Messages
from
Niger
Vonk's Nigerien Log
August 10
Hi ! The inter-net has been down for days, but today we can make a connection.
After only a few
days in Maradi we are into a routine. We leave the guest house at 7:20
A.M. and drive about twenty minutes to Tibiri where the classes are
being held this year. That is an interesting drive through part of Maradi
and the agricultural village of Tibiri. We enjoy that ride and the opportunity
to observe close-village life. The road (some of it more like a trail)
runs right next to the dwellings. Adults and children are friendly and
wave as we go rattling along their road. This is fascinating and our
senses are constantly being stretched by the activities, people, and
animals.
Some of the many animals here:
* Lots of skinny cattle with long sharp horns – sometimes ridden
by young boys
* Camels of various colors, sizes, and degrees of malnutrition
* Herds of goats
* A variety of toads
* African dogs which resemble the greyhound
* Scratching chickens
* Beautiful birds with unique calls and songs
* Centipedes, ants, and spiders – tiny to huge
* Marquouillat – lizards looking like little dragons
* We did see one very large turtle, whose shell was at least two feet
in diameter, trotting high on armored feet
* Donkeys – pulling carts, being ridden, burdened with high and
wide loads
* Mosquitoes, very tiny, but that’s what we fear. We faithfully
take anti-malaria meds each Friday and use deet insect repellant spray
or lotion morning and night.
We had fun in class
again today. The teachers are very responsive and a delight to get to
know. They have difficult situations, but ooze with their love for God
and their desire to impact their nation through Christian Education.
One of teachers told me today that when I pack my suitcase to go back
home I must pack part of the sun, to share the Nigerien sunshine. ?
We are blessed to be here.
In His Hand,
Ted and Eleanor