logistics and driving blues

It's been a busy few weeks! I have been involved in a lot of logistics in implementing activities in regional offices. Most recently I developed a concept note (woo hoo) for an Ebola sensitization project through radio and television. I didn't have much time to work on my draft and had to pan out a proposal to send to colleagues for feedback within hours! I also got to sit in on a high-level meeting between key education stakeholders in Nigeria. I was like a fly in the room because all I did was take notes as my supervisor looked at me (basically saying "I hope you got that” lol). I nervously typed the minutes within a few hours and he was quite impressed with amount of detail I was able to capture. Still, three days later I think my hands were still hurting from how quickly I wrote. Taking minutes is not fun and I really don't like it but such is life at this pay grade. 

Oh well, back to the meeting. What has been very rewarding is being able to follow along with all the events that are involved in advocacy with high-level stakeholders. From the meeting, several events were proposed and I have been involved in organizing the logistics and organizing the proposed activities. I communicated directly with the stakeholders, contacted hotels for bookings, drafted a technical note for my supervisor and for requesting funds for the event, arranged caterers AND I got to create a contract for the vendor we selected. It felt good you know, to contribute to all the steps of planning a development activity. Now, lets just hope the meeting goes well. One thing I am taking away in planning this event and from my observations is the amount of teamwork involved. Even when one person starts something, you reach out at different times to all your colleagues for feedback and assistance. You may have to step out for a meeting and can't follow through on something so your colleague is quickly briefed and steps in. And so it goes, people helping out here and there to make it all happen.

My cousin and I have been having a grand ol' time in Abuja. Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration. But we did watch a few movies and had a lovely time eating sugared popcorn. Plus, of course I had some delicious Suya (FINALLLY!). This Suya was a bit pricier than the others that I have had but well worth it. It was really tasty and my cousin and I enjoyed every single bite. Hmm, just typing this makes me want to hop in the car for some more. I have started driving and I am trying not to develop road rage! Seriously, it’s a daily battle. I drive my cousin to work every morning before I head to my office and she literally sits in the passenger seat and just laughs at me. If only Suya was sold in the early hours of the day. 

Until next time…safe travels everyone~ :)