It feels like we’re living in a tumultuous time. The globe is grappling with an epidemic, violence seems to be commonplace, and our river in the desert here is threatening to flood. However, I’ve also seen it pointed out that current human existence is as peaceful and healthy as it has ever been. I suppose that makes sense; we’re probably not going to be attacked by feudal raiding parties, and I’d take Covid-19 over the plague any day. Well, we went there and back again and have returned safely to Niger.
From Here (Niger) to There (Oklahoma)
In June, our airport had been officially closed for several weeks. Rumor-milling is a favorite human pastime, and much speculation had been circling in Niger concerning the situation with the pandemic and its affect on travel. It seemed that every person had a definitive source for some tidbit of knowledge, and each tidbit turned out to be errant. It was during a conjecture-filled conversation that someone mentioned that the government of Turkey was sponsoring occasional exit flights out of Niamey. I received this revelation with a rather large grain of salted doubt. But, as is his custom, Mikey had inserted himself into the dialogue and pestered me to apply for the special tickets. So, out of curiosity and to silent my noisy son, I sent an e-mail of inquiry to the appropriate authorities. That was on a Wednesday morning, and at 10 that evening, I received a message that I should visit the offices of Turkish Air. On Thursday night around 6, Mikey and I were walking into the airport with our packed bags.
Many of the people in our circle of family and friends are in the danger zone of susceptibility for Covid-19. So, when we arrived in Oklahoma City on a Saturday morning, we placed ourselves into voluntary quarantine until we could get tested. Two nights at a friend’s rural property, four nights at a hotel, two more nights at the same hotel, an insect attack, and several games of cards later, our tests results came back negative.
This year, of course, was quite different from any previous summer furlough. In the past, I’ve always had plans for things I wanted to do and people I wanted to visit. Even before the worldwide pandemic, this visit home was destined to be different because this time I am a parent, and “I” has become “we.” I realize that, if you don’t live in Mustang, you probably had no idea that we had been home. I apologize for that. Many people have correctly pointed out that I don’t write enough updates. I have good intentions to write more frequently; they say that good intentions won’t buy heaven, but maybe they will motivate me to communicate better.
Anyway, I was able to visit with several people in Oklahoma but decided not to make my usual trip (or trips) to Texas. This is unfortunate because I have many supporters in Texas, and I felt that there were people whom I wanted to visit last year when I was there but was unable to do so. In the current context, I have endeavored to strike a balance between wisdom and fear. I want to avoid major Covid-19 risks, but I also must engage in normal activities. This balance is further complicated by the fact that, pandemic or no pandemic, I am still trying to find a modicum of orientation among the new fixtures in this stage of my life. That’s diplomatic language for: parenting is tough, Niger isn’t simple, the world has gone stark-raving bonkers, and I’m tired.
From There (Oklahoma) to Here (Niger)
Mikey and I arrived in Niger on August 12. Niger requires proof of a negative Covid-19 test within a specified time frame from arrival. I remembered the five days that the first test required and planned accordingly. We went to get tested on Wednesday, six days before our departure. The results posted on Thursday! Seriously, what a terrible time for efficiency that was. So, we got tested again on Saturday. Those results posted while we were in transit, and I was able to use my phone at the airport to prove our negative status.
In addition to the pandemic, Niger is grappling with security issues. It seems that an attack of some kind occurs every few months. Recently, several people were killed by extremists. The victims were visiting a rural area where giraffes can be viewed. I have been there many times. In another event, armed individuals attacked a village. The Niger military has been firm in its stance against violence, and many soldiers have lost their lives. Pray for Niger’s security.
Also, heavy rains have caused the Niger River to swell. The Niger River runs through Niamey, the capital. The lives and livelihoods of people who live near the river are threatened. Niger is a desert country, and rain is almost always needed, but too much rain often easily overwhelms a system of infrastructure that is more accustomed to drought.
Current Status
At the moment, Mikey and I are engaged in a fourteen-day quarantine. He is getting caught up on his computer games, but he is also reading. This is theoretically a wonderful time for me to prepare for the classes that I will be teaching next year: English classes at Sahel Academy and Bible classes at a pastoral-training school. Mikey is also preparing to attend a live classroom with teachers and other students for the first time since halfway through seventh grade. So, pray for him.
Our time in Oklahoma was much like a whirlwind. I had purposely eliminated certain things in order to make our stay more restful. One of those eliminated things was fundraising. Since our budget was basically functional, I had decided that I’d deal with fundraising next year. However, God moved on the hearts of a few people, and our budget is stronger and more stable than it has ever been. All in all, our time in the States was peaceful and filled with food, friends, family… and board games.
It does feel as if hurting people are of abundance right now. There are probably needy people somewhere near you. They may be loud and obnoxious or quiet and afraid. God loves them and so should we.
PS: You get bonus points in the form of fond wishes if you recognized the reference to Lord of the Rings.
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