HEAL was founded to assist the orphans and widows in our charge. When Leo Okonkwo visited Chicago last fall, I introduced him to hundreds of people who listened intently to his inspiring work in far away West Africa. While I could see the desire to help in people’s eyes, I also knew their questions regarding credibility and trust had to be answered as a matter of due diligence.
After Leo returned to Nigeria last October, we agreed that I needed to see for myself the mission that HEAL was founded to support. I knew this trip had to happen so that I could confidently convey the trustworthiness and dedication of Leo and his co-missionaries. We decided that I would visit Nigeria during the first week of March and, after making my arrangements, I was off to Africa for the 1st time.
Arrival in Nigeria
Upon landing in Lagos, I was picked up at the airport by Leo and his brother, Jude, and we drove 4 hours to their home in the village of Mbaise. The drive was nerve-racking due to poor road conditions and a rigorous customs check at the border of Imo State, the home state of Leo and the HEAL mission. Thankfully, we arrived safely at the Okonkwo compound and were greeted warmly by Leo’s mother, Bridget, and his sister Anastasia, the secretary of HEAL.
Anastasia prepared an incredible dinner for us that included a Nigerian style chicken stew with a vegetable cold slaw. While I had to overcome some nervousness in the travel up to this point, I felt more than welcome to be in Nigeria and I was ready to see the orphanage home school and meet everyone involved.