Ibeno Beach: Moments of Peace and Hope

My close friend told me about their trip to Ibeno Beach. Money was my challenge now, I didn't have much but I wanted that experience so badly because I had never been to the Beach before. Here is what I did:

Pre-Ibeno Beach

I checked the calendar first, to see how many weeks was left for me to get ready for the Ibeno Beach trip with my Christian brothers. It was 3 weeks to go, to gather my transportation and refreshment expenses for the beach trip.

Then, I checked the weather as well, if it will be favourable for us. The weather forecast for that Sunday looked friendly. That gave me hope I would enjoy every bit of it.

Next on was my outfit. Though I had not been to the beach before, I know how beach outfit should look like: simple and light. With this I knew what to wear, I didn't have to get a new outfit. My vintage long-sleeve shirt, a white T-shirt and my short were available. Psychologically, I was fully ready for this trip 😃

I didn't plan alone. I planned with my very good friend. And he really supported me, financially. One week to the trip, we calculated our means of completing the money for the trip. The plan was worth it.

The week was finally here. The trip was on a Sunday, we had to complete all our work for the week so that we have a vacation Saturday and Sunday. We were in Uyo, our state capital city, at my sibling's residence that Saturday. So that we don't miss our Sunday Christian meeting, we attended on Saturday afternoon instead.

In the evening we stroll and enjoy the fresh air. I was so happy because I had left my burden behind, and free my chest. I zero my mind and enjoy what I would call "Pre-Ibeno Beach feelings."

The D-Day

We left for the take-off point and waited for the bus for few hours. People who were for the trip started coming one after the other; families, couples, friends and single people 😅

Finally, we were complete to leave Uyo for Ibeno Beach. Earlier while at the take-off point, I had used Goggle Map to check the location, it was a 1 hour, 10 minutes drive from our take off point to the beach. We had three vehicles for the trip: one Marcopolo bus, a 14 seater bus and a mini-bus. Everyone was happy we've finally left for the Beach.

I was on the Marcopolo bus. The moment the bus moved, I checked the time was 11:33 am. If our trip will match with the Google map prediction, that means we'll be at Ibeno Beach in 12:43 pm. We arrived there at 12:58 pm. Almost close 😃
I guess the Maps calculated the time based on a vehicle's speed.

In the Beach

As the bus approached, I saw the coastal view of the waves embracing the endless sands from every angle. It was an ambience to behold. I was in my native wear, I had extra clothes with me😀 At this moment I wanted to get closer to the sea.

We were gathered at our parking space and given instructions on what to do and what not to do. After that, I changed up, took off my footwear and put it in my bag. Then I walked around barefoot. I heard a longtime ago that walking barefoot on beach sand was healthy for the body.

Refreshment were not left out, for food we had rice, porridge plantain and afang soup. For drinks: palm wine, beer and soda/minerals were available. I took Afang soup with garri, I enjoyed myself 😋

I took a lot of pictures with me, my friends and my Christian family. A memorable day I'll remember all my lifetime.

Post-Ibeno Beach

Reflecting on the moments at the Beach, it connects me to Jehovah God, the Grand Creator of the universe. Standing barefoot on the sands and watched how the waves keeps embracing the shore over and over again, knowing it was designed this way and it will never stop, I now clearly understands the words of the Bible book of Isaiah 48:18; " ...And your righteousness like the waves of the sea."

That day, nature's had a hold on me. I didn't just leave with memories. I left with peace, a new start, refreshment and hope.

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I invite: @sana-khan01, @leorichies, @dequeen and @m-fdo to check out my writing

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All photos on this post are from my phone

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