Greetings, everyone!
I'm glad to share with you another level of my academic journey. It was through tertiary education that I earned the privilege to be among the corpers serving my fatherland. I feel so fortunate to be part of this year's Batch A, Stream 1. A long-anticipated dream is finally here, and I claim it with full chest and excitement, no matter the state of my deployment.
I registered earlier this year, and at the time, I was expecting my call-up number and letter, but they didn't come. I had to calm my nerves and thank God for everything. I waited for another two months, and finally, in April, my call-up number was released. A few days later, my call-up letter arrived, and I saw Kaduna State. It wasn't my choice, but I had to obey the Clarion call rather than reject it.
I'm from Akwa Ibom State, so moving far away from home to another state was something my parents initially didn’t support. However, I encouraged myself in the Lord and assured them I would go. Even when people said different things about Kaduna, my heart remained strong and steadfast.
The journey from my place to the "strange land" took two days. I lodged in Benue State on the first day and Abuja on the second before finally moving to my camp location. I did my registration, and in the process, I met my schoolmates and other familiar faces. Seeing them strengthened me even more.
Although I have no relatives in Kaduna State, I can tell you that I am coping well. I have made new friends and actively participated in the ongoing camp activities. All the activities have been interesting — especially the games! The football match and the girls' volleyball game were particularly fun. I even participated yesterday as a novice, but unfortunately, the ball hit my hand so hard that I couldn't continue playing!
The first day of the SAED lectures was interesting too. The topics were relevant and caught the attention of many corpers, prompting lots of questions. Although some dozed off during the first lecture, the second and third speakers spiced things up, and everyone became lively and engaged.
The environment in Kaduna is peaceful and favorable, although the sun here feels like it can cook a meal! Washing clothes is easy though — in just five minutes, they are dried. The camp kitchen meals are manageable, and the water supply in the hostel has been massive, which is a blessing. You know how girls are; we love washing clothes and plates and, of course, bathing, especially because of the heat. Thankfully, yesterday it drizzled, and the cool weather lasted the whole day.
Today, we didn’t stress much because of the Sunday service. It was around 4 p.m. that we resumed our activities: parade practice, volleyball, football matches, brass band rehearsals, and a one-hour SAED lecture on financial management.
Today is my fourth day in the camp and I believe my three weeks in the camp will not be in vain. I will still keep my faith alive and hold unto my God, who never fails.
Come and join our social night.
Overall, I'm thankful to God for this journey so far.
Even though it's far from home, I'm embracing every moment with joy and courage. I also thank my pastor for preparing me with his support and encouragement and for the things he did for me. I thank my parents, too, for their support and prayers. God bless them richly.
Thank you everyone.
I love, I care, and I love.
