Sisters in the Field, Sisters in the Faith.

Rebekah groaned.

“Must you pack the entire world Beth? We are traveling to Abuja for one week. One. This sabbatical is supposed to help us off load a full year of training and field work. We are meant to be letting go and releasing, not overpacking. Not. Overpacking. Beth.”

Beth rolled her eyes, a mischievous grin already stretching across her face.“ Listen Bek, we survived a brutal year. This paid sabbatical ordered by Secretary Tham himself could not have come fast enough.”

The micro transmitter still sat quietly in Rebekah’s left ear canal. It was one of the many sophisticated communication devices that had practically become a second skin. For once there was radio silence.

Blessed silence.

Their tactical team had just wrapped a final logistical overview, testing the newly engineered twin six hundred and fifty horsepower Volvo Penta D12s. Rebekah’s unit had also completed updates to the latest X27 full color reconnaissance technology. According to leadership, the next phase involved exploring the vast available land in partnering nations for mission critical technology testing.

Beth snapped another suitcase shut, her third. “Trust me Bek. This trip is more than a retreat and spiritual conference. Secretary Tham may be sending us, but I promise you Abuja nightlife is where the real money is.”

Rebekah exhaled slowly. Convincing her friend of twenty two years about the value of a holistic spiritual reset was proving impossible. Her colleagues had only good things to say about this particular General Assembly, stories of life changing encounters, renewed clarity, and a kind of restoration the unit desperately needed.

But a different question lingered beneath her discipline. Would she even enjoy it? Or would the nightlife with its neon drinks, bold flavors, tannins, bitter notes, and the soft numbness they offered pull Beth into the week long escape she always seemed to crave?

Beth started humming, swaying her hips as though the Afrobeat soundscape of Abuja was already playing in her mind, sculpted legs dancing their way through imagined rhythms. Rebekah sighed again but this time a smile tugged at her mouth.

They were sisters first. Friends first. Whatever this week held, they would walk into it together, field experience, faith, nightlife, and all.

How new could this possibly be? Her thoughts drifted, trailing off into the unknown.

A Note from the Author,

Travel to any new nation requires a clear understanding of essential local resources, safety contacts, and operational norms. The list below outlines key points of contact for travelers in Nigeria, with a focus on the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. These references support situational awareness, emergency preparedness, and responsible mobility.

Abuja Local Police: Nationwide Emergency 199 (equivalent to our 911) Lagos State Emergency for travelers transiting 767. FCT Police Emergency Line 24 hours 7 days a week +234 803 200 3913.

Federal Medical Center Abuja: DFCC Headquarters and NOUN Hospital Airport Road Ring Road 2 Jabi Abuja: +234 702 570 0037

United States Embassy in Abuja1075 Diplomatic Drive Central Business District Abuja 900103 +234 209 461 4000

Abuja Pharmacy Walk In: H Medix Pharmacy: +234 909 326 8057. Note Many medications can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.

Abuja Grocery Market: Prince Ebeano Supermarket Wuse: +234 701 347 7368

Local Wifi and Router Provider: MTN thirty six gig MiFi router. Requires a Nigerian phone line for activation. This in NO way should replace your planning with international roaming. Network services and connectivity even in the capital is non-reliant. You WILL need data roaming features. Non-negotiable.

Visa holders may not qualify for a NIN (Nigerian Identification Number) you will need to present a valid resident or work permit at an NIMC enrollment center. You can also register for a NIN prior to travel, there are agents in the US with locations in major cities nationwide. Please- find a contact in Nigeria who can assist. I will share one of the most reliable travel support guides in a later post- individuals who are trauma-informed, equitable, secure and competitive in rates- avoiding forms of price gouging.

Car Service Providers: Bolt operates widely in Abuja and often provides more reliable and efficient services than Uber.

I send you warm regards and well wishes for your travels. May your journey be safe, informed, and deeply enriching.

Your Faith