BRICC Retreat

Some people called it a retreat, others a day away, to some it was a picnic but whatever you want to call it, yesterday we took BRICC (Building Relationships In City Centre: www.briccjos.com) teachers and co-ordinators off to a beautiful spot some miles from Jos for a time of fun and re-visioning.  It didn't start too auspiciously for me as I sat outside the BRICC office wondering why the place was deserted and muttering about how people who live miles away in Bukuru could arrive on time whilst those who live in Jos were late.  It was only when one of the teachers knocked on my car window and said he thought we were meeting in the Plaza building (where the ladies' skills programme and most classes take place) that I realised that I hadn't actually paid much attention to the letter of instructions.  Together we drove off to the right meeting place (yet another argument in favour of a single building for the BRIC family) where there were at least a few others waiting. 
By 10am we'd packed (literally) everyone into cars and set off.
The aims of the day were to have fun, get to know one another better and consider our identity in BRICC.  All three aims were achieved with games, a very amusing time of 60 second speeches on random topics (if you want to know how doughnuts are connected to peace just ask), good food and time together.  We are a family in BRICC and that's what makes a difference in so many lives.

Take away food Nigerian style - it arrives in large insulated containers on women's heads and then is served out in situ.  Here it's jollof  (spicy fried with vegetables) rice, two large lumps of beef and coleslaw.

Toby explaining how to play "Corn Holes"

 There was a lot of fun.  Veronica declared she enjoyed herself so much that she forgot she was a wife and mother and was just herself.  Alhaji displayed grace and accuracy, unhampered by his flowing white outfit.