movie night

We've had two volunteers living with us during the month of May. They worked at the high school teaching English. During their last week, they invited the high school students to our compound to see the Jesus film in their language. Around 200 students showed up and about 75 stayed for the entire film.


The students getting ready to watch the film as Mark sets it up in the back of the truck. We are very high tech in these parts!


Because the students arrived about an hour before it was dark enough to start the film, Tiago & Christiano entertained them with some music on their tom-toms. These kids love music!

storm's a comin

If we haven't told you already, the weather here is just a tad bit different than the States. It's hot and then it's really hot! Besides the heat, every year there's a season known as dusty season and one also known as rainy season. And amazingly enough, they overlap in the month of May. Below are a few pictures of exactly why it's called dusty season and what rain looks like in the desert ...


This is a picture outside our front door on a normal day.



This is a picture during a small dust storm. No, we did not alter the photo or add a yellowish tint.


Mark and Cephas being blown away as the dust storm comes rolling in.


During the rain, the temperature drops a few degrees and it begins to actually feel cool. Then the heat comes back and it's 125 degrees plus humidity. Never a dull day!

boys only

Well Mark's dad sent him, Hassane and Cephas a "GUYS ONLY" package to Ayorou a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say, they were pretty happy about it. I don't think Hassane has ever received a package before ... at least not like this!

But what I want to know is ... where's the love for the ladies?!! Well, I really can't complain too much. I did just receive some wonderful birthday packages from my family, my BG girls & the FBC Franklin Women of Purpose SS Class. Thank you to ALL of you who keep us constantly stocked with yummy goodies from the States, cute clothes (for me, that is), magazines, cards and all the love you put into every package you send us!!

the boys with some of their package contents ... yes, the shirts & hats were included


Cephas trying to steal Hassane's Fiddle Faddle


Hassane eating his first Rice Krispie Treat. His words were "Mmmmmmm! Sucre!" (which means "Yum! Sugar!")


snap into a slim jim, oh yeah!

home sweet home

After 9 long weeks and many delays & snags, our furniture was finally finished. This meant that we could finally hang pictures on the wall and finish unpacking the home decor boxes from our crate. So at long last, our house is set up with OUR stuff and it is definitely a little more like home!

guest room all ready for some visitors. only 6 more months & we'll be cleared to host volunteers! get those passport applications in!!


the living area ... the chairs were made a little bigger than the pictures we had shown him. I think he thinks we're giants!


the entry table ... aka - a place for Mark to throw his wallet and keys


the sleeping quarters ... for now! we've moved up from the truck bed to fold out beds! a little more comfortable!

fast food

As most of you know, one of my biggest adjustments to living in Niger was the fact that there are no drive-thrus, no fast food, no "pop in Speedy Mart, grab a 2 for $1 hotdog, 44 oz drink and a bag of Cheetos" kind of place here! Well, low and behold, I have been proven wrong. It's no Taco Bell or Chic-Fil-A, but in Tillaberi (the halfway point between Ayorou and the capital), there is a "lovely" roadside stand that sells rice, beans, macaroni & spaghetti ... all together in one lovely bag. I chose to bring my own bowl and spoon. Bon Appetit!


in the bag or on the plate, with your fingers or with a spoon


Cephas and Lewally chose the bag style


water comes in a bag, too! who can complain though when it's cold, filtered water for only 25 francs (5 cents)?!!


Finally, a fast food meal on the road! I'm a happy lady!