Thoughts from home, after the trip... continued
The colorful and bold clothing worn by the locals in Madaoua was a delight to see in the drab surroundings of huts and landscapes. Women and children alike love lots of necklaces and bracelets. The men also wear colorful toga-like garb. Most kids do not wear shoes and when they do, they are mostly flip flops. Their hair is braided in corn rows. They would always want to hold my hand when we walked anywhere. They love having pictures taken of themselves and would giggle with delight when we showed them the image.
I have been asked if I ever felt unsafe. Not once, except maybe when the wheel came flying off the land rover ahead of us and into the path of our truck on the way to the weiner roast. Mike did a great job of holding the truck on the road and we know God had His hand on the wheel as well!!!
I had mentioned meeting Sali earlier..what a lovely woman..I got to know her while attending the children at the conference with another teammate, Mary..we both feel so privileged to have gotten to know her. Her story was fascinating! She showed me how to tie a shawl the proper way on my head! We agreed to keep in touch via email.
The bartering was something I didn't care for, but it is expected and is definitely a game! I don't think I've ever been called "madam" so many times! I did catch on a bit and if you just stand your ground and walk away, they generally back down. I purchased fabric, a table cloth, some soapstone items and a bit of jewellry.
There was only one road from Niamey to Madaoua..no restroom on the way and a six hour journey! I now know what "off roading" is all about. Part of the highway was washed out last August in the heavy rains and no attempt has been made to repair it. The potholes were numerous and we swayed to and fro many times trying to dodge them. Great driving on Mike's part!
I understand the hockey bags full of books we shlepped for LaRae, are now on shelves and the children are making use of them..she is such a blessing to those kids. I hope some day the children realize just what a blessing she was to them.
Stay tuned; there is yet more to come...
- Lucille
I have been asked if I ever felt unsafe. Not once, except maybe when the wheel came flying off the land rover ahead of us and into the path of our truck on the way to the weiner roast. Mike did a great job of holding the truck on the road and we know God had His hand on the wheel as well!!!
I had mentioned meeting Sali earlier..what a lovely woman..I got to know her while attending the children at the conference with another teammate, Mary..we both feel so privileged to have gotten to know her. Her story was fascinating! She showed me how to tie a shawl the proper way on my head! We agreed to keep in touch via email.
The bartering was something I didn't care for, but it is expected and is definitely a game! I don't think I've ever been called "madam" so many times! I did catch on a bit and if you just stand your ground and walk away, they generally back down. I purchased fabric, a table cloth, some soapstone items and a bit of jewellry.
There was only one road from Niamey to Madaoua..no restroom on the way and a six hour journey! I now know what "off roading" is all about. Part of the highway was washed out last August in the heavy rains and no attempt has been made to repair it. The potholes were numerous and we swayed to and fro many times trying to dodge them. Great driving on Mike's part!
I understand the hockey bags full of books we shlepped for LaRae, are now on shelves and the children are making use of them..she is such a blessing to those kids. I hope some day the children realize just what a blessing she was to them.
Stay tuned; there is yet more to come...
- Lucille
posted by Bengoshi at 3:48 PM
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