We are not in Kansas anymore

Kay and I spent this morning attending the Beebouts' 3- year-old daughters class trip to the Niger museum and zoo.  It was 80 degrees this morning and the children were dressed in winter coats and hats.  

Naimey is indescribable.  It is so dirty.  50% of the population is under the age of 15 there are and there are children begging everywhere we go.  

To answer the question of my saw- we both made it here without any trouble.

After we went to the zoo, we had the amazing experience of shopping for a new refrigerator.  The one here died yesterday.  We will be using part of the communion offering money to cover the cost.  This is an unbelievable place.  Hard to describe what we see.  The poverty is overwhelming and I wonder what difference we will make.  Too big to get my mind around.

We are safe in our compound which is surrounded by walls with glass embedded in the top.  There is a guard and a locked gate.  We feel safe within the compound, but outside it is a whole new experience.  

We had African ground peanut stew and rice for lunch and we are having tuna and salad for dinner- no refrig remember.

Kay and I were the object of much laughter in the street market as we tried to purchase lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers for our dinner.  At one time there were more than 35 children watching and laughing- it could have been Kay's pink floppy hat, skirt, sneakers, and t-shirt.  I of course looked amazing.

We spent the afternoon digging the foundation of the building.  I think that will be what we do here for the entire time we are here.  Can't say it's fun, but it sure is an experience so far.