Serving In Sahel

In November, one of our teachers came back from a conference very excited about a session she had gone to about establishing a prayer room in your school. During a work day, several high school students worked on painting the room. One wall is painted with chalkboard paint so that prayer requests can be written on it.  A map of the world was put on another wall for prayer requests around the world.  A wall of thanksgiving was made also! We have much to be thankful for! So thankful for a senior who really took this project on and over spring break designed this room. What a wonderful addition it is to our school! May prayer always be an important part of Sahel Academy.

About 18 months ago, we broke ground and construction began on our new elementary building. On Wednesday, we started back to school for the second school semester and our new building was officially opened. Our kindergarten and first grade classes were pretty excited to be in their new classrooms. Their "oh's and wow's" were so very cute as they entered their rooms. We are so thankful for the many hands that worked many hours so that the building was ready for the beginning of our second semester. To God be the glory, great things He has done and is doing!

One of the hats I really enjoy wearing is that of student government (StuCo) advisor, I have a great team of student leaders to work with. Each year we put on a fair of some kind and this year the theme was all about spies. So welcome to Sahel's International Spy Academy... The students were able to play spy themed games while "travelling" to different countries. One of the travel destinations was Canada, where they got to throw a "snowball" at me! We even had a jail, that for a price you could have someone put in the slammer.... Yup, I was sent jail by my friend and co-worker, Mr. Mike Stonecypher for a time of "rest" he said......yeah, right! It was a great evening of fun, food and fellowship.

I love sharing about my work here at Sahel Academy when I am back on the other side of the ocean. And although I try my best to show pictures and give descriptions that depict life here in Niger until one smells the sandy, polluted air and sees both the harshness and beauty of this third world country, it is hard to get a real picture of what life is like here. So when visitors come, it is so exciting! They get to see and experience Niger! Pastor Randy Casey from Festus, Missouri came to speak at our staff retreat, but even before that was busy teaching Bible is various elementary and high school classes. I met Pastor Casey through my friend Carla and his church, Ketha Heights Baptist is one of my supporting churches. And it just so happened that my Stuart decided to tag along with Pastor Randy. It was so great to be able to share my life here in Niger with these two. We were so blessed by all the goodies they brought. Stuart helped out on some maintenance pro...

On the second weekend in October, things get a little NUTS around here at Sahel Academy. It's time for the Niamey Universal Tournament of Softball (NUTS). This year there were 10 teams from Niamey competing in the tournament, 4 in a social league and 6 in a competitive one. Sahel Academy had 2 teams in the social league....the Blazing Suns in the top photo came in second place and the Raging Suns in the next photo finished first. While the temps were high here as our mini hot season has arrived, the juniors and seniors sold all kinds of goodies to keep the players and fans cool. It was a fun weekend! Happy thanksgiving to all my friends and family in the Great White North. I have to say that this is the season that I miss the most. May your day be blessed with delicious stuffing and sweet fellowship.

Here we go- year 49 of life, year 27 of teaching and year 4 at Sahel Academy and so begins another school year. Although I am a bit late in writing this blog as we have been in school for a few weeks now. It has been great to see our returning students and learn the names of our new ones. This year we have 154 students at Sahel Academy. I am just teaching one class this year- grade 6 Ancient History (my favourite!!)  This summer our new covered court arrived and was assembled. We are so thankful for all those who came to put our court together. The new elementary wing and elementary principal's office are beginning to take shape. There have been a few set backs along the way. We are hoping to move in during Christmas break. It is so exciting to see the progress being made. Please continue to pray for the safety of those working. Our most urgent need for staffing is for a facilities manger. Prayers are appreciated as we spread the word and wait on God's timin...