tuesday

Bonjour from Niger, it’s Tuesday night here in Niger and more than half the team will be leaving here shortly to head home.  Monday was a fantastic day for the people here in Niamey, the opening of the CURE pediatric hospital.  We were all so lucky to be able to be part of the grand opening of the hospital and see all the good work that the hospital will do for the children and families here in Niamey.

After the hospital opening we were off to do some tourist activities.  Shopping in the street markets was like no other experience.   Vendors are eager for you to patronize in their shop, they offer beautiful authentic items and a little bargaining is always good for your wallet and expected. Then we were off to ride camels.  WOW it was so cool.    Those animals are so amazing.  We rode them along the Niger River, only to end our time with a canoe ride down the river in canoes.  It was so breathtaking!

Today was our last day here for most.  We spent the whole day over at Peniel School with the children.  Mostly finishing work at the clinic as well as taking their pictures.  Team members also visited the kids in their classrooms and taught them all good teeth care and gave them all toothbrushes and toothpaste to take home.  It is so joyful to spend time with the children and see all their happiness in such small things.  We ended our day with the kids as a whole school assembly where the children sang to us and shared gifts.  All of us on the team are so lucky to have been able to share time with the kids.

Here we are, Tuesday night.  We all debriefed tonight on how much we are going to miss this place and how lucky we are to be able to have had this experience.  God has truly blessed all of us and we hope that we have helped the people here in Niger.  They truly have touched each and every one of us and will carry them in our hearts as we return to the states.