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To supplement footage shot in the creeks, Mary Ella, Laurie, and Cliff headed off into the heart of Warri for an interview with Dr. Tolar at his home. For a man with the influence he seems to possess, the home seemed modest, located in a rather average neighborhood down what has to be the worst road in Warri—akin to a scaled-down version of the lunar surface, mud filling most of the potholes/craters.

The interview was intended to be a “Day in the Life” kind of thing, with Dr. Tolar acting as he normally would on any given day. He, however, found it difficult to ignore the fact that he was being filmed and continually found himself addressing the camera.

Near the end of the shoot, while Dr. Tolar munched on his favorite snack, Pringle’s potato chips, his wife arrived home, fresh from the salon and somewhat miffed that he had company over without her knowledge. She quickly forgave him and was introduced to the crew.

Leslye and Kendra went to the Erikpo Community Bank to communicate our decision to engage them as partners for the microlending project. The enthusiasm was high as we met with bank representatives, talking over our mutual visions and hopes, as well as next steps. A TV news crew was there and interviewed Leslye and Kendra for broadcast on national TV Tuesday night. Plans were made to draw up the agreement and meet the next day to review and sign it.

Helen invited Kendra to an “Inner Wheel Club” event. Cliff joined her and the two of them were honored at the head table. “Inner Wheel” is devoted to friendship and service and is a humanitarian organization that gives to the poor and underprivileged. They set their aims high for projects for the year to come—from microlending to clothes for orphanages. They were very successful in their fundraising efforts (Kendra and Cliff got sucked in and donated over a hundred dollars for their causes. Kendra spoke to the group about our purpose and vision, and that she was appreciative to know that people were tending to the pressing needs of people in the Niger Delta). Having observed this, Kendra approached the new President about Esther and asked if she would be willing to allocate some of their funds toward her plastic surgery. The response was positive, and we agreed to partner toward raising the necessary funds.

For the third time that week, Sandy, Joel and Ryan met with key administrative members of MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta). The meeting was an open discussion of what MEND is hoping would happen in the U.S. in terms of people beginning to hear of the plight of the Niger Delta. The thrust of the meetings was to hear that MEND wants most to participate in third party binding talks with the Nigerian Government, JTF (military), representatives of Oil and Local Government officials. It is their assertion that the only way for true progress is third party binding talks. We have drafted a document that is a work in progress stressing the need for dialogue in the DELTA – a key point is that this dialogue not be held or called for by the government since they are one of the parties that need to be held accountable.

Justina, Project Director, met with Leslye and Kendra at the hotel with the agreement in hand. We signed it and shared, once again, our eagerness to engage with them in this amazing endeavor. We look forward to watching the women grow and flourish over the next two years.

We hosted a party in the hotel for our Nigerian friends and partners. We extended our gratitude and celebrated our accomplishments, acknowledging that what we have forged has come through our relationships. Spirits were mixed, both bittersweet and joyous. People kept sharing how much we will be missed. Sandy gave a touching speech, which included the quotation “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – and ended with a toast to peace.