Party time!

As Bill stepped out of the plane, and Kevin greeted him, he said that Kevin looked like a familiar face he had seen not too long ago. As the plane was leaving the US a few days ago Bill stopped in MA, where he met Kevin's brother Ian (who also works with SIMAIR here in Niger) and family. They had a sendoff for the plane, and circle of prayer on that end. Part of the money for the purchase of the plane, and diesel engine conversion was given in memory of Kevin's mom, Mary Rideout. So the sendoff was special for Kevin's dad as well. Upon the arrival here, we took time to thank the Lord for the safe trip he had given to Bill, and the plane. Falke, one of the Nigeriens working with SIM in the office, prayed in French, and Steve, our field director, prayed in English.

The SIMAIR guys (minus Ian, who is in the US) were gathered by the plane talking with Bill about the trip, the plane, and all that kind of thing...




The kids and I stood nearby in the sun. They were happy for a chance to run around and play with some friends!

The plane is here!

Exactly one year after the Cessna 182 traveled to California to have its new diesel engine installed, the new SIMAIR diesel arrived in Niger. After much prayer, work- and patience-on the part of all involved, this afternoon at 4pm our time, the plane was sighted just above the runway.

A crowd of over 40 SIM folks- missionaries, families, and Nigerien staff were gathered to greet Bill, and see the new plane. As he taxied the plane up to the SIMAIR hangar, cheers and applause broke out!
Finally it was here!

Everyone gathered around to meet Bill, and check out the new plane. Pictures were being snapped from every angle, and kids were running around in the dust

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The American Women's Club here in Niamey hold a Christmas bazaar each year as a fundraiser for their social projects here in Niger. It was held yesterday at the rec center. I had no idea what to expect, as we were not here last year. But it turned out to be a lot of fun! There were raffles, and a coffee house with all kinds of baked Christmas goodies. We enjoyed funnel cakes, and looking around at all of the things on display. There were artisans from all around displaying their wares, and many people got their Christmas shopping done there! There were many leather goods, (boxes, picture frames, key chains) African clothing, paintings, sculptures, silver jewelery, beautifully painted lamps made from gourds, and much more. It was fun to look the things, even though we didn't buy anything.

We don't do the Santa thing with our kids, but we couldn't pass up this photo opportunity ! Where else do you find Santa with his CAMEL!


Even Silas joined in the action. He found Santa's beard to be quite interesting, and did his best to get it into his mouth.

Thanksgiving

Even without a turkey, we had a great Thanksgiving this year! We were joined by the Freemans, Anisa, and David. We were expecting a couple of other families, but due to sick kids, and other things, it was just the ten of us. But we had such a great time visiting (and eating!) together. The girls (and mom) had worked hard cutting leaves, and painting a "Thanksgiving Tree," Everyone was given leaves on which to write things they were thankful for. Kira passed out and collected the leaves, and put them on the tree for us. After the meal we had a good time visiting.

Our book loving girls didn't take long to enlist David to help in their favorite pastime- being read to!

We started the meal with 5 kernels of corn on each plate. Kevin read a little about the pilgrims winter after the first Thanksgiving. Due to the arrival of some new unprepared settlers, at the end of the winter their rations were down to 5 kernels of corn each per day! They trusted the Lord to provide, and they all survived the winter.

Back again! (maybe?)

After several more failed posting attempts over the last couple of weeks, I quit trying for awhile... but I'm going to try again, just in case our connection is better tonight. As usual, I have a lot to say. =)
Kid news first, for those grandparents who haven't heard the news- Silas is in motion and all over! He has a great seal/swimming thing going. He's no longer content to sit and be a his sweet cuddly self. He has places to go, things to eat. He also has discovered the joys of Cheerios. He still won't eat any kind of baby food, but loves Cheerios. Go figure! Good thing we brought a few bags with us. They're reserved for Silas only, since we can't get anything like them here.

I'll add all the news one small post at a time, in hopes that it will work a little better.

Ballet Class

The girls had another exciting event this week- their first ballet class! Miss Tiffany, who is here for a few months, agreed to teach a ballet class for 3-6 year olds. Kira and Brynn have been talking about it for several weeks, and on Friday they had the first class. There were 8 little girls gathered in Ceton's living room for an hour. Tiffany is wonderful with them, and they can't wait for next week! Elayna thinks she attended the class as well, since she danced around the room when we went to pick up Kira and Brynn. So all the girls left happy.

Treasure Island

Last night was a family fun night planned by the student council at Sahel Academy. The theme was "Treasure Island." We had a great time, eating playing games, and dressing up. Well, the kids dressed up anyway! The girls made lovely pirates.
Their highlights of the evening were the camel rides, face painting, and craft table. They also ate hot dogs, played carnival games (the homemade version of course!) and heard a pirate story. Laney even got brave enough to ride the "Stormy Seas" after her sisters did. She was quite perturbed that they got to go on the camel with Daddy first, and she had to watch! When her turn came she had a blast! Ok, I keep getting cut off, and having to redo this- so I'm going to forget where the pictures are and just post before I lose it again. I'm sure you can figure out what's what.

Kira and the shell-less eggs

I thought I would share a funny Kira story. Kira went with me to the stand where we buy eggs. On the way home she was looking at the flat of eggs on the floor, and asked "Mom, why do some of them not have shells?" I was a little confused until I realized that three of the 30 eggs were white, while the rest were brown. It's been about six months since she has seen brown eggs. So she thought they were missing shells. I assured her eggs came in white too! When we got home she wanted to feel them, just to make sure they really did have shells.

Internet issues...

While all kinds of fun and exciting things have been happening around here, a working internet is not among them. =D Supposedly it's fixed now, but I'll still try several small posts as opposed to a newsy long one. That way I lose less if we have to shut down and start over AGAIN!!! I've written a few times in the last couple of weeks and been unable to post. But it's time to try again. So here goes the first try...