Yankari National Park

Yankari National Park is about a 4-hour drive from Jos, near a town called Bauchi. I went there for an overnight with the Cunninghams, another missionary family in Niger. During our time we went on two "safaris" looking for wild animals, and swam in the beautiful Wikki Warm Springs. It was a worthwhile trip and we were able to see some cool stuff.

The one night we were there a huge rainstorm came and it was pouring down for at least an hour! There was no way I could pass up this opportunity so I sprinted down to the spring (seriously, it's a natural spring with warm, clear water) and jumped right in! It was such a great experience to be in this warm water, lying on my back under the water and looking up towards the sky, with the rain drops splashing on the surface and lightning in the background!

An incredible view!

The Cunninghams (minus Peter)

Wikki Warm Springs

Baby with Momma in the mud...

Yeah, we saw heaps of elephants.

Waterbuck too...

Abuja

While in Nigeria I had the opportunity to go to Abuja with Kingsford, one of the guys who works for the Ardills. Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, and is a relatively new city (it's only about 30 years old). We spent one night in town, and picked up a friend of the Ardills', Lydia Reichart.

It was great to see other parts of Nigeria, and to experience how very "modern" Abuja was! I mean, they had street lights, freeways, expensive hotels, plenty of imported goods, etc. The only thing is that the power was out pretty much the whole time we were there...thank God for generators!

Kingsford and I at the Hilton hotel...we were in shock!

Grass!

Shawarma sandwich from a Lebanese restaurant!

This huge rock represents the "seat of power" of the president of Nigeria.

Freeway?

A huge church in town!

And just down the road...a huge mosque!

Hanging Out With The "Fam"

I had so much fun spending time with the Ardill family in Jos. They were so welcoming and generous to me during my two weeks with them. I mean seriously...coffee every morning, eggs for breakfast, tours of Jos, volleyball with the cousins, watching movies, seeing the ministries of my aunt and uncle...it was incredible!

I loved being with my cousins in their normal setting...going to school, goofing off, going out to eat. It was so refreshing! Anyways, they're great and here are some pictures of all the fun we had!

Laying out on the GREEN grass, listening to music...

I developed an at-home workout with my youngest cousin David...

Heather and Marie at the Net Cafe

Fajitas and Bitter Lemon soda...heavenly!

True Nigerian food...pounded yam and egusi soup

David whipped out his Home Depot tools to work on some stuff around the house

We had some serious Lego aircraft battles!

Anna got a LOT of candy from the States!

Mint chocolate chip ice cream, what more needs to be said?

Aunt Dorothy and Marie

Blind Town

For years my Aunt Dorothy was involved with a street ministry called "Gidan Bege" which is based out of Jos. It is a ministry that has expanded greatly and takes in kids and orphans from the street. The staff helps to give them food and educate them.

I was able to join a team from Gidan Bege on a weekly trip to one of two slums known as "Blind Town." There is a high population of blind people and lepers there...the outcasts of society. We visited for the afternoon and passed out some medicine to these people and their families.

If you think of it, please pray for this effective ministry that seeks to bring Christ's love to so many poor and needy people in Jos, Nigeria.

Oh the children...

Our drug dispensary...

One of the nurses who did consultations...

What a beautiful sky!

Jos Wildlife Park

While I was in Jos, we had a "boys outing" to the Wildlife Park just outside of town. Bill, David, and I went for the afternoon and were able to see a bunch of cool animals.

I'm telling you it was SO green at this place! That was one of the main things I noticed in Nigeria...how lush it was! Niger is still pretty brown and sandy, but the rains are coming...

Anyways, this place was originally owned by a Swedish man back in the day. As a hobby, he collected exotic animals and kept them in cages and fences all over his property outside of town. After he left the country, his residence was turned into a wildlife park!

So here are some pictures...

Entrance

Hungry or just tired?

Father and son...

A good view of Jos...

Just chillin...