The programme was an interesting one, starting from our departure from Lagos all the way to Manguna, Jos (The camp area name). We had a little bit of adventure on the way to Jos with the bus breaking down almost about 5 times on the way. This actually resulted in missing a day of the program and having to reschedule the programme activities.
Camping in an open place, under the stars and sleeping in tents is something I have not experienced before, not to talk of on a cold mountain top (cut off from the usual busy life of the city the entire camp area bathed in the silvery shine of the luminescence of the stars and moon. I guess it’s a foretaste of the peace of mind and tranquility one looks forward to and what our Lord Jesus Christ promised. I honestly couldn’t really sleep on our first night on the mountain because of a number of factors; completely exposed in the wilderness, with no safety of solid walls and a locked door or high fences, and of course most especially the cold seeping into the tent and seeming to laugh at the layers of clothing, jackets, stockings and face mufflers I had on. It was the coldest I have ever experienced but thankfully, I later got used to it after the first night’s experience.
We had activities which involve everyone working together as a team and these actually helped me to see those I have known for a long time in a different perspective, and also get closer and form strong bonds of friendships with others I am only aquatinted with. I learnt to adapt to a different environment and ended up loving it! Some of the adaptations I had to make were really tough, and it was a surprise that I came to really enjoy it all after a few days. One such was our having to climb or clamber up and down various rocks and boulders when descending or ascending a hill or mountain on a daily basis. It was something most of us didn’t bargain for, but it’s all worth it because I ended going back home filled with a different view about life. The rocking climbing & orienteering activities, daily compass checks, Camp fire nights discussions, Sabbath on the rock, Ladies forum private discussion (which centered on women combining career with taking care of the home), visiting NESCO Electricity power station at Kura Village etc altogether really thought me about what it entails to live life to the full and not just exist, especially when it comes to enduring things, patience, coping with difficulties and that good things never really come easily. I will say that the programmed is not just about fun but on trying to develop oneself both physically and spiritually and being able to apply the experiences gained in our daily activities. Above all, been able to always remember God’s unfailing promises and love towards us and not relying on our own abilities…
Miss Alade Blessing Taiwo is an Accountant, living and working in Lagos, Nigeria.
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