Guest Blogger: Travel

I asked my father-in-law (a.k.a. Trey's dad, a.k.a. Carl) to share some stories about his experiences in Nigeria. He came to visit (and bring goodies) in January. Being his first time to really travel internationally, he had some really hilarious stories. Not to mention, most people don't choose to visit Nigeria with so little traveling experience. So he's written a series of blogs to share some of those stories with you and give you insight into our lives here.

I will admit up front that this is the first attempt of writing a blog. When Kristen asked me to write this blog , I began to think of what my topic would be and decided on “Firsts”. I want to describe my first overseas travel adventure.

I often heard the quote “go big or go home” as it described different types of adventures.  Let me describe the different emotions that I experienced before this adventure began; apprehension, do I really want to travel 26 hours in economy seating; fear, can I handle this trip; questioning, do I have what it takes to go into a country like Nigeria; uncertainty, I have never done this before; but the emotions of love for family and excitement to see God at work in their lives nullified every negative emotion I had. So I decided to go big and the trip began.

The plane trip was bearable and we arrived in Nigeria. Our layover in Paris was cold with blizzard like conditions and when we arrived in Abuja, Nigeria it felt like walking into an oven. I was anticipating a grand reunion with Trey, as I knew he was outside the gates waiting on us, but that was to be delayed. Evidently, the Nigerian immigration officers also heard the quote “Go big or go home” because they told this big boy to go home. This was a first. I had never before been told I was not welcome in a country. After about 45 minutes of conversation, begging, and convincing that I was going to be a grandfather and I have to get the 6 bags of gifts and baby items to Trey and Kristen, they finally let us in.

Let me describe traveling in Nigeria. Picture a driver’s education class of 100 extremely competitive fifteen year olds with the task of arriving first at a destination point. Now, picture the road as a mountain road of Arkansas with major pot holes every few yards; this was what it was like. Oh, by the way, the 6-hour trip from Abuja to Jos also included about 10 – 12 checkpoints with armed military and local authorities controlling your forward movement.  Got the picture?  I sat in the back seat on the passenger’s side and at every checkpoint all these people (children and adults) would come up to my window. They would try to sell me items, etc.  I could not figure it out, until I was told that the person in that seat was seen as the one in authority. At one particular checkpoint, the armed authority provided us with memories. As our driver was out of his car arguing with him (remember he is armed) and my son in his kindest voice (right) saying he was not getting our passports, I felt that I would have a great illustration for my next sermon, JAIL. We made it through and continued our journey to Jos.

Arriving in Jos at the compound, the gates closed behind and the driver unloaded our luggage. To say I was excited and thankful is an understatement. The next day was an adventure because I experienced riding with Trey for the first time. I tried to forget the time that I taught Trey to drive when he was 15 years old, but it all came back to me. My ultra-competitive son was behind the wheel in Nigeria and he was going to win the game of being first to the destination. A new emotion now occurred on this trip. I will let you figure that one out. God spoke to me in a very clear voice, let go and rely on those who I have placed before you. Now remember, I am in the rear passenger seat, the seat of authority and I am suppose to rely on others, the kids. But I did, and Trey and Kristen were not only my guides and they were the leaders.

Let me jump ahead to our return home. This time the journeyman in Jos was our driver. She had been there for 2 years. I thought we needed our driver from before, I was wrong, she and Trey were more than capable of handling the roadblocks. One stop I was called the long lost Commander, I was impressed for a short time, but I came to believe that he was saying I looked like his Commander, let’s just say a big boy. Another stop was humorous; I was in the front passenger seat, because that is where us big boys sit when it is a full vehicle, and the huge armed authority came to my window. Picture this, he is taller and bigger than I am, he has this intimidating machine gun, he is not happy, he is Nigerian and my communication in Nigeria is not great. He said, “Are you coming from Jos?” I heard, “My name is John.” So I responded, “My name is Carl, how are you,” with my biggest smile. I thought he was being nice. I think it tickled him because he smiled large and let us go. Hey if you are ever in trouble in Nigeria, just say “My name is Carl,” you will be ok.

We made it to the airport, said our tough goodbyes, and began our travels home. This was the first time I ever entered our home country through customs. What a safe and incredible feeling it was to be back home. I am one who takes that for granted. What a first! I will share with you in a later blog about the Culture and Ministry that I experienced in Nigeria.