A Long Overdue Update!

Hello from Niger! Or should I say Fo Fo!

First, let me apologize for the long delay. I got into Niamey around 2AM on the 12th of September. This was a day later than we originally planned because Air Maroc changed my flights around twice. So I ended up being home a day longer, which was actually quite a blessing. After that, the internet was not working in the guest house and my computer could not be recharged because there was a slight problem with my computer cord not matching the convertor I have. But now all those issues are solved and I'm back to blogging.

My time here has not been too eventful so far. Saturday I was able to sleep in and then I went to lunch with the Ledlows. Phil and Kimberly, who I will be working with, had an ill child to take care of and then a flat tire so they picked me up after we ate lunch and after I fell asleep on the Ledlow's couch. That afternoon, Deanna and Kimberly took me out grocery shopping. Quite an interesting experience in a country like Niger. Let's just say that I'll have to get creative with the cooking. I ate dinner with the Cain's at the Rec center next to the American embassy. After that I was ready for bed. The eight hour difference was telling my brain that i was past due for bedtime.

Yesterday, I went to a Zarma church! It was very interesting. There was lots of singing and it was held outside(well sort of... I'll have to take some pictures). It made me think of a few things. I didn't necessarily think along the lines of "Oh how sad, we have so much and they have so little." I think thinking more about how they were content with what they have. The little house made of straw and reeds is what they have and they are thankful for it. It would be very American of me to want to build them a huge church. In America it often seems that unless we have a large building with nice pues and clean carpet we aren't happy. Like that matters and decides wether or not we can worship the Lord in that place. When really, the Lord says in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Lets keep in mind that church is not about property and buildings, but about fellowship and unity in the body of Christ.

Today I also started Zarma language lessons which I'm really excited about because so far I haven't really been able to talk to anyone! This morning I went Ibro's school and learned all about greeting people in Zarma. Kimberly took me around her neighborhood to talk with some of the women she knows. They were all very willing to help me practice. Later this afternoon I start cultural orientation!

Well thats about it for now! Keep praying that my language study goes well so that I can communicate God's love for the Zarma people through both actions and words!

Until next time!

Krista