawim Home
2. Gin Gin, Kathi, Jess & Adrienne with some of the young girls at Anawim Home
3. Gin Gin with a newborn
4. Jess and children at Anawim Home
5. Tyler & Joe with boys at Anawim Home
6. Tyler and a young boy at Anawim Home
7. Kathi teaches in Anawim Home School
8. Joey teaches computer skills
9. Jess & dinner
10. Anawim Home Team traveling through Abuja
11. Kathi pumps water at Anawim Home
12. Young girls braid Jess' hair
13. Adrienne and young girls wash dishes
14. Adrienne and her class at Anawim Home School
15. Jess and a young boy at Anawim Home
16. Boys at Anawim Home School

Reflections on Faith Alive Hospital

2011-08-25T11:00:00.004-04:00

In his most recent post on the Church of the Nativity Missions blog, Faith Alive Hospital Team Leader, Brian Crook reflects on his time at the hospital and the role of this partnership in Church of the Nativity's International Mission. The full post is available here. He writes:

"To say that the are doing amazing work is an understatement...

I'll be sharing some more of my thoughts over the next few weeks, but wanted to get a post up this week... We all shared some thoughts with the doctors and staff at Faith Alive on our last day. I made comments on three things -- and these three things make me and Church of the Nativity so incredibly proud to partner with Faith Alive.

The vision of Church of the Nativity starts with the phrase "Making Church matter by growing disciples growing disciples..." We are disciples who are committed to growing in our relationship with Christ internally and intentionally. The entire staff at Faith Alive Foundation not only meets once per week to have a learning session, not just do they also train and educate medical students in Jos, but Dr. Chris himself holds personal Christian leadership and mentoring classes with up-and-coming leaders in the community. What an inspiration to see a glimpse of our vision being realized in one of our partners.

Secondly, and speaking of vision, it was so obvious to me and my team that the vision of Faith Alive is being carried not just by Dr. Chris but by the entire organization. We had passionate conversations with everyone from the managers of the store room to doctors in the emergency room about how essential the work is that they are doing, and how it's not just a great work to be done, but it's a God-inspired vision to take part in. They set goals that seem to be impossible so that when they are accomplished, God gets the glory.

And finally, a concept that is not easy to master, the Faith Alive Foundation has married good works with the Good News. They are successfully treating and caring for thousands of patients, have carried out 300 surgeries (with only 1 fatality) in a few short years, and will continue to grow as a healthy organization to provide excellent medical care to the surrounding communities... Not just that, but they are evangelizing to each and every patient, the staff, which they call a family, are going to the streets with the message of salvation (40 some people saved last month), and each day begins and ends with devotion and prayer.

I'll say again how proud we are to partner with such an amazing organization. And I should also thank all of our past missionaries who have traveled to Jos and formed relationships with people in the Faith Alive family -- it is the relationships that you have built that our partnership is standing on now. I'm grateful for all your contributions and very excited about all that God has in store for the future..."

Photo:
1. Dr. Chris, Brian, & Sister Oresoa

Hwol Yarje Graduation

2011-08-18T11:32:00.006-04:00

The team recently received an update from Dr. Chris on Graduation at Hwol Yarje School. Dr. Chris summarized the project, saying "We greatly appreciate you all for the support and prayers. These ones would have been without education."

Over 300 people attended the graduation of these 15 students, including: community heads, neighboring schools and Trustees. Activities included dancing, presentations and theater. The same day, the team also dedicated the Hwol Yarje borehole and toilet system, a long term project of NATIVITY:NIGERIA.

The team was also provided with testimonies from some attendees:

Community Head: "We can see great improvement in our children, the way they speak and interact with other children from other schools. We are grateful to God and Faith Alive Hospital for their support and assistance, most importantly for the provision of the modern toilet system and borehole."

PTA Chairman: "On behalf of all of the parents of children benefiting from this school, we are grateful for the gift of the school and the facilities available to make teaching and learning conducive for our children.

Head Teacher: "Despite all of the challenges, we are thankful to God and Faith Alive Hospital for all of the support and assistance needed to have produced the first graduates of this school."

Graduate: "Today is a day of joy in our lives, we are happy to have visitors from USA witnessing our graduation and even dedicating the toilet and borehole on the same day. We thank God for being a part of this history. Faith Alive Hospital, we are grateful for this completely free education given to us."

Photo:
Faith Alive Hospital Team with Hwol Yarje School graduates

Welcome Home

2011-08-15T16:42:00.003-04:00

This afternoon, NATIVITY:NIGERIA missionaries arrived safely in Washington, DC after a brief layover in Frankfurt. They were greeted warmly by family and friends. After one last picture together, they returned back to Baltimore. The teams will be meeting again in the coming weeks to pray, reflect, and share their experiences.

Photos:
1. NATIVITY:NIGERIA returns home
2. Jonathan greets his family

Headed Home

2011-08-15T09:34:00.004-04:00

Both teams departed from Abuja late Sunday night and landed safely in Frankfurt. After a few hours in Frankfurt this morning, they boarded their flight to Washington, DC on time and are scheduled to return to the States this afternoon.

Photo:
1. Jess, Adrienne, Joey and Bill departing Frankfurt

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-13T17:47:00.002-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/13/11 6:00PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today, the team worked with the Kiddies Club in the morning before attending a wedding in the early afternoon. After touring Jos and the surrounding area the team also visited the Faith Alive Teaching Hospital. For their last night in Jos the team ate a nice, nearby Chinese restaurant. They will be getting up at 5AM tomorrow for a 6AM departure to Abuja. They will be spending the day with Anawim Home Team and Sisters for their final day.

Anawim Home Team:
The team started the day with Mass before attending the Anawim Home School graduation. The team has been working with the students for the last two weeks on songs and dances for this afternoon. Tyler, Kathi and Gin Gin were seated at the head table as guests of honor and Jess led a choreographed dance with the students. The graduation was 6.5 hours long, including games, songs, dancing, a talent show and awards. Tomorrow, the team will attend Sunday Mass in the morning before spending the remainder of the day with the Faith Alive Hospital Team at Anawim Home.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-12T15:39:00.003-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/12/11 8:00PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:

The team started the day in Kafanchan with the morning session of the children's rights seminar which they participated in yesterday. Today focused on how to recognize abuse - emotional, physical and sexual. The team then drove back to Jos in the afternoon. They had the pleasure of stopping at Assop Falls, a waterfall on the route, for a bit as well. After lunch, the team said goodbye to most of the Faith Alive Hospital staff and students. They went to Afri-1 a local restaurant for a dinner of hamburgers, milkshakes, and donuts - a welcome surprise! Tomorrow will be the team's final day in Jos before traveling to Abuja early on Sunday morning.

Anawim Home Team:
Today, the Anawim Home Team again served at the school in preparation of graduation this weekend. In the afternoon they traveled with the Sisters to distribute clothing to the poor. The team described it as "frenzied." After, they closed the day with a 3 hour sunset prayer service.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-11T20:48:00.004-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/11/11 9:00PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:

Today, the team served in Bakin Kogi and Kafanchan, two clinics of Faith Alive Hospital a few hours from Jos. The clinics were started in 2004 and the communities have seen a dramatic decrease in the rate of HIV/AIDS infection since. The team also attended and participated in a conference on children's rights. Specifically the conference focused on gender equality, a departure from traditional thinking. The team will stay in Bakin Kogi for the night before traveling back to Jos to serve at Faith Alive Hospital again tomorrow.

Anawim Home Team:

Today, the women returned to serve the commercial sex workers in their place of business. They prayed with them and listened to their stories. Upon returning to Anawim Home, Gin Gin, Tyler, Jess, Adrienne, and Kathi taught at the school, while Joey continued computer classes for the boys at Anawim. In the afternoon, the team traveled into Abuja for lunch and to visit the market. On the way back, they were caught in a 3 hour traffic jam - just another day in Abuja! The team will be serving at the school again tomorrow in preparation for graduation this weekend.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-10T14:41:00.008-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/10/11 4:15PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today the team again served at Faith Alive Hospital. Brian finished his Captain's Report, which he has been compiling by visiting and shadowing various members of the Faith Alive Hospital staff over the last week. It contains, observations, lessons, comments, and suggestions for discussion by the hospital's leadership. Bill continues to assist with the installation of a security and intercom system throughout the facility. He is finalizing the connections between individual rooms and the main system. Emma is working with doctors in GOPD - General Outpatient Department. She says that she "has learned a ton." In the afternoon, the team participated in the weekly staff meeting, joining together at the end in prayer.

The team also attended a meeting of the Faith Alive Hospital Borehole & Latrine Committee. The committee is made up of Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben, a finance representative, and representatives from Hwol Yarje and Bakin Kogi. They provide each other with status updates, share difficulties and solutions and explored future water projects in two communities. Tomorrow, the team will be traveling to Bakin Kogi and Kafanchan to serve in the Faith Alive Hospital outreach programs in those cities as well.

Anawim Home Team:
On Tuesday, the team spent the morning back at Anawim Home's primary school. Each team member has connected with a particular class, and is helping to lead graduation preparation. Each class will share an American song during Saturdays graduation. The time at school has been an opportunity to get to know kids throughout the entire community, beyond just the Anawim Home children.

The team met with several benefactors of Anawim Home, meeting specifically with members of a local church who have begun supporting the Anawim Home ministries. During lunch, Sister Oresoa shared some of the children's heartwarming stories about how they have come to live with her at Anawim Home. Many have had tough roads and yet continue to smile and exude such joy while with the team at Anawim Home. In the afternoon, Tyler played football (soccer) with the boys and Joey completed fixing the office computers.

Today, Jess, Adrienne, Kathi and Tyler returned to school again to continue teaching and playing with the primary school children. Gin Gin served in the clinic, assisting with triage and HIV/AIDS counseling. Joey continued to lead the older Anawim Home children through separate beginner, intermediate and advanced computer classes.

In the afternoon the team visited one of Anawim Home's farms. The Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor own the land and rents the space to local farmers as a source of both food and income. The team visited with a tribal nomad community living in the area surrounding Anawim Home's farm as well. Sister Oresoa agreed to begin teaching the villages' children later this month, so that the children can learn English. It was an interesting experience - the community was inquisitive and intrigued to see "white people" for the first time. The day ended with evening prayer. Tomorrow, the team will spend time with the students again, visit commercial sex workers, and the travel into the city to shop in the Abuja market.

Photo:
1. Gin Gin, Joey, Adrienne, Kathi & Jess after teaching at Anawim Home school

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-09T17:01:00.003-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/9/11 5:00PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
This morning the team was treated to a surprise of pancakes for breakfast. Emma led the morning devotional prayer service at Faith Alive Hospital. She spoke to the patients and staff about following Jesus and listening for his voice in our hearts. Brian led the afternoon devotional prayer service and Jonthan gave a health talk as well. The topic of conversation all day has been the food that everyone wants to eat when they get back home. Throughout the day, Emma served in the counseling center, Brian served in the lab, and Bill served in IT.

Photo:
1. Emma leads the morning devotional prayer service at Faith Alive Hospital

Join Us in Prayer

2011-08-09T16:18:00.002-04:00

On Wednesday, August 10rth at 6PM, the NATIVITY:NIGERIA Home Team will meet at Church of the Nativity in the Sanctuary for a time of prayer and reflection. We will pray for our teams in Abuja and Jos, our partners, and our missions around the world. Friends, family, all are welcome. If you cannot attend, we ask you to join us in prayer at that time, wherever you may be.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-08T15:41:00.006-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/8/11 5:15PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
This morning, Bill led a very powerful and moving prayer service for the Faith Alive Hospital community. After the prayer service Emma and Jonathan were able to sit in the operating room and observe an appendectomy. They were both interested in the differences between the procedures executing in Nigeria versus those in the United States.

Brian and Bill traveled to Hwol Yarje to witness the first ever graduation at Faith Alive Hwol Yarje school. The school was started 5 years ago and provides education for 250 children. The kids who graduated today will go on to secondary school.

Hwol Yarje is also the location of an ongoing, joint water project between Church of the Nativity and Faith Alive Hospital. Today, with our team present, a new borehole and 3 station latrine was dedicated by the community in a ceremony filled with presentations and dancing. Pastor Ben told the team that it is the biggest event and most exciting day the community had ever experienced!

You can learn more about our water projects here.

A short video shot by NATIVITY:NIGERIA teams in 2009 shows the stream, which previously provided water for Hwol Yarje community as well as the children who live there, and is available here.

More details regarding how Faith Alive Hospital got involved at Hwol Yarje are available here.

This evening, the team was also presented with letters written by friends, family, and supporters from home. These were a surprise for the team and provided the kind words and encouragement they needed just as their second week started.

Anawim Home Team:
The team traveled today and arrived safely back in Abuja after their weekend in Benin City. Just like Faith Alive Team, Anawim Home Team received their letters from home today as well. They explained how uplifting and important the letters were after an intense, long weekend visiting and serving the elderly and destitute in Benin City. Tomorrow, the team will be teaching in the Anawim Home School and preparing for graduation this weekend.

Photos:
1. Faith Alive Hwol Yarje School gradution
2. Emma & Jonathan prepare to enter the Faith Alive Hospital Operating Theatre

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-07T16:53:00.003-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/7/11 5:00PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Sunday began early with the 7:45AM Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church. The team was prepped by a local guest, Greg, to expect a 2 hour service (with only a 15 minute Homily), which seems to be the minimum duration for most denominations in Nigeria on Sunday. Being good, solid, American, 45 minute Catholics, we were apprehensive but anxious to experience Mass. The unanimous feedback was that it was incredible. The Mass was a traditional Catholic Mass, but with some African cultural additions. The most notable was the offertory, which combined the weekly collection with tithing and the presentation of the gifts. While most made their contribution to ushers from the pews, there was a line of parishoners who made special offerings to at the altar. This included people with bags of rice or some who brought babies for a special blessing. It was very cool to witness! Communion also was a little different as recipients approached the priest or eucharistic minister only when they were ready to receive, not by pew and many did not take communion as they may not have felt prepared or been to confession. The Mass was packed as the one before it had been and the 11 am was expected to be as well.

Inspired by that experience, the team went to its afternoon festivities full of energy. Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben and the extended Faith Alive family put on a show at the hospital in our honor. It showcased the various kids groups and active families in the hospital community entertaining us with song, dance and scripture. Brian even led our team in our contribution to the event, singing Amazing Grace - a rendition greatly helped by the singing of the entire community. The afternoon was capped off by more singing and dancing with the kids to the music of the Faith Alive band and a moment of crowd surfing by Jonathan over a large group of kids. The taem had a blast and look to the second week a bit tired but eager to start all over on Monday! We continue to be energized by the faithful dedication of all that we meet here.

Anawim Home Team:
Today, in Benin City, the team served the destitute and the street boys of the surrounding community. They distributed bags of rice to each, which they brought with them from Abuja. The team described it as "intense" and commented on the stark contrast between the abundance and opulence at the wedding yesterday and the poverty in the streets. The team will be reflecting together and staying at the monastery in Benin City again tonight before departing for Abuja in the morning.

Reflections from Anawim Home

2011-08-06T18:04:00.003-04:00

The Anawim Home Team provided the brief reflections below on their first week:

Gin Gin:

Having met Sister Oresoa before, it is a totally different experience sharing life with her and the other sisters. She has a huge heart and exemplifies being a servant of God. I am overwhelmed with joy to be a witness to God's work through her.

Kathi:

While talking with the young, expectant, unwed mothers they had so many questions about pregnancy and child birth. They were so thirsty for information. It struck me how we take for granted our ability to seek out information through our computers or phones. These young women who are due in November have little, if any, access to information which we take for granted.

Tyler:

Nearing the end of our first week here. My time with Peter, Paul and Jude (three of the boys ages 8-13) has taught me that simply being present with the boys profoundly impacts and encourages, even more than providing for their physical needs ever could. All three are smart, energetic and offer so much hope for Anawim children's future. I will take with me their beaming faces after mastering something as simple as bolding text on the computer.

Adrienne:

We met a young woman, Deborah. She has completed primary and secondary school and hopes to go to university in the US. I wonder how hard it will be for her to make that happen. Not many are fortunate enough to get to the US, let alone become a lawyer. I hope somehow she will be able to achieve her dream.

Joey:

I am most fascinated by the thirst for knowledge exhibited by so many of the children and young adults at Anawim. In a world where so many squander the opportunities given to them, the residents of Anawim Home cherish and make the most of every opportunity they have to excel trough education.

Jess:

The "Angels" are a group of girls ages 10-11, who are both residents and caretakers of Anawim. On Wednesday, after a long night of 'go fish', Adrienne and I put the girls to bed. Their room had three beds to share amongst 5 girls, two wardrobes, and no lighting. Angela quickly tried to hide a bowl of food that was leftover from our dinner with the Bishop, which they had been eating. Otherwise, the girls had only rice for dinner. I am grateful for the hospitality we have received in Nigeria. But I am also heartbroken that we have received so many accommodations, while these orphans receive so little. Their spirit and connection to our presence with them is heartwarming and humbling.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-06T17:49:00.005-04:00

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

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-05T12:51:00.005-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/5/11 2:15PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today, Jonathan had the opportunity to volunteer in the phlebotomy lab at Faith Alive Hospital. Please note, the highest level of safety precautions and procedures are in place at all times. Missionaries may chose to volunteer in areas such as these in the hospital, where their skills and expertise may be put to use.

The team also had the opportunity to view the operating theater this morning with Elder Bot. The hospital has done over 300 surgeries in 3 years with only 1 fatality. Emma served in prenatal care, where 20 expectant mothers are staying - they anticipate that one may give birth tomorrow. Like his team members, Bill was tested for HIV this afternoon and also did research for the hospital. Brian toured the various facilities and compiled notes for his Captain's report.

Tonight, the team will eat dinner with Dr. Chris and Pastor Ben. Then they will be meeting with Dr. Chris' mentoring group - 8 young men he is investing in for leadership in different areas, including education, medicine and art.

Anawim Home Team:
The team traveled the rest of the way to the burial of Sister Oresoa's family friend, today. The dress and music were both impressive, and different than we are accustomed to. The team will spend the rest of the weekend in Benin City for other events related to the burial, and will visit other communities in the surrounding area to feed the poor and assist with Sister Oresoa's ministry in Benin City.

Some additional details from Anawim Home Team from the last few days:

From Wednesday, August 3:
Anawim Home's health clinic for CSW (Commercial Sex Workers) is open to the community on Wednesdays. After breakfast, the team began preparing for that - making bags of food supplies, holy water and toilet paper for each of the women to take home with them after visiting the clinic. During clinic hours, Gin Gin shadowed a doctor, Kathi assisted with counseling, Jess and Adrienne spent time with Anawim's young mothers, while Joey and Tyler gave computer and typing lessons to four of the young boys. It was the boys' first lesson with a computer, yet by the end they were able to successfully navigate MS Word - their faces lit up every time they learned something new. The boys have also been learning American card games. "Go Fishy" is a group favorite so far. In the evening, the Bishop paid Anawim Home a visit. He is a close friend of Sister Oresoa, and made a special trip just to welcome us. ALL of the the Sisters were excited for Bishop Anthony's visit, and started an impromptu dance and song.

From Thursday, August 4:
On Thursday the team was joined in morning prayer by Sister Nuala, a visiting Sister leading the Anawim Sisters retreat this week. The team gave her a parting gift of American crunchy peanut butter. During breakfast - Peter, one of Anawim's young boys, killed a chicken so we could watch the process. A new experience for everyone. The chicken was cooked into a stew, for our lunch. The team then set off on a five hour car ride, headed to Benin City for a weekend of burial celebrations. The ride gave the team a chance to see some of the smaller villages, all with stark poverty. The monastery is pristine, peaceful and a great place to rest and reflect. We took a walk through the herb garden where the Brothers run, and then enjoyed a shower (with hot water) and a good night's sleep.

Photo:
1. Jonathan serving at Faith Alive Hospital
2. Brian entering TB lab with his Faith Alive Hospital Captain badge

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-04T11:26:00.008-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/4/11 7:45PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:

Today has been another full day at Faith Alive Hospital for the team. We were told that the storm the other night was the worst one in 30 years. This morning they attended a daily health talk and prayer session, led by Erika Nossokoff. On the first Thursday of each month there is a additional focus and prayer dedicated to a certain topic. Today, Pastor Ben announced that we would be praying specifically for Dr. Chis and his leadership of Faith Alive Hospital. After prayer, worship and singing the team jumped in to the mix at the hospital.

The team participated in a home based care visit. This is one of the outreach ministries of Faith Alive Hospital to the rural community surrounding Jos. The team met Ladi, a woman who came to Faith Alive Hospital to be tested and was informed that she has AIDS and TB. Since that time, she has become too weak to make the long trip to Faith Alive Hospital. Each day, someone from the hospital travels to her home to make sure that drugs are being administered properly and necessary hygiene is being maintained. The team also had the opportunity to pray with her at the end of their visit.

Jonathan joined Dr. Chris as he diagnosed a patient with hypertension and high blood pressure. Emma, Bill and Brian sat in on sessions at the counseling center. After receiving HIV/AIDS testing, patients are met individually in the counseling center to discuss their results. The team was witness to patients receiving both positive and negative results. They were also tested themselves.

At the afternoon staff prayer and worship session everyone joined in the "laying on of hands" in praying for Dr. Chris. The staff members also assign a "Captain" for the upcoming week. This person is responsible for observing different areas of the hospital, asking questions, and writing a report at the end with his or her findings. They chose Brian to take on this responsibility for the upcoming week. At the end of the afternoon, after all of the counselors had gone home, Jonathan and Dr. Chris met with a patient who was just being told of her HIV+ diagnosis.

Anawim Home Team:
Last night the team had the opportunity to slaughter a chicken and prepare it for dinner. They then received a welcome surprise of french toast for breakfast this morning before jumping in the van and heading off to Benin City to visit with Sister Oresoa's family.

The drive to Benin City was about five hours, which Kathi described as an "adventure." They even had some walnuts from a street vendor on the way. The team is staying at a monastery in Benin City, which has running, and even sometimes "hot" water. The team described the monastery as "beautiful" - although they didn't do too well with the "silent" dinner. They will be attending a funeral for a friend of Sister Oresoa's Friday and Saturday. The team brought rice with them and will be serving the street boys and mentally ill in Benin City as well. The team is in great spirits, having an exciting time with Sister Oresoa, and becoming closer by the day.

Photos:
1. Jonathan, Emma, Ladi & Bill in prayer
2. Jonathan, Emma & Bill visit Ladi's home
3. Travel outside of Jos

Joined in Prayer

2011-08-03T20:23:00.002-04:00

Tonight, a group of Nativity parishoners, Home Team members, parents and friends met at Church of the Nativity to pray together. The group prayed for our missionaries, our partners, our missions around the world, all those we meet and those we have left at home. We prayed in thanksgiving, we prayed for guidance, we prayed for courage, and we prayed for peace. Around the same time, our teams abroad were reflecting and participating in their evening prayers. Across oceans we were joined together in support and worship. God Bless.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-03T11:34:00.010-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/3/11 8:30PM EST)

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
The team was up early again today and had some pancakes for breakfast. It rained all night and into the morning a bit. After breakfast there was an 8AM prayer and staff meeting at the hospital, led by Pastor Ben. The staff and team prayed over each other and Dr. Chris described the partnership between Faith Alive Hospital and Church of the Nativity, telling everyone that "Nativity is my home church."

The team then traveled to Fabor, a satellite location of Faith Alive Hospital and home to a health counseling center. The clinic also provides HIV/AIDS testing for the community. They were greeted by Ezekiel, the founder of the clinic. From the village, he had traveled to Faith Alive Hospital and discovered that he was indeed HIV+. He founded the clinic and was made chief by his fellow villagers for his extraordinary courage.

After leaving Fabor, the team trekked to Hwol Yarje, the site of multiple NATIVITY:NIGERIA water projects. The borehole and latrine have been completed at this location and will be dedicated during a ceremony, which the team will attend, next Monday. This will coincide with the 5th grade graduation of the first class at the community school, sponsored by Faith Alive Hospital. The team visited with students today and we're greeted with the "ABC's" from some younger children. After a lunch of coconut rice, chicken, and plantains, the team returned to serve in the hospital and were also introduced to Daniel. He is the manager of the General Store as well as the Coach of the Faith Alive Hospital U-20 Soccer Team and is taking our team to practice this afternoon.

Anawim Home Team:
Everyone is in high spirits and feeling well at Anawim. This morning, after Mass, the Jess, Kathy, Gin Gin and Adrienne were in the new clinic for HIV/AIDS testing (opened in March), a mission of Sisters of Poorest of the Poor. The 'ladies' come to Anawim Home to be tested. Later in the week, the women and Sisters will go to the hotel to evangelize. Joey and Tyler have fixed 2 computers, a scanner, and are teaching computer classes to some of the residents of Anawim Home. The team is preparing to travel to Benin City tomorrow, Thursday - Sunday to visit with Sister Oresoa's family and serve in her ministries in that community.

Photo:
1. Emma, Jonathan, Daniel & Bill.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-02T10:40:00.017-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/2/11 2:10 PM EST):

Faith Alive Hospital Team:

The team was up around 7AM for a hearty oatmeal breakfast today. Overall the food here has been very good (pizza, fries, spaghetti, and chicken). The day started with a Faith Alive Hospital prayer meeting at 8AM, followed by a health talk. The talk focused on preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child. Throughout the next two weeks, the team will be leading these prayer meetings each morning. The spiritual theme for August at Faith Alive Hospital is "look upon Jesus."

The rest of the morning and early afternoon was spent volunteering at the hospital. Jonathan assisted and shadowed doctors with Emma, while Bill worked in IT and Brian in the pharmacy lab. The rest of the afternoon was spent touring and meeting those at the Faith Alive Hospital Skills Acquisition Centers. The hospital sponsors a variety of these centers to provide a venue for current or past patients to obtain new job skills. Some of these centers include a wood working shop, a sewing center, and a computer school. The afternoon was cut short by a torrential downpour which sent everyone scattering around 3PM. The rain and wind blew the roof off the shop of a neighbor and friend of Dr. Chris. The team hustled through the rain to help bring all of their belongings to a dry location. Everyone was soaked, but thankfully no one was injured.

Anawim Home Team:
The team has had a great first two days. Mass yesterday was an awesome experience as the sun went up. The priest shared kind words at the end of mass to welcome us in front of the community, and expressed his hope that our visit would show the spirit and safety of Nigeria.

Tyler and Uncle Joseph have been playing soccer with the boys at Anawim in the front yard - ages 8-15, while Kathi has been mentoring the young mothers. Joey has also been spending some time fixing computers for the Sisters. Jess, Adrienne, and Gin Gin have been spending time playing with all of the young girls. This was a chance to each spend quality time with a niche of the Anawim community. Yesterday was highlighted by teaching the hokie pokie and macarena to about 200 school kids for their upcoming graduation. Can't wait to show off pictures of that.

The team's first taste of Nigeria food was yesterday at lunch when they were served "agusi" stew - a thick, melon-based Nigerian soup with bold spices. Along with that was "pounded yam" - covered in peanut butter of course, a new staple of food for us here. There was a prayer session in the evening and then dinner.

Today, Tuesday, the team had pancakes for breakfast - which were delicious and welcomed. Sister Julie has been generously and joyfully preparing each meal for us here. In the morning we went to the school again and divided amongst the classes. They are having exams this week, so some of us ran lessons and games while the teacher did one-on-one testing with each kid.

Afterwards, we visited a nomad family of "fulani" (farmers). They grow okra and corn, and gave some of both to take back to Anawim. The team also served at a nearby leper community of nearly 200 families, distributing toilet paper and food supplies.

This afternoon we took an eventful trip to the Abuja market. Sister Oresoa, Sister Dorothy and a few of the older children were able to help us navigate the crowded streets and locate the best items. Sister has asked some of the ladies here in the skill training classes to make African clothing for all of us.

This weekend we are traveling to Sister's hometown for the funeral of a friend, and will stay with her family there. We are also looking forward to the school's graduation next week. Tonight there was a downpour, so Joey, Adrienne & Jess took the opportunity to take an outdoor shower. It's the cleanest we have been in three days. All six of the team are doing well and loving our time at Anawim.

Photo:
1 & 2. Afternoon rain at Faith Alive Hospital

Join Us in Prayer

2011-08-02T10:33:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday, August 3rd at 6PM, the NATIVITY:NIGERIA Home Team will meet at Church of the Nativity in the Sanctuary for a time of prayer and reflection. We will pray for our teams in Abuja and Jos, our partners, and our missions around the world. Friends, family, all are welcome. If you cannot attend, we ask you to join us in prayer at that time, wherever you may be.

Updates from Jos & Abuja

2011-08-01T16:24:00.007-04:00

Updates from Jos & Abuja:

Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Today the team left Abuja around 7AM for th 4+ hour drive out to Jos, in Plateau State. After a fairly traffic-free drive, the foursome ate lunch and rested at the Faith Alive Hospital flat - about a 5 minute walk from Faith Alive Hospital. Erika Nossokoff, US Director for Volunteers for Hope for West Africa Foundation, will also be staying with Emma during their time at Faith Alive Hospital. After lunch the team toured Faith Alive Hospital and received an orientation to all of their programs. They reflected as a team after dinner and noted that "the community here is so welcoming." Which was quickly followed up by "and we've just killed our first cockroach." Tomorrow the team will see Faith Alive Hospital in action and will be volunteering in a variety of their outreach programs.

Anawim Home Team:
The team woke up early to pray with the Sisters before Mass. They begin the rosary and morning prayers at 4:30AM before traveling to Mass nearby at 6AM. After returning from Mass and some breakfast the team spent the day meeting everyone at Anawim - including the children, Sisters, young mothers, and mentally ill. In between various prayer sessions, the team also visited the nearby school run by the Sisters, where they will be teaching later in their visit.

Off to Jos

2011-08-01T07:54:00.003-04:00

Upon arrival in Abuja late last night, both teams were greeted by nuns from Anawim Home and Dr. Chris Isichei from Faith Alive Hospital. The Faith Alive Hospital team departed for Jos at 7AM Abuja time (2AM EST) this morning after staying the night in Abuja. After breakfast in Abuja the traveled the 4+ hours to the Faith Alive Hospital compound in just over 4 hours - not much traffic along the way either. Both teams are now at their permanent sites for the next two weeks.

Photo:
1. Jonathan, Emma & Bill before departure to Jos this morning.

Arrival in Nigeria

2011-07-31T08:59:00.008-04:00

Our teams have landed safely in Abuja! They will be meeting Sister Oresoa and Dr. Chris at the airport shortly. Both teams will stay at Anawim Home in Abuja for the night before the Faith Alive Hospital Team travels to Jos in the morning. The team of 10 is bringing over 500 lbs of vitamins and medical supplies for these locations in addition to the backpacks designed by children at Vacation Bible School, children's toys and school supplies. We will post updates and pictures here as often as possible and we ask for your continued prayers and support.

Photos:
1. Tyler, Jess, Adrienne, & Joey on flight from Washington, DC to Frankfurt.
2. Jonathan, Kathi, Adrienne, Bill & Gin Gin in Frankfurt

Departure

2011-07-30T09:13:00.006-04:00

The team departed from Church of the Nativity at 11AM this morning and will be headed to Washington DC before departing for Frankfurt, and then Abuja. Everyone got some breakfast, got all of their gear packed, made some last minute checks, and said goodbye to their families. After praying together, the teams headed south to begin their journey.

Photos:
1. NATIVITY:NIGERIA Missionaries: Jess Brown, Brian Crook, Adrienne Brooks, Bill Baird, Kathi Rogers, Tyler DeVan, Gin Gin Diokno, Joey Barczak, Emma Baird, Jonathan Sanchez
2. Jonathan Sanchez says goodbye
3. Faith Alive Hospital Team: Brian Crook, Bill Baird, Emma Baird, Jonathan Sanchez
4. Anawim Home Team: Jess Brown, Adrienne Brooks, Kathi Rogers, Gin Gin Diokno, Tyler DeVan, Joey Barczak
5. Loading vitamins and luggage
6. Christy Oberst & Joey Barczak
7. Megan Koren, Jonathan Sanchez, & Christy Oberst
8. Kathi Rogers & Adrienne Brooks
9. Home Team organizes loading of vitamins and medical supplies

Join in Reflection

2011-07-28T11:42:00.001-04:00

All NATIVITY:NIGERIA team members have been given a Reflection Journal, which they will be using in the days leading up to their departure to Nigeria, during their time there, and upon their return. This will also facilitate a daily group discussion and reflection based on the following topics:

What did you see today?
Where did you see God today?
What did you personally reflect on using your Reflection Journal last night?

The scripture and questions used in the Reflection Journal will also be posted under Reflections daily as a way for friends and family to join in the reflection and study being done by our team members in Nigeria.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reset on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Send Off Mass & Blessing

2011-07-20T14:07:00.001-04:00

Please join us at 10:30AM Mass at Church of the Nativity on Sunday July 24th as we pray for the NATIVITY:NIGERIA team that will depart on the morning of July 30th. We ask for your continued prayers and support throughout our time in Nigeria.

Vitamins Pour In

2011-07-19T15:13:00.003-04:00

We got a great turnout over the last two weeks for our annual vitamin drive for the patients at Faith Alive Hospital in Jos. These vitamins serve as a critical component of the treatment for those receiving anti-retroviral HIV/AIDS medication. Dozens of bottles of vitamins were donated and will be sorted, cataloged, and packed over the next week. Once the donations are all separated and packaged, our teams will be taking over 500 lbs of vitamins to Jos at the end of July. Thank you for your continued support generosity again this year. All of these donations will make a huge difference in the many lives at at Faith Alive Hospital.

Retreat & Reflection

2011-07-14T14:17:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, the Anawim Home Team & Faith Alive Hospital Team joined together for a day of retreat, reflection, and fellowship. The afternoon was filled with team building, personal testimonials, and prayer. It was an opportunity for the team members to be together outside of a planning session and simply learn about each other. Led by our Missionary Development Team, this is one of the most important events in the last few weeks leading up to our teams' departure at the end of June. Thank you for your support and we ask that you continue to keep all of them in your prayers.

Vitamin Drive for Faith Alive Hospital

2011-07-06T11:22:00.002-04:00

As in past years, NATIVITY:NIGERIA will be transporting multivitamins collected by the parish to assist patients at Faith Alive Hospital in Jos. Dr. Chris has described this as one of the hospital's greatest needs. The vitamins provide patients with weakened immune systems additional nutrients they may not have in their diets. NATIVITY:NIGERIA has donated over 1,500 lbs of vitamins to Faith Alive Hospital over the past few summers and will send hundreds more this August.

If you wish to participate, please bring your vitamins to Church of the Nativity during the weekends of July 9-10 and July 16-17 and look for a team member in a NATIVITY:NIGERIA shirt.

Please note the guidelines below:

All vitamins must be factory sealed.
All vitamins must be over the counter. No prescription medications.
No children's vitamins.
No gummy vitamins.
No liquids.
Expiration date January 2012 or later.

Children United

2011-06-29T15:07:00.004-04:00

As in past years, the kids at Church of the Nativity's Vacation Bible School, Pandamania, have created a craft for the children at Anawim Home and Faith Alive Hospital. In the past, the children have made small stuffed animals with messages inserted in pockets to be distributed to children at Anawim and throughout community. This year, the kids tie-dyed drawstring backpacks for the children at Anawim Home as well as those served by Faith Alive Hospital throughout the Jos community. The picture above will also be included with a note from each child. This provides the kids attending Vacation Bible School with an opportunity to participate in Nativity's international mission as well as reach out directly to the children at Anawim and Faith Alive Hospital. Year after year, this continues to be a popular part of kids' week!

Photos: Children at Church of the Nativity's Vacation Bible School

Faith Alive Hospital Update

2011-06-06T12:44:00.003-04:00

The following is a message on the status of the HIV/AIDS program at Faith Alive Hospital, from Dr. Chris Isichei, founder, recently provided through Hope for West Africa Foundation:

"I returned from a trip [for training at the Haggai Institute] and met with our team yesterday over a decision to halt fresh enrollment of newly diagnosed HIV cases into our program whether ARVs [Anti-Retrovirals] or Care [due to U.S. funding cuts]. We were however advised to refer to certain sites that still have vacancies.

On my first day back to work, we had about 15 new cases most insisting they will not go anywhere but rather die in Faith Alive. We had no choice but to accompany them to the various places we referred them to and assured them that they will continue to be part of Faith Alive family. We will follow them up to the end wherever they may be. This helped to some extent. I have insisted that pregnant women and children be excluded while I work out something for them….

It has dawned on me with bleeding heart that with this God given vision, I will have to watch and see some persons turned back from specifically ART [Anti-Retroviral Treatment] services but I pray that the follow up program instituted by the U.S. government will still allow us impact them for Christ. God bless."

Church of the Nativity and NATIVITY:NIGERIA continues to keep Faith Alive Hospital and the people of Jos, Nigeria in its prayers.

Preparation Continues

2011-06-06T12:22:00.012-04:00

For the past two months, the Anawim Home Team and Faith Alive Hospital Team have been meeting weekly for fellowship, preparation, and reflection leading up to their departure in August. Airline tickets have been purchased and vaccinations have been started as months and months of preparation turn into a few short weeks. We ask for your continued prayer and support of our teams.

Photos:
1. Faith Alive Hospital Team
2. Anawim Home Team
3. NATIVITY:NIGERIA Missionary Team

ServeFest

2011-05-20T12:41:00.018-04:00

On Saturday May 14th, over 4,000 people from across Maryland served at over 200 projects. Members of all NATIVITY:NIGERIA teams served together at Baltimore Humane Society clearing debris and beautifying the grounds. It was an awesome to see team members take their relationship to another level. The encouragement, joking, and laughing was infectious as they dug deeper, opened themselves, and allowed their teammates to come in.

From Brian Crook, Church of the Nativity Missions Director: "At Nativity, we're committed to serving those outside the walls of our church -- we call it 'Missions'. We're living in a broken world, but we blieve that God can change us from the inside out and turn us into instruments of his love. We honor God when we serve. Thank you for serving, for giving your time and energy, and for being a part of a movement that is changing lives!"

Photos:
1. Baltimore Humane Society site
2. Brendan O'Connor & Jonathan Sanchez
3. NATIVITY:NIGERIA Team Members
4. Tyler DeVan & Jonathan Sanchez
5. Jonathan Sanchez, Megan Koren & Margaret Barczak
6. Margaret Barczak, Megan Koren & Tim Dotterweich
7. Ramsay Hobbs
8. Bob Barczak & Joey Barczak
9. Brendan O'Connor
10. Tyler DeVan & Gin Gin Diokno
11. NATIVITY:NIGERIA Team Members

Easter at Faith Alive Hospital

2011-05-04T09:32:00.005-04:00

The following is an Easter message from Dr. Chris Isichei, his family and the Faith Alive Hospital community recently provided through Hope for West Africa Foundation:

"At Easter, we are reminded that our Lord and savior Jesus Christ left all the glory in Heaven and came down for wretches like you and me. He had our interests and did not desire us going through eternal condemnation. It also reminds us of many persons all over the world who are through His grace having this same mind in many ways.

They have not allowed race, distance, color or different qualities to prevent them in making great differences in the lives of many - especially the less privileged and persons living with HIV/AIDS.

The brethren at Church of Nativity, under the exemplary leadership of Rev. Fr. White, Hope For West African Foundation under the great directional leadership of Mrs. Diane Blatner, other organizations, churches and individuals immediately come to mind. I have personally tasted their love and will say that they have taught me how to have and show that having the interest of others has eternal value and reward.

We send our Easter greetings to you all. May the resurrection power continue in our lives, homes and careers to His glory through great interests in others that will lead and sustain them in our journey to Heaven."

Photo 1 : Women from Faith Alive Hospital Counseling Staff and Sewing School
Photo 2: Faith Alive Hospital community children
Photo 3: Dr. Chris Isichei, Dr. Mercy Isichei, and their children.

Thank you to Hope for West Africa Foundation for providing the photos.

Easter at Anawim Home

2011-05-03T11:16:00.004-04:00

NATIVITY:NIGERIA recently received the following note and photos from Anawim Home: "Happy Easter - With lots of love, Sister Oresoa" We would like to take this opportunity to wish a Happy Easter season to our partners at Anawim Home and Faith Alive Hospital.

Photo 1 & 2: Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor and children at Anawim Home
Photo 3: Sister Celestina playing the Hallelujah drum
Photo 4: Sister Oresoa singing with the children
Photo 5 & 6: Sisters singing with the children
Photo 7: Youngest new baby boy at Anawim Home

Thank you to Hope for West Africa Foundation for providing the photos.

Team Building Begins

2011-04-25T11:36:00.002-04:00

One of the most important components of preparation for NATIVITY:NIGERIA teams is team building and education. Our teams spend a significant amount of time getting to know each other, their stories, and their families. Each team spends time working with the large NATIVITY:NIGERIA team, as well as the smaller site teams. This past week's meeting was packed with a discussion about what brought each team member to NATIVITY:NIGERIA and ended with the "human pretzel" completed in record time.

Photo 1-3: Team Building with Anawim Home Team & Faith Alive Hospital Team.
Photo 4: Jonathan and Tyler.

The Preparation Begins

2011-04-18T12:22:00.004-04:00

All three of our teams met together for the first time this past week. All of the missionaries met each other for the first time and we had a huge turnout of ministers volunteering to serve on the Home Team. The teams will be meeting regularly throughout the spring and summer in order to prepare, pray, learn, and serve leading up to their trip in August. Stay tuned for regular updates, spotlights on missionaries, events that you can get involved with, and projects that we are partnering on both here and abroad.

Photos:
1. Faith Alive Hospital Team: Brian Crook, Jonathan Sanchez, Bill Baird, Emma Baird, Megan Koren.
2. Anawim Home Team: Kathi Rogers, Jess Brown, Tyler DeVan, Joey Barczak, Gin Gin Diokno

Applications Due

2011-03-25T12:40:00.002-04:00

Remember that completed applications for this summer's NATIVITY:NIGERIA trip are due by this Sunday: March 27, 2011. After that time, individual interviews will be conducted with all applicants.

Please submit all completed applications to the Information Desk at Church of the Nativity or nigeria@churchnativity.org

Please direct all questions to nigeria@chuchnativity.org

Information Session

2011-03-11T15:24:00.000-05:00

NATIVITY:NIGERIA will be hosting an Information Session for all of those interested in becoming a team member for 2011 after all Masses this weekend (3/12-13) at Church of the Nativity. This will be an opportunity to learn more about this years program, ask questions, and hear from past and present team members. If you will not be able to attend the information session but would like additional information, please contact nigeria@churchnativity.org

2011 Application

2011-02-04T09:41:00.005-05:00

Above you will find the information and the 2011 application for the NATIVITY:NIGERIA mission this upcoming summer.

Please note that the application is due by March 27, 2011. After that time, individual interviews will be conducted with applicants.

Please submit all completed applications to the Information Desk at Church of the Nativity or nigeria@churchnativity.org

There will be an information session at Church of the Nativity after all Masses on the weekend of March 12-13, 2011 for all those interested in learning more about this ministry.

Please direct all questions to nigeria@chuchnativity.org

Bill Baird

2011-01-01T14:07:00.001-05:00

I am the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Management Services of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. In this role, I oversee Fiscal Services, Facilities, Risk Management, IT and Investments. I joined the Archdiocese of Baltimore in July 2010 from Brown Advisory, where I was the Managing Partner of Brown Advisory Securities, in charge of the broker dealer division. Prior to that, I spent 18 years at Alex Brown and its successor companies, Bankers Trust and Deutsche Bank. I served in various capacities including Branch Manager of the Greenwich, San Francisco and Baltimore offices and as Head of Business Supervisory Office overseeing compliance, legal, audit, and surpervisory functions for the branches. I hold a Bachelors of Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration from Loyola University Maryland. I also serve on the Board of Sponsors for the Sellinger School of Business, the Board of Trustees at Loyola Blakefield and the Board of Trustees at Catholic Charities.

Tyler DeVan

2011-01-01T14:06:00.001-05:00

I grew up with my parents and two sisters in Bel Air, MD and am a 2009 graduate of Loyola University Maryland. I currently work at a Army Contracting Command in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. In my free time, I enjoy tennis, traveling, and being outdoors.

Church of the Nativity's Nigeria mission embodies the core of our Christian values. By serving alongside the marginalized populations of Nigeria, we are pushed beyond our normal comforts and routines, and challenged to shift our perspective in response to the needs, struggles, and spirit of the global Church. I am looking forward to personal and spiritual growth throughout the experience and the chance to learn from the strength, resilience, and giving spirit of the Nigerian community. Can't wait!

Adrienne Brooks

2011-01-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

I feel called to help in Nigeria because I have been given so much in my life. In high school, my eyes were opened to poverty all over the world, especially in Africa. Ever since then, I have begun to develop an education of the continent and the many plights of the people there. I saw the trip to Nigeria as a learning experience spiritually, because I am sure I will be tested in my faith, but also educationally because it will be my first time in a completely different culture and civilization.

I love astronomy. I read books, look at pictures, and keep up with space news in my free time. And I will be in Charleston, SC on August 21, 2017 because that is when the next total solar eclipse is.

But something more meaningful, I love listening to Christian radio because it is more relaxing and it generally makes me feel better. Songs today can have really dumb, meaningless lyrics, but Christian music is just more upbeat and it actually means something to me.

Joey Barczak

2011-01-01T11:10:00.000-05:00

I felt drawn to participate in this year's Nativity Nigeria missionary trip as I really enjoy traveling the globe, learning about other peoples and cultures, and helping out those in need. I have had the good fortune of being able to travel internationally a number of times in the past and have been to Germany, Poland, Israel, New Zealand, and Australia. I have learned a lot in my travels and am excited to learn even more when I travel to Nigeria. I have been involved with a number of trips to Mississippi to help with post Hurricane Katrina relief work and have taken a lot away from my experiences. While I have learned a good amount about Nigeria by keeping up with
the news and reading about the country, I am really looking forward to going over there and experiencing the country firsthand.

Emma Baird

2011-01-01T11:07:00.000-05:00

I was called to help in Nigeria by my dad because he wanted to go, but I have been looking for some kind of mission trip since I got back from my trip to a Jamaican orphanage about a year ago. I feel called to do service in general and especially in going to Nigeria, because my relationship with God becomes stronger and deeper when doing His works. I think that the greater our relationship, the better chance I have of living the life I am truly being called to. I am eighteen years old and I am going to be a freshman at Boston College next year. I am going to be studying nursing. Being able to go to the Faith Alive Hospital is just incredible because I can see how a hospital works in a developing country and maybe after I get my degree in nursing, I can go back as a nurse and be able to help that much more.

Gin Gin Diokno

2011-01-01T10:47:00.004-05:00

It's deja-vu all over again, as Yogi Berra would say.

I am so blessed to have this second opportunity to join our Nigeria team this summer. In 2009, I was part of the Faith Alive Hospital team and nothing short of life-changing has my post NATIVITY:NIGERIA journey been. I can only look back in awe of what God has done in my life just in the past couple of years. So the mission's leadership did not have to twist my arm when they asked me to lead the Anawim Home Team this year.

I look forward to immersing ourselves in the daily lives of Sister Oresoa and her family at Anawim with the other sisters, the children and young mothers. We will be witnesses and participants of the great wrk that they do to make differences in the lives of others - especially the less fortunate. We'll be able to enjoy the fruits of Advent Conspiracy I with the well that helps to provide clean water. We'll get to eat authentic Nigerian cuisine. And the though of watching an African sunset gets my photography juices flowing. That's just the tip of the iceberg. As excited as I am for myself, I am pumped for the rest of my team members who will also be blessed by this experience and the Faith Alive Hospital group who will be enriched by the loving community in Jos. By the second week of August, I will have been one of a few people who have gone to both places. How cool is that! God IS great!

This is my prayer: God, grant us the grace of your presence on this trip and watch over our friends and families who have given us all the love and support.

Mary Joan Jordan

2011-01-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

I have been married 49 years and have 5 children and 11 grandchildren. I volunteer for Meals On Wheels and St. Joseph Medical Center Spiritual Care. I worked at College of Notre Dame for 18 years, during which time I assisted participated in assorted projects with Campus Ministries, particularly outreach in West Virginia. I have also had the opportunity to volunteer with our small group from Nativity at Paul's Place and Our Daily Bread. NATIVITY:NIGERIA Home Team seemed a perfect opportunity to continue volunteer work. Every little bit that we can do to give to others, hopefully, makes their lives a little better.

Donna Saxon

2011-01-01T09:57:00.001-05:00

My dream, my passion is to reach out and help relieve human suffering.

As Christians, we have a high calling. We have been commissioned by God to reach out and love one another (1 John 4:12). We should be involved in helping the poor and needy.

We live in a would that is crying out for help. A world where more than 1 billion people live on less than $1.00 a day...where diseases such as AIDS are taking the lives of young and old at an alarming rate...where nearly 16 thousand children die from hunger-related causes every day. And at lease two-thirds of the population also does not know Jesus Crist as their Savior and his love for them.

Although I am not traveling to Nigeria. I can help support the preaching of the Gospel by supporting ministries and outreaches that relieve the suffering of those less fortunate.

Jeanette Coury

2011-01-01T09:53:00.001-05:00

I was fortunate to hear Dr. Christian Isichei speak at the Nativity years ago. As the Director of Youth Ministry, Chris Wesley asked Dr. Isichei to say a few words to our students during our Sunday teen crowd programs, Uprising and Resurrection. I was so moved by his passion and commitment to the Faith Alive Hospital ministry. His vision was awe inspiring and I remember looking at the faces of our teens and thinking WOW he was reaching them. He spoke about his call to serve and his deep faith that God was leading him and would help him to overcome any challenges. His talk was resonating and our teens were totally engaged, something difficult to do with that audience!

Over the years I enjoyed following our Nigeria mission trips through the message guide, emails and videos at Sunday masses. During that time, I continued to work with our teens and helped to develop a program where Nativity students could answer their call to serve - Student Impact. The vision was to create a framework to empower students to use their God given gifts, time, talents and experience to serve in the Nativity community. Today we have many teens actively working in ministry, 39 in Vacation Bible School alone!

I have wanted to expand the mission of Student Impact - deepening students faith by encouraging them to find purpose and meaning in their lives through service outside of Nativity as well. In the spring when I heard the announcement for Nativity:Nigeria I knew this was my call to serve. It became clear that I should explore this reach outside of the Nativity community and relay that work back to our teens in the fall. I hope that my work on the Home Team will inspire teens to serve God’s vision through our church, to move them from being served to servants, to shape them into more grateful people and to inspire them to become servant leaders and role models to their peers and younger children.

Mary Anne Fisher

2011-01-01T09:50:00.001-05:00

I joined Nativity 7 years ago, and have never had been as involved in a church before until I came to Nativity. I wanted to meet more people, and joined a small group, as well as started working in the cafe. After three years of working in the cafe, I felt compelled to help on the Nativity:Nigeria mission. I had been hearing about the NN mission, and more importantly, the Holy Spirit was guiding me in this direction. I've never had this experience before (at least consciously) and realized that this was part of what Father White had been talking about in his homilies for going deeper in our faith and commitment of discipleship to others.

Last year, I was part of the Home Team and how amazing it was for me to see the great things the missionaries did in Abuja and hear about their life-changing experiences. And, I'm looking forward to seeing their work again in Jos and Abuja.

Kathi Rogers

2011-01-01T08:55:00.000-05:00

I have been attending Nativity for about eight years. I am married to Dennis Lahey and have two children; Chase who just celebrated his one-year wedding anniversary with his lovely wife Susan, and Rian who plays drums in a successful band. Dennis and I have been “empty nesters” for about five years after thoroughly enjoying raising Chase and Rian. It is a major joy in my life to watch as they successfully and joyfully chart their own course as adults. My husband and I are enjoying a new chapter in our lives and thankfully find it enriching and fulfilling.

I have been working with families experiencing separation and divorce for the past twenty years in a variety of roles. I am a mediator, evaluator and therapist working specifically with this population. I have taught school in the past and always enjoyed working with children.

For many years I have watched as Nativity prepared for their Nigeria trip each summer. Every year I felt a strong desire to participate however never followed through with the application process thinking that other activities in my life took precedence over a mission trip. This year I decided to make it a priority, completed the application process and here I am.

I feel fortunate to be able to make this trip to Nigeria. The opportunity to be able to experience another culture, interact with people whose lives are so different than mine, and assist them in any way that may be helpful, is a gift. It provides the chance to “give back” in a small way, given all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. I am willing and excited to participate in any way that may be useful at the Anawim Home. Whether that will be by utilizing my clinical skills, engaging in physical labor, assisting with education, or comforting a child, it will be done with integrity and kindness. If one person is affected in a positive way by my decision to go to Nigeria, I will be thrilled. However, whatever help or assistance I think I may bring to the people I meet while in Nigeria, I have a deep sense that I will be the one who will be the recipient of much more grace than I could ever hope to give by this experience.

Jess Brown

2011-01-01T08:52:00.000-05:00

I am currently an Interdisciplinary Biology and Psychology major at Loyola University Maryland. I enjoy being involved on campus, participating in service activities and competing as a member of the Swimming and Diving Team. In addition, as the oldest of four, I love working with children and building relationships as a diving coach. God has opened another door for me as I enter my senior year of college and begin applying to nursing school. I feel called to be a part of the Nativity:Nigeria mission to hopefully have an impact on at least one more child at Anawim.

I am looking forward to this unique opportunity to immerse myself into an unknown society of people, to open my eyes to God’s work, and to bring back a powerful story to my home community. I hope that my experience in this mission trip will expand my knowledge of marginalized people, especially those victimized by poverty and disease, so that I might better serve in my future profession and ministries.

Jonathan Sanchez

2011-01-01T08:43:00.000-05:00

Hello, I am 22 and although being born in Jersey, I’ve lived here for most of my life, so I guess that makes me more Baltimoron than Brunswickian. Currently I am working in the Microbiology Lab over at Hopkins, but earn most of my money cage fighting exotic beasts on the weekends. I enjoy long walks on the beach, arts and crafts, and writing in my dream journal.

On a serious note, I applied for Nigeria:Nativity as a faith strengthening adventure. An adventure that would not only bring excitement with presenting me with experiences that I have never had before, but also in challenging the fabric of my faith—forcing me evaluate the principles that I have established to live by and at the same time, adding new levels of depth with my relationship to God.

I shift gears a lot, but I always remain sincere. I am genuinely excited for what this trip will change about me, especially how my perspective and reasoning will evolve after coming home. This experience is something that few have the opportunity to have, and I treasure it as a blessing.

Brian Crook

2011-01-01T08:36:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to be going back to Nigeria this August, especially to visit the Faith Alive Hospital for the first time. I've been diving into my new position as Director of Missions at Nativity for the past year, and am so fortunate to stand on the framework built by Bob Barczak and all the past Nativity:Nigeria missionaries. I have the honor of leading the Faith Alive team this year -- I'm definitely looking forward all the people we'll meet in Jos and also getting to see my team members experience Nigeria for the first time.

I'm 26 years old, went to Furman University in SC, live in Towson, and have one older sibling, my sister Elizabeth -- who's pregnant with my first niece Emma! I have been on staff at Nativity for the past three years and grew up in the church way back when Tom was the "Youth Minister." I've played tennis all my life, but I've been rekindling my love for soccer this past year playing in a couple leagues.

In some ways I have always felt called to Mission work. And I've always had this sort of an affinity for Africa, something that must have come from movies and books. When my faith was beginning to grow as a teenager, I was involved in service all the time -- it was always just a part of my relationship with God. If you read the words of Jesus in the New Testament, he talks a lot about serving the poor and vulnerable, in fact when he began his ministry he announced that's exactly what he had come to do (Luke 4:18-19). So although serving and sharing life with our partners in Africa can be challenging, it is something I feel called to do.

Merry Christmas from Anawim Home

2010-12-29T15:36:00.002-05:00

NATIVITY:NIGERIA recently received the following message and photos from Anawim Home: "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Anawim Home! You are all in our prayers." We would like to take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas and a bless New Year to our partners at Anawim Home and Faith Alive Hospital. We are looking forward to another great year!

Christmas Gifts

2010-11-29T16:51:00.003-05:00

The NATIVITY:NIGERIA team has joined together to provide a shipment of shoes, clothing, and toys for the children and young mothers at Anawim Home. NATIVITY:NIGERIA has been doing this for the last three years and is thankful for the opportunity to provide the children of Anawim Home with new clothes for them to wear on Christmas. The box was shipped this week and will arrive in Abuja just in time for Christmas morning. NATIVITY:NIGERIA will continue to do this in the future and looks forward to serving both Anawim Home and Faith Alive Hospital in the upcoming year. Thank you for your continued support!

Sister Oresoa & Sister Felicia Visit Nativity

2010-10-14T11:42:00.004-04:00

Yesterday evening, Sister Oresoa and Sister Felicia joined past Anawim Home Team and Home Team members for coffee and fellowship at Church of the Nativity. Some people had seen Sister just a few weeks ago and some had not seen her in a few years so this was a great opportunity to share stories and memories. Sister's energy radiated through the room as she made her way through the crowd.

Sister Oresoa and Sister Felicia will be joining us at Church of the Nativity this Sunday, October 17th for the 9AM and 10:30AM Masses. Please join them in Cafe Vista after both Masses if you would like to meet them.

Photos:
1. Anawim Team member, Lisa Hobbs introducing her children to Sister Oresoa.
2. Rob Devereux, Anawim Team Leader, catching up with Sister Felicia.
3. Sister Oresoa and Sister Felicia talking with Brian Crook, Church of the Nativity Missions Director and Fr. White, Pastor at Church of the Nativity.
4. Sister Felicia, Dr. Chris Isichei, and Sister Oresoa on set discussing the partnership between Church of the Nativity, Anawim Home, and Faith Alive Hospital.

Clean Water in Hwol Yarje

2010-09-22T15:36:00.008-04:00

NATIVITY:NIGERIA has made the final arrangements to begin the drilling of a new borehole for clean water at Hwol Yarje, a village where Faith Alive Hospital directs a school just outside of Jos. The community, some 500 people and growing, is in dire need of a clean source of water. The only source is a shared stream that runs through the farmland. It is a kilometer walk to and from the stream for the villagers. Everyone carries as much as they need for the day from this stream that is also used for water for the livestock as well as all other daily living needs.

NATIVITY:NIGERIA will also be providing a series of latrines at this site for use by the men, women and children. Working with the school teachers, sanitation has been incorporated into the daily curriculum of all students. This includes the necessities of hand washing, using potable water, and personal hygiene. Faith Alive Hospital will also be providing adult education for members of the community.

This borehole and latrine are part of NATIVITY:NIGERIA'S ongoing commitment to provide clean water to Faith Alive Hospital in Jos and Anawim Home in Abuja. This will be the sixth borehole completed by the team this summer.

Find more information on these projects on the Water page. Thank you for your continued support!

For more information on Hwol Yarje, please take some time to view the links below:

A short video shot by NATIVITY:NIGERIA teams, which shows the stream currently serving the Hwol Yarje community as well as the children who live there, is available here.

Some more details regarding, including more pictures and how Faith Alive Hospital got involved in the community, are available here.

A reflection entitled "Love Story" about the children of Hwol Yarje, written by Dr. Gin Gin Diokno upon her return from Faith Alive Hospital in August of 2009, is available here.

Journal entries and pictures from Rob Douglas, Greg Strouse, and Teresa Pompa about their day at Hwol Yarje during the summer of 2009 are available here and here.

Visiting with Dr. Chris

2010-09-21T13:27:00.005-04:00

In the past few days, Dr. Chris Isichei, Director of Faith Alive Hospital, has been visiting with different organizations in the States. Dr. Chris was gracious enough to spend some time visiting with past NATIVITY:NIGERIA team members as well as our planning committees. Last night, Dr. Chris came to Nativity to work on some filming with Church of the Nativity's Creative Director, meet with the Pastor, and discuss the water projects we are currently partnering on. Dr. Chris informed us that the borehole drilling has begun at Bakin Kogi and will begin shortly at Faith Alive Hospital. NATIVITY:NIGERIA is providing a borehole for Faith Alive Hospital's satellite clinic in Bakin Kogi as well as a backup borehole to the current one at Faith Alive Hospital. Working with Dr. Chris, the team also finalized plans for a borehole and sanitation facilities at Hwol Yarje. This site is home to a village and a school which is directed by Faith Alive Hospital. Through an integrated education program, school teachers will incorporate sanitation, hand washing, and the importance of using potable water into their daily curriculum. The hospital will also be providing adult education in conjunction with the village leadership. The team is also working with Dr. Chris to identify other projects to partner on in the future.

The Anawim Around Us

2010-09-15T14:55:00.001-04:00

"The mission group is named the Anawim Team because we stayed with Sr. Oresoa at their Gwagwalada location, called the Anawim Home. While we were in Nigeria, Sr. Oresoa told us the meaning of "Anawim." It's a Hebrew word that is found throughout Scriptures meaning poor or afflicted, the outcasts and rejected. More specifically "anawim" characterizes those who, due to their circumstances, cannot not rely upon their own strength but have to rely upon God to provide for them. "

Above is an excerpt of a new blog post from Anawim Team Member and Church of the Nativity Director of Missions, Brian Crook. You can find the rest of this post and more reflections on his blog. You can also find the link to this blog on the left side under "Partners."

Wins

2010-09-08T10:11:00.001-04:00

"I am writing to acknowledge the generous donation of $... to the Hope for West Africa Foundation, Inc. in support of the Faith Alive Water Projects. The donation will be used to drill two boreholes, one at Faith Alive Hospital and the other at the Bakin Kogi Clinic. Currently, this clinic has been closed due to lack of water. The borehole will benefit a large number of patients ending long hours traveling to Faith Alive Hospital for care."

Above is an excerpt of a new blog post from Anawim Team Member and Church of the Nativity Director of Missions, Brian Crook. You can find the rest of this post and more reflections on his blog. You can also find the link to this blog on the left side under "Partners."

Retelling Stories

2010-09-07T10:20:00.003-04:00

"The team visited a few of these sites one morning. I don't know what kind of picture forms in your mind when you think about the five of us going into these rooms to give out rice and soap, but try to picture fear and anxiety, ghastly smells and dingy, dark places. As we pulled up to the third location to give out the last of the rice, Sr. Oresoa turned to Francis and said, 'Do you remember this place?' A chill ran down my spine. "Here is where I found you," she said. "Here is where I saved your life."

Nativity in Nigeria

2010-08-31T10:25:00.002-04:00

A story from Lisa Hobbs, an Anawim Home Team Member:

When we stayed at St. Benedict's Monastery in Ewu and attended Mass, I had to laugh. Here we were in a room of monks celebrating Mass. Although the songs were different (mostly in tribal languages), the people certainly did not look like us, and it did not smell like what we knew (the room was overwhelmed with incense) the brick walls behind the altar made me think of Nativity and I had to laugh.

What a comfort to know each day when we went to Mass we had the same readings and some of the same prayers as our family and friends at home. It was such an unbelievable tie to know our Catholic faith has no boundaries. We are all with God and that makes us feels so close.

This country was populated with Catholics. We joined over 100 people everyday at 6AM Mass at Sacred Heart in Gwagwalada - and this was in the dark. These parishoners said prayers and read their bibles with flashlights.

Just when you think you are worlds away and things are so different... you realize the Catholic Church is universal!

A Place for Lorenta

2010-08-30T10:19:00.002-04:00

A story from Lisa Hobbs, an Anawim Home Team Member:

Lorenta was one of the orphans we met while staying in Anawim. She was a very tall beautiful teenage girl with a soft quiet voice. Lorenta had an incredible work ethic, sweeping up every day (they use a tiny bundle of sticks and are completely bent over - I just wish I could tell them about a broomstick!), she was a great student and she was a nurturer to the little boys.

She had a very bad open wound on the top of her foot so throughout the day she was limping. It was more upsetting to our team that she had to suffer and hobble around, because there was no money for the medical visit to the doctor to get the glass out of her foot. We gave her some of our first aid ointments and bandages and she said in time the glass would come out. How brave!

While we were at Awawim, Lorenta was told she would be leaving to be fostered by a family! She would be helping with a family around the house and with their small children and I hoped she would become part of their family. She seemed a bit nervous and also scared to be leaving - but the next day her bag was packed.

I spent some time with her to see how she was feeling. She was hopeful the woman she would live with was not wicked (I assured her Sister would certainly make sure it was a loving woman). I asked Lorenta to remember to do well in school and continue to study as she is a very smart girl. She seemed less concerned about school and instead said she wanted to make sure she went to mass, said the rosary and was committed to prayer.

Lorenta showed me a letter she had written to Sister Oresoa and the others in the orphanage. It was a love letter to Anawim. She thanked them for all that they did for her and she said how she was going to do her best to do what is asked of her with the new family. She was feeling the loss of leaving Anawim, but she was thankful - knowing she was given a great opportunity.

I was hoping to visit Lorenta at her new house, to make sure she was taken care of and loved, but we never had the chance. I wanted my relationship with this girl all tied up neatly before I went home so I knew she was happy. But that didn't happen. I will just have faith that she is well just as I have faith all the other children in Anawim are doing well with bright futures ahead. Faith is the confident belief or trust in the truth. I know Lorenta had faith in God - that is the truth!

Anawim was Home

2010-08-25T15:24:00.003-04:00

A story from Lisa Hobbs, an Anawim Home Team Member:

Well I have been back home in the States for 1 week and the reentry has hit full force. At my office there are lots of emails to check and clients to call, then making time for the conversations with friends & family, throwing a 7th b-day party for my twin boys, finishing summer reading & math book with my daughter, buying back to school supplies & organizing their uniforms by next week. Uggh! I am so nervous this mayhem will take over and wash away my experience in Nigeria.

But if I take a quiet moment and think about all that I saw and all that I did - I am really missing the days at Anawim when we had time to just be present. I loved the days when I could walk out of my room and make my way through the compound. Maybe visit the young mothers who have their hands full with the babies but are so interested in us too "does everyone speak English in the US?", "Do your parents kick you out at 16 years old", "Was Michael Jackson troubled ?". Then maybe see some of the young boys who just loved to snap pictures with our cameras, share a smile (twins Paul and Peter no matter how cool they tried to be - once we saw them they were ALWAYS cracking a smile !!) and playing football - such great athletes! I was naturally drawn to the little girls and small boys - hoping they were out of siesta so we could skip rope, do hand claps, sing songs, and I loved the impromptu dance parties! I was always hugging and holding them - rubbing their cool skin (it is 90 degrees - how are they cool ?? ), loving their smiles, and knowing they are just waiting for us when we get "home" to Anawim. Brian is so right - you could feel it - they LOVED us!

We had many new adventures outside of Anawim either teaching, taking babies to the "hospital", outreach with prostitutes, lepers, bush people, etc. But when we got back we were always glad to be "home". Especially after the road trips. When were gone for a day or so we kept saying we could not wait to get "home" - which confused some of those on our team , but what we meant was that Anawim was our home.

At our Anawim "home" and it felt so different than it does now . We did not feel like we had work to do, errands to run, racing from one event to the next , with a to-do list etc. I guess when you are doing God's work it does not seem like a job . I know for Sister Oresoa it is a calling. I am so grateful I could spend those days with her, to see someone who had been chosen for divine service, and I thank her for inviting me to her home.

Love

2010-08-24T14:39:00.003-04:00

"From the moment we stepped out of the car at Anawim, we were loved. The boys and girls ran to us, hugging, touching, holding, loving us. They braided Lisa's and Christy's hair. They sat on my lap asking why my skin and hair were different from theirs. (One boy, Jude, went back to his room and came out a minute later with a small packet of shampoo -- he told me to have it so I could use it to keep my hair clean and beautiful.) They asked us to read them stories and play games with them. They begged us to stay out of the sun so we wouldn't get too hot. They offered us their seats when we came to see them. They danced and they sang. These children, these beautiful, happy little boys and girls -- they knew love; they loved love! And they loved us, people who looked strange and talked differently, people who couldn't understand their situations, people who came from far away and were leaving soon enough, they loved us all the same, they loved us as themselves."

Above is an excerpt of a new blog post from Anawim Team Member and Church of the Nativity Director of Missions, Brian Crook. Brian will be sharing his thoughts on Church of the Nativity's work in Nigeria and Haiti this summer on his blog. You can also find the link to this blog on the left side under "Partners."

Baby Harry

2010-08-23T11:03:00.004-04:00

A story from Christy Oberst, an Anawim Home Team Member:

Since I have been back, I have tried to get back on a normal schedule, the jet lag was pretty bad. I have had more energy the past few days, but I think what’s getting me down is trying to figure out what to do with myself. In Nigeria, as soon as you wake up at 5am to whenever you are able to fall asleep at night, you are constantly moving and it got pretty exhausting. We would all push through the times we were exhausted, to be able to spend the little time left with everyone. As tired as I was in those moments, I am so glad I continued on my day. I now realize even more, how happy I was there. Yes, we were constantly busy with not much time to ourselves but we had a purpose that day and were with the best most loving people ever created. This brought me back to one morning…

I was sick when I woke up and not feeling school that day, mainly because I didn’t want to deal with the toilets there. Sister Oreosa told Lisa and me, we could stay back with the Mom’s that day instead of going off to school. My immediate thought was of relief and that I could go back to sleep for an hour before I started my day. Instead of going right back to bed, I went outside to see the kids off. All of a sudden the mother, Happiness, runs by upset and hops into the van with her 3 week old son Harry. Lisa and I run after her and hop into the van and go on our way to the hospital.

Harry’s shaking hand was stuck next to his face and had apparently not moved it since the night before. We reach the hospital (a tiny building, with 2 rooms and 2 beds in each, no real equipment..basically nothing). Becky had given birth to her son the night before (who did not breathe for the first 10 minutes of life) and was still in the room along with another mother, Blessing, and her son Joseph. The room was extremely cramped so I pick up Joseph, who is about 16 months old, because he was trying to walk around everywhere. He starts to choke on bread, and in Blessings and mine efforts to get the food out of his mouth, he throws up all over me about 4 times. I honestly have no idea how all of that came out of a little boy. I threw off my shirt and the doctor used it to clean up the room, but that was all he used to clean up the mess. As I am out back cleaning myself off , I start to laugh and I was not sure why but I couldn’t stop. I was thinking I couldn’t believe that had just happened, but why did the doctor still have a newborn baby who almost died the night before, a sick 3 week old baby with a high fever and an infection, with 5 other people all together in an un-disinfected room? We were confused as to why the doctor did not at least move the newborn and Becky into the next room so he did not catch anything.

Then Harry starts to have seizures and goes limp while Happiness is holding him crying. I held back my tears to try and stay strong for Happiness, which was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The nurse stands over the baby, says his infection has gone to the brain, and then walks away. Lisa and I try to give them more space and we sat in the waiting area with Joseph. As we are waiting, Harry starts to convulse again and someone runs after the nurse to tell her to come back and help, she refused and just kept walking down the street. I try to not judge others, but I was so confused as to why she would not come back and not able to comprehend it. So I was now livid in addition to being terrified and upset. Lisa had to act as the nurse, put on the gloves, and help the doctor give shots to Harry.

I am still trying to wrap my head around all those events and I may never understand but what’s important is after three days in the hospital, Harry came back to Anawim. His infection was now only on his arms instead of all over his body. It was in that moment that I saw God’s power and presence, because without it Harry and Becky’s newborn boy would not have been here.

I am so glad that I did not waste time sleeping that morning, and decided to go outside. Since I have been home, I realized that as scared, angry, and sad I was in those moments, I would have rather been there than anywhere else.

God Give Us Strength

2010-08-22T23:45:00.003-04:00

Over the next few days and weeks, team members will be sharing reflections and relationships that they built during their time at Anawim Home. This one is from Christy Oberst:

Well for the past two days I have been a zombie, I was so exhausted. All I could do is rest; meanwhile everyone is asking me to tell them all about the trip. I could only think “Where do I start?” So the past days my mind has been constantly churning about everything to the point where I would get migraines. One second I am laughing about some memories, the next second I am crying. Today feels good. I am still thinking about everything but in a nice calm fashion now. I want the trip, the people, and the experiences to be something I think about every day for the rest of my life. So where do I start? I first want to pray this for our group:

“Please God give us the strength and wisdom to not let our experiences intimidate our minds. To let this, open up our minds and invade our thoughts, feelings, and prayers. To making our minds turn our bodies into action for you and your people. And to enrapture our souls to change us, make us closer to you, and to let it lead us down whatever path you want us to take.”

The Pastor on Missions

2010-08-22T23:40:00.003-04:00

"It seems to me that one of the important ways our parish church can best serve our parishoners is by making service and mission opportunities accessible and readily available to individuals, couples, families, Small Groups and groups of friends. Even for those who are new to faith or just giving our church a try, service projects can be a great way to get involved and go deeper. We don't have to devote our whole lives to it, like the missionaries of old, today modern transportation means we can witness and serve for an afternoon, a weekend, or during summer vacation. But it does no good for me to preach about service, if it is not practically available and accessible to you. That is what Brian and I and our volunteer leaders will be working on in the months ahead."

Above is an excerpt of a new blog post from Church of the Nativity Pastor, Fr. White. Fr. White traveled to Haiti this summer and has been a driving force behind NATIVITY:NIGERIA from its beginning four years ago. The full post can be found on his blog. You can also find the link to this blog on the left side under "Partners."

Reflecting on Prayer

2010-08-20T15:12:00.003-04:00

"Reflecting back on our discussion that night and the faith of the community in Gwagwalada, one thought comes to mind. I get caught up so much in the feelings of prayer and worship that I forget that its purpose is to give praise and honor to God. I'm guessing we weren't the only ones who didn't feel anything significant during those prayers, but you know what... everyone keeps praying! Every time they gather, they worship God. Every time 3 o'clock rolls around, they pray. Everyone at Anawim pauses to profess their faith, acknowledge their dependence on God, and lift up their needs and the needs of others in prayer. All feelings aside (good, bad, or indifferent), they pray."

A Missional Summer

2010-08-19T10:08:00.003-04:00

"It was awesome to have Sr. Oresoa, the founder of Anawim Home, paint such a clear picture of the relational aspect of Nativity's mission work. Anawim Home gets a number of visitors throughout the year, but Sr. Oreosa, at a board meeting we attended, pointed out the dedication Nativity:Nigeria has to "eat, sleep, and live among the poorest of the poor." This is what it's all about, loving our neighbors! Sure, we are also committed to supporting their efforts to carry out God's work among the poor, but the reason for the trip is to walk in their shoes for two weeks."

Above is an excerpt of a blog post from Anawim Team Member and Church of the Nativity Director of Missions, Brian Crook. Over the next few days and weeks, Brian will be sharing his thoughts on Church of the Nativity's work in Nigeria and Haiti this summer on his blog. We encourage you to check it out for some great stories and insights from this ministry. You can always find the link to this blog on the left side under "Partners."

Return to Baltimore

2010-08-18T11:17:00.002-04:00

The team flew into Washington Dulles Airport late last night and has made it safely back to Baltimore. There were lots of hugs and a few surprise appearances at the airport as everyone reunited with their families. The heat and humidity of the Mid-Atlantic were a quick reminder of the weather in Abuja. All of the luggage made it back and the everyone was home with their families just after 1AM.

Where You Send Me

2010-08-17T11:24:00.005-04:00

One of the most important parts of NATIVITY:NIGERIA is reflection. The team joins in reflection nightly in Abuja and frequently in the days and weeks following their return to Timonium. Below is a reflection by Kristin Costanza, Director of Creative Live Presentations at Church of the Nativity. Kristin was part of the first team that Church of the Nativity sent to Nigeria during the summer of 2007.

I spent my teenage years at Nativity serving in every ministry possible, attending work camps, meeting new people and discovering my love for Christian music. A lot of songs we sang, came complete with hand motions, which everyone pretended to hate by secretly loved. One song in particular was called "Hands and Feet" by a fantastic, now dispersed group called Audio Adrenaline. At the end of the chorus it says, "I'll go where you send me." I remember singing that line loudly, waving my arms back and forth, with confidence that I would willingly go wherever God wanted to send me. This theme comes up a lot in Scripture, most familiar in Isaiah 6:8, "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Then God told me to go to Africa in 2007. No really, He did. Through conversations with people, through articles I read, through prayer and through the prodding I felt in my soul. My response looked kind of like this:

"No, no, God you must have misunderstood me. I didn't mean ANYWHERE in the world. I meant I'll talk to different people, and bring up Jesus... you know, stuff like that. You can't seriously want me to go to Africa. You KNOW I hate to travel, you know I don't like to be away from home. You KNOW I don't have any money."

It disappointed me that this was my reaction. I WANTED to be willing to go wherever. I WANTED to jump at the chance to serve God in another country. I WANTED to be a part of the foundation of Nativity’s mission to Nigeria. But wanting to have a certain attitude about something isn’t enough. I was forced to come to grips with the fact that God saw all of me all the time. The good, the bad, the ugly and the unwilling.

Somewhere in all of my fighting and begging and ignoring and complaining, the papers were signed, the visa was approved and the plane ticket was purchased. There was no way out now. (And believe me, if there was a way out I would have found it). Turns out, if God wants you to do something, you can’t really get around it.

The trip ended up changing my life. It changed my perspective on things. My relationship with God became different. I learned more about trust than I ever have. Even though many, many times I would comment to one of my three guy friends who went with me “Are we really in Africa? Are there really no adults with us?” (We were all about 21-22 at the time). I met the most amazing people, with the most incredible faith life, doing some unbelievable things. Some of the purpose God had for me in Nigeria has been revealed, and some has not. I’m sure throughout my life God is going to show me more and more about why He wanted me to go to Nigeria.

God has so much purpose for every single life. Sometimes He prods us towards things we aren’t thrilled about, or downright DON’T want to do. Sometimes He leads us slowly step by step, and sometimes He asks us to jump right off the building, and trust that He’ll catch us.

I’d like to say that these days I’m way more willing to go where God sends me. But the truth is, I still have the same attitude sometimes. But what I am better at is learning that God has such a bigger view of everything. And He will not steer me wrong no matter what. And He brings amazing things out of what we’re scared of.

And that thinking we’re incompetent doesn’t make you unusable. In fact it’s very old school. All throughout the Bible people thought they weren’t good enough or weren’t psyched about doing what God asked. They thought they weren’t good enough.

But God combats that by saying, “I made You good enough. You’re mine and I send you because I believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.”

Leaving Abuja

2010-08-17T11:07:00.003-04:00

The team got to the airport on time (Nigeria time), made it through customs and immigration with no trouble at all. It is a full flight from Abuja to JFK (a change from the flight over during which everyone had their own row to lay down and sleep). It was sad to say goodbye to all of the boys and Sisters after Mass this morning but we are happy to come home to our families and some comfort food! There have been some awesome takeaways from our experiences that we're excited to share with Nativity in a few weeks. Also, we are immensely thankful for all of the support and prayers - during reflection last night the team noted that there wasn't one day that went by without at least one great thing happening. The team is all sitting next to each other on the return voyage (not sure anybody else would want to sit with our fragrant team anyway) and planning to watch as many movies as possible.

- Compiled from information provided by Brian Crook, Anawim Team Member and Church of the Nativity Director of Missions.

Last Day at Anawim

2010-08-16T21:24:00.003-04:00

Today was the team's last full day at Anawim as they head to the airport and depart for the United States tomorrow morning. It was bittersweet for everyone as the did outreach around Gwagwalada and visited with a few more priests in Abuja. They were given a very heartfelt send off by everyone at Anawim upon their return for dinner this evening. "We will miss everyone dearly but are looking forward to seeing everyone at home."

- Compiled from information provided by Rob Devereux, Anawim Home Team Leader.

That Our Hearts May Be Broken

2010-08-14T17:56:00.003-04:00

The team did very well together today. It was a tough day to process, as the team learned in our nightly reflection. The team visited several places that are home to many of the destitute of Benin. From what the team learned from Sister Oresoa, these places exist because the government has nothing in place for the mentally ill. The team witnessed people chained up to many different things and this is how most of the mentally ill are treated in Nigeria: but not the people that Sister cares for. The team gave them food, clothing, and soap. "We realize that many people will never witness what we saw today: so reflection tonight was crucial for us." The team went to the place that sister found Francis, a young boy at Anawim, some 16 years ago. He has been at Anawim ever since. Before we left Nativity for the airport last week, we joined in prayer. We asked that our hearts would be broken in Nigeria: but we didn't quite understand what that meant. Now we do. God has a plan for everyone, and ours today was to visit those places and let the community back home know what we saw so that we can help those who are helping here: - people like Sister Oresoa. Tomorrow morning the team travels back to Abuja for a few days before heading back to the States. Pray for those the team served today, and for a safe journey back.

- Compiled from information provided by Rob Devereux, Anawim Home Team Leader.

Off to Edo State

2010-08-13T15:50:00.002-04:00

Today the team traveled to Church at the normal time of 6AM. They headed back to Anawim, ate breakfast, and packed up the van for the trek down to Benin in Edo state. First, they visited the leper village outside Abuja and dropped off clothes for the residents. It was an experience that we will not soon forget. The team made it to Benin in just about seven hours. After meeting Sister Oresoa's mother and other family members for dinner, the team arrived at the monastery where they will be staying until Sunday. The monastery is very peaceful and a few of us are going to try to wake up at 3:30AM to participate in morning prayer with the monks. We are looking forward to seeing what the God has in store as we continue our journey.

- Compiled from information provided by Rob Devereux, Anawim Home Team Leader.

Spotlight: Rob Devereux

2010-08-13T14:22:00.003-04:00

The fifth installment in our series to help you get to know our team members is with Rob Devereux. Team members were asked to share what they are most excited about as well as what they are most nervous about:

As I travel back to Nigeria again this year, there are many different things going through my mind. I am excited to go back and see all of the people I met last year, and see how they are doing. I have prayed for these people everyday from then until now, and it will be great to see their faces again. I can't wait to form new relationships as well. I am excited to spend time with the new team, and to grow in a better connection with my Creator. I am looking forward to the food, the work, the dancing, and spending time with the children. God has placed me in a position to travel back to see my friends in Nigeria, and it is almost surreal that I get to go back.

I am nervous this year about leaving my dog with my mother. Last year, when I went, my dog was very ill, and almost died while I was gone. This year he has blown out both of his back legs and can barely walk. I am nervous about how he will make it while I am gone since we have been carrying him everywhere for the past few days. It seems like the timing is terrible, but I guess bad news never has good timing. My mother has ordered a doggie wheelchair for him so he should be okay. God has a plan for him - as well as for me, and I trust that in the end everything will work out according to His will.

Recharging at Anawim

2010-08-12T17:59:00.002-04:00

Today was a low key day for the NATIVITY:NIGERIA team. After a few packed days with tons and tons of excitement the team and the Sisters had some much needed rest and relaxation today. They took the day to recharge their batteries for the last half week with the Sisters. Tonight, the team had dinner with the local parish priest, Fr. Tumba, who invited them into his home. Tomorrow, the team will head South for a few days in Benin City, where Sister Oresoa's family is originally from. They are leaving first thing in the morning to make the long drive through the Nigerian countryside.

- Compiled from information provided by Rob Devereux, Anawim Home Team Leader.

New Baby at Anawim

2010-08-11T17:05:00.004-04:00

This post contains some additional details on yesterdays work as well as today's travel into Abuja. Yesterday, while the guys were teaching Christy and Lisa went with Sister Oresoa to the "hotel" to meet with the "ladies" prostitutes. They were very receptive to Sister and thanked her for reaching out. Two of the girls are planing to come by tomorrow and learn more about Anawim. Christy and Lisa also cooked lunch for everyone (spaghetti, tomato sauce, pounded beef, and salad). It was a ton of work and we really appreciate everyone that cooks for us - we were just hoping for a taste of home.

Also yesterday, one of the young mothers gave birth to a baby boy! Wow to see God's work! This is the second time that a baby has been born at Anawim while a NATIVITY:NIGERIA team has been there. We continue to keep the young mother as well as her newborn baby boy in our prayers.

Today, the team visited a small boy that had been at staying at Anawim and who is now placed with a great family. So wonderful to see this happy ending! The team also traveled into Abuja to work with Dr. Dakum from Institute for Human Virology (IHV), who educated them on the efforts to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS and how Anawim can partner in these efforts. Dr. Dakum works closely with Dr. Blattner from the Institute for Human Virology, based at University of Maryland Medical Center.

On the way back to Gwagwalada, the van got caught in some INSANE traffic headed home from Abuja. Picture 6 lanes going 1 way and 1 lane going the other way on what is originally a road with one lane in each direction! Yikes! "We are excited at what our next days will bring we are so blessed for this opportunity to be messengers of God and let you know of his great work!!!!!!"

- Compiled from information provided by Lisa Hobbs, Anawim Team Member & Rob Devereux, Anawim Home Team Leader.

Clean Water in Jos & Bakin Kogi

2010-08-11T16:53:00.003-04:00

Today NATIVITY:NIGERIA made the final arrangements to begin the drilling of a new borehole for clean water at Faith Alive Hospital in Jos and a satellite clinic of Faith Alive Hospital in Bakin Kogi. The team is still working to finalize plans to provide clean water to the town of Hwol Yarje, where Faith Alive Hospital also directs a school. These boreholes will be completed in the next few weeks and will provide clean, drinkable water to the patients and residents in both locations. This is a continuation of NATIVITY:NIGERIA's ongoing commitment to provide clean water to Faith Alive Hospital and Anawim Home and will be the fourth and fifth borehole completed by the team this summer. Find more information on these projects on the Water page. Thank you for your continued support!

Spotlight: Brian Crook

2010-08-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

The fourth installment in our series to help you get to know our team members is with Brian Crook. Team members were asked to share what they are most excited about as well as what they are most nervous about:

NATIVITY:NIGERIA groupies! I'm Brian Crook, native Baltimoron, 25 years old, and currently employed by Church of the Nativity as Missions Director. I've grown up at Nativity and seen a lot of amazing things through the years - one of which was to see my friends travel to Nigeria four years ago and meet Dr. Chris and Sister Oresoa.

I am thrilled now to have an opportunity to serve there myself. Meeting Sister Oresoa, the boys at Anawim, and seeing the newly repaired well at the orphanage top the list of things I'm excited to see. I've also really enjoyed getting to know my teammates over the past few months, and I'm genuinely excited to see how we learn and grow together on the trip.

The team and past participants have done a great job at preparing us all, but still, there are some things that make me nervous. The long flights won't be my favorite, nor will the early mornings (especially without Starbucks). I also know that I need some time alone to decompress - I'm hoping there will be some chances to do this in Abuja. All in all, just letter go of the idea that, as is the case at home, I can't just get in car and do whatever I want will be challenging. I'll have to be flexible, humble, and courteous (a real task for me!).

M own life has led me through a number of twists and turns. I've been praying that this experience can provide a sort of jumping off point for me, one where I can allow myself to be open and vulnerable to God's voice and then follow up on it with action. Thanks again for all of your support - I can't wait to share it all with you!

Football and Working with Young Mothers

2010-08-10T23:04:00.004-04:00

The team is pretty wiped after a long day at Anawim. As in the past few days, they taught in the school for the morning and early afternoon. Also, they worked with the young mothers in the newly built hostel. This is designed to help the young mothers with their newborns as well as teach them skills so that they may re-enter the community. The boys spent hours of the afternoon playing football (soccer) with the children and the girls spent some more time helping out the young mothers. Sister has been an inspiration to the team as they continue in their second week of work at Anawim. Tomorrow the team is headed into Abuja to work with some other outreach services of the Sisters of the Poorest of the Poor.

- Compiled from information provided by Rob Devereux, Anawim Home Team Leader.

Join in Prayer

2010-08-10T10:28:00.001-04:00

Please join us at 6PM tonight, August 10th, at Church of the Nativity to pray for our team in Nigeria. The prayer service will be led by Gregg DeHoff. All are welcome. If you cannot join us at Church of the Nativity tonight, wherever you are in the world, we encourage you pray on your own during that time.

Just What I Needed

2010-08-09T17:37:00.006-04:00

Today the team took on some more responsibilities since most of the Sisters have left for retreat. After teaching in the school during the morning, Rob, Brian, and Nick played with the boys in the afternoon, while Lisa and Christy worked with the young mothers. After a meal of fish stew, okra soup, and pounded yams, Sister Oresoa offered to take everyone to the market. She wanted to find some food that was a little more normal for the team and they succeeded in finding the equivalent of Ramen noodles. Needless to say, they stocked up for the next week. In the early afternoon, Sister Oresoa and the team called and spoke to the staff at Nativity. She exclaimed "let them stay two more weeks!"

After dinner, the team received letters that friends and family had written them in the weeks leading up to their trip. The team was overwhelmed by the letters of support and Christy described it as "just what I needed." They wanted to express how much it meant to them and how much energy it is giving them heading into the second week. Rob said that "to know everyone is behind us is amazing and it gives us all the more strength we need right now." The relationships that are building are incredible and God continues to unfold his plan for this trip. The team has great chemistry, and we all have each others backs. There have been some great laughs and with these letters - now some tears. The second week is off to a strong start and the journey continues tomorrow. "God bless everyone at home."

- Compiled from information provided by Rob Devereux, Anawim Home Leader & Brian Crook, Anawim Team Member and Church of the Nativity Director of Missions.

Spotlight: Lisa Hobbs

2010-08-09T11:00:00.004-04:00

The third installment in our series to help you get to know our team members is with Lisa Hobbs. Team members were asked to share what they are most excited about as well as what they are most nervous about:

I am so thrilled to be part of the mission trip to Nigeria! I am excited for the experience and all that I will learn from everything I do and each person I meet. I am equally excited to share my experience with my family, my friends and Nativity. I am so thankful that I have such an incredible support system from the NATIVITY:NIGERIA Home Team, my family and amazing husband, and my co-workers - everyone is doing my job while I am away so that I can take on a new role for these 2 weeks.

As a mother of 3 small children, I am nervous that I will miss enjoying our summer vacation trip and all of the memories they will create. But I know that all of my love and energy will be put to use as I help I any way I can to be present in the lives of those I meet in Nigeria. I am most excited not to have to juggle my sales job with my home job and always trying to find a perfect balance - which is a struggle especially during the summertime. Everyday in Abuja I am completely committed 100% to the task at hand and whatever Sister Oresoa needs us to do. I know that through the power of God all things are possible!

Sunday at Anawim

2010-08-08T16:21:00.004-04:00

Today the team had Mass at Anawim in the morning with a visiting priest and then had a feast of the food prepared yesterday. This included goat and the bread that Christy and Lisa prepared, which is "delicious." They played soccer with the young boys and distributed all of the toys and games which the team brought for the kids. This included soccer balls, jump ropes, and frisbees. Also, the team distributed the blankets and cups decorated by the kids at this years Whobilation and Vacation Bible School. Christy and Lisa are giving pedicures to all of the young mothers, one at a time. Most of the Sisters left for retreat this afternoon so lunch (the goat feast) was shared as a large group, which was great. Sister Oresoa loved the Blessed Mother statue which the team brought for the Chapel and even did an impromptu song and dance. The team is in high spirits and getting ready to teach and serve in place of the the absent Sisters this week. "To God be the Glory."

- Compiled from information provided by Rob Devereux, Anawim Home Team Leader.

Photos:
1 & 2: Children at Church of the Nativity's Whobilation during Advent 2010 decorating cups.

Cooking with the Sisters

2010-08-07T15:06:00.002-04:00

Today the team attended the ordination of 11 new priests for the local Archdiocese which consisted of a 5 hour Mass and reception. Then they headed back to Anawim to help out the Sisters with the daily activities around the compound. Most of the Sisters are preparing to depart for their annual week-long retreat so more of the responsibilities around Anawim Home will fall on the team members. Lisa and Christy helped the Sisters bake bread and prepare other foods for dinners this weekend. The Sisters will also cook food which will then be delivered to poor of Gwagwalada as well as a leper community. Rob, Brian and Nick helped capture and prepare a goat, which will be part of tomorrow night's dinner. Everybody is feeling well and is finally feeling completely adjusted and settled in.

- Compiled from information provided by Rob Devereux, Anawim Home Team Leader.

Back from Kaduna

2010-08-06T11:25:00.003-04:00

This morning the team slept in just a little bit (7:30 AM) in Kaduna and then went to Adoration and Mass with the Sisters. Some of the vitamins and medicine was left with the Sisters in Kaduna for the young children there. They took some time and went through the markets of the town and met with the Bishop of Kaduna. He was the first to sponsor Sister Oresoa and her work 15 years ago. This afternoon the team heads back to Gwagwalada as some of the Sisters will be leaving for retreat this evening. Along the way, Sister Oresoa pointed out some sites on which she is building as well as potential future sites for other arms of her ministry.

- Compiled from information provided by Brian Crook, Anawim Team Member and Church of the Nativity Director of Missions.