Disclaimer

"Disclaimer" - a statement that denies something . . . 


I am struggling with blogging.  No denial there.  I love writing about our experiences here in Niger, and sharing photographs which can say what words cannot.  No denial here, either.  But I wrestle with the idea that my words and pictures are trivial compared to the struggle with which life is lived here by the Nigerien people.


So . . .  What's the disclaimer?   I care DEEPLY about what is happening with those who must spend their lives just trying to stay alive.  Please DO NOT think that behind the pictures and words lies an experience that sees just the "curious," the "odd," the "humorous," or the "new."   Blogging is not only my way of trying to share an unique experience God has enabled us to have, but also of coping with situations I cannot do much to change.  I daily ask the same tough questions I require of my students:  "Why?"  "How?" "What?" My students can answer those questions from what I  ask them to read.  I CANNOT answer them from what God has called us to see.


Once a month SIM has scheduled what is called "Day of Prayer."  It is a time when missionaries, as a group, gather for corporate prayer;  a time to affirm the reality of Matthew 18:20:  "Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."  On the Galmi compound, we gather on Friday evening, rotating leadership of these events among groups of residents here.  Last night's presentation was from a group of several of the doctors, who shared pictures of some of the patients and their specific prayer needs. We prayed.  My heart wept.  Nothing here is "routine;"  starvation, extensive burns, multiple complex broken bones, pervasive HIV and AIDS, typhoid perferations, non-viable babies not yet born, and babies born but not surviving, seem to top the list.  The commonality of preventable amputations is shocking!


Because living and working here is an intense situation in whatever role a person has here - doctor, teacher, hospitality, workshop, painter, administrator, technology help (and SO MANY more!) - I have to remind myself there are only two things I have control over and that have the potential to effect change:  1- prayer, and 2- doing the job God called me to do here!  But finding opportunities to laugh with others, and photograph the  "curious," the "odd," the "humorous," or the "new," help "lighten the load" and keep life in a more healthy perspective for all.  So enjoy the picture  of "what God called me to do here," and know that I love it and appreciate your support! 

Galmi Day School 2011-2012
(They are way more fun than they look here!!!)

OIA (Only In Africa) - Addendum

"I will give you a new heart . . . "   (Ezekiel 36:26a)


Phil and I love being here --- on many levels.  God has given me a new heart for people around the world, a compassion for their plight, and an understanding of why WE, outside their world, MUST be part of making it better for them.  Not all; but part.  True change must come from within, but it must start from outside.


On another level, we love being here because there is "never a dull moment!"  Only in Africa could a teacher arrive at school to see her students gathered around . . . NOT the flagpole,  NOT a fistfight, NOT a child fallen from the top of the monkey bars, BUT . . . a compound dog gnawing on a bone from the carcass of a dead sheep/goat (fur and all) three feet from the classroom door!  Whichever way the breeze was blowing, determined whether we were fascinated or repelled!  For you --- NO PICTURES!  I don't know where the animal came from, but he was quickly hauled away!


And speaking of school (which is why I am here), my appreciation for having grown up in the United States has reached even higher levels than before my journeys to this "land with a lot of sky."  It is difficult to put into words the impact a rich environment and opportunity available for wide variety of experiences can have on a person's ability to learn.  It is also difficult to put into words the impact education has on your WHOLE life, but my dear friend and neighbor, Deb, who is a gifted writer and occupational therapist, has said it well, and I quote:

"I've been thinking a lot lately about how illiteracy and a lack of primary education can affect every aspect of a person . . . including coordination.

When I look back at my first six years of schooling, there were so many basic life-skills that were introduced and developed in those primary years.  Learning to read and write develops coordination, fine motor skills, visual tracking, attention, error recognition, and the ability to self-correct.  Learning to add and subtract develops logic and reasoning.  Art, music, and PE classes develop creativity, cause and effect, and gross and fine motor skills.

And how many skills did I develop when my mom sent me outside to play when my homework was done? Simple things like learning to hop, skip, and jump.  Balancing on one foot.  Developing my imagination by playing 'make-believe'." 


I like to think, as an educator, that I am offering children the opportunity to have lives more comparable to a "super highway" rather than a "potholed road."  I want them to thrive, with skills, creativity, and reasoning abilities that give them rich choices and the ability to make change - for themselves and the world they live in.  I want them to avoid limitations that put a halt to their dreams, or don't let them dream at all because they are stopped by obstacles too large or difficult to work through.  Change-makers or Change-takers?  EDUCATION makes the difference!

Only In Africa . . .

"You were taught . . . to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.       Ephesians 4:22-24




"Only in Africa" (OIA) has become a "catch-phrase" --- a title of a "folder" in your head where you put anything you can't believe you really saw,  something too far out of your realm of understanding to "process" right now, or something you could only experience in this part of the world and only be understood by someone who had been here, too.  These are not "negative experiences," just VERY different ones!  


Quite often OIA refers to how it seems Africans define time:  "whenever,"  "no big deal," "optional," "maybe today, maybe not," etc.  In terms of the "big 5 W's we teach kids to be aware of - "who," "what," "where," "why," "when,"  an African's list might read, "who," "what," "where," "why, and "wonder if it will happen anytime soon!"  Time - that is something there is a lot of here.  


BUT -There is a lot of something else wonderful in Niger -  "international experience!" Just on the compound alone we have doctors and other missionaries from Niger, Nigeria, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, France, England, Canada, Romania, as well as the USA!  But for the last 10 days we were blessed to have an "AIDS team" here from Ethiopia, who came to work and conference and minister  with our AIDS team regarding the problem of HIV/AIDS in Africa. 

Ethiopia (in Red)
(Niger is 3rd country to left; a little north.)

We were blessed to have a few of them to dinner at our house, and then to have several of them spend an hour in our classroom, talking  about their culture, and singing and dancing for us. 

The Ethiopians Visit Our Class

They showed us their ethnic dress (women only) . . . 

Lovely Ethiopian Ladies

They told us a little about their alphabet . . . 

Writing Some of the Alphabet

They sang and danced for us . . . 

The Ethiopians Getting Ready to Sing and Dance

And --- They wanted a picture of all of us together!

The Ethiopians and The Class

This was a wonderful experience, and all a part of the "fringe benefits" of saying "yes" to this "new story" God is writing on our lives!!!

School Days, School Days . . .

"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!" 

Psalm 98:1a

Whenever I think of the phrase "school days," I can't help but sing (in my head!)  the rest of the song:

               "School days, school days, dear old golden rule days,

                Reading and 'Riting and "Rithmetic,

                Taught to the tune of a hickory stick . . . "

I never got the "hickory stick," but I was almost "sent packing" in first grade because I had the whole class "hide" under their desks after lunch, thinking the teacher would have a "fun surprise" when she returned and saw no students!  Yes, I was more than a little naive thinking she wouldn't see us under the desks, and my intentions were noble, not to mention my leadership potential,  so I still think she should have "cut me a little more slack" in the punishment department!  Anyway, I quickly learned to fold my hands correctly on my desktop and sit up straight, which were indicators of intelligence, along with being in the "blue group" for reading, so by all counts, and despite my rough beginning,  I was headed for academic success!

Ha ha!  My little classroom of eight students here in Galmi, is filled with intelligent children, all headed for success in the future, not because of how straight they sit or how they fold their hands, but because they, their parents, and all of us here, believe God knows us and loves us as individuals, and He has wonderful plans for each of us!

Galmi Day School is a vital part of the mission here in Niger.  The children in the classroom  represent 4 families whose parents work at the hospital as doctors, pharmacists, or with the AIDS program, or as nurses on the compound.  Phil and I feel so blessed to be here.

The Schoolhouse

The schoolhouse is one of the newest buildings and is at one end of the compound.  It is well-equipped for learning, with deep sink for projects, bathroom, book shelves, desks, and a couple of nice "break-out rooms," one of which we are using for kindergarten space, and as a one-on-one room.


As a teacher, it is a great opportunity to return for a second year, knowing what to bring and how to do a better job providing for individual needs.  Because I was going to have twice as many students, I decided to start the year with a little event I called "Tea With the Teacher." Each person got an individual invitation to come for a 20-minute "chat" with me and share some coffee cake and tea (or water).  This made the first day of school a little less intimidating for all of us.

"Tea With The Teacher"

I need not have worried;  these children are fantastic kiddos!  They chatted and sipped and ate as though they had tea and crumpets with the Queen every afternoon!

3rd-Grader G.

5th-Grader E.

5th-Grader J.

2nd-Grader D.

4th-Grader E.

5th-Grader N.

Kindergartener I.

Kindergartener A.

These sweet faces and "fun" personalities bring joy to me every day!  I pray they can say the same about their learning experiences each day this year!


In order to be able to reasonably meet the needs of such varied ages and abilities, and keep me more encouraged than "frazzled," God sent me . . . . . 

JENNY!!!

Jenny is a recent college grad who is investigating "medical missions," and has loaned herself to us for the school year.  She will get plenty of time throughout the year to investigate medicine as it plays out in Galmi.  We all love Jenny, who works one-on-one (or two!) during the times I work with the older kids.


It is just like the Lord to give us more than we can ask or hope for!  So . . . . . we also have

PHIL!!!

Phil is working one-on-one with a student,  just giving individual help on math!
But that's not all, folks.  In addition, I have received . . . . .

GUNNAR!!!

Gunnar, also a recent graduate, is working around the compound on painting and other projects, but has agreed to give the kids some PE time for an hour once a week!  They greatly look forward to this, even though it is extremely hot outside.


And on top of all this, at no extra charge, God is throwing in a set of Ginsu knives . . . oops . . . keep the Ginsu knives.  We get something WAY MORE VALUABLE!!!  We have . . . (drum roll)


                                                             TARA!!!


You will see Tara's picture in future blogs, but just know she is TERRIFIC!  She works with the kindergarten children for an hour in the morning.  She is an enthusiastic, creative,  loving mom of 3, who helps introduce the littler students to the joy of learning.  The happy sounds coming from their room tempt me to stop my program and go see what is so much fun!


The compound is busy with activity, and the year is moving quickly by, and daily Phil and I  praise the Lord for this wonderful opportunity to experience God's hand moving in many lives, and increase in understanding of a bigger world and a very different culture.  Thank you again for your support!

Formerly Elusive, Now . . . . . EXTINCT! (Whew!)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 
2 Corinthians 5:17

Apparently I missed the “event of the year,” but as I see it, I missed the “event that would have sent me packing!”  I will say, though, my imagination is usually better at creating a worse scenario than often exists, but I suspect NOT in this case.  Here is how it all came about:

After having stayed at the schoolhouse an hour or two longer than I needed to, due to a massive thunder, lightning, and rain storm, I packed up and wheeled my little cart of books through the mud and muck on the ground, rejoicing in the fact that with all the rain that had just flooded our compound, at least I wouldn’t need to do my usual “snake check” all the way home, because snakes only come out when it is very hot and DRY . . . right?  RIGHT???  Humor me . . . 

WRONG!!!  As merrily I rolled along, rolled along, rolled along, my neighbor called out to me to tell me I was safe.  Safe?  From what???  From the BLACK SPITTING COBRA IN FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE!  How was I safe, and more importantly, HOW SAFE WAS I? Apparently I was real safe, because the men from the “shop” had just “done it in” and removed it from sight.  It would soon be skinned and the meat given away as a coveted addition to someone’s dinner table!  

Glad to be able to help out!  Isn’t that what I’m here for?  Oh, and by the way, let me help out a little more by NOT needing a snakeskin purse, shoes, or wallet!  You keep the change!

Disclaimer:  Snake (Cobra) pictures below . . . . . view at your own risk of nightmares!

Need I Say More???

Thinner Than I Thought It Would Be

It's Not RUBBER, Folks!

We're Back For More "New!"

"I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you . . . "   Ezekiel 36:26a


Although we have returned to Niger for a second year, our blog is still titled, "Phil and Barb - Our New Story."  I thought about altering it a little - maybe "Phil and Barb -  Our New Story 2," but then "Part 2's" are rarely as good as the original (except for "Toy Story!").  OK, so maybe "Part Deux" for a little French flair?  (But that is all the French I know!)  I thought about "Return to Galmi," (A little too "space age!")  "Galmi Again" (Sounds boring!)  Maybe a totally new title like, "Back in the Saddle Again"?  (But - no horses here, just camels!) Hey -  how about "Camel-lots"? or "Finding Hippos"? . . . "Sound of Crickets"?  (These sound like  segments of "Planet Earth.")  The alternative title closest to reality could be "Phantom of the Compound," but that would limit me to talking about the elusive cobra which, according to the kids here, lives just under the bridge on the way to our house!


But since we serve a God who is all about "new," I think it is best to leave the name of our blog just the way it is, and live the year expecting the Lord to show us more "new!"  So . . . here are a few words and pictures about our return to Galmi:


After a VERY SHORT two months at home, a lot of which was spent preparing, purchasing, and packing for  another year's living in a foreign country, we  flew to Atlanta for two days' rest, then on to Paris to connect with our friends, the Zoolkoskis, following which we all flew together to NIamey, the capital of Niger.


Here are a few "new" sights from that part of our "new" adventure:

Paris Airport-A First for Us-Lovely and Spacious

On the "flip side of spacious," would be Niamey, Niger's capital city, which can be a little difficult to navigate on any given day, but sometimes there are complicating factors, like . . .

Crowded Niamey Street

The month of Ramadan brings throngs of pedestrians who fill the streets on their way to prayer.  And sometimes it is just the unique sights of a culture that can catch your eye, like

No "Height Limit?"

FRESH Chickens Anyone???

It is a good thing I was not driving when I saw this "banner" advertising the contents of the pharmacy behind it, because my eyes nearly popped out of my head reading what I could find inside!  I guess some things translate the same in any language!!!

Not Your Local "Rite Aid!"

A couple day's stay in Niamey allowed us to rest up from the flights and purchase some food to take with us to Galmi.

Navigating the "Petite Marche" (Little Market)

I do not know why it is called the "little market," because I  can get very lost in it's size!  There is much to choose from - fresh vegies and fruit, and . . . 

One Fish, Two Fish, Big Fish . . . 

Little Fish!

          
After purchasing some of the items we knew we would need, we took off for the 6-to-8-hour drive to Galmi.  Coming in at the last part of the rainy season, provided some additional challenges --- like navigating flooded roads!

Field of Millet - I Think!

Flooded Road

We waited an hour to cross this flooded road, which was about an hour away from Galmi.

Our Turn At Last!

We were very glad to arrive in Galmi, to be greeted by those with whom we will live for the next year, and to be dinner guests, once again experiencing that wonderful "compound hospitality!"


Now to discover what else is new!!!


(Just a note about "new" ----- The compound has a  very large population this year, and problems with internet usage, sharing, and power outages have been very frequent.  There are lots of pictures and commentary we want to share with you - not only about what and how we see this corner of the world, but about how great our God is and what He is doing here in Niger. So thank you for your patience, in addition to your emotional and financial support.  We so appreciate it!  PHIL & BARB)

To Market, To Market . . . AGAIN!

Our time here in Niger has just "flown by" recently, and  I have been quite busy with the school and the students!  However, as today was "Market Wednesday," we decided to venture again outside the compound, and take in the sights and sounds (and smells, textures - but NO tastes, thank you!) of the village of Galmi.  I had forgotten just what a "sensory overload" that jaunt can be!  I think the pictures will "speak for themselves," however I cannot let an opportunity to share go by without comment!  So . . .

Typical Market Scene

The above picture does not even begin to communicate the CONFUSION that is the market, but shows how it is set up.  Almost everything is sold on the ground.  Add about 100 people in the picture, throw in a couple of motorcycles, and a "traveling loudspeaker" on a cart, which takes up an entire path, blaring out what I think are messages from the Quran, and a man carrying a bowl into which I peek and discover a fat yellow and black snake!  Now you are coming close to the market experience!

All Things Motorcycle

Motorcycles are everywhere!  The hospital treats LOTS of victims of motorcycle accidents and "face-offs!"  This picture was taken as we walked along the road to the market.

Clothes From . . . ?

There are probably not enough feet in Africa to wear all of the shoes waiting to be sold!

Shoes

Notice the bare feet in the background.  Somewhere in my past I was told to "never buy shoes from a man who has bare feet!"  Most of these shoes looked "new-ish," with the exception of the "dress shoes!"

More Shoes!

Let's leave the apparel section and venture on over to "all things IKEA."  There we will first visit the kitchen department, where we might want to look at . . .

Blenders

Sifters

Tea Pot Warmers

I am continually amazed at African "resourcefulness!"  The little black wire stands are made to hold hot charcoal in the wire cup and a teapot on top of that!  (I am not sure how that works out, however, because the only teapots I have seen are plastic!)  The sifters are 3-4 inch-high "rounds" cut from #10 cans with screening affixed to one opening.


Let's head on over to the furniture department, where we could pick up a bed - literally!

Beds, Bookcases, Night Stands

If we got a bed, then we would need some mattresses.  No problem, I just saw a couple pass by me;  perhaps they are for sale:

Mattresses Carried on a Head!

Perhaps it is time to stock up on some food staples, like . . . 

Corn

Rice and Millet

Galmi Onions

Galmi onions are DELICIOUS and I eat them every day!  They are red onions, very fresh, crunchy, sweet, and strong.  They ship them all over the world, as you can imagine from the truck in the next picture.  The little boy in this picture is so cute, but do you notice how skinny he is (like most of the people here) and yet how his tummy protrudes?  He is probably malnourished or has worms, as he looks too well to have malaria.  

Loads of Galmi Onions 

Looking at all this wonderful "bulk food," might make one hungry, however it was not hard to pass up the "fast food" that is everywhere . . . 

Market "Fast Food". . . Yummy!

One interesting thing I learned about those who sell meat at the market, is that in order to let the customer know whether the meat is from sheep, goat, or beef, they put the animal's freshly removed tail next to the meat!  (Hmm . . . I'm seeing a new marketing strategy for the in-store deli's in the U.S.! I mean, why waste money on extra employees to answer all those pesky questions customers ask about meat, when you could just set a tail there and end all confusion?  Or maybe even the animal head. . .  no, wait . . .  those are needed in soup, along with some "other" parts!)


Phil and I each came to the market with purchases in mind - Phil to find a "robe and pants," which is an alternate clothing selection for men here, and he wanted a "Hausa hat."  He found both!  The "Hausa hats" are inexpensive, and the vendor unpacked and unstacked almost his entire inventory to help Phil get one that fit and was a good color.

"Hausa Hats"

I was looking for fabric (no surprise there).  I am VERY picky (no surprise there, either!).  You can find almost any color combination and design.  I did not want anything like snakes, umbrellas, starfish, etc. on mine.  I like more "geometric" styles and nothing "American" looking.  But I have discovered that whatever you get looks MUCH better made up than hanging on a line with dozens of other pieces.  Fabric is sold in 12-yard pieces, but they will halve that and sell you 6-yard pieces.  That is about what it takes to make a "zunni" (wrap skirt), a long top, and a "kalabi" or head wrap.  After I visit several vendors, they stop getting up and showing me pieces because I am too much work for them!!!  I am not a "quick decider!"

Fabric Vendor

You can also have something made while you wait, which I have never seen before in the market.  But I like to make my own things.  Sewing is therapeutic - not that I need therapy here!

Make It While You Wait!

We are almost finished with the "market experience," however if you need something metal for almost anything, you must stop by the "parts department."  Home Depot has nothing on these vendors:

Parts?

Our "market adventure" took about 2 hours, but there are just a few more pictures to share because they say something important about what life is like here for the people of Niger:

Says It All???

I was warned early on to be careful about people "creating" crowds, as it is a good way for someone to pick your pocket.  I always keep my purse in front and my hand on it for safety.  This photo was one of those you take unknowingly as you are trying to maneuver your camera - which usually results in photos of your nose or shoes, etc.  But it sure looks to me like this little boy is hitting the pocket of some unsuspecting shopper!  You can decide for yourself.

Plastic is a problem here - to our way of thinking, anyway.  These goats had to forage for food scraps in and among the "bags" that have blown around, however, as you can see in the second picture, maybe eventually they will become the "stuff of fences" or even provide walls around the houses!  They do actually disintegrate in the heat here in pretty short order, but there are just SO MANY of them.

Looking For Dinner

Fences or Just Another Bag Bush?

We won't need gas on our walk home, but if we did, here is what we would find . . .

Galmi Gas Station

And the last scene here, actually makes me angry . . .  currently because I cannot download it to this blog!!!  So, use your imagination.  We passed by a tiny girl - maybe 5 or 6 years old, carrying an empty, but large, clay pot on top of her head.  This should not be!  She will stunt her growth, and then when she goes to have children (which can be as early as 11-15), she will have problems that could cost her dearly.  Her body will not be developed enough to deliver a baby, and that will be just one  of her problems.

Phil and I are SO thankful for all that we are learning, and that we can have a small role in helping people find Jesus.  And on the lifestyle side, we are thankful for our country and all that is available to us, and everyone who lives there,  so we can move beyond "surviving" to "thriving!" And a BIG THANK YOU to all who have been supporting us in prayer, in financial provisions, emotionally by keeping in contact, and just maintaining an interest in serving the wonderful, but very needy people of Niger!  God Bless You!