Sunday, August 31, 2008

P.S.

Commenting should now be "enabled"...some had mentioned that it wouldn't let you leave a comment, so it should work now:-)

Camp Week Relived

Every day this week I'll try to post pictures from the highlights of each corresponding day during camp. Today, Sunday, was the day everyone arrived at the campsite. When we got there we all shared a meal and then had orientation. Following orientation the rock staff showed the campers how to tie knots and swamis...in the picture they are practicing tying swamis, which basically means they are practicing tying their own harnesses for the rope bridge and rock climbing (don't worry, we check to make sure they do them correctly:-)

The rest of the evening was used to prep for the following day's activities...and for the campers and staff to start getting to know each other. I'll try to introduce you to some of the Nigerian brethren along the way as well...let's start with these two lovely ladies:


Ms. Lola


Lola worked on rock climbing staff and taught Bobbi and myself African songs and chants while we rode out to the rocks each day. She also worked hard to pamper us Americans and fix us some special foods throughout the week (despite our protests) like "safe" vegetables that had been cooked with bottled water, "chips" (which we would call fries:), and other yummy things. Thank you Lola!



Ms. Ronti/Becky


It's not unusual for our Nigerian friends to have two names...their real name and then an "American" name for those who have trouble pronouncing the real one:-) Ronti was a counselor and infused her dorm with loads of energy, keeping the campers singing and smiling everywhere they went:-) Miss you ladies!

Sunset:
What a beautiful way to end the first day:-)


Saturday, August 16, 2008

Sabbath Finery:-)

We kept the Sabbath in Lagos...and had a full house since many of the campers had already arrived:-) This is a picture of the youth corp participants, the Mickelsons, and Akinbos all dressed up for the Sabbath!

Left to right: (back three men) Mr. Mickelson, Derek, Raphael; (Middle row) Mr. Akinbo, Cody, Bobbi, Jamie, Rachel Mrs. Mickelson, Mrs. Akinbo; (front row) Otiwa and Tomiwa

Visiting the Farm

Remember the farm we can see from the rope bridge? We got to go over and meet the farmers and see their place; this is one of the little children out in the field: More of the children (there was also a little baby):
Mr. Mickelson standing outside the main hut:

Rope Bridge

We had to clear out a field for the rope bridge: This is a picture of the farm right next to the field where we will have the rope bridge activity:
Practicing setting up the bridge and traverse:

Friday, August 15, 2008

More pictures:-)

Rachel, Tomiwa (Dare Akinbo's daughter) and Ronke (Dare's sister) at the Akinbo's house. One of the views from up at rock climbing:
View of the city from up at rock climbing:
Rock climbing area:

Pictures

We stopped in one of the markets to pick up some food:-) From left to right: Mr. Mickelson, Derek, Rachel and Otiwa, Jamie, Bobbi, Cody, and pedestrian. The lady who sold us some fruit...oranges, coconut, and plantain...
And of course...some pretty flowers somewhere along the way:

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Another map: Location of the Camp

FYI:
We fly into Lagos (bottom square) and the camp is located in Abeokuta (yellow dot). Cool!