Chad in Lagos - Days 1-3

We were thrilled that Chad could join us for a few weeks in Lagos.  We had so many plans and we were so excited to share our new land with him.  We hardly gave him time to get over jet lag and rushed him off on the first day at 9:00am to the Ishahayi Beach School.  

The students seem to enjoy seeing new faces.    

The 5th grade class has pen pals in Houston and posed with their recent letters.

Monogamy vs Polygomy Lesson....

It's always interesting to see what the students are learning.  I just had to 'snap' the chalkboard for the Social Studies review.  The lesson reads: 

Types of Marriage 

Men marry the number of wives as allowed by their custom, religion and some other factors.   In all cases, the resources available seem to be the important factor for this practice.   Monogamy is the practice of having only one wife or husband at a time.   When a man marries more than one wife, it is called Polygamy.    Polyandry is when a woman has more than one husband.   Though Islam allowed muslims to marry more than one wife, this is only permitted to those who are rich and can marry more than one wife.   Some men whether they are muslims or not, need more than one wife because of their jobs.   For example, the farmer and artist require more people to work for them.   When they acquire more wives and produce more children, it enhances the growth and development of their occupation, whereby making it a family affair.   It is for the individual to consider which of the marriages is best for him.  The resources to maintain the wives and the children must be considered before engaging in Polygamy.  

Well, Ok....moving on!  

Since oyibos (white ones) are not seen too often in these areas, 

the children like to take pictures and gather around us.  

This is the school bus boat.   Many children come from the surrounding villages, so they are transported daily.   Of the 140 students, about 55 of them come to school via the water.  

Chad's first view of the beach close to the school....

It was nice and peaceful to sit at the Exxon/Mobile beach hut for a snack before returning to Lagos. 

 Chad has now gained LOTS of new moms.  

Pictured are Robbin, Juli, Gail, Janet and Chad.

We were thrilled to have NEW (non-smelly) life preservers on this trip!

Karen and Marilyn - with their pretty smiles!!  

I love the attitudes and the fun nature of all these women.  

I am SO blessed that they are part of our Lagos journey.

We passed by lots of small villages along the way.

And plenty of shipwrecks on our way back.   

After the school, we went to play Hand & Foot, which Chad enjoyed.  He also got to experience grocery shopping, Lagos style.  This includes a stop at the fruit and vegetable roadside stands as well as 4 small stores attempting to find everything on our list.    :)  

On Friday, we joined international friends at their home for a wonderful dinner.  

Chad met other expats from Scotland, Kazakhstan, the UK and Texas.  

Due to the oil here, there's always a few Texans in the bunch!    

On Saturday, we waited at the Lagos Yacht Club ready to sail, but the rain changed our plans to a rest and a nap.  The weather cleared up just in time for our Grape Grazers (Wine Tasting) Event and Silent Auction held to benefit the Ishahayi Beach School.  It was a big success!      

Chad enjoyed meeting more expat friends and seeing the dik-dik, 

which is a family pet of the host home's owner.   

The dik-dik is from South Africa and the smallest member of the antelope family.   

This little guy is friendly and roughly 8-9 years old.  

It's been a fun start to Chad's visit.