Serving In Sahel

Here's the first of many updates to pass along as construction has started on our new elementary wing. These pictures were taken before school started and before the 20+ workers arrived who have been digging the foundation. No big rigs here, all that you see has been done by hand and by shovel. The cement for the bricks is mixed by hand. No cement trucks here, well perhaps I might have seen one on the streets of Niamey. The workers have been making bricks for about a month now and have a good supply on hand. It is exciting to think that in a few months, the shape of the building will begin to be seen. Please pray for the staff here at Sahel as three of our teachers have had to or will be leaving the country for a time for medical reasons. We are already short-staffed this year and are so thankful for those who are willing to fill in while others are away. Pray for strength, healing and a quick recovery.

For us Canadians, this weekend is all about turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie (yup, those are my favourites part of Thanksgiving dinner), but here in Niamey this weekend was all about NUTS....our annual softball tournament. This year our school supplied two teams of students....the Raging Suns and the Scorching Suns. Both teams played well. I even got to be the first base umpire at one of the games, you just never know what you'll be asked to do in a day. The Scorching Suns made it to the finals and at the end of the game, got second place. Way to go, Suns! What's a ball game without food? The juniors and seniors did a great job providing yummy treats for the spectators. Happy Thanksgiving from across the ocean!

The plans have been drawn up and approved...., the bricks are being made....., and the elementary students are excited to see the construction begin. So Steve S., the SIM Niger director, Joel, one of our kindergarten students, and I dug in for the first ceremonial dirt turning. Joel wanted to keep going so we did it twice. One of the local Nigerien pastors came to pray for the construction, that all would go smoothly as the building begins. Lord willing, the new elementary building will be ready for use next August, just in time for the next school year. To God be the glory, great things He has done. I will keep posted as the construction continues.