GALMI!!

After an extra day's stay in Niamey, due to rain, we were more than ready to embark on the final leg of our journey and get to Galmi!  On the way to the airport, we saw some things that caught our interest, and the eye of our camera:

Off to Work Monday Morning

The Niger River - Still Flooded

The variety of "wildlife" here presents interesting situations, for example . . .

                                      If you want a turtle to move . . .
                                        

                                        You have to move a turtle . . . !        


Navigating the road, even in a big city like Niamey, is a job not for the feint of heart, because all modes of transportation share the road.  We weren't fast enough to snap the camels crossing the bridge, but here are a few other observations:  People (and weather and terrain) 
are very hard on their cars . . .

but they LOVE their motorcycles!  They always wear helmets because the consequence is to have the motorcycle taken away.

There are a few ways to get from Niamey to Galmi:  You can drive your car the 300 miles, which I understand takes about 6-8 hours, you can go by bush taxi (mini van with more piled on top than inside!), or bus, or you can go by SIM plane.  Guess which one we chose?

The choice was wise!  Not only did it take only 2 hours, but viewing Africa from the distance of a small plane was phenomenal, especially as we approached Galmi, itself!

One of MANY little almost-isolated villages dotting the landscape 

Approaching Galmi

Closer to Galmi

And finally, just before landing . . .

We were warmly welomed by everyone, and especially my 4 new students!

And a few more pictures to complete the story of our arrival:

Our New Home!

Our Classroom

Dan and Elisha wait for the bell!

Nathaniel and Joel at recess!

We are very glad to be here, and very grateful for your support of this ministry to these wonderful people!  We are learning so much, with something new each day, and rejoicing in God's provision and greatness!