Reflecting on our experience at the Juvenile Remand Home, we (my team and I) decided at our end of the year meeting that I go volunteer with an orphanage to really see how social institutions operate in Nigeria. If our experience with the kids at the Juvenile home is the norm or some kids are faring better in other homes. Thinking of the Orphanage to volunteer with, a senior friend came to mind, Brother Excellence Akeredolu, a PHD student of University of Ibadan as at the time. He promised to connect me with the supervisor of Grace Orphanage in Akure, Ondo State owned by Pastor Mrs Adejumo.
My letter was to be submitted on 10th January, 2006 but a night prior to that day, I had a dream. I saw myself at a motor park with 5 empty Sienna cars and a driver. The driver was calling on people with all vigour but when I looked around, I realized it was just two of us at the park so out of curiosity, I asked the driver why he was stressing himself in calling people into the cars when we were just two people at the park.
He gave me a long look and said “people are needed at the destination he’s going to”. Immediately, I cut him short and said “that’s people for you, they all want to go home for the holiday but look at me, I am going to invest my 3 months holiday at Grace Orphanage”. He looked and said “Grace Orphanage?” I said ‘yes’. Then he said “people are there but there is nobody at this destination I am taking people to”. I repeated the fact that I am going to grace orphanage and he repeated that people are there.
It was my third time of saying the same thing that it dawn on me that the driver might be there just for me so I kept quiet and looked sideways and saw some little children being used for child labour but still trying their best to have fun despite their plight. Then I woke up.
This was the beginning of my strange adventure in life. Stick with me as I come on your way on Friday, yes! Two days’ time. I call it holiday bonus. Smiles.
I just can’t wait to let it all out. Till then, keep keeping on. You’ll soon get there. Living for others is the truest reason for living.
Your Friend,
Ma Funmi