Why Niger by Sue

If you had asked me a year ago if Niger was a country, I would have said yes. The unfortunate thing is I would have been referring to Nigeria. I came to know about Niger as part of the 2008 mission program at Three Bridges. May’s Mission of the Month was Words of Hope, a international Christian radio ministry. We had decided to highlight a different country that they served each Sunday of the month. After speaking with David Bast (our guest speaker) he suggested the countries of Niger, Benin and Sudan. With the help of the Music and More children, we spent a few weeks learning together about the countries and trying out recipes from the different regions to serve during coffee hour. We made millet cookies, millet muffins, coconut balls and other items. I am afraid that millet might be a staple in my diet in Niger and I have discovered that I am not that fond of the taste. Most of the children agreed that the items we made were disgusting.

May 2, 2008 was the start of my Niger adventure. This is what I wrote that day in my journal:
Today is the start of my adventure – I think! I just finished the bulletin board for Word’s of Hope highlighting the countries of Niger, Sudan and Benin. When I returned home I opened an e-mail from the RCA listing volunteer opportunities, I was looking to see if there was something for Kelsey since she does not have a job for the summer, when I truly felt that the computer was yelling at me. My eyes saw and my ears heard the call. Is it coincidence that I have just spent 3 weeks talking about Niger to the kids? Was God preparing me? What will Gary think? Can I do this? God, are you really calling me? WOW – I think so….

That night I shared my feelings with Gary and he said that I have to go. He said that it would be a family endeavor and that although I will be the only one traveling the entire family will be part of the experience and that we wouldn’t worry about the money, it would take care of itself. And it did! We had been saving up our points for something special and there was more than enough to cover the entire cost of my flight ($1900).

On May 4, I sent an e-mail to Kay, my mission buddy and just said I had travel plans. On June 2nd Kay said she was in!

As I continue to prepare for the trip, I am totally at peace (and if you knew my international travel past you would not believe this – just ask my parents and sisters). I know that this is an adventure that I am to take. I have no idea what it will be like, but I am up for the challenge.