New Beginnings

[TPC 0]

Ok ladies, I am so excited . It is so refreshing to be able to share my deepest thoughts and feelings about my journey. I have one lady in this area that I talk to that really understands what I am going through, due to the fact that her husband is from Nigeria also. He is here with her now and they are doing very well. This is truly a faith walk. Do you all realize that with the help of God, we have stepped over into a level of faith that most women are afraid to go because of what people may say or because of our own fears. I agree with you, having a man in my life that loves the Lord first has just taken my relationship with the Lord to another level. I have been married before, but I have never been in love like this before. My baby feels that same way. When you go to Africa, you will be treated like the Queen that you are.

TPC

[Optimystic 0]

Ok ladies, I am so excited . It is so refreshing to be able to share my deepest thoughts and feelings about my journey. I have one lady in this area that I talk to that really understands what I am going through, due to the fact that her husband is from Nigeria also. He is here with her now and they are doing very well. This is truly a faith walk. Do you all realize that with the help of God, we have stepped over into a level of faith that most women are afraid to go because of what people may say or because of our own fears. I agree with you, having a man in my life that loves the Lord first has just taken my relationship with the Lord to another level. I have been married before, but I have never been in love like this before. My baby feels that same way. When you go to Africa, you will be treated like the Queen that you are.

TPC

Check your mailbox. I sent you a PM

God bless and have a wonderful day!

[Jideprincess 0]

Ok ladies, I am so excited . It is so refreshing to be able to share my deepest thoughts and feelings about my journey. I have one lady in this area that I talk to that really understands what I am going through, due to the fact that her husband is from Nigeria also. He is here with her now and they are doing very well. This is truly a faith walk. Do you all realize that with the help of God, we have stepped over into a level of faith that most women are afraid to go because of what people may say or because of our own fears. I agree with you, having a man in my life that loves the Lord first has just taken my relationship with the Lord to another level. I have been married before, but I have never been in love like this before. My baby feels that same way. When you go to Africa, you will be treated like the Queen that you are.

TPC

Girlriend you aint saying nothing but the truth..I gotta laugh at myself..because I remember when I first started talking to JIDE..seriously there was a chemistry....but i was not accepting it at first..I was doing the logical thinking..OOKKK I aint met this man...im a grown reasonable sane woman....lmbooooooo..But its like a pull was there..then i said..OOK In a spiritual sense..either i done connected with my soulmate or in a spell...lmboo..lol..i know i wont under no spell..so after a while..I prayed..and I prayed..I said..LORD if this man not right..RELEASE ME PLEASE...I dont got time for mess..a.hhahahha..but he never was forceful..we just were friends..and he designed this graphic for my ministry and we talked about life and kids..i mean...really it was a unspoken freedom..and day by day..this man just pulled my heart..after a while of fighting...geesh..I had to admit..ok this not normal to most..but I love this man..ahahhahahah..Ok by then thats when it all began..

Right now i dont talk to negative folks or tell many what im doing..folks will put negativity in your spirit. I dont even allow it..Many people cant see the promise and the vision for what GOD has in your life. Abraham in the bible had to leave his family and go out on his own..I see myself doing that...They say im insane leaving States and going to unknown country..But the GoD i serve made me, Jide, The US and Nigeria..nothing hid from him..So what GOd shows you my sistahs stick with that..I dont care who dont agree...

I told my mother..YOu my mother and i understand from a mother me leaving for two weeks..but you gotta trust the GOD i know...and Im going to marry him..Yall accept it or not...whether you do or not..Im gonna stand by my husband..thats my view...Dont cheat your happiness with others opinions my sisters..They go to bed and sleep you up wrestling..>Nobody should steal your joy...

Jump out on blind faith..Its like you on a tall building...Close your eyes..reach out to GOD and JUMP..and right now...my JUMP is to NIGERIA..

Ok yall aint gonna get me writing all up here and gotta blog too..ahahahhh.can you tell I like to write..lol..ahahah

PEACE

[TPC 0]

I love to talk too. So all I am going to say is you GO GIRL

TPC

[Jideprincess 0]

I love to talk too. So all I am going to say is you GO GIRL

TPC

HEY GIRLfriend.. I added you to my YAHOO..dont know if its right name.is it TPC? I got that from profile..you can hit me up on PM or here..either way

OOOH yes they ssaid my passport should be here on JUNE 23rd, finish processing 20th. ..Let me ask you ladies..what Immunizations did you need to take..i know yellow fever, typhoid and malaria. Jide sending me a letter of invite and intinerary for my ministry work too there...shoot gotta cover my bases...what did you all send in for your VISA??? for ones who been to Nigeria.

Oh yes how was the plane ride..Im leaving from VA.whew about 20 hrs here and there i see...how was airport in NIGERIA...geesh ok..enough questions..ahhahahh

[TPC 0]

Hi girlfriend, I will meet you at the PM. But as far as the shots goes, I had to take the shot for yellow fever, hepatitis and tetanus. Pills were prescribed for Malaria. Now those were the shots for my trip to Dakar, Senegal. Someone else can inform you about Nigeria. My flight was from Atlanta, Ga. to Senegal, which amounted to about 22 hours roundtrip. My flight was very good. Talk to you later.

TPC

[joej 0]

I love to talk too. So all I am going to say is you GO GIRL

TPC

HEY GIRLfriend.. I added you to my YAHOO..dont know if its right name.is it TPC? I got that from profile..you can hit me up on PM or here..either way

OOOH yes they ssaid my passport should be here on JUNE 23rd, finish processing 20th. ..Let me ask you ladies..what Immunizations did you need to take..i know yellow fever, typhoid and malaria. Jide sending me a letter of invite and intinerary for my ministry work too there...shoot gotta cover my bases...what did you all send in for your VISA??? for ones who been to Nigeria.

Oh yes how was the plane ride..Im leaving from VA.whew about 20 hrs here and there i see...how was airport in NIGERIA...geesh ok..enough questions..ahhahahh

In addition to the shots mentioned here and Hep A and B, I also had to be current on my MMR (measels, mumphs and rhubella). I guess I didnt half to have that, but the travel place here recommended it. I took the malaria pills with me as well. I started to get a little sick toword the end of my visit, but was ok. I did eat meat, even though I was told not to (yummy). Drank only bottled water though.

For my visa, I had to send the letter of invitation, birth cert., fee, passport, the application, and some of those passport photos. I can't remember anything else.

I flew from JFK to Amsterdam through KLM. The food was pretty good, and I didn't have any problems. I dont know about everyone else, but I arrived in Lagos and wasnt able to see hubby untill after I went through customs and picked up my luggage. It seems like everyone has to wait outside for their loved ones. It was pretty scarry wondering around there thinking I had been abandoned.

Sorry this is getting so long, but there is one more thing. I didn't realize that Naira cannot be converted to USD too easily. When I left, I had thought about exchanging my Naira in Amsterdam or the US, but found out they don't do that.

Best wishes to you on your trip. I must admit I'm a bit jealous.

[Jideprincess 0]

this trip is bringing so much out in me..seriously..I completely avoided plane all my life cept one one hr flight to MD i believe...now i have to fly across the world ahahahhahah...Ok second..i cant stand heat cuz of allerigeis ahhahahhah..so ummmm..I told JIDE yanno I better be treated like a queen..ahahhah..but nah i know he will...ahahahah.he sent me a cloth from Nigeria with his brother in law who i spoke to day...i cant pronounce name of cloth.....and they sewing me a dress...plus they coming from TX to meet my mom and sister.and bringing gifts...im sure my mom may change her tune a little..ahahahhahah..I though it was nice of them..i guess to represent Jide family......All this at times seem like a dream....yanno...so im enjoying it..and thanking GOD that it will come to past.

[Optimystic 0]

As far as vaccinations are concerned: Yellow Fever, Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, TD, MMR, IPV and Meningococcal (only suggested necessary during the rainy season). I believe the total cost for Yellow Fever, and Typhoid, along w/travellers clinic fees was around $250. The remaining vaccinations can be obtained free of charge from your local county health clinic. Doxycycline was my choice antimalarial drug, however there are a few more that are available that are highly effective, but more expensive.

Don't forget to take a bottle of Avon's Skin-So-Soft and garlic capsules (1000mg/day). Wish I would have known the magic tricks, but I found out a little too late from others whom had previously travelled to West Africa. Supposedly these items work like a charm in warding off the blood thirsty mosquitos. My baby gel oiled skin and perfume was the invitation they needed to tear my butt up!

Murtalah Muhammed Airport can be wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My first couple of arrivals were pretty cool, but the last was a hellish nightmare!!! Arrived around 7:15pm, the baggage conveyor broke and of course everyone was HOTTTTT and furious. So, everyone began to yell and protest. Next thing you know, the power was shut off on us! So here we are standing in complete darkness for 20 mins. Finally, the lights were restored and slowly the luggage were brought in. Anyway, didn't exit the baggage claim until 10:30----Due to traffic congestion in the airport parking lot, we didn't manage to escape until 12 midnight Everyone here knows that it is very common for other cars to pin/block your car, so you pretty much have to wait until someone gets ready to leave in order for you to carefully maneuver your vehicle out.

It helps to make an advanced request for a special meal diet from your air carrier. I found that the low sodium works best to reduce swelling. Drink plenty of water also. During your layover in the airport make sure you do plenty of walking to get that blood recirculating in your legs & feet.

I lived in the Southeast region of the U.S. for 10 years, and I thought it was hot, but chile, U.S. heat index doesn't compare nor does it prepare you for what you are going to encounter over there. You will be asking yourself, "Is the heat turned on to HELL or what??? "

Bask in the precious moments and know that you WILL be treated like royalty!

[rprater 0]

Welcome Jivi. Loved reading your stories on your website.

Don't worry about visiting Nigeria. I was a little worried but I had no problems. Your honey will take good care of you.

The heat was something else tho. I will never forget that heat. The plane ride was long. I was to excited to sleep so I watched movies.

Take care

Rose

[Jideprincess 0]

oooh lawd not heat! heat! My allergies are horrible..thats my concern..i got to be in 70 to 75 degree temperatures soooo ummmm..let me redo my suitcase.clothes.and hey I can take my allergy meds i hope..and ummmmm...thank God my mom sell Avon....im allergic to mosquito bites..lmbooo..lol...OH WOW...this sounding fun..ahahhahhh. Im gonna have to get me a book of TIPS Wow thanks for the pointers....whew lawdy..LORD i may have have to walk out like Michael Jackson all covered up. B) lmbooo..ahahhahahha...Well im sure things be fine...ahhahahahh..geesh..let me enjoy the air condition..ahhahah

[djcess 0]

Welcome!!

[mollyandstephen 0]

Murtalah Muhammed Airport can be wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My first couple of arrivals were pretty cool, but the last was a hellish nightmare!!! Arrived around 7:15pm, the baggage conveyor broke and of course everyone was HOTTTTT and furious. So, everyone began to yell and protest. Next thing you know, the power was shut off on us! So here we are standing in complete darkness for 20 mins. Finally, the lights were restored and slowly the luggage were brought in. Anyway, didn't exit the baggage claim until 10:30

Well, I was stuck in that insane airport scene with Tarionna (we didn't know each other at the time though) and let me just second what she wrote.....IT WAS CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!! And when the Nigerian powers that be shut the power off on us, it was DARK!!!!! Thick darkness like I had never experienced before. And HOT!!!!!! THAT was HELL!!! It was my first trip to Nigeria and believe me, I took a few moments of silence in that dark, hot room full of Nigerians to ask myself "What in the heck have I gotten myself into?" It was an interesting introduction to Nigeria for me. However, the hardest part for me was having to wait all that xtra, unexpected time before I could finally see my sweetheart. In spite of my freshening-up efforts in the airplane lavatory just prior to landing, I still looked like a dripping wet mop that didn't smell too good by the time I finally did meet up with Stephen. Truth be told, though, he was just going to have to get used to me lookin' like that and smellin' like that too because Nigeria is so hot and humid, I couldn't manage to look good for more than 10 minutes a day there. After that, well, just hand me another handkerchief. I was a sweatin' woman!!! I loved it all though. Nigeria is a great place!!! An interesting place, but a great place!!! By the way, my second trip to Lagos was not nearly that crazy in the airport so it has it's good days there at Murtala Muhammed airport too.

My husband always paid an airport employee to come in and meet me at the baggage claim to make sure I was safe until I got to his side. And it was always good for my husband to call the guy on his cell so I could talk to my honey as I waited for my luggage. It helps to calm everyone's nerves and I would suggest it to anyone travelling there--especially for the first time. It really does help.

Molly

[Jideprincess 0]

lmboooo...Hey MOLLY i need to get JIDE Your connections... child my worse fear i keep telling him is sitting in that airport alone waiting..ahahhah...i told him get there two hours earlier..ahahhah then its like..OH MY GOD..will you know me? Will i know you? cuz yanno pics and stuff make ya look different...ahahah..so he try be grown and say..OH I WILL KNOW YOU BY YOUR LIPS.a.ahahahha..typical man huh? ahhah..I said..JIDE YOU CRAZY..ahhahah...i think im going your version MOLLY..somebody gotta be on the inside waiting for me..ahahahha...cuz these lips be trembling with nervousness and fear and folks be like..WHO THAT CRazy american woman?? ahhahahahha...

OH LAWD yall got me fanning with the heat.. child time to pull the weave up and i think imma leave the mascara off...yanno how you plan on being all cute and stuff..ahahhahahah...I dont know i may have to wear my mascara..ahahhahahhah...but LAWD i am surely picking my clothes out carefullly..ahhahahahhh

**BY THE WAY LADIES I DEDICATED MY BLOG ON JIDE PRINCESS LOVE STORY TO YOU ALL*** YALL JUST AWESOME AND COURAGEOUS and BEEN A BLESSING TO ME...

I told JIDE..i said..OH my GOD my sistah girls have me laughign and Tarionna...ahhah..OH MY GOD your stories i read ..I had to stop laughing cuz folks thought i was crazy in the house..hahahahahha...GEIKOS??EEWWWWW EKKK...i told JIDE..and he like..OH THEY IN THE HOUSES!!! ahahhah..i said..IN THE HOUSES??? ahhahahhaha..ok can you say a sistah be in a hotel with the doors locked

[blah0323 0]

then its like..OH MY GOD..will you know me? Will i know you? cuz yanno pics and stuff make ya look different...ahahah..so he try be grown and say..OH I WILL KNOW YOU BY YOUR LIPS.a.ahahahha..typical man huh? ahhah..I said..JIDE YOU CRAZY..ahhahah...

I wouldn't worry, he will definitely know you......... Don't think for one minute he is not studying every aspect of your picture in this waiting time. I'm so excited for you and Jide.

Be Blessed!!!