Faith, Hope, and Love

Today Nigeria is 50 years old. Earlier this week, I jokingly tweeted a friend saying that our country must be in a mid-life crisis with all the issues that face it. She later tweeted her hopes that the next 50 will be greater and better than before. When Nigeria gained its independence in 1960, the country was expected to be at the forefront of economic and political progress as independence continued to sweep the continent.  It was expected to lead Africa in its transition from colonial nations to independent one. To be the shining star as Africa went from undeveloped to developed. Nigeria has the largest population in Africa, the most varying ethnic and linguistic groups. At independence we had some of the most experienced politicians and an able and efficient service, and we did (and still do) have a very diversified economy. So what happened? Why are we still at the same place we were at independence... if not actually in a worser place? It's like, as a countr...

One of the funniest websites ever! And so true! You know you're Nigerian when...

Yesterday, I missed a call from what I thought was a friend from college (I recently synced my phone to Facebook, and for some reason this number is connected to her account or something weird like that). Today, "she" calls back and I pick up... except it wasn't my friend, it was the U.S. Immigration and Customs office calling to verify my legal status. Apparently, someone had filed a complaint about me, and they were calling to do a phone interview. The conversation went something like this: Man: Hi, may I speak to ...? Me: This is she.  Man: I'm calling from the U.S. Immigration and Customs office, and we have recieved some information suggests your status has changed. [there's a pause where I think, "OMG... what does unemployment have to do with immigration?!"] Are you here on a visa, or...? Me: No, I'm a citizen.  Man: Were you born here, or you're a naturalized citizen? Me: I was born here...  Man: And do you have a U.S. passport...

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a slight obsession with Disney. Anyone who knows me also knows I have an obsession with fairy tales. My obsession with both is probably what makes "Beauty & the Beast" one of my favorite movies (and definitely my favorite Disney animation). It's being re-released on DVD on October 5th, and I can't wait!!! Won't be buying it, unless I land a second job (then it'll be my celebratory gift to myself), but... in honor of this release, theaters across the U.S. are doing sing-a-longs . A friend and I went to the one yesterday, and on Saturday (Oct 2nd) at noon will be the second day they do this. Can I just saying a sing-a-long in a theater is sooo much fun! I sing a long at home all the time, but something about a group of people watching a movie on the big screen, with the words being highlighted for you, and everyone singing and quoting the lines without anyone shushing... COMPLETE AWESOMENESS!!! I took pictures... and...

I got a call about a technical writing position!!! I missed the lady's call, and then she was out of the office by the time I called back, but I am PRAYING that this turns into a real opportunity for me! It almost seems cruel to get a call and then it not pan out. Especially since I've been waiting for long for something, anything! I've also applied to a lot of tutoring and teaching-type jobs... and I'm considering of doing a teaching practicum (kind of like student teaching) in the Spring so I can officially have my teaching certification. However, I can't decide what grade I should go for if I do go down that route. I've passed the English Language teaching test for grades 4-8 and 8-12; some days I think I'd like the 4th/5th grade range better, and other days I think fondly of my days in Honors and AP English and think I should go the high school route. I'm still planning to take some online classes starting in October to give me some leverage f...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hears and your minds in Christ Jesus.  My last post sounded unhappy and ungrateful. Too things that I'm not... but I do have moments of despair, and that was one of them. In a much better place today. And decided to re-read this passage, which has been my mantra since the day I lost my job. A great work of God is predicated by a humble attitude. And I have definitely been humbled. All I can do is pray, confess that I can't do it on my own, and completely surrender. So... I guess I just have to wait for that great work of God, huh? Any time, Lord. Any time. :)

Are you there, God? It's me... and I need to talk to You. I'm tired of pretending that I'm okay. Because, honestly, I'm not. I'm far from okay. I want to trust You so much... and I guess, deep down inside, I do. But I'm also scared. And so full of uncertainty. What is going to happen to me? What is this that You're doing to me? When will I find a second part-time job, or find a full-time job, and be able to no longer worry about how rent and other bills will get paid? When will I be able to hold my head up high and proudly tell people what I do, instead of trying to make "Right now, I work part-time at the YMCA" sound like my absolute dream when at times it feels like a nightmare? When will the shame of losing my job be left behind me? And when will I no longer feel this pit of despair inside me? When will my smile be real again? And when will I be able to enjoy life again? Are You there, God? It's me... and I'm so confused. I...