Pros and Cons

Well, here's my penchant for making lists once again. I was talking to my really good friend about my new decision. We have been analysing the pros and cons, and I have to say, the pros are definitely more than the cons.

Cons:

1. I'm going to miss my friends: Ok, but I will still keep in contact and I'll see them when I get back.
2. It's so far away: Long trip, clear on the other side of the world. It's a 14-hour flight, 8 over the Atlantic, and 6 hours from Europe to Nigeria. Plus there is that long 4-6hour layover in Europe. However, my mom will be with me, plus I'll have my iPod/laptop and some books. I'll be ok.
   
3. Feelings of failure: Well....I'm sure that I will be assailed with them when I finally get over the joys of being back home. However, I'll deal with them, as I have this past year.
   
4. I have to pack: And you guys know how much I hate to pack!
5. Plus, I must decongest my life. I'm only going with 2 suitcases, so everything else must be gotten rid of or packed for when I get back.
6. If I fall sick.....: I'm not even going to go there. I'm going to take my meds, take all the anti-malaria stuff and just stay healthy. I'm not going to fall sick, and if I do, I'm going to be ok. I've been sick there before, and I'm still living. Main treatment for a sickle cell exacerbation is the same wherever you go....Rest, Pain meds, Hydration and if needed a blood transfusion. I'm not going to get any blood, I just got a whole bunch last week so I should be ok till I get back;)
7. Restrictions: This is probably going to be the hardest part. I'm leaving my carefree, wild, I-can-do-whatever-I-want life for the restrictive, all eyes watching, pastor's daughter of a ultra conservative church role. There are a swarm of restrictions that I won't even go into, but I've recognized a majority of them and I'm prepared to put on the mask. I know that I can do it for a short period of time, hopefully, if it's longer than expected...then I will get accustomed to it.
8. No Sex: I'm voluntarily going to take a vow of celibacy until I get back. I do plan to stock up on batteries and a new toy from Good Vibes if I absolutely must, so I don't think I will implode. The reasoning here...see #7, as well as the fact that I don't trust Naija boys as far as I can throw them.

Pros:

1. Rent Free/No Bills at all!: I can live in any of my parent's four houses rent free for as long as I want. My dad lives in Lagos, my mom works and commutes to a town that is an hour away. I can stay with either of them, or go to the family home in the village, or go visit sundry relatives and friends until I get sick of the touristy stuff. Yes, I'm going to shamelessly live off my parents for the duration.
   
2. House help: Yeah, even I have to see this as a perk. Sure, I'll clean sometimes, but my parents have a maid as well as a driver. Perk? I think yes!
3. Visit with my Family/relatives: I haven't seen my grandmother in ages, and even I know that she's not going to live forever. Plus, add my 1001 cousins, nieces and nephews, and I'm going to be visiting with people for a solid 3 months if not more. I will be in the warm embrace of mia familia. Plus, I've missed home, the weddings, the parties etc.
4. FOOD!!! I will have as much Naija food as I want all the damn time! I'm already salivating over thoughts of getting some suya(spicy kabobs), Iya Gbadun's soup/rice, pounded yam with egusi soup, yam pottage, garri...and pretty much everything. My, just thinking of this makes me hungry for some good Naija food!
5. New Visa: I'll be able to update my passport and get a new visa, so when I return, I can work and go to school, travel, live my life and do whatever. Now that is a HUGE perk!
6. Church: As much as I like my church here in Cali, I've missed going to church in Nigeria. It's different, the moods, the attitudes, the traditions. I can listen to my dad's sermons again in the flesh and not just tapes.
   
7. Work: I plan to work over there just to add a little international flavor to my resume. Plus maintain some of my nursing skills for when I get back! There's a US-style hospital in Lagos looking for US-trained nurses and doctors. Providence? Yes.
8. The Advent: When I come back, it's going to be a whole new ballgame. My life is going to be able to attain my full potential as well as my plans. There will be absolutely no restrictions on anything I do or want to do. How cool is that?