Update on School Closure

Last we reported was that Pre-K through 8th grade was closed until February 1st, but the school was waiting to hear from the board about what to do with grades 9-12, as well as AP students. The board decided that the entire school would remain closed until February 1st, with the exception of AP students. Since Jordan teaches AP Comparative Government, this decision affects him. Since, no one wants to interrupt the upcoming week off, it was concluded that Jordan would meet with his students next Friday for a couple hours and then on the following Monday for another couple hours. This will allow for us to enjoy a full week off without interruption.

So, although this is not an ideal situation, we're making the best out of our extra time off. We have made plans to get out of Abuja and head up to Minna, as well as catch up on some things we've been wanting to do for months.

No School...for Now

The day before school was to resume after winter break, we had heard that the Nigerian government had closed all schools until February 4th for voter registration. The Federal Government stated that schools would be used for voter registration stations for the upcoming April elections. Our school, which is a private school, resumed on Monday, January 10th as scheduled with authority from the US Embassy. We made it through seven school days, but closed the day after this news article was published. On Wednesday, we were informed that Pre-K through grade 8 would be closed until February 1st. The board meets today, January 20th, to decide what to do with grades 9-12 and AP students. It is possible that both of us will have 2 weeks off, but it is also possible that Jordan will have to work for a couple hours a day to ensure that his AP students learn what is needed before the AP exam in May. We are awaiting the final decisions, but are keeping our fingers crossed for another holiday.

This article was published today, in light of our school closure.

One of our reasons for teaching abroad was to learn about a different culture and its political history and progress. Although this is a difficult time in Nigeria's history, it's exciting to be learning from our experiences in Nigeria.

Although the Ministry of Education has closed school until February 4th, recent statements from his office have not been as specific. Statements are now stating schools will open in February, with no specific date. Another worry is that when the elections take place, schools will be closed again. We have already been told that there will be three days in April dedicated as "no movement" days. We shall see what this election year brings...we will keep you informed.

The South Africa Gang

The start of our adventure...

One Decade... and Many More to Come

Ten years...and we still love each other!!!

For those of you that don't know, we met in high school through mutual friends. Jessica was a sophomore (15 years old) and Jordan was a senior (17 years old). Although our families knew each other through our sisters, we had never formally met. Jessica's friend Jackie and Jordan's friend Colton asked us to accompany them on their first date. I guess they wanted others on the date just in case things weren't working out. Turns out, we clicked and started dating soon after. We have been inseparable ever since.

We have been through so much together in the last decade. We have encountered challenges that would rock most relationships, but throughout, we have kept our love and friendship alive. We are so lucky to have found one another so early in life.

We have so much to look forward to...the best is yet to come!

Since we live in Africa, we don't have any pictures from our early years...sorry.

If it makes you feel better, we look just as young. haha

Thanksgiving...AISA style

This Thanksgiving, we did things a little differently. We passed on the traditional turkey dinner and headed up to Minna in Niger state with 12 other friends. Minna is about 3 hours northwest of Abuja and worth the drive.

We stayed in the ex-military ruler's, Abdulsalami Al-haji Abubakar, villa. The villa sits up on a hill, overlooking the vast African landscape. It was a such a peaceful, quiet place...much different from the life of Abuja.

The villa was equipped with a huge kitchen (by Nigerian and American standards), swimming pool, a tennis court, pool and snooker tables, foosball, five suites, and a small mosque (just in case you need it). The boys also rented three motorcycles for the weekend and enjoyed riding around the bush.

A little mishap with our volleyball net.

We learned, after three times, not to spike if you think you might pull the net on your way down.

(the umbrellas were our poles)

Some of the gang watching the sunset

Last year when Brian was here, he took pictures of the village people in the area. This time, he brought back prints to share with them. So, on Friday, a group of us trudged out into the bush to visit these same villages. We left early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Unfortunately, the heat turned out to be too much for Jess and wiped her out for the later part of the afternoon. Here are some pictures from the hike.

This particular village was unable to communicate with us. They couldn't speak English and we couldn't speak Hausa. But through common hand motions and friendly gestures, we were able to communicate enough to learn about their customs and daily chores.

We had such a wonderful long weekend. It was nice to get away and bond with new friends. As we were leaving, we vowed to do this a couple times next semester. Hopefully, we all keep our promise because it was a weekend to remember!

What We've Been Up To Lately

Jess' first try at curtains.

(One's about a centimeter longer)

Some of the books we're reading at the moment

Jordan is learning to play the guitar.

Jess made the strap to display the guitar.

Jess spends a lot of time cooking and baking.

We have started growing our own herbs.

So far we have oregano, parsley and basil.

The King of the Jungle