CHRONICLES OF MY NYSC DAYS EPISODE 1

 

MY NYSC STORY….

EPISODE 1

Going to camp

When I was younger, there was this uniform I always admired. I accorded respect, anyone putting on this uniform. So, on a particular day, I made a promise to myself;  “Esther, give yourself time. You’d get there shortly”. Of course, it’s always easier said than done.

It took me a lot of strength, determination and confidence to be here but I wouldn’t bore you with any of that. All I really want to journal here is my experience through NYSC and the lessons I have learnt. This will be an amazing ride for you especially if you haven’t gone through this phase. Let’s ride!

On my convocation and certificate collection day, I got lots of questions as to where I’d love to serve. It was obviously Lagos. I took pride in my uncle who had sure connections in Abuja.

‘Arrgh! Why is this thing taking so long?’

I mumbled to myself while waiting for Batch C, Stream 2 registration. I mean, it was sad enough for me that I didn’t go with Stream 1. My only comfort right now were my friends who were going through the same thing. You know that feeling na😇. 

At this point, I envisioned myself in Lagos camp, rocking my white shorts with my sunshades. Now, all I needed was my call up letter which was taking forever to be out.

I can never forget the day my call up letter came out. WhatsApp shut down worldwide, so I was forced to sleep earlier than usual. This didn’t sit well with my body so I found myself awake by 3am. Not only did I find myself awake, my call up letter was also out.

 It was time to check where I had finally been posted to.

I don’t know why I was nervous, I mean, I was sure it was definitely going to be Lagos, my uncle already worked it out for me. As I unlocked my phone, a sudden rush invaded my stomach, like I wanted to pupu. Guys, I wasn’t posted to Ekiti or even Abia, it was Plateau. 

I was more than sad. I mean how is this possible? My elder brother’s direct posting to Lagos two years ago worked out. E reach my turn, dem carry me go Plateau. 

Amidst this turbulence, I have always learnt to embrace situations and seek solutions. 

Moving on was really hard. The thoughts of going to Plateau denied me sleep. I considered my options; whether to go by flight or road. It was a very delicate season of the year as December was approaching. One thing was sure, I would be fine. 

Bags packed✅, documents checked✅ self care pack ✅. I had decided to go by road. I knelt abd wrapped my hands around my mother’s hips as she showered prayers on me.

Daddy was obviously scared but he encouraged me. Jos was where he grew up and so our drive to the park was basically about his growing up at Jos and how he would support me if I were to stay or relocate. But this wasn’t my headache right now. How was I going to cope on this longest journey of my life?. I brought out my phone to check the details of my ticket the GIG App for the 100th time. I remembered the warm smile on the face of the lady who gave me the details of the trip. “Plateau is a very nice place, I grew up there” she added. You will be fine Esther”, I muttered.

I bade my dad bye and promised I could take care of myself from here. I made sure to wear comfortable jeans and a bright coloured T. Of course, my feet were endowed by the white crocs I specially got for camp. My long, purple knot less braids were giving.

I had reached the park by 4am now it was 8am and we hadn’t taken off. What did I expect? This is Nigeria. I had made two friends at the park, what’s more interesting? We were all going to Mangu! 

I had googled almost everything about Plateau. The weather, food, places, and people. Dad, who grew up there, also told me a few interesting but also scary things. Jos used to be a very peaceful and cold place but we had to sell our house due to the crisis. Jos is becoming peaceful again. 

Travel time was about 16 hours but calculating traffic and all, I was prepared for a 20 hour journey. I was sad at the park, all frustrated about the journey, then I felt a thunderstorm near my abdomen (only girls can relate). I quickly went to the toilet and behold I was just thanking God I wasn’t on my way yet. It would have been bloody😂😂. The delay worked out for my good in the end. (And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Rom 8:28).

We moved around 9am, all I needed at this point was safety. I had friends who were going to Nassarawa, Calabar, Abia, and much more.

As we journeyed, we all jested. It was youthful and fun.The bus was very comfortable and so was my seat. There was AC and a very interesting movie that kept me going for the first five hours of the journey. 

As expected, the bus broke down in Osun state but we found a solution. Next stop was Kogi, the driver was on our neck to finish up lunch on time, he needed to avoid some roads before it gets dark. Sometimes, we had to make a U-turn. Thank God for the villagers who warned us that there were kidnappers ahead.

I gave a deep breath of ease when we finally got to Abuja. It is the country’s capital, thereby more secure.  At every 45 mins drive, there were stops.

It got to a point where only the driver and myself were awake. There was no way I would close these eyes, not after the experience I had at Ogbomoso in 2018. The bus had taken off and I sensed the need to intercede during the journey. But I simply led the prayer with everyone in the bus then I went to sleep. 

I was fast asleep when our bus met with a trailer. It was quite fatal that some people were rushed to the hospital. To think that I sat beside the driver with my friend, Debola. I felt bad because the HolySpirit told me to intercede throughout the journey. But as I write, I just heard the HolySpirit say “it could have been more fatal but I prayed already”. Indeed, there’s a thin line between life and death. (Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you Ps 91:7).

So, there was no way I’d sleep during this journey. Finally!!!!! Abuja🥹🥹. But this was about 12am already. We had to sleep at the park. Getting a hotel around was hard so hard girl had to stay awake till 4am when we were all prepared to move.

Guys, three hours later and we weren’t there yet!!! We passed Nassarawa, Kaduna but plateau was nowhere to be found. I couldn’t even cry. On top this NYSC ooo😪😪!!!! 

We passed rocks, mountains and valleys. I could finally relate to the scriptures that likened the might of God. Here’s one; Psalm 97:5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence

of the LoRD, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

Those mountains were so big and scary!! Let’s continue. We finally arrived Plateau guys! It was just as they described it, the ambience was cool, the people were friendly and the food was good. I offloaded my stuff and now, it was time to journey into camp; another one hour journey!!!! God saw me through this journey! (He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High. Psalm 90:1).

I was with Jennifer, Tunde and Emmanuel. We journeyed all the way from Lagos! 

The front gate was painted green and cream. Welcome to NYSC Mangu camp was boldly written at the sign post and front gate. Some soldiers were manning the gate, while some were there to check our bags. 

No one told me to hide my phone when a soldier apprehended a guy for taking footages of them.

Was I really ready for this drama? How is camp life going to be? 21 days of cold and sleepless nights!! I’ve heard a lot about camp, now it’s time to experience it for myself. Will I fall in love? Will I get into trouble? Will i relocate? Will I join any interesting group? Let’s find out these and more, in the next episode. 

One thing is sure; God was with me. Never for a moment did he leave, (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness).