I arrived in Lagos July 6th, 2010 with an Aifrance flight. I have been traveling for almost 24 hours…. the flight from Paris to Lagos was delayed for over 3 hours. The good thing about traveling in an upper class cabin was the ability to alight early from the aircraft and beat immigration lines so I was done with immigration processing in no time.
As I stood in front of the luggage belt waiting for my luggage, I couldn’t help but reflect on the reality of what I had just done. I just gave up my beautiful home in Katy, TX, being close to my immediate family who were all living in the US, great friends, and a 6 figure salary, not to mention an environment where things work as they should for the most part, to come back to Nigeria…. The fact that I was already missing my kids did not help matters as I plunged into a state of panic. What was I thinking? What if I totally hated living in Nigeria? What if this works out to be bad for my career? For my kids? The What if’s continued to parade in my mind until I was jolted awake by someone asking “madam you haven’t seen any of your bags?” I realized that the luggage had started coming out. I got all four suitcases and apart from one with a broken handle, everything seemed intact, even the unlocked luggage.
I was met outside the airport by my distant aunt who came to pick up a letter from my mom, and my company’s logistic staff who pushed my cart and directed me to the company’s shuttle bus. I spent my first night back in one of the guest suites at Protea hotel in Maryland. It was the best hotel I had stayed in Nigeria so far. Much nicer than Eko Suites in Victoria Island. The room was clean, the garden tub in my room was clean enough that I could have had a nice long bath but I was hungry and tired and opted for a quick shower before dinner. Their food was also much better than the food at Eko suites so if you ever need a hotel in Lagos, I would recommend Protea hotel in Maryland.
After dinner I returned to my room and called my family, I especially needed to hear my 2 year olds voice. I knew the next two months will be very long and lonely. I had made a very tough decision to leave my two sons behind with my parents while I set up in Nigeria to ensure a smooth transition for them. I went to bed on my first night in Nigeria missing a lot of things….but top on that list were my boys.
I love your first post and I look forward to more interesting posts from you. My dear just know that you have people who love you and God most of all is always looking after you wherever you decide to go. We are praying for you and I know your experience in Nigeria will be a thing of blessing and wonderful testimony by God's Grace. Take care of yourself love.
awh…reading ur post brought tears to my eyes but im sure ur decision was not in vain and you have great things to come. sometimes we have to explore new horizions to see what works for us. im sure it will be a sucessful and great experience. look on the bright side you sons will be joining you soon and you guys can begin a new life together.
am sorry that u are missing ur boys, am sure they are missing u also-alot. This is going to be a big change for u and mostly the boys but am sure everything will work out well. I will be coming to Nigerian next year for a visit–hopefully, so any tips on interesting things to do and stay will be helpful. I think it will be best not to expect too much during ur early stay in Nigeria but just be surpise by the things that comes ur way- I pray good things, I know how Nigeria could be crazy at time but its our mother's land, so we will always love it for the good and bad. Have lots of Fun!
Thanks for your comments and words of encouragement girls! There is a lot to love in our motherland so I am accepting the good with the bad and making the best of it.