Thank You

We loaded all the boarding students (17) plus Bridge and I and Clement the
driver and his daughter (always room for one more) and headed to Lokoja. So
21 in total. I had told them we were going to town, always a treat to get
off campus. But on the way there I told them how my mother donor had seen
their picture and loved them and wanted to give them a gift, wanted to buy
them new clothes. The van erupted in clapping and cheering.
Many of our students, okay most, don't have any reason to ride around in
cars except for going to and from school in between breaks so car sickness
happens easily. It's a 30 minute drive and 3 were vomiting. We tried to not
let it spoil our trip as we set out for our new football clothes.
I think maybe 2 or 3 of them have had the pleasure of choosing their own
clothes-ever. So this was big. Choosing their color and style was like
Christmas. This outfit had never been worn by anyone else and wasn't held
together by dental floss. They were so cute to watch as they chose the
'better ones'. The best style and highest quality. They were thrilled. It
was such a privilege to bless them because of our donors. Does that make
sense? It wasn't my doing but to hand out the gift is a blessing all its
own.
Because Fulani have the reputation they do it was interesting to see the
reaction from people at the market, I don't think they've seen many displays
of kindness. We loaded them back in the car and there was more clapping as
they all shouted "Thank you". So cute! After more vomiting on the way home
we reached our place to let them eat and rest and then very soon-less than
an hour- they were back at our door ready for pictures in their new clothes.
So proud. Salihu says it is his first time to ever wear Nigerian Football
clothes-he is 19 years old.
You made a lot of people happy today. Thank you!
This morning they are out on the football field again, this time their
boarding master and his whistle is there with them and they are all in their
new clothes playing a very exciting game of football. I wish you could see
it!