₦airaland Forum

My Journey to Houston experience (28 september 2017).(Quick Background: I used a visa i had previously used to visit the US last year I didnt send any change of intent nor reapply for a new visa.). Flew Qatar airways at 34 weeks. Had my Medical certificate + Medif as required by the airline. While trying to checking in at lagos airport, was told i had to get a document from port health. Had to rush downstairs to port health where i paid 1500 and had my tummy examined, weight and Bp taken. Finally boarded. Twas a packed flight, feet doubled in size even though i managed to walk around and kept asking for water. 10 hours later, arrived Doha expecting to get hotel voucher for the 8 hours layover. After waiting for almost an hour, was told i could only get meal voucher because my flight was just "in afew hours" Urrggh. Tired but managed to drag myself to the restaurant and then to the packed quiet room for about 2 hours sleep (or attempt at sleeping cos too many snorers with diverse rhythms) Fast forward to the boarding gate, qatar airline demanded to see the Medical certificate and Medif. Showed them. Then was called specially for interrogation by who i imagine was US security.
Man: Obviously you're pregnant and going to the US to have your baby. I just want to know, WHY US OF ALL COUNTRIES?
Me: My husband and I thought it would be a good idea cos he's lived in US for a while as an expatriate.
Man: What does he do?
Me: (Tells him)
Man: Where is he?
Me: He's in Nigeria.
Man: What do you do?
Me: (Tells him)
Man: Have you contacted a doctor in US?
Me: Yes.
Man: Can i see documents?
Me: Sure. (I show him Formal Acceptance Letter from Doctor, Birth estimate, email correspondence amd proof of initial payment)
Man: (Goes through and googles name of doctor to verify if phone number on my document is same as that on google)
Me: (Internally rolls eyes)
Man: How much do you have with you?
Me: (Tells him)
Man: Hands me back my passport to go ahead.

Boarded flight to Houston. 16 hours phew! Thankfully plane wasnt packed so i got to sleep across the 3 seats. Hostesses were nice. Kept giving me water and asking about my baby. F i n a l l y landed and headed to long queue at CBP. My turn:

Man: Why are you here in US?
Me: To have my baby.
Man: Is this your first baby?
Me: Yes.
Man: How much it the hospital?
Me: About 5000 USD
Man: You travelling alone? Who's going to take care of you?
Me: I have a family friend here that I will stay with.
Man: How much do you have with you?
Me: About 5000 USD

He takes my fingerprints and stamps my passport. I head out to baggage and then was directed to agriculture where my Green plantain and Yam were seized. Now in Houston, settling in before booking appointment to see my doctor.

Cheers.

If you are like me, you probably tend to spend endless time thinking and worrying about your goals. I have realised that while it is necessary to think towards actualizing our goals, when we dwell too much on the what ifs and what nots, we take away a huge chunk of the time that we should ordinarily spend acting upon our goals.



What we should be doing is “thinking purposefully”. This involves getting a notebook and a pen and asking ourselves these specific questions:
1.What do I want?
2.Why do I want it?
3.What is stopping me from having it?
4.What do I need to do to surpass this obstacle?

Think deeply and honestly about the questions and then answer them in your notebook.

Once you are done, take one immediate action to overcome the obstacle in number 3.

The key to moving from dreaming to living your goals lies in your answer to question number 4. You may discover that the obstacle in question number 3 is a mental obstacle you have sub-consciously placed in your path, such as doubting your abilities.

If you realistically do not have the required abilities to achieve that goal, make a move to acquire the skills required for that goal.

The point is, you must make a move. Put enormous energy into it. That is the only way you can move from where you are to where you want to be. Inertia won’t get you anywhere.

It is important to stay consistent after taking the first action towards your goal. Sometimes you may feel discouraged; it’s normal. Let question number 2 keep you focused.

Even on days when you don’t feel like it, keep at it. Take it one day at a time.

Work towards accomplishing mini goals daily until every little goal of every little day builds up to the achievement of your big goal.
www.africhijabi.com

1. Accept the situation

Adversity is an inevitable part of our existence. To expect that you will not experience any difficult moment in your life is to live a life of denial. Understand and accept that trials will come your way every now and then. Don’t imagine that some other person is living a perfect and hitch-free life while you aren’t. No one is exempt from difficult situations.

“You shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if you persevere patiently, and guard against evil, then you will surely triumph.” Qur’an 3:186

The pain or difficulty you are experiencing will not last forever. Even if it lasts in this life, this life is only temporary. Everything is only a matter of time. “Verily, unto God do we belong and, verily, unto Him we shall return.” – Qur’an 2: 156. Acknowledge that what happened is the Will of Allah and ordained by HIM.

“No calamity occurs on earth nor in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah. In order that you may not grieve at the things over that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you. And Allah likes not prideful boasters.” Quran (57:22,23)

‘Say: “Nothing will befall us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Protector. In Allah let the believers put their trust.” Qur’an 9:51.

Realise that Allah knows best why you are in this situation. “… But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.” Qur’an 2:216

Proclaim that la hawla wala quwwata illa billah. “It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: ;That which Allah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allah’. If you see me less than you in wealth, and children.” Qur’an 18:39

READ MORE on: http://www.africhijabi.com/faith/advice-adversity/

1. Teach your children to never open the door by themselves when a visitor knocks.
2. Teach your children their full names, home address and phone number.
3. Teach your children who they should call for help in an emergency situation- explain to them what such situations are. Show them the numbers to call on your phone and how they can find the numbers and make the calls.
4. Teach your children to not be afraid to immediately leave and report to you when any adult, whether relatives, family friends, acquaintances, or strangers says or does something that makes them feel uncomfortable. Teach them that that they should never follow or leave with anyone who you haven’t expressly told them they can follow or leave with.
5. Child-proof your house. Ensure that all furnishings at home are safe for your children. Ensure that the toys you get for your children are suitable for their age in order to prevent choking hazards. Keep kitchen utensils, cleaning materials, insect repellents, medicines, and other household products out of their reach. Keep the products high up and locked up. By extension, before you let your child go to a day-care, a camp, or an unfamiliar house, first ensure that there are no dangerous furnishings, products, insects or pets around.
6. Keep children out of the Kitchen when boiling or frying food. I dare say, keep them out of the Kitchen at all times!
7. Teach your children about dangers on the road- teach them to stay away from motor vehicles and to not walk on the streets (especially never cross the road) without your supervision.
8. Closely supervise your children when you go outside the house with them. Don’t leave them to wander away while you chat with your friend.
9. Have a tested escape plan in the event of fire or criminal threat. Take the time to check your house for available exits and teach your children where to all gather in the event of any strange occurrence in the house, what they should do, and how they should conduct themselves (e.g. run, crawl, keep quiet). If you live in a storey-building, keep a ladder under your bed or in your wardrobe.
10. The greatest safety measure of all? Teach them, teach them, teach them how to worship and obey Allah so as to keep them safe from Hell! “O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) …” (Qur’an 66:6)

Check out www.africhijabi.com for more tips.

1. Teach your children to never open the door by themselves when a visitor knocks.
2. Teach your children their full names, home address and phone number.
3. Teach your children who they should call for help in an emergency situation- explain to them what such situations are. Show them the numbers to call on your phone and how they can find the numbers and make the calls.
4. Teach your children to not be afraid to immediately leave and report to you when any adult, whether relatives, family friends, acquaintances, or strangers says or does something that makes them feel uncomfortable. Teach them that that they should never follow or leave with anyone who you haven’t expressly told them they can follow or leave with.
5. Child-proof your house. Ensure that all furnishings at home are safe for your children. Ensure that the toys you get for your children are suitable for their age in order to prevent choking hazards. Keep kitchen utensils, cleaning materials, insect repellents, medicines, and other household products out of their reach. Keep the products high up and locked up. By extension, before you let your child go to a day-care, a camp, or an unfamiliar house, first ensure that there are no dangerous furnishings, products, insects or pets around.
6. Keep children out of the Kitchen when boiling or frying food. I dare say, keep them out of the Kitchen at all times!
7. Teach your children about dangers on the road- teach them to stay away from motor vehicles and to not walk on the streets (especially never cross the road) without your supervision.
8. Closely supervise your children when you go outside the house with them. Don’t leave them to wander away while you chat with your friend.
9. Have a tested escape plan in the event of fire or criminal threat. Take the time to check your house for available exits and teach your children where to all gather in the event of any strange occurrence in the house, what they should do, and how they should conduct themselves (e.g. run, crawl, keep quiet). If you live in a storey-building, keep a ladder under your bed or in your wardrobe.
10. The greatest safety measure of all? Teach them, teach them, teach them how to worship and obey Allah so as to keep them safe from Hell! “O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) …” (Qur’an 66:6)

Check out www.africhijabi.com for more tips.

1. Teach your children to never open the door by themselves when a visitor knocks.
2. Teach your children their full names, home address and phone number.
3. Teach your children who they should call for help in an emergency situation- explain to them what such situations are. Show them the numbers to call on your phone and how they can find the numbers and make the calls.
4. Teach your children to not be afraid to immediately leave and report to you when any adult, whether relatives, family friends, acquaintances, or strangers says or does something that makes them feel uncomfortable. Teach them that that they should never follow or leave with anyone who you haven’t expressly told them they can follow or leave with.
5. Child-proof your house. Ensure that all furnishings at home are safe for your children. Ensure that the toys you get for your children are suitable for their age in order to prevent choking hazards. Keep kitchen utensils, cleaning materials, insect repellents, medicines, and other household products out of their reach. Keep the products high up and locked up. By extension, before you let your child go to a day-care, a camp, or an unfamiliar house, first ensure that there are no dangerous furnishings, products, insects or pets around.
6. Keep children out of the Kitchen when boiling or frying food. I dare say, keep them out of the Kitchen at all times!
7. Teach your children about dangers on the road- teach them to stay away from motor vehicles and to not walk on the streets (especially never cross the road) without your supervision.
8. Closely supervise your children when you go outside the house with them. Don’t leave them to wander away while you chat with your friend.
9. Have a tested escape plan in the event of fire or criminal threat. Take the time to check your house for available exits and teach your children where to all gather in the event of any strange occurrence in the house, what they should do, and how they should conduct themselves (e.g. run, crawl, keep quiet). If you live in a storey-building, keep a ladder under your bed or in your wardrobe.
10. The greatest safety measure of all? Teach them, teach them, teach them how to worship and obey Allah so as to keep them safe from Hell! “O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) …” (Qur’an 66:6)

Check out www.africhijabi.com for more tips.