Serving In Sahel

Paul and his wife became Christians while living in their home country of  Burkina Faso (a neighbour of Niger's). They soon became burdened for the orphans of Niamey and felt the Lord's calling to show His love to those forgotten ones. On Wednesday, I went with some of our high school students to Remar Orphanage, home to 47 children. Cooking outdoors is a way of life in Niger. This is also the only space the children have to play outdoors. However in February, the orphanage is moving to their new facilities just outside the city limits. Thanks to the generosity of many people, Paul was able to purchase land and build two houses for all the children that have been placed in his care. There is a large yard for the children to play in and they have planted a garden to help feed everyone. Children everywhere love bubbles, so glad that I brought some with me. The high school students planned a program for our time there. A Name Game introduced everyone,...

Packing to live in a third world country can be challenging. Although through emails from missionaries living here, I had somewhat of an idea what to bring with me. I highly underestimated how many skirts I would need. Ladies in Muslim countries wear skirts everywhere.  The length of the skirt must be long....the back of  the knee should not be shown. The Nigerien women here are my heroes. I see them walking on the street with a baby on their back and all the goods from the market balanced on their head. I am amazed how they can do it. Life is hard work here...from getting and  preparing food  to raising their young. I recently meet a young woman who because she was barren was abused and then forsaken by her husband. Throughout it all, she maintained her love for him and for the One who has all thing under control. After her belongings were burned, she moved out of the city to a neighbouring village where she began her own business...a seamstre...

I have been involved in Christian education for the past 24 years now......pull out the rocking chair! My teaching career has taken me to many different places. I have been so blessed that in each place, wherever I have taught, God has put some amazing people in my path. Co-workers who have become great friends, folks who have worked with me through good times and hard times. Working together in the common goal of using education to transform lives. Last weekend we had a staff retreat here at Sahel. It was a great time of laughter, fellowship and even a few tears. A time to get to know each other better. The pictures are from a photo scavenger hunt that we did, lots of fun! These are just a few of the 33 teachers and staff that God is using here at Sahel. I am thankful to be here and excited to see what God has in store.  

For the first time ever, I rode a camel! Last Saturday, several missionaries and I went to the outskirts of Niamey to meet up with our "ships of the desert". Camels are tall! When I first saw them, I have to admit I almost backed down in fear, but I did not want to miss this opportunity. So I took a deep breath and climbed on.....in a skirt no less. The view looking down, once my hands stopped shaking so I could grab my camera. The guides took us on a walk into the Sahel Desert. Beautiful scenery! Now for the walk back.... On the way back, we passed through a tent town. I noticed that these tents were given by the International Rotary. As we rode by homes and villages, the children would wave and call out "bonjour". I have to admit I felt very much like a celebrity. I wish I had thought to bring candy with me. The poverty of Niger can be heartbreaking at times. Children begging in the streets are a common site, I wish I could do so much more to help....