A Feast for the Body, A Feast for the Eyes!

In 2013 I went on my first short term mission trip. It was to Nigeria.
Nigeria is a place not often visited by missionaries because it is not a safe place. 
There is much corruption and lawlessness there. 

Our dear friend, Ignatius Umunna invited our church group to come for two reasons; to set up a 12 step program in his church and to take a prayer journey to Lakoja and Owerri, the second being the place where he grew up.
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After we landed in Lagos International Airport and were driven to our accommodations at a nearby hotel, we were gifted with beautiful  clothes made by a woman in Ignatius’ church.  We women received two dresses each and the men with a shirt and pants set.

​                                                                                                                     Sorry the photo is so fuzzy.

The two piece dress that I received was quite form fitting, not what I am used to all, but I have to say it fit me well. The other dress what a beautiful pink muumuu with a wonderful bit of embroidery at the top.

                                                 This is Susan, Papa Rod and Darlene,
                                         all decked out for our first morning in Nigeria

As an artist, I’m drawn to pattern and color combinations . The whole time we were there was a feast for my eyes!  The fabrics were so vibrant!  

Most of the fabric seemed to be 100% cotton, very good for wearing in an equatorial country. There were some that were polyester but they seemed to be more for show than for daily living.

The dresses seemed to be all either muumuus or “mermaid” dresses, tight fitting at the waistline and hip, then fanning out at the knee.

Everywhere we went we saw people in European attire but I just loved the native fabrics! Here are some of the patterns I took photos of the fantastic prints.  I came home with a suitcase full! And, you know, I love it so much that I hardly cut into it at all! I was so concerned of waisting it by making some mistake.

But, just last year I was able to bless a charity that makes dresses for homeless and impoverished girls in Africa and other places. That did my heart good! I saved out the ones I loved best.

      Lozie Umunna's Dad

          Ignatius Umunna's Brother and
                     the chief of his tribe.

I think I like the pattern on Ignatius' brother best.  But then again, it might be the green one., or the  purple one with the deep purple flowers. That was one of Ignatius' outfits. Oh dear! Which one do you love best?