Makalondi with Joy

Esita and Miriama

2012-01-30T00:29:00.004+01:00

This morning was my last time to worship with our Church family here in Makalondi for 6 months. (It's always mind-boggling to me to think that I sit here snuggly with the women this Sunday and next Sunday I'll be sitting in my church in Georgia!) But this morning was a little more special.

What do you think that these two Jewish women had in common - Miriam and Esther. Two women from different periods of Jewish history...a nomad and a queen. What on earth did they share and what importance is that to this Sunday morning?

After church had finished and I stood up, a young mother seated just down the bench from me, tapped me on the arm and pointed to her newborn baby, asleep in her arms. I made over her and the mother handed her to me. A beautiful little girl all curled up in my arms. I went on outside to greet friends and tell others good-bye and visit with still others. Later I went inside to hand baby back to her mom, and I asked her, "What is her name?" A little discussion arose with Dama, a more mature woman...who then explained to me, "She wants you to name her baby."

Wow, what an honor. Since I wouldn't have the benefit of several days to think and pray over it, I breathed a prayer asking the Lord to give me a special name for this precious baby. The Lord brought Esther to mind, and the reasons for which I like it. I told the mother that I had chosen "Esita" and proceded to remind her of the story of Esther, in brief. I closed by telling her why I like, and chose, the name. As I stood to leave, Dama said, "You can't go yet...you need to name her sister too!" I looked at the woman beside the mother and she was holding Esther's twin sister! Now my mind was racing...whom else from Bible history did I admire? The Lord brought Miriam to mind. And for the same reasons. So I explained that I had chosen "Miriama" for baby sister and the special things about Miriam.

As God gave me those two names, the qualities that struck me about both women, was their courage and their influence. They weren't perfect women, but they allowed God to use them, and they learned to trust Him with their lives! And as a result they were indispensible to His plans for the nation of Israel...Women of influence and power, who in their courage and dependance on God, brought salvation to His people and Glory to His name! What wonderful qualities to pray upon these two new little Gourma girls... What plans does God have in store for them? How will they impact their own people and bring Glory to His name?...

Mom and the friends were all pleased and we had a little celebration over the two little girls. I kissed each of them on the cheek...the next time I see them they'll be 6 mos. old and more active! What a privilege to have a part in their lives!

Superhero Benjamin

2012-01-27T00:44:00.004+01:00

My little Grandson, Benjamin, is really into being a Superhero these days...and one thing he really really wants is a Superhero cape and mask. Somehow our Christmas order got messed up and Ben didn't get that gift from Nana and Papa. So Nana decided to just make him one and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. An added gift: I get to hand-deliver it to him in about 1 week! It'll be fun to watch him open the gift and use it for the first time.

1000 + 11 Gifts

2012-01-20T00:28:00.002+01:00

The internet has been a bear lately…in Niamey as well as in Makalondi! And once we’ve become dependant on it, it becomes one more burr in your waistband in an already challenging place to live. We’ve all tended to bemoan our fate: can’t get emails, can’t send emails, can’t use skype, etc. and the few days we have to work at the office just grinds to a halt. More than that, I ache to be able to get FB or email updates on my High School best friend who is leaving this life and going to Life with Jesus. I feel frustrated.

So we’re doing a book reading/study on "1000 Gifts" by Ann Voskamp, and even from the first chapter with it’s Crushing story, I realize that I can choose to live in frustration, or I can remember to do what God’s Word urges us to do: to be Thankful in all circumstances. So I’ve begun to take time to reflect on my daily gifts from God…and they are so numerous, I can’t even begin to list them here(....at least a thousand!) They are part of my worship from a heart full of gratitude for the Life God has given me…here…every day!

I’ll share just a few of my recent Gifts:

I was able to get a note to my girlfriend, Brooke, in time for her to be able to read it and know my heart for her before her final hours!

I will see Brooke again one day and we’ll have more adventures together

Visiting baby Jean Marie (a boy, I discovered), and having him sit on my lap and watch him grab at his feet and reach up and pull my glasses off – he is SEEING!

My new clinic room is nearly done…the floor will be poured in the next two days, and then we get to move in.

Hearing the men behind the building today listening to The Way of Righeousness; knowing that they are there, not for medical help, but just to listen to the Words of Life!

These cold mornings, with a cup of hot tea, just visiting and worshipping with Jesus.

Hot Fari Masa (like donuts?) with Spicy Squash sauce, fixed for me by my friend, Nuadiba, because I got hungry at clinic today - YumJ

The way that Gary made sure I had hot water for my shower this evening!

My nine healthy grandchildren and one on the way…what a gift each one of them is!

The anticipation of seeing my children in a few weeks, and my parents and my siblings!!

Laughing with my SIM colleagues – they are my “family” here.

Some Exciting Stuff Going On!

2011-12-17T12:06:00.004+01:00

I’m going to tell a story that has taken place over the past several months. If you manage to hang with me, you will be so glad, because it is an exciting story…still taking place. In order to protect those in the story, I’ll use fictitious names and cloak some terms.

Background: About a year or so ago, there was an Important Fulani religious man who lived in another part of our country. He was hired by a M. project to propagate their religion in that area. One day he was given a Bible and as he began to read and compare, he began to have big questions. He went to the one who had gifted him and over a period of discussions, he decided to follow Jesus. He knew he needed discipling, so he contacted some miss’y friends of ours in the city and asked if he could come be discipled. They agreed, and along with other Fulani believers, this man, whom we will call Henry, grew in the faith. When he tried to return to resign, he had to flee for his life. Another time he moved back to his village, which is down near our area, but when other family members and contacts began to accept Christ, he and his family had to leave again. They have settled in the city. But his heart is still burning to share the gospel with his people.

Recent Past (2-3 wks ago): At my clinic in the bush, we see as many Fulani people as we do Gourma. As the people are waiting for their consultation, they are listening to evangelistic media which have been prepared specifically for the Fulani of our area – their dialect and religious background. Many of them have expressed much interest and have actually asked our Clinic evangelist if they can come back and listen…which they do.

About a month ago, I asked my colleague, Lucy, if she and Henry would be willing to come out and take a look at the number of Fulani who come…and if Henry would be willing to talk to them to see if there is a genuine interest. They came, and on that day, Henry, Lucy and myself met some interesting contacts. One of those was Dan, a High Religious Leader, for our whole area among the Fulani, a very friendly older man, who had studied his religion abroad for 20 yrs., and had learned basic French as well as Arabic. As he and Henry talked, it was clear that there was an openness to talk about spiritual matters. Lucy had brought along a copy of the book of Genesis, which was different. She had recently taken the Fulfulde translation of Genesis and put it into Arabic script, which now allowed an Arabic reader to read in their own mother tongue. Since most boys of this religion learn to read in Arabic, and never their own language, this allows them to be able to read with understanding!

So when Lucy gave Dan a copy, he immediately began to read, thinking it was Arabic, but as the words came out, it kept coming out in his own language…and as it dawned on him, a huge grin began to spread over his face! Now he read voraciously…and then declared to us, “This is the truth!” As we prepared to leave, Henry asked if we could pray together. Immediately Dan dropped to his knees; the rest of us followed suit. Dan asked Henry to start and he would finish. I can’t describe to you how deep and beautiful the prayer was that Henry prayed…(Lucy was translating for me), but in it he managed to pray for Dan and his family, their health, peace and that they would know the way to Heaven…and he prayed the gospel in a subtle way. He prayed like one who has known Jesus for years!

Before we left, the Fulani requested that Henry return again soon.

When I shared the above story with my colleagues who had prepared the listening media, they were excited too and helped me to acquire a locally available radio, which also has a USB port. They loaded three USB sticks with evangelistic material: with over 100 Bible stories in Fulfulde, portions of Scripture and songs…all which have been prepared for the Fulani of our area. The next week when I was at clinic, Dan was back to bring his wife to get her ulcer meds. I asked him if he would like to listen to these programs and tell me what he thought. He and a friend sat and listened for nearly two hours! Dan and others declared them to be "sweet."

When I saw him crouched down to work on his motorcycle, preparing to leave, I brought out the radio I had brought for him. I told him that Lucy and Henry and the people who prepared the programs and I, all wanted him to have this, and I handed the radio to him. He was speechless. I asked if I could take his picture, so I could show my friends that he had received it. He agreed, so I asked if he would like to stand up for the picture, but he replied, "No, it is fitting that I receive this on my knees, because I am grateful."

Dec. 3^rd: While visiting at a social event, Lucy and I decided to plan a date for her and Henry to return. We could let the 5-6 men who had expressed interest know the day, and they could meet together with them and discuss what they had been listening to and answer any questions. We prayed that God would send those who were seeking to know Him and that He would direct that meeting.

Present: That meeting took place this past Thursday. When Lucy, Henry and I arrived, I immediately had to begin my work in the clinic. Our Gourma evangelist, Moses, had let the Fulani men know, and over the next half an hour, they began to arrive. Moses had swept out under a thorn tree and placed some bricks and a few benches for them. It was a small distance from the clinic so it would give them some privacy. Dan showed up and so did some other religious leaders, who had been coming to listen to the clinic radio (Fulani media). Later I heard all about it from Lucy. Since we had expected a handful of guys, we were surprised when over 20 showed up! They listened to Henry talk for over two hours. He started by quoting some of their familiar prayers in Arabic, brought out what is good in Islam, and asked them what happens when they fall short of the ideal and are left wondering if they can make it to heaven. Then he went to the Old Testament and explained how it points to Jesus. They asked lots of questions!

Several of them stayed around for another two hours, asking questions and discussing the Scriptures. Then they asked Henry to come back and explain more to them. One man said to Mary, "Can you come to my village? My people need to hear this."

Clinic Building Begins...FINALLY!!

2011-12-16T22:32:00.001+01:00

We finally have the right weather, the best builder, the materials and the funds to get the clinic addition built. As I write this, the work is going on and the new “wing” should be finished by early next week. Yahooey!

Unloading materials at the site.

Necessary tools for building: knife, traditional pick, and a good supply of Tea (leaves, sugar and pot)!

Starting the foundation.

Yesterday, Thursday, the walls were going up. This weekend the doors and windows will go in.

I'm so excited to see our dream finally coming true!

Jeanne-Marie Update

2011-12-16T22:13:00.002+01:00

Among many very exciting things that God has done this past week, the update on Jeanne-Marie has to be one of the best! Tuesday afternoon Gary and I drove the builder (who is presently building our new clinic addition) and his team out to the site in that village. After getting them set up and starting the work, I had a few minutes to talk to Pastor. I told him about all that had happened since I had left him on Thursday after clinic (talking to my sister, the medicine I just "happened" to have, and giving J.M. her first dose). I told him that I had asked many people to be praying for her...and then he stopped me. He said, "Her father came to see me this morning and he says that she can See!" My other worker/evangelist was there too, and simultaneously we both said, "Hallelujah!" Gary heard the news and was excited too. We continued to pray.

On Thursday, I stopped by to see Jeanne-Marie on my way to clinic, and at first it was hard to tell a difference... but then, when I held up my finger, she reached for it and pulled it to her mouth. While seated on my lap, she looked me straight in the face, and immediately arched back and began to cry - a common reaction of a baby to a "white" lady. She hadn't done that before. And when I questioned the parents, they both assured me that she could see things that were close up to her. Surrounded by so many people, and Jeanne-Marie wanting to go back to her mother, it wasn't the place to do an eye exam. I left some medicines with them, and they were very thankful. I reminded them that this was a work of God!

Please continue to pray. I hope to get them into an Opthamologist just after the new year for an evaluation. I'm praising God for what she Can see and Praying for complete healing! Thanks for helping with that.

Giving Jeanne-Marie the medicine last Friday.

Little Jeanne-Marie

2011-12-11T20:52:00.002+01:00

I’m at the clinic and little Jeanne-Marie sits on my lap with her face turned up to mine. She’s 15 months old and other than a fever, she appears to be a healthy little toddler, just beginning to walk.

Except that Jeanne-Marie can’t see my face. After completing my simple sight exam, I realize the truth: She can’t see anything! Her eyes just stare and she blinks.

Her parents have brought her to our clinic because they were beginning to get worried. About 3 weeks ago Jeanne had gotten sick…with a high fever and she had had some seizures. They took her to the clinic in Maka. and she received some sort of treatment there. When they took her home it wasn’t long before they notice that Jeanne-Marie wasn’t trying to walk anymore, and that she was bumping into things as she crawled. They began to get scared. They took her to another clinic further away…more medicines…but Jeanne’s sight didn’t seem any better.

Now finally they are at our clinic with hope written all over their faces. Hope that we will have some sort of medication that will help her eyes to be able to see again! As I finished examining her and I came to the conclusion that she was indeed blind, I struggled with what I would say to this young couple! How could I tell them that their first born, beautiful little girl was now blind, changing their lives forever?!

Somehow I came out with the truth, as gently as I could. They were devastated! Both of their faces were pictures of shock and dismay, eyes downcast! We tried to assure them that we would treat her for the suspected resistant malaria which was causing her fever, but I don’t think they heard our words. I tried to reassure them that Jeanne-Marie could be a healthy little girl and have a productive life if the family would be willing to help her. They couldn’t think of that right now! We also suggested that they get an expert opinion and advice from an Ophthalmologist. But last of all, and best of all, as they prepared to leave, our Health Worker/Pastor Bori suggested that we pray together. Since the family has a Catholic background, they agreed. Pastor prayed a heartfelt prayer for the parents and then prayed with conviction and faith for healing for Jeanne’s eyes, since God is the greatest physician of all. We all murmured, “Amin” as he ended.

That evening, back in our home, I was puzzled over what could have caused Jeanne-Marie’s blindness, so I made a Skype call to my sister, Terry, who is an Eye “expert”. She made a suggestion: if there was swelling around the optic nerve, it could occlude sight; it might be worth a try to give her Prednisone to decrease the swelling. Being three weeks later, it could be too late, but it was worth a try. I never have Prednisone in my home, but just recently a nurse friend had left me with some, and I had JUST ENOUGH for a week’s treatment for Jeanne-Marie. The next morning, Gary and I drove out to the family’s village and found their compound. Everyone gathered around as the couple brought Jeanne-Marie to me. I showed them how to pound up the medicine in a spoon, add a pinch of sugar and a few drops of water. Then I took Jeanne-Marie in my arms and laid her back abit. When I put the spoon to her lips, she eagerly took the first sip….then she began to fuss. (She also tinkled on me :) I had to work abit to get the rest in her, but her parents were watching. They had to know how they should do it themselves, four times a day. As we got up to leave and I handed her back to her parents, they all thanked me for coming. I had the opportunity to tell them that God had ordained that I had the medicine at home, and that we had prayed with the family the day before for God to heal her eyes. We would continue to pray.

As the young father walked us to our truck, we asked him if he knew Jesus…he said that they go to the Catholic Church in the next village.

Will you pray with us this week for Jeanne-Marie, that God would touch her eyes, either through His Divine touch or by the medication? Pray that the love and power of Jesus would be evident to this young couple and their surrounding family! Pray that God’s Glory would be seen!

Two Little Pumpkins

2011-11-29T03:09:00.006+01:00

Do you remember these two darling baby girls that I wrote about back in April? Their mother had been coming to the clinic for her prenatal check-ups and on her last visit, I told her that I thought that she may be carrying twins. Sure enough, she was, and little Docassa and Luta (Dorcas & Ruth) were born two months premature. They had a rough start and at one point, I prayed over little Luta because she was fighting so hard to live and it seemed that she was failing. However, God answered prayer, and she began to put on weight just like her sister.

Well just the other day, I stopped to take the healthy little girls' picture...they are 7 months old now and as active as any little babies of that age should be. Both of the girls were nursed only, until their 6th month, and then they began to give them the cereal mix, Misola, which we show the moms how to prepare. Misola is a combination of grains, beans and nuts which ensure that the babies receive a full complement of vitamins and minerals. We show the moms how to make the cereal with the ingredients locally available. Babies on this diet of breast milk and Misola will avoid malnutrition, which is so prevalent in our area.
The mother, on the left, is so thankful to God for her healthy little Dorcas and Ruth! Me too!

Traditional Medicine

2011-11-29T02:01:00.006+01:00

Ever since we moved to Makalondi and I became involved in medical ministry, I've been fascinated by the variety of medicinal plants. For most of the nationals, these roots, barks, or leaves are the first treatment they will use when they become sick. Although this treatment is not as strong as the medication they would receive at a local clinic, it is many times very effective and it is surely a good deal cheaper. And where the average income is very meager, the traditional medicine all around them is a good option. As I drive out to the clinic every week, I pass many trees with tell-tale signs of frequent use. Some barks are used to treat worms...

...the leaves of the tree behind me and my girlfriend in front of our home, are used to treat stomach aches and cramps.

Often the bark or the leaves will be used to make a "tea" or a poultice, very much the same way our ancestors used the plants and herbs to treat their illnesses. And usually there is one or two persons in each village who are the medicinal experts. (This can sometimes be the "witch doctor", but is not always the case). But I've found that most of the people have a general knowledge of their trees and plants and the ways to use them.

What is also interesting, is the way the trees respond to the frequent cutting. They become gnarly and lumpy, healing over the cut places. If I had more time, I'd really love to do more research on the specific plants and their uses. Nevertheless, when someone comes to our clinic for treatment, chances are that they have already tried something traditional. Often the traditional medicine will work, but for the times when it isn't effective or not the proper treatment, we are there to help them with a pharmaceutical option. After all, many of our drugs come from flora and fauna.

Fall in the Air

2011-11-26T09:02:00.003+01:00

Driving out through the bush to the clinic and driving to and from the city, it's been great this year to watch the leaves changing. It helps to make it feel like Fall really is here, even if our daily temps are still high. Maybe the beautiful colors this year are due to the nippy 65 degree temps we're having at night?! Or the Dry Dry weather? Whatever the reason, the landscape is putting on a beautiful display, with all the colors sparkling in the clear sunlight.

This year Thanksgiving really "felt" like Thanksgiving, driving by the beautiful colors and then celebrating it with our "family" here in Niamey. Add in the Harmattan dust, and one can actually smell Christmas in the air! I need to get the Christmas tree out, hose off the dust, and put it up!

Just Love These Kids!

2011-11-13T17:52:00.004+01:00

As the new school year began, the Lord allowed me to take up one of my favorite ministries again: that of having a Kid's Club. In this club we learn of God's love for us and others and how we can live by following the truths from His Word. Last year due to my work load, it just wasn't possible for me to have their club, and I heard from our Center teacher that the kids would come on Saturday mornings and wait for me! Talk about making me feel terrible!
This year, I have been able to narrow my ministry focus with Beki helping us, so that I could have time for the kids again. This time I wanted to not only teach them Spiritual truths, but to also be able to help them academically. (Most children in 4th and 5th grade still do not know how to read or do basic math problems.) Because our mission has just produced an excellent Biblically based Reading and Math program for the beginner levels, I wanted to try that program with the kids. At the same time I also wanted to train someone else in teaching children using this method. And God gave me the young man (Yemin) to help...he's one whom we have helped with some schooling and teaching courses in the past, and he was eager to have an opportunity to get some experience. Then I called on my dear friend who IS a teacher to help us get the ball rolling. She came out to Makalondi and did a week with us, planning out our 3 time/week meetings, modeling the teaching method for us, and giving extra instruction to Yemin.
We've just finished our 4th week and even though it's been A LOT of work (I have much more sympathy for all the prep work of first grade teachers now!), we are thoroughly enjoying Club time....the kids And the teachers! We only accepted 10 students on the condition that they would be faithful and that their parents would support us in making sure they came. The rewards are already evident as I see the children learning Bible stories so well that they can tell them to their classmates, putting the lessons from those stories into practice in their behavior and seeing the individual gifts of each child academically coming out with more confidence. The kids just can't wait for class, and when school was out for a holiday this past week, they asked me to hold class for them that afternoon, which we did.
I think that it's evident in the video below, that the children are enjoying themselves. They had studied the story of Ishmael and the lessons we learned were that God always hears them and that we don't make fun of others. We applied that to our families in particular.
Here is what they are reciting (focusing on the sound of "i" in French - which is the "long e" sound for us in English):
Isaac grew. Ishmael laughed, hee hee hee. Sarah said, "That's enough! Leave from here!" But God heard his cries.

A Story from the Clinic

2011-11-01T07:07:00.003+01:00

I'll jump right in. Often at the clinic we have to tell someone that their medical problem is more than we can handle. We don't have the ability out in the bush to do an x-ray or lab work or most other medical tests. We will have to refer them to a medical post in Niamey. Because of the distance, many of them never end up going in. Being nomadic with their herds and often not having family in the city can be a big deterant. But some of them do go...and we are often eager to hear back from them on the results.
Recently we had a sweet young Fulani woman, Fati, come for a consultation and she laid out her problem. She hadn't had a normal cycle in over two years and being married she really wanted a baby. Could we give her some medication and help her? After taking her history, I explained our dilema...we would love to help her, but don't have the resources on site. I referred her to my friend, "Suzy B" in the city who is a Dr. and has a clinic.
Fati traveled to Niamey with her parents, and my friend, "Em" met them at the taxi bus station to take them to their relative's home. It turned out to be just 4 doors down from the wedding that Em was attending, and had left, to go pick them up! She also picked them up the next morning and drove them across the city to the consultation. (God really lovingly provided for this family!!)
The next weekend I talked to Suzy B and she had been told a different history (not uncommon) and had felt an abdominal mass so she ordered some tests and an ultrasound to be done at a local hospital. She told me that they hadn't returned with the results and wondered if they had returned home. That wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility since the fields were ready for harvest and they can't be away for long.
Well, two days later, Dr. B called me and said that they were in her office with the results. I braced myself... she told me she knew the problem. Fati is 3 months pregnant! I started laughing. I was so tickled to hear GOOD NEWS...and we were both relieved that the "mass" turned out to be a BABY!! Praise God!
Last Thursday, Fati showed up at our clinic again with her test results. We had a good chat, she was shyly smiling, and we scheduled her for her first prenatal visit next Friday.
I just love it when a Good Surprise comes our way. I just love it when a patient experiences the Love of Jesus through our network of believers. Thanks for that, my sisters! (Pictures to come... smile)

A FANtastic trip...a FANtasy trip...???

2011-09-29T21:17:00.005+01:00

Yesterday our truck was in the garage. The timing belt light on the dash had been on for a week, so in line with the truck manual's advice, we took it in to have the old belt removed and a new one put on. Late in the afternoon, Gary picked up the truck, paid the bill and drove home (our city home). Mission Accomplished.

Not so quick...

Early this morning we packed the truck and headed for Makalondi. I had to get out to the clinic by 9:30 and was bringing a large stock of meds with me. As we were driving through town, I said to Gary, "You know, I hear a funny tat-tat noise from our engine...do you hear it?" Well, he didn't. But just outside the city, he stopped and looked under the hood just to be sure...and he didn't see anything suspicious. It was a smooth ride out (and we even had a special time reading and discussing the insights God showed us from the first 10 verses in Luke chapter 7).

We arrived in Makalondi, unloaded and I threw my medical bag and 2 bottles of water in the truck and took off. Now I first noticed the squealing sound with a louder tat-tat noise about 6 or 7 kms. into the bush. I stopped the truck and called Gary's cell phone. No answer. I called Abdou's cell (our worker). No answer. I called Beki, and she did answer and agreed to go tell Gary I was calling him. Finally connected, I put my cell phone up to the motor, reaching under the wheel well. Gary: "Ohhh, that does not sound good. You need to come home and drive slowly. If it gets worse, just stop."

As I turned the truck around, I started praying...praying that God would protect our engine from expensive damage. I got about 1 km. distance when a huge banging began! I immediately shut the truck off and just knew I had ruined the engine! I called Gary and he said he would borrow Beki's motorcycle and come to me.

While waiting for him, several Gourma men stopped, offering to help. Looking at the engine we could see some broken pieces of cowling and stray nuts below. I told them not to touch anything until Gary could see for himself.

Gary arrived and accessed the situation. When the mechanics had worked on our truck at the garage and put the fan back on, they hadn't tightened up the bolts holding the fan to the engine! Out of 4 bolts, 2 had fallen off, and 1 was hanging on barely. the fan was literally flopping around and had cut up the cowling (sp?) and had started hitting the radiator.

I was so impressed, once again, at the way God watches out for us! Although the problem could have been disastrous to our truck, the fan was still on, the blades were not broken, and there wasn't even a hole in the radiator!! God had certainly protected our engine, no doubt about it!

We called the garage; Gary had to remove the fan; we drove home with several stops along the way to allow the engine to cool down; and I called the clinic to tell them that I wouldn't make it today. The garage sent a man out on a taxi bus to Makalondi and this afternoon, he worked on the truck, fixing most of the problems. The rest will be taken care of when we get back to Niamey.

Tonight I'm thanking the Lord for the safe trip out to Makalondi on the highway, for the problem happening "close" to home, and for preventing serious damage to our truck! A whole lot to be thankful for! And in the middle, I met some really nice Gourma men and shared some good conversation...

You never know what a day will bring... and it is energizing to see God's handiwork in the events of that day!

The bolts which had fallen off...

The Freeman Art Gallery

2011-08-30T00:47:00.004+01:00

Last Christmas, Joe and Amy gave me this gadget from Ikea...and it's brilliant! Gary hung it on the wall near our dining table, and so we get to look at it while we eat. Which is great, because it holds everything from cards, grandkid pictures, balloons and a handwritten Bible verse from Bryn to a Circus Program! I'm lovin my Art Gallery!

Quilting In My Blood

2011-08-29T23:26:00.012+01:00

My maternal grandmother, famous seamstress on Miami Beach for ladies such as Mrs. Kellogs, and women from the Montgomery Ward family. They would send their limousines to pick her up and bring her to their homes for custom made dresses and other clothing. But my grandmother also made beautiful quilts, and her love for sewing and quilting in particular, was passed on to me. She taught me to sew and in the process, she passed on a love for it, whether it was in making clothes (which I did for my children) or in making quilts (which I'm doing for my grandchildren). Thus, it is not surprising that the yearning comes often and I dust off my old, but sturdy, sewing machine and warm up my hands and put on my glasses, to begin quilting again in earnest.

Having completed Michael's quilt (below), I still have other quilts to make for 3 of my grandchildren and another baby on the way. So I've been looking for ideas, trying out a few patterns, looking at material. Each quilt needs to be different, so that each child has one that is unique. I even hope to keep adding to their quilts over the years to come...either to enlarge them or to add embroidery or other personal touches. It's like leaving some of myself with each of my precious grandchildren.

Nursing Student # 3

2011-08-29T23:02:00.003+01:00

From time to time I have the pleasure of hosting a Nursing Student, who part-way through their studies, will come to Niger to do an internship. This past week we had the pleasure of hosting Cecile, who is from Paris, France. She has been here for 6 weeks, but spent 5 of those weeks at our Mission Hospital out east getting some experience there. She did want to see the different opportunities for nurses serving in Niger, so she spent a day and a half with me out in my clinic. I think it was totally different from the nursing she did at our hospital, but she enjoyed the small clinic because of its' relational aspect with the patients. She has one more year of nurse's training and then she would like to look at possible places that she can be used overseas...and where God would like her to serve.

I really enjoyed having her with me and her adaptability. I'm gonna put in a request to my Heavenly Father that she join me in our growing medical ministry...

Trombidium Grandissimum*

2011-08-16T23:49:00.013+01:00

*Red Velvet BugOne small thing I like about our rainy season is that it brings out many of our beautiful bugs which are not seen too much during the dry. Last weekend, when 3 of our adopted “grandkids” were out visiting us in Makalondi, one activity we did was to take them on a hike of our “mountain” (which is really a higher elevation of ground…a tall hill) and begin a scavenger hunt. One of the items to find on the list, was a Red Velvet bug which is usually found in softer soil…like in a freshly planted field. I prepared the kids for the fact that they probably wouldn’t find a Red Velvet bug on the mountain, but that didn’t deter them from looking for one anyway.

What did happen was that in looking for the Red Velvet bug, they found all sorts of other interesting and beautiful bugs....2 of which were also another type of red bug!

They also turned up an iridescent blue green beetle and two other beetles which blended into the surrounding lava rock landscape

The next day, we picnicked under a tree beside a large field of young millet plants. After eating we took off to see if we could track down a Red Velvet bug and lo and behold, we immediately found one. Since one of the kids claimed that one, it meant that we needed to find two more. After searching for awhile, some nearby Gourma children joined in the hunt and we came up with two more bugs.

There are now Red Velvet bugs living in a jar of moist, sandy earth in the Rideout home in the city…

When I googled these bugs, I found out that they also can be commonly found in India and I even found one pictured in North Carolina! They live in the earth, but come out when the soil is moist.

They also seem indestructible: when my niece was visiting us one summer she kept one in a lidded jar in her room at our home. She had to leave it behind when she left and so it remained behind something on our desk. It was forgotten. One day nearly 6 or 7 mos. Later, I saw the jar and realized what it was. I took it outside to empty it out, expecting a bad smell. When I emptied the contents on the ground, you can imagine my surprise when Mr. Red Velvet started walking away! What had he been breathing in that jar? What had he eaten?

Though I haven’t read anything about these bugs hibernating, I wonder if that was what he was doing! Amazing!

Storm Drama!

2011-07-12T07:05:00.011+01:00

(Note: Beki's terrace is nice and open...bedroom & office on one side and the kitchen and bathroom on the other side)

The other night, Friday night, just as we were drifting off to sleep out on our terrace, my cell phone jingled, letting me know I'd just received a message. It was from Beki, who had just left our house about 40 min. earlier to walk over to her house in the next compound. Putting my glasses on, I read, "OK so this is super lame but could you all please come over when you wake up...I closed the door to my room and the handle broke so I'm stuck inside...I'll keep trying tho. I closed my kitchen already so It's ok for (in case of) rain... Sorry!" Gary mumbled, "I'll get up first thing and go over and get the handle off" and we went on to sleep.

Next thing I knew, I woke up because the wind was picking up and morning had come... and I looked out of our terrace to the east...a huge sky of dark cloud was nearly upon us! The massive dust storm was starting to roll over us as I quickly woke Gary and yelled, "You have to get Beki out before the storm hits!". He hurridly grabbed some clothes while I rushed around our house shutting all the windows, sand already in my eyes and mouth. As he ran across our compound to Beki's, the first large drops of rain, driven by the wind, began pelting the earth...and Gary too. When you are out in this kind of rain, it feels like you're being hit with lots of tiny pebbles and it's cold!

After two tries getting into the locked compound, he finally had to run and slam into the door near our Ministry Center and break the lock before he could run over to Beki's house. There, he stood on her open patio in the rain, and began to work on dismantling the door handle. (Now remember, this is a new house with a new door and handle! Handle: "Made in Ni.g.er.ia"). He had forgotten his glasses in the rush, and the rain was running down his face, nearly blocking his vision! Finally, we was able to use his key to 'jimmy' it open, and get the door open! Beki was Free! No time to talk, he dashed back to our house, running through the mud and water that was already making our yard a lake. I met him at the door with a big towel and a mug of hot Dunkin Donuts coffee (the BEST).

Mission Accomplished!

After changing into dry clothes, messaging with Beki and knowing she was ok, we sat on our terrace drinking our hot coffee and enjoying the cool rain. We would sweep up all the sand and dust later...

The Month of May...the Hottest Month of the Year

2011-06-14T22:47:00.016+01:00

Usually the month of May is the most challenging month of the year due to the heat. Last year at this time we were sleeping on our terrace, but this year we moved out into our yard. Gary attaches a 12 volt fan to our water barrel and hooks it up to our truck battery. All night long we have air blowing across us and by the early morning hours it is quite cool.
The added bonus of sleeping outside allows us to enjoy the night skies. Either the moon is shining so brightly we could use sunglasses, or the dark night makes the Milky Way and other constellations stand out in a beautiful display! It's a wonderful way to fall asleep!
During the second week of May, Gary and I visited one of our churches about 20 kms in the bush. After a great visit, as we were leaving, one of the members brought us two chickens. I was so excited because I had been wanting some chickens and was considering buying some at market. I decided to name them George and Martha. (Gary was reading a biography of George and Martha Washington at the time) Sadly after just one week, before I could put a certain medication in their eyes, both of them caught a poultry disease common in our area of Africa, and died. I was quite disappointed.
By the second week of May, the temperatures were hitting around 120 most days. Gary found that one of his missionary friends could come down and help him and our church men to roof our new church. The guys were on top of the tin roof most of the days, and struggled with keeping hydrated and not getting a sunburn. Thanks to Chad's help, the Makalondi church got it's new roof on before this years' rains arrive.
Towards the end of the third week of May, a particularily memorable occaision occured. Due to all the power cuts in the city and the internet problems, we decided to buy an Airtel USB stick from our Airtel cell provider to enable us to connect to the internet via Airtel. The best thing about that was that for the first time ever, we were able to connect to the internet from Makalondi! We never thought we would see that day in our village...
This summer many of our families who serve the mission in Administration will be taking their holidays and some are taking children home for college. Gary was asked to come into the city and cover the administration of the SIM office for two months. We knew that before the summer started, we should try and get away for a week of much needed rest. We found just the spot: Loumbila Beach. A beautiful, affordable and quiet resort in Burkina Faso, located on a lake. Most of the week we had the place to ourselves and we just enjoyed resting, reading, swimming, and meals under beautiful gazebos. The staff made our stay totally enjoyable and we came away greatly refreshed....and planning to visit them again in the future.

Fonio

2011-05-24T22:02:00.007+01:00

What's for breakfast today? Fonio! What? What's that you say? Grass seed? Really? That's right! Grass seed. Last month we were introduced to a new grain which we've never seen before in our 23+ years here in Niger. A friend from Burkina Faso came and stayed a week and brought us a bag of Fonio, which he told us is the oldest grain known to be natural to West Africa. It was here before all other grains were introduced, and that seems natural since it IS a grass seed.

Well, the next morning I was anxious to try this new cereal. You cook it up as you would Cream of Wheat or Oatmeal... After spooning it up in our bowls and adding some milk and sugar, we tried it out. Yum! With it's creamy texture and nutty flavor, it's a winner!

It's interesting that I've never seen it in our local market, but maybe the next time I'll ask around. It's definately on our list of natural, organic foods regionally available!

Pushing Back the Desert: Niger's Christians Get Creative for Daily Bread | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

2011-04-19T08:02:00.000+01:00

Pushing Back the Desert: Niger's Christians Get Creative for Daily Bread Christianity Today A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

3 D

2011-04-05T01:23:00.003+01:00

Despite what you may think this entry will be about...3 dimentional views, or some related subject, this will be totally different. 3D is a game that Gary and I and Beki have invented. We invented it partly to keep our sanity while traveling back and forth from Makalondi to Niamey and the return trip. It goes like this: 3D stands for "Dangerous Driver of the Day". Because there are so many on the road, we have begun naming contenders for the 3D title by the end of our trip, and when we finally reach our destination, we vote on who qualified as THE 3D.

Here are some recent candidates:

1. The taxi driver who was all over the road in front of us, because, as we drew up beside him to pass, we discovered that he was texting!...with a busload of people and loaded on top with baggage!

2. The car we overtook who's driver could barely see out the windshield because it was badly cracked in a spider pattern right in front of his face, and better yet, he had put white electrical tape over every crack, obscuring his vision for sure!

3. The car above who was determined NOT to pick a lane unless a vehicle approached in the opposite lane. This meant that even on a curve on a hill, he would remain where he was, straddling the line! We had fun trying to pass him!

Those are only 3...and I could go on about the semi passing another semi on a curve as we came around that curve, forcing us to squeeze onto the side and not fall into the ditch. Or the taxi bus piled so high that he's tipping towards his right side and each time he goes around a curve, we wonder if this time he'll topple!

It can make a person uptight and frustrated, even angry at their disregard for safety. So to difuse the stress, we've made it into a contest to see who can win the 3D award at the end of the trip. Problem is, we each think we won...and possibly we each did!

Thank you, Jesus, for your protection in our travels!!

A question

2011-04-05T00:00:00.003+01:00

Sometimes I wonder....does anyone other than my mother even read these entries? And if no-one besides her were reading them, would I keep on? My conclusion is: Yes. Even if just for myself. It's somewhat of a journal for me of the occurances in our daily life here in Africa. I'd like to be the type of person who keeps a hand-written journal, entering interesting tales and experiences in a fairly frequent manner, in one of those cool looking hand-made books from Nepal. But... Well, it's just not me...though I wish it were. So I guess that "journaling" on my blog about the things that I'm living, that in the end, it's going to be something I can look back and read about later and relive to some extent, experiences we were fortunate to be a part of...

Beki

2011-03-15T23:41:00.003+01:00

God sent Beki to us and to Niger...
Building her house...

The terrace will be between the two buildings. Mud brick is

actually cooler out here...

About a month ago the team working in Makalondi just increased by 50%. Beki came to join us and take over the work with the young people that we do at the Center and in other ways. Beki has been coming to Niger on trips throughout High School and College and prepared specifically at Moody to come back and work in this country. Although the past year has held some challenges and alot of circituous travel for her, she has finally arrived and is anxious to get started.

We're anxious for her to start, but there have been some slight hold-ups to Beki being able to fully settle in and start. One main one is her house, which is presently under re-modeling. It's mud brick and being revamped with two things in mind: Lots of windows for lots of light (we don't have electricity) and Lots of windows for movement of air. We're putting up a nice screened-in terrace so that on hot nights, she can sleep on the terrace in her hammock.

We're so glad to have Beki with us and I think the young people are even more excited about her arrival!

Interesting facts about Beki:

1. She has traveled over 48 different times through numerous countries this past year to finally arrive in Niger.

2. She hates bugs! Especially cockroaches!

3. She has an awesome Motorcycle she rides when she's here in Niamey.

4. She worked in security at Moody!

5. She can make a pillowcase into a dressy headwrap. That's talent!

Birthday Blessings

2011-03-05T15:15:00.003+01:00

A little over a week ago, I celebrated another birthday. But this one was the most
unique one I've had so far. It was the most ALONE one. Gary had gone to Ghana for a conference, and Beki was in Niamey.

I had left Niamey that morning to go home and had only gone about 20 kms out of the city when I realized that I had left my cell phone charging in our apartment. It was too far to turn around and go back, so even as I realized that fact, I also realized that I would not get any "Happy Birthday" calls that day from my husband or other family. As I drove on to Makalondi, I decided to concentrate on all the blessings I've been privileged to have and experience in my life...rather than let myself get disappointed.
When I arrived home, my faithful worker, Abdou asked if he could go into Niamey to see his sister in hospital. "Of course...and while you're in, can you go by and pick up my phone," which he was happy to do. By late afternoon he was back with the phone (and I had missed 10 calls). But at least I had it in hand.
I decided that I would still celebrate and have a party for myself. (This keeps one
cheered up, you see)

I made a mock cheesecake with yogurt and fixed a nice salad and a big bowl of fresh green beans for my main meal. After putting a nice tablecloth down and putting the dishes out, I placed my unopened cards and Gary's gift on the table and then sat down and ate. When it came time for the Birthday desert, I put a candle in my cheesecake and sang "Happy Birthday" to myself! Why not? I figured I was really blessed to be celebrating another year of life! Then I enjoyed opening each card and reading the messages and then last of all, opening the gift that Gary had left for me...a beautiful necklace. (I documented the evening with pictures, as you can see.)

The evening's intertainment included watching a "chick flick" and, best of all, a call from my son, Joe, all the way from the States! All in all, at the end of the day, I'd had a wonderful birthday!
However, I don't think I ever want to have another one like that...far from family and friends. But it was a good experience and I will always treasure birthdays with loved ones quite abit more from now on!

An African Son

2011-02-22T23:36:00.004+01:00

I've written about our Gourmantche son, David, before. Several times, I'm sure. It's been fun to watch him grow up over the years and a privilege to be a part of his life. This year David is in the University of Niamey in the Medical School, studying to be a Doctor. He's always wanted to be an evangelist and he's excited that being in the Medical profession will open doors for him to share Christ with people.
Well, starting University here has been a real experience for David, Gary and I and David's family! We certainly have learned a lot about the "system" and how to navigate it. One of the requirements for him to be in the Medical school was that he had to have a laptop. Why is that? Because most of his academic material is found on the internet or passed to the students by the professors on USB sticks. That's because medical textbooks in French are just too expensive for the students to buy. Another chunk of change goes into making the necessary photocopies.
When David goes to class, he leaves around 5 a.m. in order to be at the lecture hall by 5:30 to get a seat. Classes start at 8 a.m.! The hall holds 250 students, but there were 800 enrolled at the beginning of the year. By now, a good number have gone into other studies. David had to persist to be able to remain in the medical department.
By next year, much of the material he will be studying will be in English, so Gary and I have been speaking English with him when we're together or on the phone. He's getting quite good, and I enjoy getting text messages from him. I can never tell what he'll say next!
Tomorrow is my birthday. It's late at night...midnight, and I just got a text. It's from David and this is what it says:
"Hi this is a song 4 u. let go, sing whith me "Happy birthday to u, hapy birthday 2 u, hapy birthday 2u mama, hapy birthday to u!" Be blessed mum!!!!!"
I am blessed! Very blessed to have David in my life!!

Home Improvement, Makalondi Style

2011-02-14T22:07:00.003+01:00

The Christmas before this past one, my sweet husband bought me a romantic Christmas gift. A hot water heater. Not standard fare in Makalondi, where we don't have 24 hr. electricity or good water pressure (water tank above the house), nevermind that it's usually so hot here that we don't Want a hot shower! But during our cold season, the water does get chilly and I would dream of a hot shower.

We kept wanting to get it installed, but for one reason or another, it just didn't happen until last week. And then it happened! Gary brought out our good Gourma plumber and in one day, he had attached the water heater to the house outside our bathroom shower and connected up the plumbing and elecrical wires.

When they tested it, there wasn't enough water pressure to make a spray of hot water! It just kind of trickled out of the shower head. When Gary showed me, that didn't discourage me! All you need is just a little hot water to make all the difference. Sure enough, that evening, I turned on the hot water and very soon needed the cold water, making it just perfect for a warm shower! Ahhh.... What I've dreamed of for 12 years finally became a reality!

Having been inspired by our success with the hot water, we decided to get the decaying kitchen wall done...finally! We couldn't find a mason in Makalondi willing to do the work (for whatever reason...but we have our suspicions). So Gary hauled two loads of cement bricks out and brought the mason with him. In three days we had a new wall up and while I write, the cement is curing as they splash water on it several times a day. Maybe in a week or so, I can get a painter to come out and paint the walls a nice ocean blue (any color to bring cool water to mind). But for the time being, my fridge is right up face to face with the stove, and I don't think I'm going to be able to cook in there . We'll sort it out, but the consolation is, that when all the renovation is completed, I'll have a sturdy wall and a bit more room. That's big!

A Sleep-Over

2011-01-26T14:59:00.009+01:00

(Yempaabu, in yellow, and some of the moms from our prenatal clinic)

At this age I'm not looking for "extreme" adventures anymore. Just a good ole regular adventure would suit me just fine... But that wasn't to be the case this past week. Having been gone from the Bush clinic for over 2 months, I really needed to be there for the all-day clinic on Thursday and then the Friday morning Prenatal check-ups for our expectant moms. Rather than bump and bounce over the track out to the village (45 min.) back and forth both days, I decided that it would be better for me to just stay the night out there and either sleep in the bed of our truck or in the clinic. This being cool season and the night promised to be pleasant with a full moon, I made my preparations.

On arrival that Thursday around noon, the clinic was bustling. Pastor had already seen quite a few patients, and had some he wanted to refer to me...so we quickly became busy. I had also brought out a large order of medicines that we needed, so those had to be put on the shelves and priced. Meanwhile, Yempaabu, who does most of the wound treatment, was busy working on an abcess. Outside there were two of our faithful volunteer men divided between the two groups of people - the Gourma and the Fulani - playing recordings from the Bible. We had at least 20+ patients still waiting to be seen.

Mid afternoon, I got a surprise visit from two of my former Prenatal moms, who were bringing their newborns to see me. What a fun reunion we had, and both kept thanking us that they had had good births with healthy babies!

The last patient was finally seen and leaving as the sun was low on the horizon. Pastor gave me the key to the clinic and told me to rearrange as I needed. I brought in the benches and put 3 together, put a foam mattress on them and then linens. I had my fold-out camp chair, so put it in the doorway to enjoy the early evening light. Across from me was a Fulani man bringing the herds of goats and sheep in from their wanderings to graze. They were lowing and bleating in soft tones. I could hear the laughter of Pastor's little girls playing in their family compound and mom was cooking. Every now and then mom would call out for one of them to help with a chore. All around me it was peaceful and comforting.

A bit later, Pastor, his wife and kids, all came up to the clinic to bring me my supper. He asked if they could all come in, because he wanted us to have a time of prayer all together. Little 8 yr. old Cilimiadi had brought me a bucket of water for washing up later. After finding a place to sit, Pastor asked me and his wife to pray, thanking the Lord for His help that day, for the food He provided, and for good rest that evening. After our prayer time, they shyly bid me good-night as I thanked them heartily for sharing their food with me. I washed up, and enjoyed the delicious meal.

(Supper of Cabbage Spaghetti with Chicken and Fried Bread -- Yummy!)

My two women health workers came alittle later so that we could plan the next day's Prenatal clinic. When we had covered that, they began talking of other things, asking questions. They wanted to know about my prayer journal, which led to a great discussion of scripture prayers.

After they left, I did a last wash-up, climbed in my bed and read until my rechargeable light went dead. As I lay in the dark room, with the moonlight streaming through the one open window, I remembered Pastor telling me that there were mice in the clinic. I kept waiting to hear the patter of running feet. I made sure my feet were covered with the blanket to protect against nibbles during the night!

Just as I was drifting off to sleep, I heard a lot of scratching noise begin from across the room. It just kept on going and sometimes getting louder. Now my imagination was going wild. Did I dare tiptoe over to that side and search? I got out my book light and went looking. As I drew closed to the pail of water, the scratching got louder and didn't run away. I aimed the light just oooover the rim of the bucket and there was the culprit! A big mouse (rat?) was swimming for his life and trying to climb up the sides. He just couldn't make it and was getting tired fast. Now I had a decision to make: Could I lay back down and listen to him until he drowned? or should I try and kill him myself? or should I try and get him out? I finally decided on the latter, unlocked the door, went over and with outstretched arms, I lifted the bucket with mouse and moved to the door. There I just flung the water out into the yard. The mouse hit the ground, and dazed, he stood, then shook himself all over and ran off! (Probably to come back and climb in my bed some night!) It was a bit harder to get to sleep after that, but, I must say, I slept soundly through the rest of the night. It was so quiet.

By the next afternoon, we had done check-ups on all our expectant moms, and it was time to head home. Half way back, I heard a flapping noise, looked in the sideview mirror and saw my back left tire flapping rubber! I slowed down and stopped. Here I was way out in the middle of nowhere with a shredded tire! Up pedaled some older Fulani men on their bikes. They saw me taking out the tire iron and jack and as I put the jack under the axel, they took over and began changing the tire for me. They were so kind and helpful and after I thanked them profusely, I was back on the road home. When I arrived, Gary was amazed to see the condition of the tire! Pretty bad!

So I think I've had enough adventures to last me for awhile now! I'll leave the "extreme" stuff to the younger generations! I can still have fun without "extreme"!

Vacation

2011-01-19T22:47:00.041+01:00

November & December 2010

Recently Gary and I were blessed to be able to go home and celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with our families. It's just wonderful to be able to reconnect with everyone, especially with the grandchildren. Some of the highlights of our time follow in pictures:

Getting to spend a day in Casablanca, Morocco, on the way home.....

.......and a day in New York City enjoying fall colors in Central Park.

Meeting baby Autumn Dawn, for the first time (Nick and Karen's daughter)!

Celebrating Thanksgiving with our children, grandchildren and parents!

Seeing Michael again...

...and having his family visit us in Toccoa!

Having Christmas with family!

Having a White Christmas!

Watching our grandkids, Madison and Landon, play Indoor Soccer and getting to eat a Christmas meal with each of them at their school!

Landon made 5 of the 7 goals for his team! They won.

Maddie made 2 of the 8 goals for her team...it was her first time to play!

Smile...

Spending time with our grandchildren having fun and making memories!

The Holiday of Sacrifice

2010-11-14T21:15:00.005+01:00

This coming week will see an Islamic "Holy" day celebrated here. It is called Tabask(y) and it commemorates Abraham's sacrifice of the ram provided in place of his son, whom they believe is Ishmael. So everywhere one goes that day, you will see rams being sacrificed and then roasted for the following feast. The meat will be shared among their family and friends, and the poor.

This past week we had to travel several times between Maka and Niamey...and along the road we saw many rams being transported into the city to be sold. Some were being slowly shepherded while others took a quicker route of transportation.

The Family

2010-11-09T21:53:00.004+01:00

Last week most of the Gourmantche in our area were harvesting their millet and beans. Harvest time is an especially busy time for them, so we were wondering how many would be able to attend a course on "The Family". We knew it wasn't the best time to have one, but with our schedule, it was the only time we could do it and have our colleagues from the States, Steve and Julie, teach it. So last Sunday we were surprised and tickled to see 12 men and their wives showing up for the first session. This was a big sacrifice for them, and by the end of the week, they were so glad that they had come. Biblical teaching on child raising is not often addressed in the churches, so to them, this course was a goldmine. Even Noadiba, her husband and baby Joshua took the course.

Noadiba and Joshua

2010-11-09T19:27:00.012+01:00

Several weeks ago, my good friend, Noadiba, had a baby boy. This was her 10th child. This is only her 3rd child living today. In a country where good pre- and postnatal care is rare, 7 of Noadiba's babies have died before turning 5 months old! We would say that that was shocking, never mind the unbelievable pain she and her husband have gone through as each of those children left their arms... It's unimaginable to me, and probably to you too.
Yet this is not a woman who is depressed or bitter. She's not angry at God or anyone else. She's joyful, kind, loving and generous...in fact she and her husband are known all over our region as a most faithful family- to Christ, to each other and to their neighbors.
Just after the last baby, Anna, died, I went to sit with Noadiba and even tho I tried to hold back the tears, I just couldn't. In their culture, emotions aren't displayed publicly. She knew my heart, and I expressed my deep sorrow at their loss; she got teary-eyed as well. And then she said something to me that I will never forget, "Joy, I just thank God for the two healthy children He's given me!" I was speechless and humbled at this dear friend's complete trust in the Goodness of her God and her genuinely thankful spirit. It's a lesson I'll never forget.
Well, even though there were no plans to have another child, now little baby Joshua has come to join the family. There is so much joy! When I visited just after the birth and we ooooed and awwwed over the little guy, Noadiba asked me to give him his name. What an honor. And as I prayed over what name to choose, the Lord kept giving me the name "Joshua", after the Jewish leader who lived bravely and obediently for God.
Since Joshua's birth, I have been in consultation with a missionary collegue, a Doctor, and we are trying to make sure that if there is a medical reason for the deaths of the other babies, that we find it in time. Up to this point, Joshua (Yosue, in Gourmantche), is a healthy little baby boy and we are all Praising God for that. If you think of him and his mom, please pray that he will stay healthy. (In the picture below, Noadiba is on the right, and her best friend, Zainabou, is holding Joshua)

WII comes to Makalondi

2010-10-22T10:15:00.008+01:00

This past week, one of our Sahel Academy students, Chris, came out to Makalondi to help us out for a few days. It was a treat! We had been given a WII for the Ministry Center, but I had put off trying to hook it up because I'm technologically challenged! I knew that it would also have to be disconnected often in order to connect up the old VCR or the newer DVD players. Chris was able to get them all connected to the TV so that we can leave them all plugged in!!
And better yet, he took the time to show and play the WII with our Center Manager, which means that I don't have to learn it all. But the best fun was that evening at the Center.
We had nearly 20 young men show up that evening to read and hang out (school hasn't really started yet). When the TV was wheeled out and Chris and the manager began playing Mario Cart, the fun began! Each kid was eager for their turn to try driving, while all the others yelled instructions at him between bursts of laughter. The WII is a big hit!...Thanks to Chris.

The Opal

2010-08-19T22:58:00.002+01:00

This greatly encouraged me today...living where I do....having experienced some difficult circumstances over the past 8 months. I love how God speaks specifically into our lives with a word that only HE can know to give at just the right moment.

""Do you know that lovely fact about the opal? That, in the first place, it is made only of desert dust, sand, silica, and owes its beauty and preciousness to a defect. It is a stone with a broken heart. It is full of minute fissures which admit air, and the air refracts the light. Hence its lovely hues, and that sweet lamp of fire that ever burns at its heart, for the breath of the Lord God is in it.
You are only conscious of the cracks and desert dust, but so He makes His precious opal. We must be broken in ourselves before we can give back the lovely hues of His light, and the lamp in the temple can burn in us and never go out." - Ellice Hopkins

(Taken from the book "Gold Cord" by Amy Carmichael....definitely a Must-Read!!)

A Get-Away Surprise!

2010-08-04T07:36:00.011+01:00

Recently Gary and I needed a “Get-away Day”, but the question always is, “Where to go to get away?!” Recently, while traveling to and from the clinic in the bush, I had seen some new flowers beside the path which I just had to have in my garden. We decided to go dig some of them up…and while we were at it, we’d throw in a picnic lunch and see if a cool, shady spot would present itself out there somewhere.
We retrieved the flowers – beautiful fuscia and yellow tiger-lily looking flowers.

After making sure they were in the bucket of soil and well watered, we took off driving to see what we could find in the way of an uninhabited, secret spot under a tree.
Gary finally spotted a tree and when we got out to inspect it, we saw that it had a lot of bushes at the base, but…as he looked through to the other side, we saw that we had found THE perfect spot: a grassy lawn under the shade of the tree in a secluded spot “off the beaten path”. Just what we had been looking for! And God gave us our hearts’ desire!

We spent the afternoon reading, snacking, listening to music and enjoying the cool breeze blowing around us.

We had a short visit by some flocks passing through, grazing as they went, but that was the only visitors. Totally relaxing!

I don’t know when the last time was that we’ve had such a pleasant, unexpected surprise day, but we are certainly encouraged now to try again in the future…

6 Weeks

2010-08-04T04:56:00.027+01:00

The last month and a half has been jammed packed with events…some expected and others totally unexpected. Hence a lack of presence on our blog… I keep thinking that maybe one day we’ll get a routine established, but I’m finally realizing that our “routine” is No Routine! Part of that comes, I’m sure, from spending 3 days each week in Niamey and 4 days in Makalondi. Anyway, here are some of the highlights of our not-so-routine life of the past 6 weeks:

Victoria arrived to do her internship. She observed different medical operations here and helped me with various jobs… but mainly she got a feel for life in Niger. She spent 6 weeks with us and we really enjoyed having her.

Our laptop went completely berserk… although everything possible has been tried, it refuses to operate on any system but Linux! At my age, I don’t think it’s possible to learn Linux! So we’ve borrowed a laptop and are using an external hard drive to “get” needed documents, etc. Finding anything becomes frustrating quickly…

Micah was officially adopted by the Banke family. A real miracle when you consider that it actually happened in three and a half months! We kept Micah for Bankes while they took a long-planned vacation in Europe for 10 days, and thoroughly enjoyed having him with us one last time. His mother returned to pick him up and they flew to the States to join the rest of the family. We went through a second parting with Micah…

David, our Gourma “son”, studying in Niamey, took his BAC exam – the exam for all students finishing High School – and passed With Honors! We were all thrilled and have been thanking God! He’s hoping to attend University in the fall and study Medicine…

(shown here returning home, with his mother and sisters)

We got 8 young students off to camp and back. They loved it and came back encouraged!

The clinic was busy this month and we added Pre-natal Check-up days. Due to a lack of good care, far too many mom’s die in or after childbirth in this country! In memory of Micah’s birth mother, (who died after a good delivery, due to anemia,) we began plans for an additional exam and treatment room at the clinic…

We did a lot of traveling in the bush…it becomes transformed in rainy season to beautiful green countryside, complete with flowers

We were in two accidents… both times we were hit by other vehicles…

We visited the giraffes in their home…

We hosted game night in our home…

And that’s just beginning to scratch the surface… Life isn’t slow here, that’s for sure!

Too Many Choices

2010-06-02T16:02:00.004+01:00

You can't imagine my excitement recently, when I discovered my favorite flavor of Potato Chips... in Lay's, no less! Sour Cream and Onion!!! Yum! It's hard for me to leave some for Gary...

But then I noticed on the back of the package even more exciting news: along with Sour Cream and Onion and Regular flavor of Lay's chips, we can also enjoy "Roast Chicken and Thyme" and "Mustard Pickle" flavors!! I never saw THAT back home in our supermarket!

Micah's Story Continues

2010-06-02T10:50:00.005+01:00

Tomorrow, the 3rd of June, Micah will be 5 months old. For the past 2 months, he has been living with his adoptive family and settling in with them. The process for adoption has been long and often challenging for his new parents, and yet they have handled it with grace and perseverance, continuing to trust God for His strength and patience. (There are still a number of steps to be accomplished, so we would appreciate your prayers that they would be speedily finished.)

During the past weeks, when we come into town each week, Micah’s parents have graciously let him come and stay with us for a day or two…allowing us to maintain our close relationship with him. We have moved into the role of being another set of grandparents to him, being Nana and Papa to him as we are to our other grandchildren. It has been so fun to see him changing as he grows. What a healthy little guy! Over the past month he’s mastered rolling over and even sitting by himself.

In the next month, when Micah’s adoption is complete and other travel documents acquired, he will be moving to the States with his family for the next two years. It’ll be hard to say goodbye!!!, but we know that he’ll be right where he’s supposed to be…in their loving home. I can guarantee you one thing --that I’ll be making sure that my Skype connection works with theirs!

Flat Stanley

2010-06-02T10:32:00.003+01:00

Probably most of you are familiar with Flat Stanley. He's a little boy in a popular kid's book, who happens to have a bookcase fall on him, squishing him flat. At first he's dismayed, but then realizes that it may have advantages, as now he can put himself in an envelope and travel to different places on adventures. Well, Flat Stanley came to visit us recently. Our First Grade grandson, Landon Freeman, in Toccoa, Georgia, and his class decided to send out their Stanleys to visit new places this year, and Landon sent his to us. I must admit, I had a good bit of fun with Flat Stanley... helping him visit new places and see interesting things around Makalondi. But the biggest fun was trying to explain him to our Nigerian friends! Some of them just looked at me blankly, others laughed and then some of them joined right in the fun, helping Stanley to have a great time. I've included some of our favorites: Stanley climbs a Baobab tree on the way out to my Clinic village...

...and a puff of wind blew him into a thorn tree. He had to be rescued.

The Health worker's wife gave us some roasted sweet potatoes to eat...filled him right up!

With a full tummy, he was able to help his hostess pound her sorghum....

....and cheer up one of my patients at the clinic too.

Going home, I think he was rather sad to be leaving the village behind...

I'll have to ask our grandson what Flat Stanley thought of his visit to Niger. Landon and his sister, Madison, said that he had the best adventures of all the Stanleys in Landon's class!

Shirts seen at church

2010-03-25T11:07:00.007+01:00

You never know what you'll see when you go to church in our corner of the world. But you will surely enjoy the variety:

Matching shirts from Abecrombie & Fitch

Che Guevara at church???!!!

"Finding Fluffy"??? (Naomi and I had to smother our giggles when we read this one!)

And here's one from the recent olympics!

So lest all you folks from other parts of the world think that you have the corner on STYLE, you're wrong! We can compete with the best of you. Bring it on!

Sharing

2010-03-25T11:00:00.002+01:00

I just had to smile the other evening watching these two. If THEY can share, I think there's hope...

Nike is our last puppy waiting to go to our worker, Abdou's, home. He has grown up with our kitty, Snowy, around and they seem to think that they are brother and sister. They play together, wrestle together and sleep together along with eating together. Who would have thought that a cat and a dog would end up being best friends!

The Gift of Gab

2010-03-25T09:14:00.004+01:00

Coping with the Heat

2010-03-24T22:59:00.002+01:00

Cool early morning play in his "bed" on our terrace.

Earlier I told you about the battery fan we use when the generator isn't running. That works some of the time. But when the heat is really turned up, like it was last week, we move out onto our terrace. Gary hates setting up the beds every night, so we try to leave them semi-ready for nightly use. Because we don't have a portable baby bed, we put bedding on the table and that's where Micah sleeps. And by morning, it's usually cool enough to pull up the sheet. Works for us.

Blessing Others

2010-03-10T23:17:00.007+01:00

A few weeks after Micah came to live with us, I went to do some gift shopping for our friends, who were the speakers for the recent meetings on Revival here in Niamey. The committee had decided that they wanted to give them some African cloth – enough for them to have African outfits made. So Gary and I and Micah went downtown to one of the nicer Cloth stores. Gary left us there and went to do some other shopping. As Micah and I walked into the store, the woman behind the counter came over and asked me if she could touch the baby. I replied, "Certainly" and handed Micah to her. She took him with a big smile on her face and began walking around talking to him. That was great for me because that left me free to walk around and look at all the different fabric and designs. Two of the other saleswomen joined the woman, all vying for their turn to hold the baby. Meanwhile I had finally decided on the fabric I wanted, but they only had a 2 meter piece left. I needed 4 meters. The young salesman talked to the woman and they told me that he would go out behind the store to their warehouse and get me another piece, if I would wait. Glad to do that, I wandered up to the counter where the women had gathered with Micah. One of them asked me his story, so I proceeded to give them a brief recounting of how he came to be with us.

As I finished, the woman placed a piece of fabric on the counter and asked me, "Do you think this fabric is pretty?" I told her I did, and she continued, "Do you think it's pretty for a baby?" I replied that it was very cute for a baby. She responded, "I want to give this to the baby as a gift. I want him to have it." I was so touched! And then she began to cry quietly, and with tears running down her cheeks, she said, "You know, I'm an orphan. I didn't have a mother or a father. It's really hard for orphans in this country. Thank you so much for taking care of this baby. Thanks to God, my mother's younger sister took me in and raised me as her own daughter. But most orphans don't get that. They become the servants of the family. I thank God that you are taking care of him."

(Micah reclining on the fabric given to him as a gift...we will make him a quilt to keep)

Her openness had taken me by surprise and had touched my heart. God then allowed me to share with these 3 women how He was already taking care of Micah. I told them about how we had just the past Sunday at church, with all our Christian brothers and sisters, given Micah back to God and how my dear friend's husband had prayed a prayer of dedication for him. I told them that Micah's uncle had stood with us and joined us in dedicating him and his future to God. The women listened attentively. I went on to tell them that when we finished praying, Gary had told everyone that he was giving the baby his name, which is an important cultural event here. "His name is Micah", he announced (in Gourmantche, we say "Mise"). He explained that Micah was one of the great Old Testament prophets and that he had foretold the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He told them that the name "Micah" means, 'Who is like the Lord?!" When the shop women heard this, they shook their heads and told us that this was good. They asked God to bless him (they are most likely M..lim women). We thanked them so much for their kindness and generosity to Micah and to us.

By then our fabric had arrived and we paid. We told them we would visit again, and then me took our purchase and gift and left the store. As we walked out, I looked down at Micah sleeping peacefully in my arms...Gary and I realized: "He already has a testimony! How amazing? He's already being used by God to touch other people's lives!"

Our Niamey neighbor, Jeanne, with Micah

Pastor John and Roberta McGregor with Micah

Micah's Story

2010-02-25T16:46:00.005+01:00

Just 2 days after Christmas of 2009, in a remote village on the Niger-Burkina Faso border, a mother was experiencing a very difficult labor. The family finally decided to take her into the regional clinic in the town of Makalondi, hoping that the midwife at the clinic would be able to help. In spite of the help she received, the mother weakened considerably and after delivering a healthy, strong baby boy, she slipped out of this world. An old Grandmother had accompanied her into this town, so it was she who now assumed the care of the newborn baby. Given a bottle and a ‘sippy cup’, some formula and instructions, she and the baby were taken home to the distant village by some of the relatives.

The baby’s father was overwhelmed at the thought of caring for and raising a newborn. He traveled often for work and felt inept. He went to his wife’s Christian brothers and asked them to help. Both uncles were married and their wives had just recently had new babies themselves. In fact, one of those babies had been born the same night as the baby boy. They also had other little children at home. How could they responsibly take on another baby and give him the best chance to live?

Living next to the brother’s compound, in Makalondi, was a Christian family who were warm and welcoming to all who came to their home. They had already taken in 5 other children, in addition to their own 6, in order that those children could attend the school in Makalondi. One uncle went to the woman and asked her to help. Could she please take in the baby and thereby give it a chance to live? She and her husband discussed their already stretched situation. Realistically they realized that they couldn’t provide what the baby needed. All night long the woman agonized and prayed about the baby’s situation. The next day she went down and visited her missionary friend, Palamanga, who also lived in Makalondi. She poured out the story of the baby and asked the big question, “How do we help this baby so that he can live?” Palamanga’s heart went out to the baby. Maybe she could take in the baby until a solution could be found.

Palamanga and her husband, Yumanli, discussed the situation and sent for the little baby boy’s uncles. Talking together, everyone decided to do all they could to help.

That evening, the baby boy made the 30 km. trip through the bush, being held by a family member on the back of a bike. It was late at night when they finally arrived at the Christian family’s home. The following day, the dear Christian woman brought the sleeping baby to Palamanga. She unwrapped the African cloth to see the little boy. All curled up, healthy and warm, was the most beautiful baby with smooth chocolate skin and a full head of velvety black hair, curly and long! He just snuggled into her arms and sighed, deep in sleep. At that moment, he also snuggled deep into her heart!

That afternoon and evening were filled with the preparations of a new baby in the home. Bottles, formula, cloth diapers and baby clothes came out of a box of gift items. How comforting to know that God had provided these necessities, knowing that one day they themselves would need these items.

As they fed him his bottles and cared for him that day, Palamanga and Yumanli were both musing over possible names for the baby. He needed a name! That evening, sitting in the yard as the sun went down, Yumanli suggested that they call him Micah. Both of them thought the name was just perfect!

The next day was Sunday, and Micah made his first visit to church. In the middle of the worship meeting, Yumanli and Palamanga asked if they could take the opportunity to dedicate the baby to the Lord Jesus. They brought Micah up to the front, and one of his uncles joined them. A good friend prayed for baby Micah and gave him to God. He asked God to let his life be a witness to the Glory of God and that he would become a Man of God. Yumanli then announced that the baby’s name was “Micah”, or “Mise” in Gourmantchema. The name, Micah, means, “Who is like the Lord?”

So that is how Micah came to us, Nana and Papa, and how he got his beautiful name. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!! We love you dearly, Micah!

Naomi's Hut

2010-01-11T04:09:00.004+01:00

This December we welcomed Naomi Lowe to our compound in Makalondi. Naomi is a Cross-Cultural major at Toccoa Falls College and came to do her internship with us for 5 weeks. Since we live in a (very) small house, we decided that it would be practical for Naomi to have her own little place, so we built her a "house" the week before she arrived.

Well, we didn't build it, but we had some Gourma hut builders do it. And when it was done, it cost us a Grand Total of about 100 US dollars! Judging by Naomi's reaction, we think it was a Grand Success. It has been named, "Naomi's Hut" in honor of her being it's first resident.

****Check out the slide show to the left, showing the building of Naomi's Hut****

Bush Clinic Day

2009-12-09T11:18:00.004+01:00

Every Thursday around 8:30, I take off for a little village called Hanlonli, to work at the clinic there. I stock my medical bag, grab some munchies, a roll of t.p., plenty of water bottles and Gary's GPS (which our boys gave him several Christmases ago...a brilliant tool for our ministry!). I load the car, lock the front wheels in 4 wheel drive mode, and get in the truck. Before leaving, Gary and I make sure that we both have our cell phones charged and near us so that we can stay in contact as needed.
Recently I began training Mia, a 20 yr. old girl, to become a "rural nurse". I've had Mia in my youth group for years, and she's keen to work in health...isn't interested in marrying any time soon. So I pick her up at her house, and we head out on our 14 km. trek through the sahel to our village. This time I'm also carrying a door and two windows for the new clinic that is nearing completion there.

As you can see from the picture above, often with the changing landscape and tire marks it's sometime difficult to know which "path" to take. That is where the GPS keeps me from becoming lost! It's amazing how much more secure I feel as I drive out there, knowing I have that little satellite map with me! It also helps to have my student with me...just her presence and conversation help. I can drive for several kilometers out there and not see another human being. I purposely avoid driving near any of the many thorn trees that dot our route, and navigate ruts and sand traps cautiously. I don't want to bust an oil pan or wind up in "sinking sand". 4 wheel drive is Brilliant!

45 minutes later we drive up to Pastor Nori's compound. The new clinic is being built on the land adjoining his family compound, but for now, we're holding clinic in the little building he built himself and it's in his compound. Pastor's compound is a grand example of heath teaching being lived out in daily life. Here you see that he and his wife have put what we teach into practice for the whole community to see. The compound is clean and orderly, safe and yet homey.

He already has 2 patients waiting...2 young boys.

Pastor Nori didn't just wait for me to return from the U.S. to help him get that new clinic built. He went ahead and exercised iniative himself and built a perfectly adequate one to use in the meantime... with the waiting area just outside the door (the bench) in the shade.

Granted, it's a bit small and cramped inside the days that Mia and myself and our 3 women health workers all meet together, but most of the time it's adequate for Pastor and his patient.

Pastor Nori has been trained in some basic medical measures, but has longed for more training. So my role is to come out once a week and teach a lesson to he and Mia, and then to see patients with them. As we hold clinic, they are expected to put into practice what they are learning. Here's an example. Last week's lesson was on the heart and it's role in our health. They learned what problems occur when the heart is unhealthy and one common "exam" they can use to help them: taking Blood pressures. So they practiced on each other first, and then we took every patients' blood pressure throughout the day.

I also meet with the three women from that area with whom I did training in preventative health care last term. They have been seriously putting that training into practice and it's changing their communities for the better. They come on Thursday and we review 2 old lessons, with Pastor and Mia there as well. They benefit from the lesson and learn how their health women are helping them. Soon I will be training these women to perform Prenatal checks on the expecting moms in their community, and then we'll progress to deliveries.

In the middle of one of our lessons, a young mother arrives with her dehydrated baby....it's been vomiting and had diarrhea for the past 12 hours, a combination which kills more babies in Africa than even malaria. Immediately we check the baby's temperature...with the symptoms presenting, she most likely has malaria. While Pastor gets the malaria treatment meds, I ask the women to tell the mother what she needs to do for her baby. Immediately they begin to explain to her, how to make rehydration drink, offering to help her make it the first time, and then how often to give it. They explain other helpful things to the mother, and I can't help but get excited to see "my girls" taking on a role of extreme importance for their communities, but also for the Kingdom of God. Their compassion and care reveals the love of Jesus Christ to those among whom they live!

By 4 p.m., we're wrapping it up. It's been a long day...and some time in there we ate some rice and sauce fixed by Pastor's wife...and drank a lot of water. Now we drive home over the bumpy trail tired but very encouraged. Having the gift of helps is such a blessing and I thank the Lord for His giving me the opportunity to excercise it here!

Leah's Puppies!

2009-12-09T11:03:00.004+01:00

Last week, Tuesday night, while we were still in Niamey, Leah had her puppies... All 7 of them! This was her first litter in her life...at the good ole age of 11! We were concerned that she may struggle to give birth for the first time in her "old" age, but she seemed to get through it very well. She was tired, but who wouldn't be after giving birth to 7 babies??

The parentage of these pups is suspect, and they are definately mostly "bush dog" with a mix of German Shepherd and Chow in them. They sure are cute right now! But what are we going to do with all these puppies???!!! Anybody need a hearty, intelligent doggie? We've got the pup for you!

Home Depot African Style

2009-12-02T09:15:00.004+01:00

Often, as many of you do, we have repairs to do on our home (like our kitchen wall). You probably run out to you local Home Depot or other hardware store to get the supplies and/or tools that you need. We like to think that we’re doing much the same thing Except that there isn’t a “Home Depot” in Makalondi… The nearest “one” is in Niamey. So when we come in to town for mission ministry, Gary often has a list with him of needed items from the “hardware store”.

Whereas I love going with Gary to Home Depot back in the States, I’m not so keen to tag along out here. Home Depot here is called “Bukoki Market” and it has a whole different look and feel! It covers acres and acres and includes everything from hardware to food to bus stations. Many men would find this place fascinating!

The other day, I rode along with my husband. We thread our way through the narrow dirt roads, squeezing between huge transport trucks and donkey carts, and… “Look out for the guy on the bike!” carrying a load of at least 30 clay pots! On arriving our favorite “dealer”, Gary gets met by several of the dealer’s men, who greet and whisk him past the rebar and roofing tins to go do business in the office. They will visit, drink a coke and then Gary will give his list to Mr. Dealer. They discuss quality, amounts and prices. This “shopping” can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes and all the while, I’m sitting in our truck with the sun beating on it.

All manner of traffic pass by -- human, motor and animal. Some greet me, but most of them ignore me. The flies join me in the cab. A crazy man stops and starts yelling at me, so I pray while I roll up the window. It gets hotter and now the sweat is running freely. A man selling medicines, including antibiotics, passes by and a phone card vendor tries to get me to buy a card.

Throughout all this, I’m watching the bus depot across the street. One loaded vehicle is packed with people and baggage, preparing to leave. But first the chauffeur decides to do some repair work on his engine. 15 minutes later, he shuts the hood, climbs in and turns the key. Nothing. So he yells back to some of the men passengers to jump off and push. The do and that does the trick. They have a jerky start, but they’re off!

Gary comes back. All “his” men come, shake my hand and tell me to greet my family for them. The supplies will be ready that afternoon. Gary will go back to collect them, but I’m thinking that I’ll stay back at the office and work on emails this time!

Fall in Makalondi

2009-11-17T21:19:00.010+01:00

A few signs of Fall in Makalondi are Pumpkins, with the carving, cooking and freezing...

...and Saturday Evening Football on the weekends. (All over Africa, 'football' is the term for Soccer.)

A New Kitchen Wall

2009-11-17T20:33:00.004+01:00

I am getting a new kitchen wall!!! I know that sounds a bit boring to be excited about, but if your kitchen wall were cracked and getting ready to cave in, and you were getting a new wall, you'd be excited too! Our home is made out of mud bricks covered in cement. Over time the sand beneath our home has settled more and more, the fierce rainstorms have pounded the thin layer of concrete, and the extreme heat temperatures have caused the walls to expand and contract. Under these conditions, the back corner of our home is separating and the open cracks have allowed the rains of this past summer to further erode the walls. As it stands now, the back doors of our home no longer will shut, so critters can more easily slip in and we can never lock the house when we're away. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited that this past week, the mason and his workers began making new concrete bricks for the new wall.
In the next week or two, we will move our new refrigerator into our living room, cover up the stove and other cupboards, and hang a curtain between the kitchen door and the living room to keep out the demolition dust and dirt. The roof will be off and open. I'm not real excited about that phase of the project, but as soon as we get through that, I hope that they will quickly get the new bricks up and roof on. Then we'll hire the painter to come and paint my walls a nice ocean blue or teal. Helps the room to feel cooler...a trick of the mind. I'll be sure to update the progress and when it's all done, we'll post a picture of our renovated kitchen. Guess Gary won't get many cooked meals for awhile...

How was your church service?

2009-11-10T14:51:00.003+01:00

This past Sunday morning, I took my camera with me to church. I just had to try and get some pictures of our worship service because of our unique situation. The Makalondi church has been working on building a church for the past year. It hasn't been easy for them, and they've made some serious building mistakes, but it's THEIR building project...they have a vested interest in their house of worship.

(Gary and Janjua wait outside for church to begin)

2009-11-10T14:49:00.002+01:00

Meanwhile we're meeting in a halfway finished mud brick house, probably about the size of your average kitchen (9 ft. x 28 ft.). It has 3 rooms, and the main room is where the worship time is conducted. Off of that narrow room, through 2 doorways, are two smaller rooms. All the children sit in the forward room on mats, and I sit in the back room doorway in my fold out chair (I have to have a back support for my finicky back). As more and more people try to cram into the building, more and more people get pushed into the adjacent rooms or back out the front door. This house, by the way, only has 4 small windows, so you can imagine how hot those rooms become as the sun shine brightly on the tin roof and temperatures rise into the 1oo’s! When it comes time for the choral groups to sing, the stick podium and our drums have to be carried out the door, so that the group will have room to stand in front of the believers. When a baby starts to cry, the mother has to climb over 7 or 8 other mothers to try and get out…and then she loses her place.

2009-11-10T14:44:00.000+01:00

2009-11-10T14:10:00.002+01:00

You may wonder that any of us, especially the national believers, would even come back Sunday after Sunday. But to most of them, this is the highlight of their week… the time when they can be with their spiritual family, they can sing their praise songs together and they can hear God’s Word read and talked about. To a highly illiterate people, this is crucial to their faith.

So last Sunday, there was a meeting after the service to discuss how we could complete our church building, and soon! After a lot of discussion, it was decided that since they have had a fairly decent harvest this year, every man will sell enough grain to be able to contribute $10.00 to the building fund. Women will bring $6.00 and those with children are to bring an offering in each one’s name. Now how’s that for deciding where the money will come from? So it was agreed upon and we are all to bring our offering by the end of November.

Hopefully within a short amount of time, I’ll be able to post some pictures of our new church building in use. Maybe we’ll be in it by Christmas….

So You Think Your Choir Can Sing!

2009-11-10T12:13:00.004+01:00

School Days!

2009-10-27T11:33:00.002+01:00

David

2009-10-27T11:31:00.001+01:00

Matthew and Mayemba

2009-10-27T10:59:00.003+01:00

While we've been in town, we've been able to help some of "our boys" get registered in schools and off to a good start. To get registered in a School requires a good deal of effort. The student has to assemble a whole file of paperwork, some of which demands that they travel to another town, a Regional Center, to file a request for the document, and then hope to receive it that same day and return home! Both of our newest students, Matthew and Mayemba, to Niamey had to do that, taking a taxi bus ride of 4-5 hrs. to obtain this one document. One Friday afternoon we took David to pick up a necessary document for his new school, and was told to return next Tuesday after 4 p.m. He told us later that it took 3 more visits before he was able to obtain the paper!
When Nindja and I went to register Matthew and Mayemba in their Professional School, we were scolded for coming "too late" and told that there were "no more places". We explained that we had just received information about their school, had quickly tried to assembled their files, and had come as soon as possible. We listened to more chiding and clucks at our "negligence" and "tardiness". He finally placed a call, and reluctantly told us that they "happened" to have two openings. When I asked him when the boys should show up for classes, he told me that their first day of classes was a week from then!! (But I thought we were too late!! :)
So now we have all 3 guys installed in their schools and classes are off and running. We see the boys nearly every day, as they stop by to rest between classes, or visit after school. Since I'm sure that they are probably not getting regular good meals, I try (when we're in town) to fix a meal for them or send them off with some fruit.
We actually have 2 other of our guys living elsewhere in the city, so last weekend, we invited all 5 boys to come have a sleep-over at our house. They really enjoyed being all together, eating and visiting, and watching "Prince Caspian" together. These times together also give us time to share Spiritual things too. They have many questions, and we can look at Scripture for answers. Even after watching 'Prince Caspian', we had some great discussions on some of the spiritual symbolism and applications.
We enjoy providing a "home away from home" for our boys here, as moving to the city can be very unnerving at the beginning. We hope it nurtures a feeling of being "family" and providing stability in their lives.

A Feet Update

2009-10-27T09:56:00.002+01:00

After the last posting, we got xrays done on Gary's feet. No recent breaks! Yea! So, with consultation with a Dr. friend, we figure that it must be Gout! We had no idea that Gout could be so aggressive and painful...even to the point where walking becomes impossible.
With the proper medication and the days of rest, Gary is now walking again without crutches. His feet are still abit painful on the sides, but so much better than they were! He's up and about again, so we are heading back to Makalondi this afternoon.

Gary's Feet

2009-10-20T16:59:00.002+01:00

Well, the first foot has healed, but now it appears that the same "maladie" is attacking the other foot....a kind of mirror effect! Gary's been very patient, but is also getting pretty antsy! It's not fun trying to navigate crutches in gravel and sand. Pray that we find out what is going on...and can treat him accordingly. Until he can walk again, we can't return to our home in Makalondi.

Djuali's Special Day

2009-10-13T21:34:00.000+01:00

At the end of our rainy season, many of the churches in our area will have a Baptismal service because the water holes in the bush are full of water. And in a few more months, the water will have evaporated or been used. So for the next few Sunday’s there is a Baptism in several of the area churches.

This past Sunday was particularly special. The Hanlonli church had planted a daughter church in a neighboring village and now eleven of these young believers were making a public testimony of their faith through baptism. One of those being baptized was Djuali, a young man who is a strong witness for Jesus. He is the only one in his family who has become a follower of Jesus…the rest of the family being of the predominant faith in our country.

Gary and I drove the 14 kms into the bush, following cow paths and bike trails, finally reaching the church. Several folks had already gathered, and while we waited, we visited in their church made of sticks. But soon it was time to all walk together to the 1 km. to the water hole. On arriving, more folks joined us, most of those being baptized, and visitors from other churches, come to celebrate with these believers. When we arrived at the water, it was brown and stagnant, common of most water holes. As we waited, I saw that across the water, a Fulani herdsman had arrived with his cattle, and all the cows went wading into the water.

2009-10-13T21:29:00.000+01:00

2009-10-13T21:19:00.001+01:00

When all had assembled, we began with singing some joyful songs. Then Gary gave a short talk to the “baptees” on why we follow Christ in Baptism. He was supposed to help baptize, but due to the afore mentioned foot injury, he begged off. After the pastor waded into the water, the believers each came in and gave a short affirmation of faith and recited a verse they had memorized. We sang between each baptism. It was especially exciting for Gary and I to watch Djuali be baptized, his face just radiating his joy.

2009-10-13T21:14:00.001+01:00

Back at the church, we had a joyful service with the newly baptized members sitting on the front rows. Gary preached an excellent message in Gourma on the significance of Baptism and our testimony. The service was followed by communion – the first time for the “baptees”.

2009-10-13T21:11:00.000+01:00

2009-10-13T21:09:00.000+01:00

After the communion service, we all sat and visited until they brought out a good meal of rice, or noodles, or millet mush with a tasty sauce, all eaten with our washed hands. (It always tastes so much better when you eat with your hands!) Then the choirs started up, and that was amazing! They are great!

Eight hours after leaving home, we loaded up to go home, very tired but really happy. Djuali’s Baptism day was very special for him and for us all!!!

Gary's mishap

2009-10-06T19:49:00.000+01:00

On Friday night, in the middle of the night, Gary had to get up and chase wild dogs out of our compound. In the rainy season, wild and stray dogs congregate in the ball field out in front of our house and fight and howl all night. It can make a good nights’ sleep virtually impossible. Because we have our dog, Leah, and we don’t want her mixing with this unruly crowd, we keep her on our screened in terrace after dark. Lately some of the dogs have been getting very bold, jump our wall and try to get in to Leah. A fight breaks out and Leah begins barking…and it gets VERY noisy! Gary got up to chase them off and in his haste, didn’t put on shoes, grabbed his wood club and rushed out the door after the dogs. Within a few steps, he tripped and fell, cutting his foot open in 2 places and breaking his big toe – the same toe he’s broken before. He patched himself up and soon came back to bed. I slept through it all! I don’t know how!

The next day, I saw that he had cleaned the cuts well, and we left it to heal. He tried to curb his activity that day to allow his foot to heal. But out where we are, one can’t stay off their feet all the time. The generator has to be coddled in order to start it, visitors have questions that need answers, and so on. By Sat. night it was hurting more.

Sunday was spent driving about 14 kms into the bush for a baptism followed by a church service and activities until nightfall. After 8 hrs., including preaching the message, Gary’s foot was seriously hurting. We headed home, he took Ibuprofen and had another restless night.

Monday morning we headed into Niamey and we decided that Gary would SIT at the house and meet with those that needed to see him. That forced me to have to run the errands by driving our stick-shift truck…something I’m not used to doing in Niamey’s city traffic! By evening, the foot was very swollen, red, hot and painful, so I started him on a course of antibiotics. It seemed to be doing better by this morning, but by afternoon today, it’s getting worse, the swelling, redness and pain are gradually moving up the foot. Now I’ve switched him to a stronger antibiotic and a heftier pain medication. We’ll see how it goes from here.

All that to explain that my blog entry for this week won’t get posted until tomorrow! And I’m praying that Gary will be showing improvement by tomorrow. I’ll let you know…

College of Prayer comes to Makalondi

2009-09-30T18:02:00.001+01:00

2009-09-30T17:25:00.008+01:00

This past Sunday was especially significant for those of us who live in the Makalondi area. We were receiving a visit from the National Committee of the College of Prayer Niger (COP). All of our Pastors and church leaders from the outlying churches had been invited to come in to an information meeting at 3 in the afternoon. The day was hot, humid and sunny, and many of those coming were walking or biking to the meeting, some coming from as far away as 30 kms!

Gary and I had decided that the only place big enough for all of us to meet in, was probably the main student room of the dormatory. As the time drew near, Gary went down to make sure that the benches were in place, a big water barrel had been filled and put under a bush for shade, and the nice stick chairs were in place for the special visitors. I waited at the house for the cars bringing the COP visitors to arrive.

Shortly after 3:00, they arrived and after welcome greetings, I hitched a ride with them and showed them where we were meeting. Already quite a group of men had assembled and bikes were parked everywhere. Greetings were passed around freely, everyone enjoying seeing each other.

When a significant group had gathered, and some worship singing (with accompaning drum) had happened, it was time to begin the program. Gary introduced our visiting COP members, and we turned it over to them. With one of our own pastors translating from French into Gourmantche, the President, Pastor W. gave a good explanation of the purpose of the College of Prayer, which is operating in many countries now. He explained that we need to bring Prayer back into our lives and thereby bring renewal in our churches so that we can then become an agent of change (through the gospel) in our nation. As we was sharing his passion to see us unify as different Christian groups, through prayer, to battle together against Satan's kingdom, the people were intently listening. His illustration stories from Congo brought truths home and even though sometimes humerous, the point was clear. The Gourmantche really understood.

Later the whole group, which was now over 60 men and 4 women, from many different evangelical churches, decided that they wanted to begin their own College of Prayer in the region. They made that decision clear by taking up their first offering, even though none of them had known that would take place. And the amount collected was very significant (even though this is the leanest time of year for them as they await the harvest next month!).

After some joyous worship singing, the Intercessory Prayer leader led in a time of prayer for ourselves, our churches, for our nation and our leaders.

By the end of the meeting, two and a half hours later, we were reluctant to see it end. It was such an encouraging time for all of us who were there...to share in prayer together. We are excited to see what God will do as we join together in prayer for our region and for Makalondi.

After feeding the team a quick meal of rice and sauce and apples, the committee soon got in their cars to head back to Niamey. Night was falling and it's not good to be on the highways after dark. What a joyful way to come to the end of the day. There is a College of Prayer in Makalondi!

(Note: I have the privilege of being the Registrar/Treasurer on the COP Niamey and Gary is the new Treasurer for the COP Makalondi)

To find out more about the College of Prayer in the U.S. and International, you can visit their site at: http://www.collegeofprayer.org/

A Most Valuable Accessory!

2009-09-29T08:58:00.002+01:00

In all our years in Makalondi, 10 to be exact, there is one little appliance that has made life there possible. It has helped us to make it through 112 degree heat during the after-lunch rest hour and 90+ degree nights when not a breath of air was moving! It faithfully runs with little or no maintenance and it has become my Number One bedroom Decor Accessory! In my book, it goes with ANY style and it's more precious than any item you can buy at Pottery Barn!

This Most Valued item is our 12 volt Battery Run Fan which is charged every evening when our generator is on. At bedtime we turn the generator off, and turn on the 12 volt fan. It quietly blows air across our bed, enabling us to get our sleep...even on a killer-hot night! The next day, when the heat is overwhelming, we turn on the battery fan in the office and work in front of it. Or we may fix our lunch and take it into the office and eat at the little table in the corner, with the fan blowing directly on us.

Living on the edge of the Sahara, one must find ways to adjust to the climate. Gary made the WINNER move when he hooked up our very first battery fan! He's still got the prize in my book!

Rain Storms

2009-09-17T13:17:00.003+01:00

Being in the middle of rainy season, we've seen some veritable storms. Many times the rains are accompanied by strong winds which do a lot of damage. Many times, when a storm comes through Makalondi, mud brick homes are knocked down, tin roofs are torn off and walls fall. Often people are hurt as well.

These winds do significant damage because there is nothing to break the wind's force, like trees. And that is because the trees in our area have all ben cut down to provide fire wood to be trucked into the capital city for cooking fires. Sadly there isn't any reforestation being done either.

This past month, the roof was ripped off of one of the Jr. High classroom blocks and the ceiling was torn out. School starts in two weeks...

New Acquisitions

2009-09-17T13:03:00.004+01:00

Since returning to Niger, Gary and I have acquired two new items for our home in Makalondi, which will make living there much more pleasant. The first is our new gas refrigerator. Big and spacious, it actually works like a refrigerator should! This is such a blessing after our last fridge, which never kept food cold. Now we can bring fresh food out from the city and know that it will stay fresh until we use it! Some dear friends gifted us with this big blessing!

Our second new acquisition is a kitty named Snowy. She came to us from a couple leaving Niger to return to the U.S. Snowy is a lizard hunter and a mouse catcher and has already rid our whole home of both critters! Last term we were constantly fighting to keep mice from moving into our ceiling, so having Snowy has been a big help. She's also a friendly companion around the house and loves to be with us. We're especially pleased that she and our dog, Leah, get along very well and enjoy each other's company.

I do miss the lizards though...

Back in Niger

2009-09-17T13:03:00.000+01:00

In September, Gary and I arrived back in Niger, all green from the rains. This time back is slightly different, since we have moved back into our home in Makalondi and also moved into a temporary home in Niamey. Since Gary's ministry will include being a regional director for Niamey, we were given a house to live in when we are in town helping out our fellow missionaries.
That meant dividing clothes between the homes, supplying two kitchens with groceries and carrying my pillow back and forth between the two places. We're not yet used to the feeling of being in constant commute, but we're getting there. The hour long drive is seeming shorter and shorter now.
As our regular ministries start back up after the rains are done and the harvest is in, we will begin to have a more dependable schedule... We Hope!

Niger's Dinosaurs

2009-06-01T13:39:00.004+01:00

I'm not sure if many people realize it or not, but Niger is "home" to at least 9 different dinosaurs! Nigersaurus, a 45 ft. long plant-eater, and Sarcosuchus, a "Super Croc" are just 2 of the complete skeletons that have been discovered in the Sahara sands of northern Niger. Paleonlologist, Paul Sereno, from the University of Chicago, has headed up most of the expeditions which have unearthed the dinosaurs. (Check out his website: http://www.paulsereno.org/discoveries.htm)

Visitors to Niamey can see several of the dinosaur skeletons on display, complete and reconstructed, at the national museum. The SIZE of these dinosaurs is staggering! The Super Croc is 40 ft. long, comparable to the length of a city bus!

Check out the slide show of Dinosaurs on the left side of my blog. Kids will enjoy seeing these pictures!

Meet Ned Yemba

2009-03-03T03:50:00.002+01:00

This month, we have the distinct privilege of presenting the Manager of the Ministry Center in Maka, and who is also the Teacher of the 15 students enrolled in the newly begun Hope Junior High School, a private Christian school which started in September of 2008.

Name: Ned Yemba (fictional name)

Age: 29

Alma Mater: University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, with multiple degrees

Languages spoken fluently: 4 - Mossi, Gourmantche, French, English (and he speaks some Spanish, German, and Italian!)

Profession: Teacher, private tutor

Favorite Books: Bible, Christian Theology, Growth, & Biographies, Science and History, Classics

Favorite Music: Praise & Worship, EXO groupe

Interests: Gardening!!, poultry

Recent Accomplishment: Completed Computer classes and now teaches "computer" to youth at the Center.

Interesting fact #1: Built his own home and roofed it himself. It has two rooms.

Interesting fact #2: Leads a Youth Group on Sunday evenings

Interesting fact #3: Has an email address and a Skype account

We just praise the Lord for Ned. He pours himself into the life of his students and cares about them. They respond to this and appreciate the way he takes the time to explain clearly in class so that they can understand the Why's and the How's. When the students can understand the material, they can then find solutions on their own, and this gives them such a feeling of accomplishment!

The students also know that they can come and talk to Ned about their lives, problems and their questions. Many of them come to Bible studies that he leads. Some of the students have become followers of Jesus through these studies.

Please pray for Ned as he continues to be involved in the lives of students in Maka. Pray for strength for a heavy load, and wisdom for managing that load. Pray for a good testimony and opportunities to share Christ with students.

WOW...where has the time gone?!!

2009-03-03T03:33:00.002+01:00

Since my last entry, we have moved to our "home" continent, had two laptop meltdowns, visited 6 States, and become "Nana and Papa" to our grandchildren in real life! We enjoyed seeing the lovely Fall colors, having toasty fires in our fireplace and getting to be COLD again! We've moved from a 5 room mud brick home to a 12 room red brick home! Wow, what contrasts...it's sometimes hard to take it all in.

Most of all we are enjoying being with our families again. Grandkids are a blast! They make us laugh and feel young again... We are so blessed.

Banfora Falls, Burkina Faso

2008-06-21T15:03:00.007+01:00

Up overlooking the valley
Great restaurant
Pools at the falls.

Gary likes the natural water massage

Some of the falls...

We (Arri, Gary and myself) made it to Bobo Dioulasso to meet up with my sister, Terry and her husband, Barry Newman. We made some great memories enjoying that southern city of Burkina with it's well-kept colonial era buildings and ambiance.

Sunday we decided to go to Banfora Falls, about an hour's drive south. As you arrive in Banfora, you must descend a plateau to the valley below, full of sugan cane plantations. When we came to the escarpment, we decided to pull over so Arri could get some shots. We all ended up climbing the ridge to the top, one way or another, and looking down on the valley. The view was breathtaking! We got pictures, had fun and then took off again, into Banfora. By then it was nearly lunch, so we pulled into a little Maquis that had been recommended by Bobo miss'ys. It had a grass roof and surrounded by plants, but at first it didn't look too promising. However, inside was very neat and we ordered brochettes (meat sticks like kabobs), rice and sauce, and avocado vinaigrette. It was all very scrumptious!!

Then off to find the falls on dirt roads finally leading into a lush forest. Paid a fee and then parked, and hiked into the area. The guide first took us to the bottom of the main falls, and then we hiked to the top. It was abit of a hike and hot, and we wondered if it would be worth the walk. Well, at the top of the falls the view was amazing. On further up the river we came to a series of falls, cascading down into pools. It was unlike anything I've seen before and we were all able to choose our own pools to relax in. Some were bigger for swimming in, and Gary and Barry liked the ones where they could sit under a falls and let it beat on their shoulders. I could have stayed there for days!
(Thanks to Arri for the 3 shots of the falls!)

God's Protection

2008-06-21T14:47:00.003+01:00

Several Friday mornings ago, we left on a trip for Burkina Faso to takeour niece, Arri, over to meet my sister and her husband, so that she could spend some time with them in Mali. We wanted to get on the road pretty early. Up first, I was taking things out onto the terrace and noticed that Leah had killed a snake and it lay in the middle of the walking area. I walked by it several times, assured that it was dead since there was no wiggle in it at all. Ahhh! How foolhardy of me! As I came back out a third time, it was writhing its' head and upper half all over, lunging. I could see that its' back must be broken and so couldn't move anywhere. I called
Gary and he came out and killed it. Later, when our worker, Abdou, looked at it, he told me that it's a very poisonous snake.
On the road, well into our trip, I was reading in Psalm 91 and came across those verses that talk about "you will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. Because he loves Me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him..." and it all HIT me how the Lord had truly protected me! Praise God!!! How easily that snake could have jerked over and hit my ankle. We would have been driving to Niamey rather than to Bobo!!

Makalondi Church Builds

2008-06-21T14:28:00.004+01:00

The Old church...
...and the beginning of the new.

Back in May we received an unusually early rainstorm, and when I say a rainstorm, I mean a Rain Storm! We had such strong winds during the rain, that it ripped the roofs off of many of the homes around us. We even feared that ours would be torn off as well!
Needless to say, with that wind, our church didn’t stand a chance. It was knocked flat and dispersed! I think that’s what our church needed to get us to MOVE. They decided to build a mud brick building, and bigger to accommodate all the people who come. So after a month of “planning”, they finally came to Gary and said that they were ready. One of our supporting churches in the U.S. had given to help a church build, so Gary bought them enough cement to be able to do the foundation, several rows of bricks as a base, posts and to cement their floor. The rest is being built by the members. A Christian organization in the States will bless them with a tin roof and some doors and windows.
So this past Thursday, Gary and many of the men turned out to pour the foundation. One can sense the unity and joy among them, as they work together to build their House of Worship of Jesus Christ!

Thorns

2008-06-21T14:18:00.001+01:00

While out in the bush looking at giraffes, I showed Arri the thorn trees that grow everywhere in this area of Africa. This is the same tree from which the soldiers took branches of thorns and twisted into a crown of thorns, which they put on Jesus’ head. When you see these thorns up close, they cut your heart as you realize what pain and agony Jesus went through having that “crown” forced down onto His head!
And then the Cross! And He did it for us!
Thank You Jesus! Thank you from the deepest part of my heart!!!

Birthday Girl!

2008-06-21T14:07:00.003+01:00

Since Arri is a photographer, we took her to a special restaurant for supper. The name of this restaurant is the Tabakady, which means, Taste and See. Very appropriate name. You make reservations to come early. On arrival, you enter the dining area in which all the tables are set with linen, china and crystal. All around you on the walls are large pictures of the Sahara desert in Northern Niger and of the peoples who live there. You are seated and served your drinks.
Then they begin a “Spectacle”…breathtaking desert shots and of the beautiful Tamajek peoples living up there, all to majestic music. It is truly spectacular! Arri was transported into her dreams. “How far is it to get to the desert?”, she asked.

After the show, we are treated to our choices from their menu of original gourmet French dishes…magnificent! During our meal, the proprietor, a mustachioed portly Frenchman, came by to ask about our satisfaction with his dishes. He is also the photographer of the “Spectacle” which we saw, so he was glad to hear that Arri had thoroughly enjoyed his pictures!
We have to agree with our son, Joe’s, assessment of the Tabakady - It is the BEST one in all of Niger…maybe even in West Africa!

Arri's Arrival

2008-06-21T13:47:00.006+01:00

Having our niece Arri here has allowed us to do some tourist-y things for a change. A few days after her arrival, we celebrated her 21st birthday. We drove about 40 kms out of Niamey and got out among the giraffes. These are the last surviving giraffes in West Africa, so they are protected. It’s an incredible experience to get to walk among them freely. The guide told us that they are very curious creatures and we saw that, as they in turn, watched us.

My Granddaughter, Kes

2008-03-22T13:56:00.002+01:00

Recently, while emailing back and forth, my Granddaughter, Keslie told me how God is working in her life. She said that she had been learning about Intercessory prayer and that it was exciting for her. When I received her email, I was just getting into a book called "Intercessory Prayer" by Dutch Sheets, so I wrote her right back and told her:

"Easy to ready, even has a sense of humor, but has also really challenged me in my prayer life and I'm learning some new things too. I recommend it!"

Next time I picked up emails, Keslie replied:

"You know what's really funny? I just finished reading an intercessory prayer book by Dutch Sheets too, except it's for teens and I LOVED it. It was so enlightening as to what I can be doing in this world when I used to think the only way to serve the Lord was to become a missionary (like you guys, hehe). But now I know that I can make a difference just by praying and interceding."

I was just AMAZED!!! God had allowed my granddaughter and I to connect in our Spiritual walks halfway across the world!! We were reading the same material at the same time, growing in the same area of our lives! How wonderful is that?!!! We have a good and generous God!

I'm also so tickled to see how God is working His plan in our precious Granddaughter's life!

We love you Kes!!!!

Beautiful faces of Makalondi

2008-03-22T13:24:00.002+01:00

Les Eclairs!

2008-03-11T21:04:00.001+01:00

That’s the name of our Youth Group. It’s loosely formatted like an AWANA program, but more adapted to our kids and culture....and they love it! It’s a discipleship program with a strong emphasis on building their education and memorizing God’s Word. Nindja is also helping me with this group and he is such a blessing! We have about 15 teens participating right now.
One thing the kids are enjoying is our weekly installment of "Where in the world is the Missionary?". They learn facts about a specific country, the people, and a well-known missionary who worked there. Then I tell them the story of that missionary. We just did India and Amy Carmichael last week. The kids are very competitive to see who can find the country the fastest. They keep all the information they are learning in a "Passport".
If you think about us on Wednesday mornings, you can pray for us...we’ll be meeting at that time. Pray that these teens will grow in wisdom, in stature and in their relationship with God and man....just as Jesus did!
Oh yeah... "Les Eclairs" means "The Lights"... Lights in our world!

A Birthday Original!

2008-03-11T20:57:00.001+01:00

Birthdays in Niger can be a challenge to try to find ways to celebrate. So this year I wasn’t really expecting any gift from Gary. We had gone out to eat with friends to a real nice restaurant and had a great time. So you can imagine my surprise when Gary told me he had had a gift MADE FOR ME! A Bathtub!!! Isn’t that original? I know, you’re probably thinking, "What kind of gift it that?!" I can tell you, It’s the most amazing gift!! All we have at our house is a shower. Sometimes during cold season, I just long for a soak in a bathtub. But there wasn’t room in our bathroom for a tub, never mind trying to haul enough water from the well for a big bathtub!
Well, my husband got very creative and had a good Nigerian friend named Hamah, make a tub that would fit right into the shower area, but can also be removed when I’m done with it.
And the best thing about it... it can become my "pool" in the hot season!

David Excels!

2008-03-03T09:38:00.002+01:00

Just have to share the good news! David came in FIRST PLACE in all 3 classes of First year High School! Isn't that wonderful? I got to see him last night at church and he quietly asked me if I had been over to the school office lately. Told him we were hoping to do that soon, so he then told me, "Thanks to the Lord, Madame, I finished in first place in all three classes." He had this big grin on his face. I just hugged him and told him how proud we are of him!

Samuel's arrival

2008-02-24T01:11:00.002+01:00

Samuel is a real blessing! We have prayed for him for many months and he finally arrived, healthy and alert. His mom is maybe 16 years old and his dad is one of our evangelists. Mom miscarried during her first pregnancy, and at the time, a group of us from our church went to visit her and prayed for her. We prayed that God would give them a child.
So here is Samuel. After he was born, his dad came and asked Gary to name his son. So Gary prayed and considered men of faith in the Bible. And he chose "Samuel"...because he was a mighty prophet of God and a mighty leader of God's people.
A few days later I went to visit mom. She had gone to the well to pump water, and came hurrying back to her hut when she heard I had arrived to visit. We sat in her simple home and just enjoyed the joy of her baby. Took a good number of pictures, which they enjoyed seeing on my digital camera. You can read the happiness all over her face.
Samuel is a blessing. May he grow up to be a mighty man of God!

Health For 1000

2008-02-24T00:50:00.003+01:00

Some of the Gourma women in the "Health for 1000" program. Pretty committed gals, some of them ride their bikes over 17 kms. through the bush to be at class!

2008-02-24T00:42:00.002+01:00

Learning about clean water....and learning how to make rehydration drink gets pretty hands on.

Health for 1000

2008-02-24T00:10:00.003+01:00

OK, the name sounds really ambitious, doesn't it?! Well, you have to dream big...and with our BIG God, we can believe for Big things! I have myself and 9 Christian women who are believing that God will help us to disciple alot of women and at the same time, give these same women some good health teaching. And we're trying to keep it simple. Here's how it works:

Who is the main health care giver in the family? Usually it's mom. So we decided to focus on training moms. I put out the word that I was willing to give health teaching to women interested in it. In a country with minimal health care resources, I had immediate interest. 14 women showed up for the introduction and first lesson. I was looking for 1o women to whom I could teach a discipleship lesson and a health lesson, and they would take that teaching back to their village and teach it to their own group of around 10 women. and so on...

That's just what has been happening, and I now have 9 women who are regular students. Each of them has committed to teach a group...some have 9 women and other groups are around 16. Every other Monday, I teach the next lesson at the center. The women have two weeks to teach their group. I'm so encouraged by their desire to learn and pass what they have learned on to others. At present we have around 136 women being trained! That's exciting!!!

The last lesson was on Water. How to prevent or treat many illnesses with water. They found it so simple, but so helpful. And I try to make the lessons as "hands on" as possible.

Included in our program is memorizing scripture. In an area where most women cannot read, one of the best ways to help them grow in their faith is to get them memorizing verses, and passages of scripture. They are fast learners and are quite good at memorizing!

As I said earlier, most of the women in the program cannot read. This presents a challenge when preparing their lesson papers. I have to use pictures to convey the ideas, so that when they see the picture, it will recall to their minds, the lessons they've learned. What a challenge! Every lesson prep is an Adventure!

What a Baby doll!

2008-01-27T10:55:00.000+01:00

Natalie Joy at 4 days...She's so alert!

Natalie Joy

2008-01-27T01:14:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday eve. Gary and I received the wonderful news that our 6th grandchild had just been born! It was number 4 for Nicholas and Karen, and both mom and baby were doing great. Me, Nana Joy, was particularily pleased with her name: I love the name Natalie, and I'm abit partial to Joy as well. I realize that her mom's middle name is Joy as well, so I feel honored to be in such good company! She's a beautiful little girl and was warmly welcomed into the family by her big sisters and big brother. Now if Nana could just get her hands on her too!

Burning offenses at the Prayer Summit

2008-01-27T01:10:00.001+01:00

People wrote down the names of those who had offended them in any way, and then forgave those persons those offenses. To seal that decision before the Lord, all the papers with the names were burned. What rejoicing after that!

Niamey Prayer Summit

2008-01-27T01:03:00.001+01:00

Last week was an extra special time for many pastors, church leaders and missionaries. Niamey had a Prayer Summit and we were all brought together for Prayer. There wasn’t any set agenda, and the Summit leader just led us in waiting before God. If we had a prayer, pray it; if we had a song, sing it; and if we had a verse, read it. And that’s just what happened...and more. God met with us and lives were changed in the process. Worship, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and encouragement were all part of the 3 days we spent together. It awakened a desire in everyone for a deeper prayer life. I sensed that the committee is eager to begin a College of Prayer here in Niger in the near future. How exciting!

Christmas in Makalondi

2008-01-26T23:59:00.000+01:00

Sandra Scott (on couch) and Lisa Rohrick (between Gary and I), two C&MA missionay friends, joined us for Christmas eve and Christmas morning. We celebrated Advent together, did puzzles, some Christmas shopping in the Makalondi market, and enjoyed opening gifts together. Lisa surprised us with real stockings stuffed full of goodies... chocolates, oranges, candy, and even Tim Hortons coffee from Canada! We had a special time together celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus! Made some great memories!

David's Progress

2008-01-26T15:22:00.000+01:00

Do you remember David, who moved to the city of Niamey last year to begin attending a private school? Well, most of you who get our letters know that he passed the exams last summer to allow him to begin High School. This past October we helped him get re-registered at the same school and get moved in to a nicer "hut" in the same compound where he'd been living. He has really enjoyed living in this compound of one of our fellow workers, and she (Brigitte) is like another "Mom" to David...also helping him forward in him school work. Recently we came in to town and dropped by the school office, where we were warmly greeted. It seems that they are quite tickled with David. He is FIRST in his class of over 40+ students! He has a good testimony and is highly respected by the students and staff! We are just thrilled. It is wonderful to see David growing up and maturing into a Godly young man. David feels that God is calling him into ministry, and we see such potential in him. Thanks to many of you who have invested in David's life in many different ways.

The picture shows David, on the left, and another of our boys we've placed in the same school, Yemindieba. From time to time we take them for a fast food meal and a good visit. They are "our" boys, after all!

Makalondi Dorm

2008-01-26T15:11:00.002+01:00

This year has seen big changes in the Makalondi dorm. We were so happy that Kalambori and his wife, Nuadiba, returned to be our dorm parents since they are a Godly couple and a good example before the kids. This year we went from 8 students to 17! Alot of the new kids were those leaving their village elementary schools for Jr. High level, and that is located in Makalondi. It's been encouraging to see all the kids come together with the dorm parents and become one big famliy. Everyone has his part to play. The Jr. High boys have to go to the well each day and bring back 2 jerry cans of water. The elementary boys bring one. The girls all help with the meals, in pounding the grains or spices, keeping the cooking fire going, or actually helping cook the millet mush or the sauce. Pray for the dorm family, that as the village of Makalondi sees their family life, they will be a testimony of Christ's love to them.

Good Stuff!

2007-11-02T04:11:00.000+01:00

VBS at Faith Missionary Alliance Church in Winston Salem, NC did an amazing thing this year! The kids who attended VBS were challenged to help out African kids by giving money to buy books, films and a TV and DVD player for the Youth Center in Makalondi. They gave a huge offering and it allowed the Center to acquire some great stuff for the young people.
The Center is the only Library in the area, with a growing number of books in French and English for the kids to check out and read. With a computer room, the kids are also learning to use computers and new skills from the programs that are on them. From time to time we show films that have educational or literary value. And most of all, this is a place where kids can learn about Jesus and His love for them!
When the kids from Faith gave their money to buy computer programs, DVD's, and books, they became involved in bringing hope and light to the kids in Makalondi. The effects will be on-going and we pray that through their generosity, the kids here will have the chance to know Jesus and to grow a whole lot more!
Thank you Faith Missionary Alliance VBS Kids!!!!!