Before I came to Nigeria and when I was explaining the VSO-ICS programme to my friends and family, it was a common thought that I would be living in a 'mud hut' that we always see plastered over the TV and in the media whenever Africa is mentioned. I would be living in this place where all the basic amenities of cosy home life would be long gone. There would be no electricity. There would be no running water. There would be no bathroom. These conceptions were soon to be abolished.
Initially I was really nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I was out of my comfort zone. But that's what this programme is all about - being away from home, throwing yourself into a new culture and living in a host home.
I arrived in Nigeria October 9th and moved in, with my counterpart, to our host families home in Lafia on October 12th. The ideas that were being thrown about at home were pretty much far from the truth. My host home is a gated residence for one. Pretty much most of the homes in Lafia have gates and concrete walls around the homes. The compound was a fair size and the house was fairly new. My home looked amazing which put me at ease and I could let out a sigh of relief. My host dad, Mr Ayuba, opened the door to his home and I felt right at home straight away. The house is so inviting and homely, you can just settle in nicely and quickly.
My counterpart and I share a bedroom, which is a decent size. We have a large mattress to sleep on and a good sized area to chill. We have a ceiling fan - which comes in very handy during the super hot days and nights in Lafia. In this end of the town, the electricity supply is near enough perfect, our power does not get taken that often! The parlour (or lounge at home) has two sofas and two armchairs. We have a TV with a satellite box - which picks up MTV and BBC - too. We also have a fridge and a freezer, and the kitchen is of a decent size. We have our own bathroom too. There is not currently running water in our house because the house is fairly new - about 13 weeks old - but the materials are in place to create a bore hole. We currently fetch water from the well in our compound - which is definitely an experience (especially when the strings snaps and you lose the bucket, oops).
My host mum, Mrs Ayuba, was not around when I arrived, she was out with her friends, but I got to meet her that evening. She is a bubbly, lovely person. I really get on well with her and we have nice, long chats all the time. Every morning she asks me "how was your night?" and when i get in from work she always asks how my day was. She has even tried to teach me some basic Hausa! She is a seamstress and has a shop in town. She has been receiving plenty orders from the volunteers, and myself, to make clothes for ourselves and/or family and friends at home. She cooks amazing food too - which is something I thought I would struggle with a lot - it can be a bit spicy but I just eat what I can handle! She has gotten to know me so well that if a meal is beyond the flavouring I can handle, there is always some Indomie (instant noodles) that I can have.
Mr and Mrs Ayuba are young and lively. My host parents are very outgoing and have lots of friends. We always have people visiting and staying over - from our host fathers sister to family friends. They like to have fun and enjoy their life together. They are newly married. We celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary at the beginning of November. They do not currently have any children but we do have three dogs - Nala, Mali, and Simba. Simba is the newest member of the family - they bought him home just this week. It was a lovely surprise when I got home from work. They even handed me him and told me that I could name him! He is an adorable puppy and reminds me a lot of my dog at home! My host parents have made me feel really welcome and made my time in Nigeria so amazing. They have let me be myself and accepted me as someone who doesn't follow a religion and therefore not forced anything on me. I could not have asked for a better host home or host parents. I always joke with the rest of the volunteers on my team that my counterpart and I mostly definitely have the best home and family.
I am really going to miss them when I go back to the UK - hopefully we can stay in touch and maybe one day I will be back to see them, 'my' gorgeous puppy Simba, and see that their family has grown and they have wonderful, beautiful children! I wish them all the best and thank them for making my experience one that I will remember always.
Thomas Ayling
VSO-ICS Lafia volunteer
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