What comes to mind when you think about the Boys' Brigade? Smart young men learning how to serve God and other people?
Perhaps.
Until the last couple of days my experience of the Nigerian Boys' Brigade had been a tuneless trumpeter giving a 6am wake up call every Saturday. This Tuesday they upped the ante with a 5am wake up followed by band practice at 6am. Obviously the practice wasn't enough as at 10:30pm that night they started again with loud drums and trumpets, continuing with gusto until midnight.
I would be among the first to admit that extra practice, especially for the trumpeters, would not go amiss but to me, starting at 12am Wednesday night is not the time to do it. Being woken by the massed drums and brass after a hot and busy day surviving life in Nigeria is not encouraging. The boys bang and blow drums and trumpets with far more enthusiasm than talent. Every so often they'd pause for a couple of minutes, giving rise to a faint hope that perhaps the torture would stop and I'd be able to get some sleep before another busy day, but no. The noise continued until 3 o'clock in the morning. This is the Boys' Brigade camp leaders giving their charges their money's worth. Who needs sleep? I've been warned it'll be as bad, if not worse, tonight. To me one of the major points of Christianity is loving others, considering their needs above your own, thinking of them. Sadly the Boys' Brigade of Nigeria doesn't seem to agree but then sleep is overrated.
Thursday, 31 March 2016
Friday, 11 March 2016
Tough day helped by hardworking police
Today I had to take one of our dogs to be euthanised.
For the last couple of years we've tried all we could from training to injections of female hormones to help him get over his aggression to strangers but he seemed to be getting worse. The trouble was he was so sweet to us and people that he knew well but was a threat to strangers. He was a big, strong dog but had psychological issues from an early age so as responsible owners we had to ensure he couldn't harm anyone. Better to act before he attacked a strange child than have to deal with the consequences.
Thank God for Howard, the Australian missionary vet who's been helping us over the years to try to find solutions for the dog. Thank God that the end was in his capable hands.
I had to drive the dog to Howard's place and was managing to hold it together until I was stopped on the way by the hard-working Nigerian police force. "Show me your international passport and car tinted windows permit," officer Ishayu asked aggressively.
"I don't carry my passport. You can see my resident's permit and tinted windows document but I'm taking my dog to the vet," I answered.
He looked. Asked for the other car documents (which I gave him as we believe in obeying the laws of the land and keeping them up to date) then told me the windows permit, which had been passed by the last policeman who'd checked on Monday, should have been renewed online. (When I got home we checked and yes that had been a requirement since January but we had until March 18th to comply). That was a 15,000 or 50,000 naira fine (I wasn't entirely sure which he said) and I had to go with him to the police command in Jos, next to the prison as he made sure to mention, over an hour's drive in the opposite direction from where I was heading.
Then he tried to open the passenger door and get into the car.
I was alone in the car with a condemned dog.
Thankfully, I remember my training and always lock the doors whenever I drive off.
Thankfully through BRiCC I've made friends with one of the Plateau government Commissioners so I told the officer I was going to phone him and check the facts.
The officer told me it was illegal for me to make a phone call.
I didn't believe him and carried on.
Thankfully the Commissioner answered my call and helped. He spoke to the officer (who was worried when I took down his name and number - surely someone who was "just doing his job" wouldn't have been) then said he would phone the man direct.
I was released to go on my way.
After I'd left my dog at the vet I returned the way I'd come.
The police had gone from that place and I was relieved until I was nearly home and met another policeman who stopped me. (Army checkpoints in contrast are usually manned by courteous and professional soldiers).
He wanted "something for water" - code for a bribe. I'd had enough and couldn't hold it back any more.
"I come here to serve Nigerians, building peace between Muslims and Christians and all I get is trouble from policemen". There were tears by this time. Then he asked for water money. I refused. He admitted defeat and waved me on.
Thank you police force of Nigeria for making a traumatic day so much easier.
I weep for those Nigerians who have no one to call for help.
For the last couple of years we've tried all we could from training to injections of female hormones to help him get over his aggression to strangers but he seemed to be getting worse. The trouble was he was so sweet to us and people that he knew well but was a threat to strangers. He was a big, strong dog but had psychological issues from an early age so as responsible owners we had to ensure he couldn't harm anyone. Better to act before he attacked a strange child than have to deal with the consequences.
Thank God for Howard, the Australian missionary vet who's been helping us over the years to try to find solutions for the dog. Thank God that the end was in his capable hands.
I had to drive the dog to Howard's place and was managing to hold it together until I was stopped on the way by the hard-working Nigerian police force. "Show me your international passport and car tinted windows permit," officer Ishayu asked aggressively.
"I don't carry my passport. You can see my resident's permit and tinted windows document but I'm taking my dog to the vet," I answered.
He looked. Asked for the other car documents (which I gave him as we believe in obeying the laws of the land and keeping them up to date) then told me the windows permit, which had been passed by the last policeman who'd checked on Monday, should have been renewed online. (When I got home we checked and yes that had been a requirement since January but we had until March 18th to comply). That was a 15,000 or 50,000 naira fine (I wasn't entirely sure which he said) and I had to go with him to the police command in Jos, next to the prison as he made sure to mention, over an hour's drive in the opposite direction from where I was heading.
Then he tried to open the passenger door and get into the car.
I was alone in the car with a condemned dog.
Thankfully, I remember my training and always lock the doors whenever I drive off.
Thankfully through BRiCC I've made friends with one of the Plateau government Commissioners so I told the officer I was going to phone him and check the facts.
The officer told me it was illegal for me to make a phone call.
I didn't believe him and carried on.
Thankfully the Commissioner answered my call and helped. He spoke to the officer (who was worried when I took down his name and number - surely someone who was "just doing his job" wouldn't have been) then said he would phone the man direct.
I was released to go on my way.
After I'd left my dog at the vet I returned the way I'd come.
The police had gone from that place and I was relieved until I was nearly home and met another policeman who stopped me. (Army checkpoints in contrast are usually manned by courteous and professional soldiers).
He wanted "something for water" - code for a bribe. I'd had enough and couldn't hold it back any more.
"I come here to serve Nigerians, building peace between Muslims and Christians and all I get is trouble from policemen". There were tears by this time. Then he asked for water money. I refused. He admitted defeat and waved me on.
Thank you police force of Nigeria for making a traumatic day so much easier.
I weep for those Nigerians who have no one to call for help.
Tuesday, 8 March 2016
Advantages
One of the advantages of living in Nigeria is that we have more control over our children's TV viewing habits. DVDs are the order of the day and guess who usually buys them. It's also a good way to indoctrinate (sorry, present opportunities for) them with classic British comedy. Lately we've been watching It Ain't Half Hot Mum which may appal some people but is actually very funny and pokes as much fun at British stereotypes as Indian ones. Perhaps living abroad opens your eyes.
There's also Morecombe and Wise. I really enjoy sitting in Nigeria with my husband, 17 year old son and 15 year old daughter with all of us chortling over the anarchic antics of Eric Morecombe. The theme song, Bring me Sunshine, is helping me through the day. If you need an instruction to get you through life you could do a lot worse.
Bring me Sunshine, in your smile,
Bring me Laughter, all the while,
In this world where we live, there should be more happiness,
So much joy you can give, to each brand new bright tomorrow,
Make me happy, through the years,
Never bring me, any tears,
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above,
Bring me fun, bring me sunshine, bring me love.
There's also Morecombe and Wise. I really enjoy sitting in Nigeria with my husband, 17 year old son and 15 year old daughter with all of us chortling over the anarchic antics of Eric Morecombe. The theme song, Bring me Sunshine, is helping me through the day. If you need an instruction to get you through life you could do a lot worse.
Bring me Sunshine, in your smile,
Bring me Laughter, all the while,
In this world where we live, there should be more happiness,
So much joy you can give, to each brand new bright tomorrow,
Make me happy, through the years,
Never bring me, any tears,
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above,
Bring me fun, bring me sunshine, bring me love.
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