NYSC Diaries is a 6 part series on my blog to commemorate my successful completion of the mandatory National Youth Service. It’s me sharing the stories, experiences and lessons I gathered during the year. Some will be serious, some will be funny, and some almost unbelievable. The one constant thing through all the stories however is the faithfulness of God through all the seasons. Be blessed as you read! … xX.

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I spent almost two months looking for a house to live. Okay to be honest that’s not exactly accurate information, let’s take a step back. So, remember I told you about my heaven sent PPA? Well, one of the perks about getting that job was that it came with accommodation! Not just any accommodation, it came with a well-furnished house in a place you can call the suburbs of Ibadan.
What more can a corps member ask for? In that apartment, there was a spacious sitting room with a TV, couch and sound system, a well furnished kitchen plus! There were multiple rooms I could pick from all of which had proper beds and Air conditioners. Oh I almost forgot there was a generator there as well. Basically, it was a potential home away from home! The only thing was I did not want to live alone and I already had two friends I planned to get an accommodation with. So, I decided to move out.
That was when the house hunt began. I met multiple agents, almost got scammed and still no apartment. Then finally we found one. It was perfect. The environment was not an estate like the first accommodation, but it was decent. The house was tiled, the fittings were nice by all standards and the price was fair, It was perfect! We indicated our interest. I began talks with a carpenter who would make my bed and already went window shopping for house furniture. On the set day to pay for it, the agent told me he already gave out the apartment! What?? I was so upset! It took days before I got over it, I couldn’t believe I would have to continue the gruesome house hunt which involved going all around Ibadan in bikes, walking under the hot sun and having mini-misunderstandings with agents who simply liked to waste peoples time.
Another house like the one above came and went. I got tired. Why was it so hard for us to find an apartment? People who started house hunting after us had moved in long ago. As usual I went back on my knees to be sure I was aligned with God will. Shortly after that, miraculously! We got offered another place to stay for free. It had actually always been on the table but we just ignored it because of some personal reservations.
Finally, one night, we went to have a look at the place. It was Just like the first accommodation from my PPA, this one was fully furnished. It was a three bedroom apartment with a furnished everything! In the living room we had an air conditioner, dining table, and all the necessities even up to a wall clock. We had a big gas cooker, a fridge and freezer kitchen cabinets and even pots.
Then it finally clicked! All this while, I had been sweating and asking God to lead us to the perfect accommodation within our price range whereas he wanted to give us the best at no cost. Can you see the God that I serve? We moved in the next day. It was close enough to our PPA’s so transportation wasn’t even an issue.
I always say that God pampered me during my service year, he gave me undeserved favor and re-emphasized some lessons I will never ever forget:

1. God is a GOOD God! He always gives his children the BEST according to his will.
2. Praying to God for his leading when you already have a set direction in mind is futile. Let go and let God!

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Sinmisola Nojimu-Yusuf,
Gentleman Corps Member, 2015 Batch B, Oyo state.