Each week, we continue to go to an orphanage for babies. We each hold the same baby we had the week before, establishing connection, enjoying time together. Last week, “my” baby died. Names have been changed to protect privacy. In a culture where the main faith does not allow women in the cemetery, it falls … More Something to Chew On
Sometimes problems here are thorny and provocative. They are not only difficult to solve; nobody wants to talk about them. One of these is fistula – a life-threatening and embarrassing problem. Here is a link to understand it better: http://www.girlsnotbrides.org/fistula-a-silent-tragedy-for-child-brides/ I can’t imagine that more than 2 million women in the world have fistula. I can’t … More Aileen’s Girls
48 hours ago, I hopped into my favorite minibus with six teens and followed Ken, who was in another vehicle full of teens, into a village called Kwara Tegui. There is a group living out in Kwara Tegui called La Roche – in English “The Rock.” They spend their time living among the villagers and … More Kwara Tegui, Niger
Arriving at the meeting early, 2:00 was my completely American error. It was scheduled from 2:30 – 5:30, and I considered beforehand that I should really show up at 3:00. But, it was my first time with this group, and what if I missed something important? The meeting began when everyone showed up – at … More The Widows
The Baby Home – where we get to spend Wednesday afternoons – is a hard place to describe. I drive an 8 passenger minibus to take volunteer staff and students there once a week. There are no street signs and no address, but I know when I cross the bridge and head to the nearest … More The Baby Home
As I settled into my metal folding chair (is this even possible?), I tried to quiet my brain. My dear niece is having a very unsettling second pregnancy, and I am preoccupied with wondering if my phone will ding an update. My aunt has just had to move her husband into a nursing home, and … More Things That Make You Go, “Hmm”
Ifo, Ihinka, Ihinza, Itaci, Igu, Iddu, Iyye, Ihaku, Iyagga, Iway If you just read the words above, you have counted to 10 in Zarma. Well done! One of the merchants is tired of talking to me en francais. He wants me to learn Zarma. Hmm. I have to tell you that I pray to … More Learning to Count
New and old worlds combine in developing cities – wishing people could run out of honk … More Driving with Julie
Dear Friend, Our weeks are still full of learning, I am beginning to suspect that I just can’t guess when life will feel normal. Last week I said I would tell you about an exciting new ministry opportunity. Ministry opportunity is such church speak – so I am going to say this is “an exciting … More Hungry for hope – faim d’espoir
Hi Friend, I took a break from posting while in language study in France. But, I hope to post weekly from Niamey, depending on my internet connection. First, if you are wondering if language study was worth the money, time and effort – it was worth every penny. Second, if you read these blogs and have … More Is Life So Different Here?
ken and julie faulkner 