I've always been cautioned that there are two sides to every story...and remembering that has saved me on multiple occasions. Until this trip to Mexico, I've never truly stopped to consider the fact that moments of historical significance also … [Read more]
Monkey’n Around…
Posted on March 22, 2013 // 2 Comments
Life moves rapidly here in Nigeria. It doesn’t ever seem to slow to a comfortable pace. We’re escorted in armored cars by armed men with AK-47s. We’re alerted as pirate attacks, kidnappings, and robberies occur. We receive reports when the … [Read more]
A Community Forced to Disappear, but Fighting to Stay Alive in Lagos, Nigeria…
Posted on March 18, 2013 // 13 Comments
I pointed at what appeared to be a temporary encampment on the shores of an overgrown island. Mkpa, the Nigerian who captained our boat, hesitantly reconfirmed that this was indeed where I wanted to come ashore. We maneuvered between two large river … [Read more]
The Island Party…
Posted on March 10, 2013 // 3 Comments
After class on Friday, our students changed out of their uniforms and told my team, “It’s the weekend! We will take you to party and a new place to explore.” We piled onto boats, laughing and listening to a mix of English and their native … [Read more]
Our Return to the Island of Change…
Posted on March 3, 2013 // 8 Comments
The return visit was an entirely different experience. The children didn't cautiously emerge from the homes their parents had constructed from the trash that floated ashore. We weren't pale ghosts this time around. There were no more … [Read more]
Seen For the Very First Time…
Posted on February 24, 2013 // 12 Comments
No electricity. No drinking water. No toilets. No Police. This is a forsaken island. For 107 years, this island community has struggled to survive off the coast of Nigeria. It has been the home to lighthouse keepers, slave traders, runaway … [Read more]
An Unfolding Adventure….
Posted on February 8, 2013 // 13 Comments
Today, I'm venturing down a path I've purposefully never taken---a path that leaves one open to critics, expectations, and global spectators.That path is the realm of personal blogging---The art of telling one's personal story and welcoming anyone … [Read more]