Thursday June 25. Much of the time we take for granted a smile and a friendly face… after what seemed like an eternity in a coach seats and “cat-napping” on airport benches we landed in Abuja. Having been there before it didn’t have that strange what do I do feel. We cued up in the immigration line behind a tall Caucasian (being the minority is worth another blog someday). He was out of his element; smiles were exchanged and soon we struck up a guarded conversation.
Where are you from… (both from the US). I think I detected a bit more peace entering his countenance.
What brings you to Nigeria, “visiting friends” I responded guardedly. And before long we were connecting. Joe, it seems was headed to Jos to work with SIM. We shared names we knew of people we knew and it turns out he was going to work with City Ministries and the Fretheims… small world!
We waited in line with Joe and walked with him through immigration and getting our luggage. Funny I felt like the veteran helping the rookie and maybe that was so. At one point Joe said, it feels good standing with other Christians, I can leave my bag and know it will be safe!
A smile, a friendly face and then some connections… ahh peace comes in interesting packages.
After getting all of our luggage we parted with Joe as he looked for his contact and we ours. Out in the lobby, we scanned the faces… who would meet us. Soon a voice called our name (a “white” father and son were pretty easy to spot). It was Danjumma, my JETS driver from last summer… a smiling face and a connection… peace arrived again, this time in my heart!
PS. We spent the night at the ECWA Guest House and who did we meet in the lobby… Joe! I offered to have him send a text home to his family saying he had arrived safely, which he did. I’m guessing that peace filled his family’s heart when they received his text. I know it filled Susan’s when she received mine!
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