Serving In Sahel

    On Friday, we had our annual Field Day at Sahel Academy. We went to the Niamey soccer stadium for the day, otherwise known as the Stade. It was a beautiful sunny day for track events. The secondary and elementary students were divided up into teams. Each with their own flag and banners. Even the staff had a flag......we were the yellow team. Each team started the day by showcasing their cheer. The Red Fireants were pretty excited at the start of the day and at the end were the team with the most points. After all the cheers, let the races begin...   Along with races of various distances, there was high jump, shot put, standing broad jump. Softball and Frisbee throw for the elementary. I enjoyed judging and measuring the discus throw for the secondary students.                               ...

Yesterday, the circus came to Sahel Academy. The student council, along with the help of many of the secondary students, sponsored the "Cirque du Sahel". Step right up and get your tickets to play a variety of carnival games. There was face painting, crafts, magic shows, tumbling acts and .... camel rides!   Yup, even I got involved. Here the students were able to throw a wet sponge at the principal. Mike, the secondary principal went first, and then it was my turn. It seemed like some of the students enjoyed dousing their principal very much. Although there were a couple of grade 4 boys who were quite gentle and said, "I don't want to hurt you, Miss Farrer." It was a great evening of fun and fellowship!

You just never know what you will meet on the street in Niamey. I thought that in this week's blog I would show you some of the places that I visit every Saturday. This is White Shack the closest grocery store to where I live. The owner does speak English, so that is very helpful. Although I didn't find that out until after I asked for 6 eggs and got 16. Right next to White Shack, is the produce stand. This week's purchase included: cucumbers, tomatoes, bananas, carrots, onions, and apples. The pineapple is very good here too. Grapes are sold here, but can be rather expensive. The main streets can be fairly busy on a Saturday morning. Just down this street, is the other grocery that I go to..... Baaklini's. It's a bit bigger than White Shack and sometimes has a better selection. Last Saturday, I went up to the cheese counter and ordered a chunk of mozzarella in French and the man understood me! I left the store with a feeling of accomplishment. Litt...

    This week in Niger, we were all reminded of the importance of water. Ninety-two migrants began there trek across the Sahara towards Algeria to what they hoped would be a better life. All but twenty died of thirst when their vehicle broke down and they ran out of water. Many of whom were women and children. It was later discovered that they were only five kilometers from a well. Water is life and here in the hot, dry climate of West Africa so very necessary. I have been filling my water bottle often and taking it with me everywhere. The merchants even sell water bottle holders, that keep your water cool.                                Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spr...