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)