Yes, I know it will surprise most of you, since I'm only 31...
Let me explain! Emilie, my house worker, went on maternity leave at the beginning of December. She was to return to her home country, Benin, to stay with her family, and have the baby. Two weeks ago- the day after she was to leave- I got a phone call. "It's Emilie. I'm at the hospital." "Did you have the baby?" "Yes." "Is is a boy or girl?" " It's a girl" "Are you still in Niger?" "Yes"
"Do you need a ride home from the hospital?" "Yes"
So we headed to the maternity center to pick up Emilie and her new baby and drive them home, so they could avoid a taxi ride.
As Emilie works for us, and we provide for her, her Christian friend here calls me her "maman." When I walked into her room at the maternity center, her friend announced "Here's your grandma, baby!"
Yesterday Emilie came by with baby Odil, to say goodbye before heading to Benin to see her family. We were able to get a lot of pictures, and spend a couple of hours visiting with Emilie, and holding sweet little Odil.
Now, with new baby Odil, Emilie and the baby's dad are on the bus headed to Benin.
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