Messages from
Niger

Lunch at the Ivory Restaurant

Thursday, January 29, 2004
After breakfast our day started with a long walk. We were about a mile down the road when Pastor Usman stopped on his motor scooter. It was a nice surprise to see his familiar face. He was heading for our house when he saw us walking. We were appreciative of his visit and blessed by his concern and greeting.
We are enjoying Niamey and the beauty around us. From our walk we could see the Niger River. We have crossed it several times by car on the bridge, but we would like to go nearer and watch the river activity. The mosaic of laundry drying on the bridge and along the river add bright splashes of color, while the small plots of vegetables, rice, and cotton add a colorful green to the sandy landscape. There is only one bridge in all of Niger crossing the Niger River. It is here in Niamey. One is not allowed to take pictures of the bridge or near the bridge. We won't try!!

Our Bible/English class at night is turning out to be so much fun. They are an enthusiastic group and we love our interaction with them. Tonight they wanted to learn an English hymn. We sang two, Amazing Grace, and I Surrender All. The songs were chosen by one of the class members who remembers singing the them in English as a child with early missionaries, not knowing what she was singing. Can you imagine us interpreting the songs and explaining the meaning of the words? Such old English, too. It was a great event for us.

Thanks for the emails Shelley, Cork & Lin, and the picture of snow, Sonja and Lee, What is this a record snow in January of 38 inches?!! Yes, Paul P. We miss the snow!
Love to all,
T & E