Glad to be back

Hi everyone, I'm back to the UK after a restful visit to naija.

With all the chaos why was it restful? Try being in the UK with three children, no nanny, no husband, no housekeeper, attending full time school and working part-time! Going home was a relief. That is an understatement; I was ecstatic to be home. My children have already started asking me when we can go visit again.

Do they notice the bad roads, the incessant power cuts, the dirt etc? I bet they do, but they also saw a side of naija that they've fallen in love with; fussy aunties, new foods, cousins all around them to play football with or chase after chickens and goats with! Grandparents that love them and parents that have more time for them as we are freed from a lot of housework.

I've always been of the belief that my children will feel most at home in naija, so I've constantly made an effort to speak positively about naija with them. They talk proudly of naija...if only they know the way Nigeria is perceived ...sigh. They probably do though, from hearing us complain. My intention though is not to whitewash what Nigeria is. Far from that. I've seen enough naija children in the Diaspora speak disdainfully of Nigeria..which is ok to do, as long it is balanced with what makes one yearn to create or be part of change for the better. That yearning can only come when one assumes ownership. I do not want my kids to grow up unaware of the treasure they have. It's coated with all sorts of terrible things that have made it lose its lure and luster but who knows, one day it may shine again; if we polish off, nay, chip of bit by bit the dross.

It's also good to be home here in England. It's time to catch up with our friends and soak up the culture and history of Britain. I'm enjoying the best of both worlds....now if only I can find that organizer I put away before we left. Clockwork nomad. Every thing has to be precise or else appointments will not be kept, the children will get to school late or play dates will not be set up....Pray for me people. It is well.