A driver is very important in Nigeria for a new Bature (white person) on the block. Alphonsus is that important person for us. First of all, he gets us from here to there safely every day. In a country where there are no traffic or street signs, no traffic lights, and a million motorcycle taxis (achabas) whizzing inches away from you at all times, this is a major accomplishment. Second of all, he is our translator and negotiator. He helps me to communicate and get the best deal on food and necessary items. (The Bature price is often double the price for Nigerians!) He is also our cultural guide and item locater. Knowing where to find goods saves us a lot of time. There are only a couple stores by American standards in this town of 600,000+; the rest are just shacks with a hodgepodge of items laid out on shelves and tables or the ground.
Earlier this week, our car needed new windshield wipers (this is really important in rainy season when you can fill a 120 liter trashcan full of drinking water within an hour!) After informing Alphonsus of our need, within minutes he whipped the car over to the side of the road. We were wondering why we were stopping. Immediately, several Nigerians ran up to our windows from where they sat in the shade of mango trees. We waited several minutes as the usual polite exchanges went back and forth. . .Ina wuni? (How is your afternoon?) Lafiyah lau. (Fine.) Ya-ya uwargida? (How is your wife?) Lafiyah. (Fine.) Ya-ya yara? (How are the children?) And so on and so forth. It would be quite rude to get down to business quickly even with a stranger! Then to business (but not before we were almost fitted with a steering wheel cover!) The men raced over to a pile of something and the half rotten, filthy tarp covering it was thrown back. The desired windshield wipers were produced and the negotiating began. 900 Naira says the owner. Alphonsus smiles and shakes his head. Is that the final price? He points to my packages in the back. The Bature are new to the country. They have to buy many things. They are running out of money. How could he ask such a price? More handshaking and back and forth. Finally the price is agreed upon, 800 Naira. Quickly, the wipers are installed. Unfortunately, the owner does not have change for my large bills. No problem. Because he knows Alphonsus, I can pay him 200 Naira another time. Within minutes, we are on our way again.
There have been many moments like this (I wish they were all resolved in such a timely manner!) We rely heavily on our driver and our other workers. They help us cope with life in Nigeria and save us a lot of time and energy so that we can do what we believe the Lord has allowed us to come to Nigeria for in the first place. We try to communicate this to our helpers; they really are a blessing to us. They are also quickly becoming a part of our family.
Another standard greeting in Hausa is “Ya-ya aiki?” (How is work?) The proper reply is “Mun gode Allah.” (We thank God.) You see, in a country where the unemployment rate is 40%, a steady income is truly a reason to give thanks to God. When our driver told his wife that he had found steady work, she got on her knees and did give thanks. Alphonsus has had to live separately from his wife and two children for several months after losing everything in a fire. He travels every other weekend 2-3 hours to be reunited with them where they are living in a small village with relatives. We get to meet Alphonsus’ wife very soon. When he gets settled and finds a larger room, they will rejoin him.
Thank you to our friends and family who have provided our support. You are not only helping to provide medical care and relieve human suffering in the name of Christ. You are also providing an income for individuals and families who would otherwise have none.
Earlier this week, our car needed new windshield wipers (this is really important in rainy season when you can fill a 120 liter trashcan full of drinking water within an hour!) After informing Alphonsus of our need, within minutes he whipped the car over to the side of the road. We were wondering why we were stopping. Immediately, several Nigerians ran up to our windows from where they sat in the shade of mango trees. We waited several minutes as the usual polite exchanges went back and forth. . .Ina wuni? (How is your afternoon?) Lafiyah lau. (Fine.) Ya-ya uwargida? (How is your wife?) Lafiyah. (Fine.) Ya-ya yara? (How are the children?) And so on and so forth. It would be quite rude to get down to business quickly even with a stranger! Then to business (but not before we were almost fitted with a steering wheel cover!) The men raced over to a pile of something and the half rotten, filthy tarp covering it was thrown back. The desired windshield wipers were produced and the negotiating began. 900 Naira says the owner. Alphonsus smiles and shakes his head. Is that the final price? He points to my packages in the back. The Bature are new to the country. They have to buy many things. They are running out of money. How could he ask such a price? More handshaking and back and forth. Finally the price is agreed upon, 800 Naira. Quickly, the wipers are installed. Unfortunately, the owner does not have change for my large bills. No problem. Because he knows Alphonsus, I can pay him 200 Naira another time. Within minutes, we are on our way again.
There have been many moments like this (I wish they were all resolved in such a timely manner!) We rely heavily on our driver and our other workers. They help us cope with life in Nigeria and save us a lot of time and energy so that we can do what we believe the Lord has allowed us to come to Nigeria for in the first place. We try to communicate this to our helpers; they really are a blessing to us. They are also quickly becoming a part of our family.
Another standard greeting in Hausa is “Ya-ya aiki?” (How is work?) The proper reply is “Mun gode Allah.” (We thank God.) You see, in a country where the unemployment rate is 40%, a steady income is truly a reason to give thanks to God. When our driver told his wife that he had found steady work, she got on her knees and did give thanks. Alphonsus has had to live separately from his wife and two children for several months after losing everything in a fire. He travels every other weekend 2-3 hours to be reunited with them where they are living in a small village with relatives. We get to meet Alphonsus’ wife very soon. When he gets settled and finds a larger room, they will rejoin him.
Thank you to our friends and family who have provided our support. You are not only helping to provide medical care and relieve human suffering in the name of Christ. You are also providing an income for individuals and families who would otherwise have none.
Lisa
1 comment:
Thanks for keeping us updated, Mitchells. Alphonsus appears to be a huge blessing to you... you are in our prayers. -Steve & Jackie
Post a Comment