Serving In Sahel

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...

The elementary students wait for this day with expectation and excitement....Water Day has arrived!   After the student government leaders filled hundreds of water balloons and came up wacky, wet, and wonderful games for each station.....we were ready for the fun to begin. It seemed like several water balloons were aimed at me before our water balloon battle......I have no idea why. I am so incredibly proud of our secondary students. Without them, Water Day would  have been impossible. They were team leaders who lead the elementary students in their group from one activity to another. They were game leaders and helpers who showed the students what to do at each station. They were amazing!

On the way back from our conference in Germany, we had a rather long layover in Istanbul where after a bit of sleep at the hotel, we went to see the sights of the city.   Evidence of Egyptian and Roman influence can be seen throughout the city. There was one spot where you can actually see where the Roman chariot races took place. Oh, the stories that place could tell.    We toured the famous Blue Mosque which was built over a 7 and a half year span in the early 1600s by a 19 year old Sultan of the Ottomans.     After covering our heads with a scarf and taking off our shoes, we entered the mosque. It is truly a work of art.....stained glass windows and beautiful blue tiles everywhere you looked. There are 21,000 of them...I wonder how many times they lost count while counting them. Before leaving, we paused to pray for the Light to shine in the hearts of those entering this place and for the Christian schools and churches in Tu...

Last week, several co-workers and I travelled to Kandern, Germany for the International Christian Educators Conference. Black Forest Academy warmly welcomed over 300 educators from all over the world.   It was so great to meet with other leaders and discuss school issues. Each session was helpful and informative. But I have to say one of the highlights for me was the worship time. To say it was a blessing is an understatement, the songs we sang are still echoing in my head.   We had a great time walking around the village and visiting the grocery store to purchase German chocolate for the trip home.     I so enjoyed the cool fresh air and nature walks that we could take in. When I heard the church bells ringing in the village, I thought.....wow, I forgot how lovely those sound. And then it was time to head back to Niger....via Istanbul. Those pics will be coming soon in the next blog post.

The tables were set and the decorations went up as we welcomed vintage Hollywood to Sahel Academy for our annual banquet. The students got to walk the red carpet when they arrived as many parents took photos of  their stars. Thanks to the amazing cooking skills of Rachel Gilner and Lucia Eberle, the students enjoyed chicken penne or Italian spaghetti and meatballs with homemade bread for their meal. What better way to finish off a banquet than with a cupcake buffet! I am so proud of my student government team and all their hard work. They did an amazing job in planning and organizing this event. Seeing smiles and hearing the laughter of the students made it all worthwhile . I think I might need a nap today on my very comfy mattress.

As a teacher there are days in the school year that are highlights....the first day of school, the last day of school and throughout the school year a few days that pop out as memorable, Field Day is one of those days for me. Part of it is seeing the teams with a mix of elementary and secondary students... hearing their team cheers as we start the day. But I think my favourite part of the day, is hearing the students encourage each other as they run, jump or throw. The Stadium echoed with applause and cheers. Staff and parents come out to help with events, times, passing out snacks and lunch and of course, rooting for their students and children. At the end of the day, we're still smiling....a bit sun-burned, very thirsty, in need of the bathroom (the ones in the Stadium are not very nice) but it was a fun day with lots of laughter and many memories  made.