The little ones of Niger

In Niamey, my job was to attend to the little people aged 0 to 3 years so the parents could relax & enjoy the conference..we had two African babies & four little white guys..they were reluctant to stay with us in the beginning, but when the parents came to pick them up, they didn't want to leave us, or the toys..it was an experience I will long remember..their soft little cries at the door, looking for daddy to pick them up, smiles through tears as we "bribed " them with treats & huge story books! I loved sitting on the floor with them & watch the interest on their little faces as the stories unfolded.

One of the children there was the son of an African lady named Sali..she also helped with the care we gave..at first, she was shy about speaking English, but Mary & I got her talking up a storm by the time we left..she shared a lot about her life, her trials, family & God in her life. We plan to stay in touch via email.

Although the room we had to care for these children was more than I dreamed it would be, I could not fathom that just outside the compound, were the worst conditions anyone could imagine...two different worlds, just steps from one another..it was hard to turn my mind off at night.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to go on such a mission..to really visit the work of the missionaries here, who deal with this way of life every day!

- Lucille