Hey- I am sitting outside my apartment taking in all the sounds of the street – the guy on the corner with his worship music playing- the constant honking, the forever busy road- the smell of street vendors food and exhaust fumes- watching the thunderclouds roll in for the afternoon rain.
Speaking of busy road- yesterday I decided to be determined and get out – and go shopping. I felt like I was really getting out of my comfort zone. Up until now I have always had someone to go downtown with. Honestly it’s been weird to see my shyness come out with so many new things around here. But I decided I was going to put that aside- and just go to the shops downtown. Wow I actually had such a good time. Once I crossed the street. =0) The traffic is crazy here and there is not such a thing as a cross walk. Figuring out when the best time to Jay walk across the intersection was proving to be a bigger challenge than I thought. After watching cars and motorcycles – looking both ways (mom I haven’t forgotten) - I was wondering how long it was going to take. When this old man that I had just passed – who was selling raincoats- looked at me and motioned if I wished to cross the street. Surprised by his pity for the only white girl on the street- I said yes and watched in amazement as this elderly man stopped traffic by just stepping out in the street- like parting the red sea. =0) As far as the rest of my shopping- I bought bananas from a lady that carrys this huge bundle on her head.( I admire how Nigerians can carry everything on their heads- from firewood- to produce at the market. The other day I even saw girls folding laundry and putting it on their head =0)
I went to the bread store and got a good bargain for my bread and jam, and bought a sweet Nigerian style Christian music video at a Christian book store. I can’t get over how people negotiate prices. Working in retail in America for a year- it’s kinda shocking the difference in sales. For example I was looking at a air dry clothes rack nad asked how much- the lady said 6,500 naira. Looking at it again- I asked- is that your last price? Then she quickly responded- no 4,600 naira. What a huge difference. I wasn’t really needing one so I didn’t buy it but wow- so different.
I got to go shoe shopping- it was so fun!! Except telling a salesperson you need a size 44 is a little humbling ( oh well how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good tidings- they might as well be big too=0) The ladies showed me all their styles and I felt like the stepsisters in Cinderella- trying to make the shoe fit! =0) They would say- “it’s ok” “can we bring you the other shoe?” I asked them how much- and not wanting to pay that much they asked- then how much would you pay to bring them home. The shoe lady was so sweet to take me to all the neighboring shops trying to help me find shoes. =0) I am so thankful I brought as many shoes as I did- although this one long pointed neon green high-heeled pair with lots of Bling- Bling really caught my eye- and almost fit. I guess I am not meant to be Cinderella yet =0)
The cloth and the handbags were all so fun too. And I even went into the Mary Kay shop and asked if she would do facials for my missionary friends. She even had ivory foundation- though not a big stock of it because “not too many people ask for that shade.” A nice way of saying we aren’t as white as you. =0)
Coming back from my enjoyable shopping trip I made myself a nice peanut butter and banana sandwich for supper- with my homemade peanut butter and new bananas.
And then it was off to watch my new movie my mom bought for a going away present- Confessions of a shopaholic.! =0)
The next day I wrapped my green scarf around my neck and faced the day in style. No I did not buy it for $120. I bought it at my favorite store – Dress Barn. =0)
So that’s all for now- A deep quote from my shopping movie to end this piece “ I will not be defined by clothes, fashion, or family….”
No truly what defines us is that we are each made in God’s image- prized by Majesty for His beautiful purpose.
