Monday 23 October 2023

TRANSITIONS II


Hi friends,
Today I start with the fact that the decisions we make do not affect only us, they affect the people around us. Two weeks ago, I shared about my current transitions and a senior friend suggested I captured the thoughts of those closest to me and the impact on them as well and boyyyyyyyyy…. I just got a sneak peak at what’s going on their hearts.
Enjoy reading from my family:
I agree with the saying that if you can think it, then you can do it. In the thinking process, it was a wrestle between the "can I? or can I not do it?" This process was a journey of faith. 

Moving to Kenya first happened mentally. I guess this was what kept me awake the last few weeks before leaving Jos. When it started materializing, it felt overwhelming, but because we had planned almost every detail, things started falling into shape. I prayed to God for everything, from the first steps to the actual move itself. The transition tested and stretched my faith. It was a leap of faith, leaving family and friends behind to fulfill God's calling in a place where we hardly knew people. 

I had been to Kenya before, but moving with my family was a new experience. We had never left our previous location in Nigeria; this was a big deal. I was anxious about how it would all come together. This was leaving our comfort zone, our support systems, and the many things and people we loved and cared about to start all over again. It was like walking on water and knowing the law of gravity could catch up with you. 

The last week before we left was stressful. There were many things that we had sorted that started going south. We had to rush to get those things sorted, and it was unsettling. My wife kept reminding me to keep believing in God even when I doubted. We trusted that He would take us to Nairobi safely. 

Finally, we embarked on our journey. The few friends we had, made our arrival comfortable, especially my team lead and his family. I am sleeping better now, and Nairobi is a great place to live. However, the transition helped me see that God is real, family is key to ministry success, nothing stops God's work. He brought us here, and I know He will be faithful to us.
(Moses my love)

Moving to Kenya is hard. When I was still in Nigeria I was saying, I want to come to Kenya, but now it is really hard for me to live in a new country, making new friends, living in a new environment that is too quiet, going to a new church and a new school. This is really hard for me to cope because I am missing home, my family and friends, my house and everything. But each day, I keep trying to have fun with my family and enjoy the new country.
Sisa (our oldest daughter who is 11 years old.)

The weather is cold here and I know that this place has a lot of wildlife such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and hippos. I like our new house; I like their schools because they have pools there. I miss my friends so much.
Nosagie (our 8 year old son)

I will write on behalf of our youngest son, Iyobosa.
He really isn’t saying much, except for once in a while, he calls the name of a friend from Jos, or his teacher and asks to speak to them. He’s not telling how much he misses what he used to know as home, but I know the changes are happening and I see it in the way he responds when he is upset.

We all will adjust in due time but for now, I am enjoying the pleasure of rest and other perks that come with not been known in a new environment 🫢. I love my new home and I trust that we all adjust as time rolls by.

Till I write again….
Blessings.

Friday 6 October 2023

TRANSITIONS



What do transitions look like for you?
The dictionary defines a transition as the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
For me the last couple of weeks has been full of a lot of:

Planning. 
Organizing. 
Stretching of my faith. 
The thoughtful words and appreciation of my friends of me. 
Plentiful pictures taken. 
Experiencing Insomnia.
Many sleepovers in my home.
Moments where I snapped, especially at my family members because I was tired or trying to process a lot.
Having to be nominated for a role in my alumni community to serve my set, my acceptance to run for the office and the overwhelming feeling the campaign has had on me.
The utter shock of what campaigns look and feel like and the energy and words that go into them.
The gift of a hardworking young woman who has made my packing easier (Blessing).
The place where my family and I are learning to say our goodbyes.
The place my daughter has had her friends visit alongside their parents to say goodbye.
Celebration of milestones (Yobi completing homeschool).

It has been a lot for me, and I have experienced a myriad of feelings, having to process all of it but in it all, I give thanks and praise because I have not broken down and neither has any member of my family.
I am looking forward to new beginnings.