how to kill a chicken

Although I grew up in Kentucky (where we're famous for our chickens) I surprisingly know very little about chickens. I know I like to eat them about 4000 different ways (from smothered in white sauce at Shogun to deep-fried at Buckheads) but I know nothing about how they get from the farm to my plate.
That is not the case anymore.
I was telling Abduli about my lack of poultry killing techniques and he looked at me like a guy in the states would look at me if I said "who's Brett Farve?" In other words, he wanted to see my "guy card" to make sure I was a real man.
Not to be seen as a sissy by this 100 pound 40 year old African man, I told him I wanted to learn. I bought a chicken, he killed it while I watched (and tried not to throw up) and then I took it home satisfied in my manhood.
Then I did the next obvious thing to do, I asked some 13 year old boys to come over and show me what in the world to do with this dead chicken. Thought you'd like to see some pictures in case you're ever in Ayorou and being made fun of by a Songhai man.
* * Warning, not for the faint of heart * *



First you put the chicken in boiling hot water so that it's feathers will come off easier. Second (probably should have been first) you ask your wife if she minds you cleaning a dead chicken in one of her good bowls.


Third, chop off the feet and then find the tendons so that you can make the chicken wave or point. I'll never eat chicken fingers again.


Fourth, pluck out all the feathers and begin to wonder if this was a good idea or not.


Finally, after pulling out all the inside things, you've got yourself a chicken. Now you're ready to introduce Ayorou to Parker's Famous Fried Chicken (which, by the way, they all now love).

just some random pics

We're still playing catch-up with updating the ol blog and we promise more pics of our life in Africa are coming soon but we still have a bunch of pics from our time in the states so here goes...

This is from when my bro and I went to Garden of the gods for an awesome day of hiking.

A Parker-less Phillips family photo. Parker graciously offered to take the photo as long as Dad photoshopped her in.

Parker can now re-live the 80's "Frogger" style in Ayorou anytime she pleases!

My bro and I. This pic is to prove once and for all that we look nothing alike although we were accused of being twins!


Me and my nephew Matthew kicking it in Frankvegas!

hello again

Has it really been a month and a half since our last post?! We are awful bloggers!! To think that we had more internet access while we were in the States than we ever have when we're in Niger and we didn't post one blog! Well I guess y'all kept us too busy.

Our trip to the States was WONDERFUL. Not only because we downed so much American food and put on quite a few pounds in just 3 weeks but more so because we got to spend it with our family and best friends. We wore ourselves out going to 3 different states and seeing everyone but we wouldn't change a minute of it! Well, maybe Mark would change having to get his wisdom teeth out.

I got to see my OB/GYN twice while I was in Bowling Green. My great friend, Courtney Hammett, went with me on my first visit while Mark was recuperating from his surgery. The ultrasound showed that the hematoma was still there but the doctor felt that it was in a safe & stable spot and shouldn't cause any harm. Upon the second visit two weeks later, the hematoma had reduced in size by 50% being at about 1 cm x 1/2 cm. The baby is "quite the active one" (as the doctor put it) and we are looking forward to finding out the sex in the next week.

Mark's surgery went better than anyone had expected. At the consultation, the doctor basically told Mark that it was so bad he was going to have permanent nerve damage - either his taste or touch. The next day, after the surgery, the doctor met me in the hallway and said she couldn't believe it but she didn't hit any nerves and the surgery went great. Thank you to all of you who prayed for our medical visits during our time in the States. The Lord never ever ceases to amaze us at how He continually answers your prayers!

Last but definitely not least ... Besides a week with our families, we also got to spend a week with our home church in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We were able to meet with the team that'll be here in 2 weeks, speak to others interested in missions, speak at a missions conference and Mark got to preach at the Sunday services. We had a wonderful time with them and cannot thank Living Hope Baptist Church enough for flying us home and taking such wonderful care of us! We love you all so very much and can't wait to worship and fellowship with you again soon!

Here a just a few pictures from the first half of our trip. We'll post more later this week when we download the rest.

I had some wonderful girl time while I was in the States. These are two of my dearest & closest friends, Amanda & Courtney.

Poor Mark, swollen cheeks, talking nonsense, being waited on hand & foot ... poor guy!

Part of the crazy Hill family. It was such a blessing to be able to see my grandmother who has been very sick recently. We had a great time going to one of our favorite restaurants eating Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Corn, Coconut Pie and a big ole glass of Sweet Tea! YUMMM!

Me and my sis! Two pregnant ladies! Watch out!

Mark and our nephew, Chord. That is not a grimace on Chord's face ... that's his new smile! Yeah for Thanksgiving leftovers!