Technical Difficulties

Hey everyone, when I posted Jeff's writeup and photos, everything looked good.  An hour later, the photos were gone and I have no idea why!  I've tried to add photos back where I can.  Sorry about that!

Africa Contingent Update

Early Adventures in Africa

by Jeff

Well, I've had some great times so far...I've arrived in Africa, located a home, our church, a bank account (they charge for EVERYTHING here, including if you make a deposit - I don't think I will complain about Citi again!), a car, a laundry AND done some actual work for my new job...not too bad for a short time on the ground.  Oh yeah, and remind me to tell you about the Angolan visa process sometime.

Then, since things were getting a little routine, I decided to go to Nigeria.  I started off in Lagos on Sunday and part of Monday, packed up and went to Port Harcourt on the Niger Delta for 2 days of meetings, and back to Lagos for a day.  Then I caught the red eye home (which is now Joburg, South Africa).

Nigeria is really cool.  It has a sense of energy and optimism that is unbelievable.  But it is a little more difficult to travel in.  I've got some pictures to share.

     I flew from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Arik Air, which is a bit like Southwest, complete with a free full-body frisk as you head up the steps to the plane.  

This is the Port Harcourt INTERNATIONAL Airport

Arrival & baggage claim

     Ok, so I've never waited in a baggage claim TENT but it was very cool!  There is amazing growth in Port Harcourt.  I was speaking with a Nigerian about the massive shifts in the economy over the last decade that are driving some of the changes from an agrarian lifestyle to a fully industrialized one.  It's interesting to observe.  People are very friendly and like to talk and exchange pleasantries as well.  I really enjoyed my visit.

     Another very interesting item for me was the security.  My company likes to keep folks safe, and so I had police escort and lots of guards.  I felt a bit disconcerted, but also, what guy doesn't occasionally dream of having a full security detail?

    

     Finally, I just wanted to let you know that Nigeria won their semi-final match against Mali today:

 4 to 1!  (Shout out for Brian J.) and are in the Africa Cup Finals.

Utah Contingent Update

So, Jeff left for Africa 3 weeks ago.  Here are a few things we've been up to while he's been gone...

Kate--skiing every Monday at Sundance with her school and Courage Reins
horseback riding

John--Oquirrh Mountain Temple w/Corbin & Kayden and "test driving" a SmartCar 

 Michele--"Africa Night" with my awesome book club and reconnecting with Breeann and Desiree whom I worked with 20 years ago in Milwaukee when they were in the 12-14 year old class at church!

All with the backdrop of more snow than we've ever seen since moving to Utah!

...3 weeks down and 5 to go till we're all together as a family again.  Yeah!!