Friday, October 24, 2008

Serve in Warri?

My Desire
Having been posted to Delta State, I wanted to serve in Warri. This was for the following reasons:
1. I had a boyfriend in PH I wanted to keep seeing often, though the relationship was on the rocks.
2. There were some crisis in Delta State and from Warri I could easily get transport home.
3. I had a best friend in Warri who lived in a cool house.
4. There was a prospective single guy there who had indicated interest. Though his middle name was Infidelity, since I did not know better, I could manage fighting with the other girls for him and if I was lucky, it could lead to marriage.
5. There was Shell and other oil companies which meant I could mingle with some of them and eventually get a job after NYSC.

The Posting
I and a few other corpers were sent to Shell Warri for an interview. The plan was post us to secondary schools. I prayed for Warri so bad. I included doctor’s report prior to my interview. To my utmost dismay and disappointment, after the interview, I was posted to a place called Otu – Jeremi, in Ughelli South LGA. Not in the Warri zone for CD (Community Development). I was depressed. The classmate that I had been with from orientation camp till that time got Warri. More depressing.

God does things on an individual basis.

I reluctantly left for Otu – Jeremi, a place that had no GSM network therefore no communication. The place was a village. It was isolated. I was to teach Physics.
Boyfriend had no plans of visiting me in that place. Prospective guy I may not see again. Oil Companies, I cannot get to visit. The future of Marriage + Work seemed bleak.

Because of the remoteness of the location, we were permitted to come for CD only once in a month. I scheduled my classes from Tuesday to Thursday morning. This gave me chance to travel to PH every weekend.

The Gain
1. When I got tired of traveling (if a relationship is not working, it is not working), I decided to stay in my place of service. This quiet time was when I began to read my new bible (first time in history). I also started attending church (irregularly). I began to focus on the people in the community. I began to learn a new language and culture. The corpers and the pastor organized a talk on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) for the villagers. The talk was based on a medical and Christian standpoint. I can still see the relief on the old women’s faces as they shared their stories of the effects of FGM.

2. I had stopped worrying about husband and work. In some of my previous visits to PH, my lecturer (Prof) told me about a new Master’s Program in Uniport (called IPS). If I partook in it, they will accommodate me, pay my school fees, and pay me stipend. I laughed. Could such a thing exist in Nigeria? Prof encouraged me to apply for the program (by paying N10K that I did not have). I did the test and passed. I did the interview. All these happened before I resolved to remain in Otu – Jeremi. I still did not believe in the Master’s Program.

Then one day as I was strolling with my fellow corpers in that networkless Otu – Jeremi, playing with my phone, a text came in from my sister saying I had been successful in the IPS interview and I had 1 week to accept the offer. Apparently they had tried to reach me and could not get me so they contacted my sister. I looked at the date sent. 2 days left to accept. I packed my overnight things and was on the next bus to PH. How did God do it that there was MTN service in Otu – Jeremi?

3. IPS started at the later part of my service year. I got permission from my Principal and NYSC officials to go for the training. What kind of favour is this?

IPS gave me excellent training – technically, professionally and exposed some talents I never knew I had. Through IPS, I got my current job, a job that exceeded my expectations of a job. In IPS, I met a man, different from all I’ve met, whom I admired secretly. He was the man that drew me closer to God and made me stop speaking negatively about myself and my life. I didn’t know one day he will be My Husband and King.

When God sets out to do something for you, He can do it just for you. It does not have to follow the normal pattern of things. His blessings are customized.

Looking Back
I later learnt that those in Warri were not allowed to leave Warri for any reason. If I was there, how could I have done the IPS program and eventually get the blessings that came with it? When I did not have Warri, I felt God had shut the door of my future on me. But now I realize:

Sometimes a close door(s) turns us in the direction of the only open door which no man can close
[1].

This is one of my many testimonies. If you are facing or ever face a disappointing situation, remember that God can turn a disappointment into a blessing. Trust Him and have faith in Him for His plans for you are only good, not evil, plans to bring you to an expected destination
[2].

Do take some time to think of moments when it seemed a door was shut at your face. What do you see now? The Hand of God?

Have a beautiful weekend ahead and remain blessed.

IPS (Institute of Petroleum Studies) is highly recommended for engineering students who want a broad-based training prior to joining the oil industry.


[1] Bible Reference Revelations 3:8
[2] Bible Reference (rephrased by me) Jeremiah 29:11

55 comments:

LG said...

1STTT

LG said...

yessooo......HIS blessings are customized.


dearie thanx for sharing wit us' u nid to see my :-)
a testimony indeed

Rita said...

You're welcome...i need to see the smile abeg...

May you experience soon yet another customized blessing from God in your life...

LG said...

AMEN'

:-) :-) :-)

Aijay said...

Wow!! Thanks for sharing. God is awesome! We never know what His plans r, but they sure r for our good.
Thank God for u and urs.

miz-cynic said...

yes o tht is why sometimes when something bad happens to me and im dejectd.i pray and try to wait it out cos i know joy cometh in the morning and a situation tht looked very bleak could turn out to become all u've ever dreamed of.

Dee said...

God does move in mysterious ways! I pray that we should always see the good hand of God in every situation we find ourselves.

Stay blessed!

Rita said...

@Aijay: Surprisingly, it is only when I look back that I can say these words you are saying. Thank God for you too.

@Miz-cynic: Yes oh! It's just that some times, the waiting can seem unbearable. But it always turns out for good especially when we make effort to see what could be good in the situation afterall.

@Dee!: Amen. I agree with you. His ways are truly not our ways. Have a beautiful weekend.

aloted said...

I was blessed by this...i might need to make reference to your post soon...hope thats ok?

what year did u do ur NYSC? u can tell me in camera if u don't want to make it public :)

Rita said...

@Aloted: Dearest, you know my blog is your blog...feel free to reference whatever you want :-)

Pls, what do you want to use the NYSC year for???? For reference too?

aloted said...

LOL i just wan know the year jare ;-)

Thanks girl for permission to reference ANYTHING ;-)

Anonymous said...

Rita, you have written what I've always strongly believed, if things aren't going your way at present just be still and know he's God. It's that simple philosophy that's got me through many a rough times. And you know what? Even if the situation never turns around, I know it's because of some character building I must go through. I often shake my head in pity at people who seem to think because they are Christians nothing dreadful is ever supposed to happen to them. Praying and fasting is not going to change God's mind if in the long run the situation will not benefit you. Christians need to redefine what "blessings" mean. We are to praise him either way. Great Testimony girl. Such a great uplifting story.

Writefreak said...

His thoughts are beyong our thoughts and His ways beyond our ways...He makes all things beautiful in His time..thank God for His hand in your life!

Unknown said...

May the lord bless your heart for this post.

I was touched!

bumight said...

wow!, i needed this post like a year ago. when i was applyin for med school, i prayed so hard for some of my other schools and prayed against the one I'm currently in.
God sure does have a twisted sense of humor, and I'm waiting to see what it was regarding my case.

so often we cant see beyond our noses, but the One that knows all things surely can see beyond.

Nigerian Drama Queen said...

This was so inspirational. God doesn't always do things how we want him to, but He does things the way we need him to. Individualized blessings indeed! Yes, my thesis was on Female Circumcision...it was really interesting researching the different opinions on it. Alot of my views changed as I wrote it...
How r u my wonderful virtuous woman?!

Anonymous said...

SIS Rita, You have done it again. And I going to go think about what you wrote and I may be back to tell share my thoughts.

FineBoy Agbero said...

Wow! Thanx so much for dis!!

U dont know how much i need dis right now...

Now, everythin makes sense... there might be anoda open door somewhr... all i have to do is find it...

Sola Folowosele said...

i pray you win the guy, but if you dont, let know!

Anonymous said...

This is an uplifting story.

I have decided to stop beating myself up when things don't go the way I want. I believe everything happens for a reason.

kay-shawn said...

I'm very happy for you. Glad you didn't end up marrying Mr. Infidelity.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, the exceeding great plans of Him which we have no insight to only that we believe Him (ouch! that seems pretty tough but, needful).

exschoolnerd said...

very inspirational post dear..thanx for this..i am happy u got ur dream job and dream man and didnt have to settle...

Unknown said...

Certainly the case that when man proposes, 'God' disposes - something else happens...we learn and appreciate why it does...usually in hindsight.

olusimeon said...

wonderful testimony..happy for you..if only we could see that hand of God all the tym..

Femi B said...

wow Blessings come when u least expect it. I am glad u did not miss it.
about the post...i deleted it. Might put up one soon. thanks fo checking in

Anonymous said...

God is so good! This is EXACTLY what I needed. What a blessing. God bless you.

Buttercup said...

Awww...what an amazin testimony...u truly are blessed n u will remain that way by His grace, amen.

This has really inspired me n renewed my love for God.

Buttercup said...

Awww...what an amazin testimony...u truly are blessed n u will remain that way by His grace, amen.

This has really inspired me n renewed my love for God.

seye said...

Wow! Wow!... Wow!
Well said! Its just best for one to keep in mind that all things work together for good…for those who love God. Wow! …wow!

Anonymous said...

haaa..Rita!..read every line of this write-up waiting patiently for that part when u will mention,meeting amazing wonderful "me" as one of the pluses of networkless otu-jeremi..
am still waiting..lol
i know it will soon start sounding monotonous..but who cares.."ur write-ups are inspirational pal"
Keep writing! God bless!

zara (my alter ego) said...

u never cease to inspire me! keep writing! .. now i know never to be overly dissapointed in whatever happens in life.. God has his ways of working.. which might not be what we humans want.

webround said...

good inspirational post.

first knew about SITP (Shell version of IPS), then later got to know a few people who did the IPS program. they all enjoyed it.

Afronuts said...

Wow!

Thanks for sharing this testimony!
And I have to say that anybody who isnt inspired by this needs a serious head check..

thanks for sharing rita....I'm gonna share mine when the time comes

James said...

Great write, sounds very much like how God works.His plans for you will always floor you grand plans for self.More testimonies to come.

The Activist said...

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing

Parakeet said...

Aww...I remember times that I wanted something so bad but didnt get but you know what the world didnt stop. Something better always comes so thanks Rita for reminding me...

~Sirius~ said...

Awww. See I really do believe everything happens for a reason, not only that, I also believe when doors shut, others open because that's the path we have to take as we walk into our destiny.
I want my customized blessings oh!!!, funny I feel it's started already........

Naija Idol said...

wow. God indeed is faithful.this is inspirational.

Lindah said...

God is in controll. Thanks Ritah.

tankojjetty said...

Thanks for this post
it just helps in enforcing my belief that all the thoughts God has for us is good...
and that we should try our utmost best to see the good in every situation
thanks again

Joy Akut said...

WOW!!!!
Your life definately is a living testimony.
We often fight Gods plan for us just because we are in a place we don't want to me, not knowing his plans are bigger than out human wants.

I have a couple of testimonys myself of great disappiontments turned into blessings so overwhelming.

And I believe this place I'm at right now is just another one of Gods ever gracious and overwhelming plan for me.

How've you been?

Rita said...

@Aloted: Reason not good enough…

@Abbie: What can I say Abbie? You just blessed me with your comment. The character building part I can attest to it. I particularly loved the statement “Praying and fasting is not going to change God's mind if in the long run the situation will not benefit you...”

@Writefreak: Your words are so refreshing…makes me think more about what God has been doing…

@Olamild: I say a big Amen!

@Bumight: LOL @ “God sure does have a twisted sense of humor”. It wont be long before you find out why He gave you this school. Could just be a person(s) or level of excellence you’d attain, okay let me stop here, I don’t know God’s mind…

True words “So often we cant see beyond our noses, but the One that knows all things surely can see beyond…”

@NigerianDramaQueen: You make me want to have a long session with you talking about FGM, especially how your views changed. No…. we must talk…

I am doing great, dearest NDQ. You made my head swell for 3 days becos of “my wonderful virtuous woman”

@Temite: I didn’t plan to do it again oh! I look forward to your comeback and your thoughts. They always make an interesting read to say the least.

@FineBoy Agbero: You are most welcome…glad you found it good for the season… There is indeed an open door waiting for you which no one can close.

@Sola Folowosele: LOL, now I know better. No need struggling for what’s not yours when yours is waiting out there for you.

Rita said...

@Iwalewa McDaniels: Thanks for your comment. Things do happen for a reason…

@Kay-Shawn: Thank you….aren’t you so sweet?

@Rethots: The words you shared..sometimes it’s hard to say, but I believe it’s the truth.

@Exschoolnerd: You’re welcome Teacher…as for your comment on settling for less, you can say that again…

@Naijalines: You said it right with “Usually in hindsight…”

@Simeone: Thank you…I think I started learning to see the hand of God in my situations after reading a book by Stormie Omartian called ‘The Power of Praying”…she calls this “Seeing what’s right with the picture…”

@Femi B: Sometimes I think about that statement “Opportunity comes but once”..this is one opportunity I won’t be happy to miss

Looking forward to the new post.

@Jewells: Amen oh! Thanks so much.

@Buttercup: Dearest, thanks so much. May your love for God never grow cold, and may you continue to experience His blessings in your life…

@Seye: I can feel your excitement…Thanks for being so happy for me…

Rita said...

@Modupe: You were there…from the NYSC camp to the day the text came in. You have been so encouraging and motivating, but more especially a friend. To put you in between the lines is not good enough to talk about you. Will do a separate post for you…

@Zara (my alter ego): Thanks so much. You really encourage me with your comments.

@Webround: Thank you. IPS is really an enjoyable experience.

@Afronuts: You’re welcome…I look forward to reading yours..pls….

@Telekinesys: Amen oh! Thanks a lot.

@Standtall: You’re welcome...

@Parakeet: LOL@ “the world didn’t stop..” I didn’t mean to laugh but it sure was humorous… You’re welcome…like Welcome back!

@~Sirius~: I agree with you oh…Customized blessing on the way…

@Naija Idol: Thank you…I really felt your last post…

@Lindah: You’re welcome…

@Tankojjetty: We’ll keep trying to see the good in every situation… if I should borrow a rephrased line from Rethot, I’d say “it’s all about thinking…” Thanks for dropping by…

@Fantasy Queen: I think everyone’s life is a living testimony, I think.

I am so glad that you are appreciating where you are right now. I can imagine God with a big smile on His face because of your comment.

I’ve been doing great…just resumed work from a 2-wk break (don't want to call it vacation). And you? How have you been?

Geebee said...

Great story. Sometimes ur wilderness could be a paradise in disguise. I'm impressed. Meanwhile, NYSC is an experience i can't wait to have but i've been having second thoughts especially with the time it's taking me to finish Uni. I just need to get out and start making the real 'cheese.' Maybe i'm being too hasty though.

Geebee said...

I thought thesame abt the HIV story. Very weird story. Beats me that my friend who forwarded it to me seems to believe it's true.
Hmmm, about me and Sarah? I guess God's ways are usually not our ways neither are his thoughts ours. We can all still wait and see. I'm glad u're set for the series. I assure you, you'll love it. Takia.

Flourishing Florida said...

thismonday & tuesday, i cried 4 d better part of d days. trouble upon trouble came springing up relating 2 my traditional wedding. i tot my dad & husband were out 2 punish me. today, i find out dat if d trad wedding had happened on d way & date originally intended, i'd have to lose money 4rm my salary leaving my company.

yeah, things happen in ways u never know. there is a God who indeed orders ur steps. most of d time, u aren't even aware of wot is happening & u r feeled wit so much anger & bitterness. then, wit d coming of d morning, u realise 'wow! dis was indeed how it was meant to be'. thank God 4 his faithfulness. dat he isn't as we most times think he is.

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

Don't forget to join us in the online rally this Friday October 31st. Just use "FREE JONATHAN ELENDU NOW!" as the title of your blog post and FaceBook Status. Visit the Facebook page here or stop by Nigerian Curiosity.

Elendu is a Nigerian Blogger that was detained. He is now under medical care but is not free to return to his family in America. Hence the protest.

Take care!

O'Dee said...

Rita you have said it all.

God works in mysterious ways.
There is really no disappointment.
All things work together for God, to them who r called according to his purpose.

InCogNaija said...

Amen!! Amen!!! God sabi wetin im dey do when e dey arrange things for us. make we just allow am make e take us where im want make we dey. Amen o...!!!

Straight from the heart said...

God truely works in misterious ways his wonders to perform

Anonymous said...

Yes o!!!...my blessings are on the way o. Even though I can't really see them now but I believe the whole move to Lagos is for something better.

LovePaprika said...

I love this, i'm almost in tears...wow! I have so many favourite phrases in the bible but the one I tell myself often is Jeremiah 29:11...my friends dont know how much i hold on to that... xxx

princesa said...

Beautiful testimony.
thanks for sharing.

When we think all hope is lost, thats when God is planning something marvellous in our lives.