An Incredible Journey

In January, I travelled to Nigeria to meet my birthfather and family for the very first time. You can only imagine my wave of emotions—from nervousness to anxiety to feeling overwhelmed to sheer joy. I travelled with Jason, Stella from the Nigerian Embassy (who you saw in RHWDC), my best friend Suzanne, Ego (our travel coordinator) and 3 Nigerian friends/doctors who have been conducting medical missions in their home country for the past 10 years.

We arrived safely in Lagos, courtesy of Arik Airlines, before journeying to the city of Owerri and my father's village of Amaocha Afara (1 of 9 villages in Mbaitoli). To say it was one of the most INCREDIBLE experiences of my life is an understatement. I discovered a family, culture and country that embraced me as their own—and experienced a level of hospitality, generosity and tradition that far exceeded anything I could have expected or imagined.

Photos

Heading to Nigeria > View Gallery Arrival in Nigeria Day 1 Medical Mission > View Gallery Meeting the Family > View Gallery Homecoming in Mbaitoli > View Gallery Loving Nigeria Abuja and Lagos > View Gallery

Press

The Dish - Bravo's Daily News Nigerian Bulletin