A letter from Matthew Messick
Teacher, EYN Comprehensive Secondary School
c/o PO Box 626
Jos, Plateau State
Nigeria

Dear Family & Friends,

I've been in Nigeria for three months. I began my teaching and have found a niche in the small community where I live. I've written and received quite a few letters thus far. Even though home is across the ocean with every letter I receive I get a little piece here in Nigeria, a place I am learning to call home.

Janel Tubbs and me eating breakfast Nigerian style at a restaurant.

My name is Matt Messick, and I am a new BVS volunteer at the EYN Comprehensive Secondary School (CSS) in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria. I was asked to teach Physics and Technical Drawing to the 10th and 11th graders which here in Nigeria are called SS1 and SS2 respectively. I am going to be here for two years, and I'll have the opportunity to see the first ever graduating class from the school. In July 2002 the pioneer class will graduate and be ready for their next step, which for most will probably be study at a university in Nigeria.

The school opened in Sept '95 with just 40 students. Today there are over 320 in attendance. That is 320 students that need to be fed, taught, kept healthy, and general taken care of by the 24 staff of the school. The cooks, teachers, and maintenance staff all play at least some small rote in the every day lives of the students. Most Nigerian schools are boarding schools, so the students sometimes need a little help from the adults. We the staff of EYN CSS are there to help during a student's time of need a well as teach. The students come from many locations from within the Nigerian borders.

I've found the students a pleasure to teach. From their general curiosity to their thirst for knowledge these students have made my first three months (and will make the next 21) a pleasure.

I live in a small community of adult students and their families who are attending Kulp Bible College. There are no shortage of kids or soccer games, and since I enjoy both, I often indulge in these small but loved activities.

When I came to realize that I had the opportunity to teach in Nigeria it didn't seem real. Even now on a Saturday evening sitting in my house it does not feel so different from an August evening in PA. But most days while I am working or riding my bike the quarter mile to school I have a surreal feeling. Is this actually happening to me? Am I really in Africa? Have I followed where God has led me? And a hundred other questions to try and verify the reality of my current situation. Would I change my choice? Do I regret coming? No! and No! What an opportunity to explore my faith, God's church, and the world. So to all the would-be adventurers on the edge of a decision, go ahead, and give it a try! The worst (or best!) that will happen is that you'll never look at life the same again.

Matt Messick