Port Harcourt and Aba

We spent the week in Port Harcourt and Aba Nigeria. We have been anxiously trying to get into this part of the country since our arrival last year, but unfortunately this area has been closed down to white couples for some time because of safety. We have just been given the green light to go into these places and thought we would take advantage of the time while things in the area are relatively safe. The picture above shows the Aba Nigeria Temple in the background and the streets of Aba in the foreground.

The Aba temple grounds had essentially been evacuated about two years ago. The temple presidency and missionary couples were basically whisked away overnight and temple activity simply stopped. Not long before we came to West Africa, a new temple president (African) was called and the temple has been up and running again, but not without difficulties. Last summer the temple president's wife was kidnapped and held for ransom for a few days. She had a couple of broken bones, but was otherwise returned unharmed (at least that's what we heard).

It is easy to see from the pictures above why the church has the reputation of being a 'rich mans church'. After all, right in the middle of the Aba chaos and clutter, is this beautiful temple with a 'solid gold' statue on top--they must have piles of money. We were able to spend one afternoon in the temple.

We spent most of the time on the Aba temple grounds (ancillary building). The compound and temple of course are immaculate. Certainly the nicest place in Aba.

Aba Nigeria

Ancillary building on the left, temple on the right

We were not allowed off the compound without church security in tow. When we travelled to see missionary apartments or hospitals, we drove with a chase car behind. The areas are fairly safe, but as there are many oil companies around, any 'rich white' people are still easy targets for kidnapping and ransom. We always felt safe when we were moving forward, but when stopped in traffic jams (Nigerian Go-Slows), you are always on the guard--checking the locks etc, and a little on edge.

Our time in Nigeria went by without incident. We tagged along with Elder Dickson during his mission tour. Normally we would not travel with the general authorities for our health visits, but for this mission tour, he made an exception since all the missionaries were gathered and we have been trying to get in to them for some time.

Sister Fife listening during the Zone meetings in Port Harcourt

We spent three days teaching missionaries--two or three zones at a time. We were there generally to reinforce the health topics that we have taught them when they came through the MTC. Mostly we are still teaching hygiene. Clean hands, clean food, clean water. Luckily this is one of our most obedient missions, consequently the missionaries are rarely sick--we love it.

Teaching Elder Fife style

Teaching Sister Fife style--hers is much more enjoyable

Two zone today and not a single missionary without his/her water filter bottle! We love these missionaries.
If all our missions were like this, we would be out of a job!

Today I learned a new way to tie my tie--its called the 'Port Harcourt Knot'. Its really not as hard as it looks in the picture, its just that I am old and have to concentrate a bit more these days.

Learning the 'Port Harcourt Knot'

We did manage to escape one afternoon for missionary apartment inspections, a mission home visit, and a visit to the Triumph hospital and clinic. This is the clinic we use for almost all of the missionary health concerns in the Port Harcourt Area.

Me, The Hospital Staff, and Sister Xaxagbe (mission president's wife) at the triumph hospital

Michelle managed a few random snaps around the Port Harcourt and Aba areas. She is getting pretty good at the old draw and shoot mode of photography since no one really wants there picture taken, some get really rather upset--so you have to be subtle (and fast).

These tricycles are called K-K's and are the primary mode of transportation in Aba and some cities in Nigeria.

Onions at the Market in Aba

Life in Nigeria--sorry had to censor this one, you have to be careful where you snap because the side of
any road is also the closest thing there is to a public restroom (just be thankful he is not a she
as for some reason that feels a little more offensive to us foreigners)

K-K's waiting for customers



Cassava's at the Market



This will probably be our last trip into Nigeria during our mission. It is a little sad for one of us (Sister Fife), and a little exciting for the other (Elder Fife). Either way, it was so nice to be with these missionaries as they are some of the best!

We miss our kids something fierce. It's one of the hardest things about serving a mission. We feel that each has been blessed in abundance as a result of mom and dad's mission, but it still doesn't make it any easier. One of the biggest things we have missed so far is Parker and Ashley's engagement. We are so incredibly happy that these two are together, and happy and healthy. We keep adding slowly to the family and couldn't be happier with a new daughter-to-be. 

Kelsey is doing well these last couple of weeks, but honestly she has caused me the most trouble! I was doing real good until she came here and then left, now I've just been homesick and ready to be home. Thanks Kelsey. She is doing well in her new position and seems to be happy and healthy. We are anxious to be home and visit the Sarria household. We miss them lots.

Brookie is doing well to. I always check facebook in the mornings cause sometimes she is on (she is four hours ahead of us) and we get to chat. Those two are back home from a long summer vacation and are very busy. Brooke has started in school and is working full time and Jordan is busy with work (a recent promotion) and school on the side as well. We are so proud of them both.

We pray for each of them every day.

We will be home in Accra tomorrow and are looking forward to having a week or two to catch up before the next little project comes our way.

...Staying Safe in Nigeria

Elder and Sister Fife