This holiday season, of course, has been rather strange. But odd world events notwithstanding, Mikey and I remain committed to eating. So, I have been baking and cooking and seeking out new recipes. Did you know that thyme and oregano are very similar? I made the requisite green bean casserole for Thanksgiving. I also made Jeremy’s famous blueberry cheesecake pie, and I have orders for more (the high school seniors are doing a pie auction). Also, baking carrots doesn’t sound overly delicious; but white sugar, brown sugar, almonds, and cream render almost anything scrumptious.
Christmas is a time for being thankful. I was very encouraged from our summer visit to Oklahoma, seeing family and chatting with friends. And, even though I made little effort to increase my funding, God placed us on the hearts of individuals, and as the year ends my monthly donations have increased about 30 percent. I find myself significantly less worried about money. In 2018, when I began in earnest to gear up to return to Niger, I wasn’t certain that I’d be able to build a solid-enough financial base. In the past, meeting with people and raising funds had come relatively easy. But as I aimed to return to Niger for the third time, I felt that maybe I wouldn’t be able to do what I had done in the past. I am so grateful to all of you for your prayers and support.
The international English-speaking school where Mikey attends and where I teach flooded toward the end of August. Buildings were rented in town and school began, albeit about one month late. Then, after Thanksgiving, a Covid-19 outbreak among the missionary community forced Sahel Academy to cease classes. We completed two weeks via distance learning and have made it to Christmas break. Hallelujah!
However, many expatriates are still feeling unwell and many people are hesitant about life in general. Pray for peace and wisdom for our community. As far as the Nigeriens are concerned, the government has implemented certain measures, but most of the behavior of the general population remains relatively unchanged. Officially, the infection rate is very low, and it does seem that the hospitals and clinics aren’t more active than normal. Covid-19 seems to target older people, and Niger’s life expectancy is about 62. In any case, Niger, like every other country in the world, is dealing with the situation one day at a time.
The recent floods devastated many crops, and the hot season that sits just around the corner will probably do damage as well. Niger’s farmers (and the great majority of Nigeriens are subsistence farmers) seem to face obstacles every year. Pray for the fields of Niger.
Last month, our local church celebrated its ten-year anniversary. I continue to meet with individuals for the purpose of discipleship. One of these people is a tailor. He attended one year of Bible school and then felt discouraged. I have recently met a very cheerful lady who has only one leg. Her interest level in the message of Christ is high. Pray for these two people.
Christmas and New Year’s are bound to be bizarre for many people on the planet. Doubtless, many will forgo traditions and typical gatherings. They (whoever “they” is) have been telling us for years that community and human contact are essential for normal health and development. It turns out, they were right. During every holiday season, social and mental health seem to wave frantically from a shadowy corner. But the truth is that Jesus’ whole purpose was to collect sinners together and take us to God. Being with other believers as a way to celebrate Christ’s birthday has always been quietly symbolic. Christmas bazaars and parties, in the end, are truly important. So, in this off-kilter time, be prudent, but don’t forget to do a little bazaaring.
Below are links to a few short clips. In the last video, my friend is on the phone in the background speaking Zarma, a local language.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wkFad4DMVP-6nHJRGuMimVbxO2bCknQf/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TZ_f0teMi-P-5RicssRLud0jZEfCYT-J/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MwQSA-gTBF_-ICngG898ldC4Xm4v03sA/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xtimL95zwE57NUk0nlc2xL7byAzu3IzW/view
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pe_BVWrkCdfOhCTT3M8eZecFwsUv_4d3/view
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