Nigerian Journal #5

Today, physically, Rotary got its money’s worth out of us. We trekked at least 6 miles (over 14,000 pedometer steps) around the Achi Community looking for the right places to put the pipe-stands in each of the 8 villages and the 2 schools. The day started with the Achi Progressive Union Committee meeting at the Opara’s house. This is the local body that makes the decision as to where each stand will be. But as we went to each village, they consulted with the village leaders as to where it should be. There was a bit of verbal fights as disagreements arose as to the placements. Many of us in America tend to be passive-aggressive and subtle in situations like these; but not the Africans. You know where everyone stands – and the whole village knows and hears it! But few seconds later they are all smiling and joking and just plain having fun!

At each site was a ceremony as the spot was marked. This was followed by the women doing their vocal “thing” (I don’t know what to call it – I have a few seconds of it on the web) and dance. We also got gifts of fruits along the way. There was one new fruit that I don’t think is in Jamaica, called bush apple. It has four seeds inside a yellow pod and the white liquid that comes out when you break it open is quite sticky. Your lips remain gluey for a long time. I have renamed it the “love fruit” which must be eaten at wedding ceremonies just before the couples kiss – let your imagination run wild!

This project will be quite expensive, and we are hoping that it will involve many clubs in our Rotary District. But what a difference it will make. As you can see from some of the photos they have to travel quite far to get a couple containers of water, which cost them 20 nira per container (which would be about $2.00 if converted to our economy, i.e., based on their daily wage vs. our daily wage). Right now they barely have enough for meals and some laundry. This project will make a difference in the community.

The day ended with the “cola” welcome ceremony at the Opara’s house, and a prayer in Ibo. They explained to us that the cola does not understand English, only Ibo! We had a wonderful time. Tomorrow is the clinic.