I'm a grandma!

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.

Christmas party!

Wednesday was the last night of girls Bible Study for the semester. So we had a party! Cheese fondue, spinach dip, chocolate fondue, popcorn with seasonings... lots of food! Our girls were so happy to be able to stay out and participate. We played a few games, and everyone laughed a lot. Most of the fun was with the kids dolls and dress ups. That and the chocolate! Maybe there was a little too much giggling for Kevin and Silas. They hid out in the corner and let the girls be girls.

Mumps

One of our latest happenings is that Elayna developed the mumps. Poor kid was not too comfortable! Then it abscessed...also not fun. Now it is drained, and she is feeling much better. Back to her entertaining and trouble-making self. She is loving the new Curious George bandaids from Nana and Papa that arrived yesterday! What fun to get TWO packages on the same day! The girls have ballet this afternoon, and plan to wear the new leotards.

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.