The weather on the north side of Chicago is wonderful in mid-August. After uneventful flights from Calabar to Lagos, Lagos to Amsterdam, and Amsterdam to Chicago we returned safely to the States on Tuesday, August 18th. All told we spent roughly nine weeks in Nigeria this summer. It was defiantly an experience we won't soon forget. In fact, on our way out of Lagos on Monday night, we passed right through the Immigration departure counter without even getting a stamp to officially leave the country. Apparently, the Immigration officers were taking a break.
So, as a result we didn't get stamped - which we didn't realize until we were already waiting at the gate for our flight. And as such, we faced a dilemma. Should we go back to the Immigration counter - beyond security - and attempt to explain ourselves and get stamped? No doubt this option could lead to detainment for unknowingly breaking Immigration rules, and certainly will come with a high price tag (bribe) for unknowing noncompliance. Or, do we just wait and see what happens.
What are the chances that the KLM people will check our departure stamp when they check our boarding pass? Is that their job?
We chose the latter: sat and waiting and wondered. Certainly the 'right' thing to do would be to go back to Immigration, explain our position and get everything stamped and in order. But Nigeria is no ordinary place - and the Immigration officers haven't been our friends to date. So, we waited. Albeit concerned. And in the end, KLM never checked to see if we had been properly stamped. In the plane, seats taken, wheels lifted - flight to Amsterdam, a sense of relief.
Our final 10-12 days in Calabar consisted of planning, preparing and implementing the four-day Leading from Within workshop retreat from August 11-14th. The focus of the workshop was effective communication and facilitation. We worked closely with the other US Volunteer, Angelica and the local Nigerian staff to put together and deliver a useful and effective workshop. As was the case with the last workshop in June, the most inspiring aspect of the four days was the time spent with the participants of the Program. They are incredible people. Truly incredible. If there is hope for Nigeria - especially as it relates to Cross River State - it rests with these individuals and their ability to right the boat.
After the close of the workshop, many hugs, thoughtful prayers and messages later, we packed our bags and flew to Lagos on Sunday (16th) night. We stayed at a hotel owned by one of the participants called Meg's Place. It was a wonderful oasis of comfort and quiet nestled in the absurdity of Lagos. Incidentally, if you are ever in town, Meg's Place is the place to be....
There is so much to say about Nigeria - Africa. Indeed, we are still digesting and reflecting upon our experiences. So, it is quite difficult to tie it all up with a fancy conclusion and words of distilled wisdom. Jet-lag, culture shock and a return to the exact place we departed from nine weeks ago has created a dream-like haze which leaves us wondering, "Did we just do that....?!"
For now though, it is just nice to be home with family and spending our remaining weeks of summer in the good ole U. S. of A. And before too long we'll be back in New Hampshire preparing for a Fall of teaching at Proctor Academy...
Thanks to those of you that have followed the blog and sent us comments along the way. We'll keep you updated on our next adventure - wherever it might be...
Lots of love and well-wishes,
Adam and Kate
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