Kay's final reflections

The day began as so many others - digging at 7:00 a.m. It's hard to believe that it's the last day. The flight out is scheduled to leave Niamey at 2:00 a.m., arriving into Paris at 7:20 a.m. With the Paris airports having been closed due to high winds and with only a few flights a week out of Niamey -- well... keep us in your prayers!

Once again each day brings a new experience. Some have been challenging, some entertaining and all interesting. Today was no exception as we were guests of the United States Ambassador to Niger. We spent time sharing the role of the Reformed Church's partnership with the EERN and hoping that the US government might be able to help support some of the outreach programs that EERN wishes to establish. As we all know its a small world; the Ambassador is a 1978 graduate of the Reformed Church's Central College in Pella, Iowa. She has a unique understanding of who we are so hopefully it will help. She also graciously provided us with a photo op.

We ended the week as it began with digging and wheelbarrowing. We do believe that the foundation digging will be completed tomorrow. To answer Ed's question about the need for 5 foot deep trenches -- It is because of a soil study and most of the soil is sand. Timing is everything. We leave tonight and they begin hand mixing and pouring concrete on Thursday. We thought our work was tough.

Highlights:

The bathroom on the giraffe trip.

The public restrooms (unisex - no public toilet paper, need to carry own)

The private bathroom (Didn't know that a 2 cup measuring cup poured over your head qualifies as a shower and doubles as a toilet flusher.)

Sauce over starch every day for lunch and then served as leftovers for dinner. Always with bread.

A 6 am wake up call can be the sound of pounding millet.

Learning that geckos are not afraid to come inside.

Living in community can be fun.

Swimming in the suez canal. Also known as ditch diving.

Learning to speak Hausa.

Remembering, knowing and experiencing that people are people, despite culture, language or opportunity.

Spending time with Sue - a dear friend, wonderful traveling companion, mission motivator, spiritual example, one though whom the light of Jesus shines so readily.

You really can see the JOY OF THE LORD in so many ways, we can't wait to share more.


Thank you for following our excellent adventure.