WE83- POST TOPIC: AWAY FROM HOME

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Image Source From Unsplash by Arnold Antoo

My one-year national service to my fatherland wasn't the first time I left home, but it was the best experience I ever had leaving home. The first time I left home and lived alone was when I gained admission into the university. The school was in another state different from the state where I live with my parents, and yes, I intentionally opted for that school because I want to live home, after spending 20 years of my life with my parents. My university days were fun but it can't be compared to the experienced I gain in a land with different cultural practices and lifestyles during my one year of service to my country.

Nasarawa is a state in north-central Nigeria, and it is a few minute's drives to the federal capital territory. When I was posted to this state for my NYSC ( National Youth Service Corps), I was really happy because the State is a peaceful one compared to some other states in the country, and I had desired to experience the life of the northerners. The only challenge I had was the fact that my patients weren't comfortable with me leaving home for far north. I remember the journey was approximately 7 hours by default but it took us 10 hours to get to the place because of traffic and car issues.

Fast forward to when I was posted to my place of primary assignment ( PPA). It was a remote village and most of my colleagues weren't comfortable with it. Some of them change to a better place, but some of us remained. I have always lived alone when I was in University, but the experience of living alone in a new place wasn't the same. The challenge of walking for 15 to 20 minutes or spending money on transportation to get to the market, the new weather, the language barrier, the responsibility of being a tutor, and many more made it difficult for me during my early days.

As time goes by, I started adapting, began to learn the language of the state (HAUSA) and the native language of the people as well. I started having fun because the people were much hospitable. They respected us because of the work we were sent to do in their community. The fun was more during the planting season. When I saw the villagers planting, I saw an opportunity to learn something new. I got some of my students to teach me how to make ridges ( lol, please don't laugh at me. hehe). I made 70% of the ridges myself despite my student's willingness to do it all for me. I want to have fun!!!!. When I was done with the ridges, I planted melon, groundnut, and Maize. God of farming blessed my effort with a fruitful harvest. I sold some of them and took some of them home.

I was also challenged by a role I got in the church. As a serving corp member, I was made the secretary of the Harvest and Bazaar/ Thanksgiving program. It wasn't an easy task for me but I learned a lot from the role. The church was very pleased with my team. I brought many innovations to the activities of the bazaar which made it a huge success. Even when my one-year program ended, I stayed back to complete the church work and also harvest some of my crops.

In conclusion, It would have been an excellent adventure for me, but the news of my father's death just a day after the final program in the church made me sad. All the plans I had of securing a job in the state capital, and learning how to drive a motorcycle were crumbled. I left two days after the sad news. I still cherish my moment in the community and I would have loved to go back and visit some of my friends and community members who made my stay there memorable, but my present job won't allow me. Perhaps in the future, I will create out time and visit the community.

Thank you @galenkp for giving me this opportunity to write on this prompt " Tell us about when you first moved out of home and took control of your own life independently from your parents. Were you nervous or excited by the prospect, were you forced to leave, or was it by choice? How did the process go - smoothly or were there problems?". This is the fourth option. The good thing is that there are five options for you to choose from. Join us from here



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