Tag-Alongs in Nigeria

Sunset over Lagos



Today we set out as minions, tag-alongs really. We were asked to accompany Sister Wixom (general primary president) and Sister Allred (councilor in the general Relief Society) as they travelled for auxiliary training in our part of the world. First stop Lagos. We felt a bit like a fifth wheel, but I think were able to provide mental support—just knowing the doctor is around staves off a lot of worry and concern.





Our Chase Car



Here is the Nigerian summary: two days, four meetings broadcast to over 19 stakes and district to the remote parts of Nigeria. No sickness or illness. Everywhere followed by a chase car (security vehicle). Fun being in this entourage. Long days. Back to the airport.

At first we were a bit uncomfortable to be eating meals with the general authorities and general officers (these good sisters), but as the week went on, it became much less uncomfortable. We really got to know these sisters, and had a delightful time with them.

We met with our friends the Bakers (senior missionaries serving in Lagos) and they took us out to dinner—a wonderful buffet with seafood, Nigerian food, and even barbequed meat! They are a delightful couple (from Canada eh!), and we are looking forward to their visiting us next week in Accra.

Saw a few missionaries on the side, but the overall health of the missionaries in Lagos is excellent. This is one of our healthiest missions.

President Karkari’s daughter (reigning miss Ghana) competed in the miss world pageant this week, and she won the first prize in ‘beauty with a purpose” category. He was a very happy man this week.

Lagos is a beautiful city if you are looking in the right spots. We were assigned to visit the Oshodi branch with sister Allred. Here in the middle of the neighborhood must be 50 churches.

Heading to Church Sunday Morning

Sister Allred said that I was paying more attention to the Alleluias coming from the church next door, than to her remarks in sacrament meeting.  To be honest she was probably right, but in my defense the Alleluias and Amens were very loud and hard to ‘tune out’. All of the chapels in Africa are open—meaning if you don’t open the windows to the outside, you die of heat. That said, quite often you compete with the traffic, other churches, children, dogs, chickens, birds that fly in the windows etc , for attention in the meetings. Sacrament at home (with crying babies) has nothing on the meetings here.

The Nigerian Boys, this boy on my left followed us
around the whole day (the perfect child in sacrament meeting)



The Nigerian Girls--Lagos Stake Center



Overall, the meetings were great, the training well received, and a usual, the people are wonderful. We left Nigeria with full hearts and a yearning to return.

...From Lagos

Elder and Sister Fife