Here is Hadeza (pronounced “hu-deez-uh”), our house help and my friend. Can you tell by her countenance that she is an absolute JOY to see three times a week? She is pictured here with her husband (and our day guard) Salefou (pronounced “sal-ee-foo”). My kids love her cinnamon rolls and chicken curry, and I love everything about her. I am the luckiest woman in Niger because Hadeza is my friend. Someday I will write her life story in a blog post, but for now let’s simply savor that gorgeous smile!

HERE is one the first 118 counted camels…(it is getting late for me…)

On the first nine hour leg of our trip, our kids counted 118 camels!

You have to look closely, but this van truly is carrying two huge cows with long horns (does that make them “steer”? don’t know…??) AND a camel! Seriously, people?!

Here is a shot I took on our drive to Maradi, but I seriously could’ve taken this picture a thousand times because that is how all the bush-taxi drivers stack their vans! Doesn’t it look like it’ll tip over? I held my breath as this one navigated the pot-holed-road we were traveling. At least this portion has some pavement!

Around 9 p.m. the mats were packed with people of all ages, who came to hear what this man named Ish had to say…they do this every weekend, so it is expected that there is a teaching and time for questions, and even a meal of rice/noodles/onions afterward! I know the photo is dark, but I wanted to share the experience anyway. Gotta love the canon powershot! (my little digital cam)

As we all waited for the evening to come (with the cool of night!) Andy spent time with the men from the villages. They were eager to be with Ish*y*, and even played a game of pictionary in the sand to pass the time! Some games know no language barriers!

G*ail spends hours with the villagers, teaching them to read in Hausa language. From the moment we pulled up, they emerged from their huts, carrying their little “readers” for G*ail to read with them. A beautiful expression of love.