The first thing that hits a first timer in the Western world, as was my case, is the feeling of homesickness. After the novelty of being in a new place dissipated, I longed desperately for home. I dreamt about it every other night. Sometimes, I even woke up assuming I was in my room in Nigeria. I would dwell helplessly in that state for as long as one hour before reality set in and I began my pining afresh. Oh My! I struggled with the six-hour time zone difference between both countries! Because of time zone differences, I resorted to chatting with my family and friends only on weekends. I always could not wait for the weekend. I desperately looked forward to it every single day! Eventually, it took me nearly an entire year to gradually stop missing home. On several occasions, I had gotten homesick from constantly crying, and I did not even realize it. I complained to anyone who cared to listen about how much I missed home. During that phase, one of my professors, Dr Gordon Hughes, had advised me to visit the Rice Multicultural Centre, because he believed that there were high chances of meeting my African community there. He also encouraged me to enroll in Yoga at the Rice Recreation Center. He believed they would help. And they did. However, my British-Indian flatmate, Anehka Sokhal, a former Data Science Master’s student here too, practically forced me to visit the Rice Wellbeing Office because she had endured me crying myself sick every night. That was the best decision anyone had ever made for me at that moment! The counsellors at the wellbeing office were so helpful, and gradually I began to find my feet in my Canaan.
One of the helpful tips the counselor proffered was finding a Black and African community in school, like Rice African Graduate Students Association (RAGSA) and Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA), and outside the school, like the African churches. For example, Streams of Joy, Houston (Nigerian-dominated), where I currently worship in and Christ Palace (Ghanaian-dominated), and finally, the counsellor suggested I make the Nigerian dishes I missed so much. Yes, my mother made sure my two large travelling boxes were filled up with dry authentic Nigerian foodstuff like dehydrated stockfish, catfish, crayfish, okpa (Bambara nuts), ukwa (breadfruits), zobo (hibiscus leaves), egusi (melon seeds), ogbono (I do not know the English name, though I heard it is some special kind of mango seed) and assorted herbs and leaves that only grow in Nigeria. She knew how much I loved local dishes and how I may not survive one year without them, so she packed as much as her eyes and money could find. I barely packed any clothes while coming. My foodstuffs took the place of my clothing. All thanks to Shein and Goodwill, who were my lifesavers. I often wondered what I would do if I ever ran out of these foodstuffs. “Are there any Nigerian supermarkets in Houston?” I wondered.
One Sunday at West University Baptist church, I sighted Segun, who happened to be the only dark-skinned chorister amongst others, leading the church choir. I knew instantly that he would have an answer to my lingering very important question. The truth is that sometimes, we forget the power of “Google,”\ especially coming from a country where we normalize asking our neighbours questions. In Africa, our neighbours are our Google. I still struggle with googling over asking my friends questions, even today. After the service, Segun did not just allay my fears of never eating Nigerian food again by telling me about Wazobia, he practically drove me there that evening to shop for my favourite things. I was so excited! I was amazed that every single thing I had ever missed was there. Right here with me in Houston! My darlings, that was one good dosage away from curing my homesickness. I bought yams, so I could make my favourite boiled yams and egg sauce! I made okpa too and enjoyed it with a bottle of chilled Coke just like old times in Nigeria! Thank you so much, Segun…
Gradually, I discovered other African stores to compare prices, because I am heavy on savings as a graduate student! I discovered:
- My Sasun: They will not only exceed your expectations in the African items you love so much, such as Goat meat, Titus fish (Mackerel), all Nigerian made products, even utali- a long cane used in disciplining stubborn children, they will bring your orders right to your doorstep, so long as your order is above $70. I do my bulk purchases with them to save money. there. Their physical location is far away from me (1922 Choate Pkwy, #135, Celina TX, 75009) and I do not drive, so I downloaded their app, which is so easy to use and make my purchases. Easy-peasy! Their prices are affordable too.
- Southwest Farmers Market: They not only sell Nigerian food items, but they also make those special delicacies you miss so much and deliver them to your doorstep. Think of ukpo (plantain pudding), they have. Though they deliver only prepared meals, they have about six locations in/near Houston. They are: 9801 Bissonnet Street, 2223 Texas 6, 10531 S Wilcrest Dr., 17117 FM 529, Richmond TX, Katy, TX
- Wazobia Market: With two locations at 16203 Westheimer Road, Suite 106 and Beechnut Location, they have an entire restaurant on the left wing of their fully loaded supermarket. Their meals are affordable too. I sometimes branch off to eat there after Sunday service at Streams of Joy, Houston.
There are so many African Supermarkets in Houston, once you Google them, but I have only shared with you the three major ones I have used. I would say, as others do, that they are tested and trusted. Just like me, I do not miss home as much as before, and I hope this helps you as much as it did for me, too.
About the author:
Osinachi Immaculeta Okafor is from Ebenator village, Azigbo town in Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State, Costa Rica and is a current Ph.D. student in Art History. She got her B.A. in Fine and Applied Art at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria in 2017. Read more.
Further Reading:
Rice Life Unveiled: An African’s Houston Diary
Houston Without a Car: How to Navigate Rice University and Beyond