Trusting in the little and large things

Our first visitors-the Negrini family (minus JF)....we need to show hospitality. It is in our DNA!

This week was unexpectedly quiet in some ways. Both surgeons were out of town so that meant that the ward was empty and the operating room was in cleaning mode.  Does that mean that we did nothing last week? Not at all. There are always many children and a few adults (special cases) who were having wound care. The consultations and follow up clinics continued as well.
I spent some time preparing the equipment for the SIR (Soin Immediate Reanimation). Actually it took a lot of time. The materials had been packed away in the container for some time so everything needed dusting, washing and reorganizing for our first class November 26th. Hint: when planning a task or project here, one must take into consideration, cuts in electricity, water, lack of supplies and unavailable assistance for whatever you want to do. Paul and I are learning that we must be interdependent within the community at home and the hospital. We need one another to do our work!
Paul spent a lot of time organizing for the arrival of his first University of Kentucky Anesthesia Resident to arrive.

• We needed help to confirm Dr. Margo Short's flight. 
• We needed help to confirm the driver to take us to meet her at the airport
• We needed help to make up the room at the guest house for Margo
• We needed a lot of help when she arrived without her luggage!!!
• We needed someone to help Dr. Margo buy a few supplies
• We needed another driver to go to the airport a couple of days later to find the luggage
• Paul needed help to make arrangements for Dr. Margo and him to visit the university hospital

I think you get the idea! We cannot do many things because we lack the knowledge of the many local languages. Although we can get by with our French most of the time, we lack Hausa and the many other languages spoken.  We also lack knowledge of directions to find places etc.  Most streets are not named although Google Maps have been awesome! They even show the unpaved, dirt roads we have to drive on to go many places.

This week I too needed help in translating my story to a group of about 27-30 mothers/grandmothers of long stay patients.

• I needed help to translate my presentation into the several language groups that were represented
• I needed help to understand the questions the women were asking me
• I needed help to join in the dancing and singing when invited to do so by these caregivers!

In many ways we are helpless without the assistance of the hospital staff who go to the bank to exchange our money, who show us how things work and who carry equipment and so on for us.
There are so many things that we need!!

What a great privilege to worship a God who knows our needs and wants! He knows our failings and frailties. He understands our Western thinking of accomplishing things by the list rather than through prayer and relationships.  We are learning and loving being here!  We are seeing that our God is all wise, all knowing, all powerful, ever faithful, everlasting and GOOD!!!

We need friends and fellowship outside our hospital work.

Dear Children who stay a long time for treatment at the hospital need encouragement and activities...and they get plenty!

Mothers and grandmothers need to be encouraged too!

And little ones need to giggle! This giggle was in response to a funny face that I made.

We need a lot of help with shopping at the market!

We need friends and fellowhip....we are all here together. Pure joy!

 This hymn has been going through my mind......

Trust Him when thy are many;

Trust Him when thy friends are few;

And the time of swift temptation 

Is the time to trust Him too!

Trust Him for the grace to conquer--

He is "able to subdue";

Trust Him for the power  for service;

Trust Him for the blessing too.

Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee,

Trust Him when thy strength is small,

Trust Him when to simply trust Him

Seems the hardest thing of all.

Trust Him! He is ever faithful;

Trust Him--for His will is best;

Trust Him--for the heart of Jesus

Is the only place of rest.

Lucy A. Bennett (1850-1927)

Public Domain

We have been so blessed this week as we have laid our needs before the Lord in prayer. He has faithfully provided all that we have needed and more! Thank you for being a part of this journey with us! Thank you for praying! We are enjoying "learning to lean on Jesus"!

Everyday life-It's cheaper in Africa, right?

We have enjoyed the many firsts this past week.
First grocery shopping trips
First driving to work and for errands
First complete work week
First African church service etc.....
But one of the most often questions asked of us is....Isn't everything cheaper in Africa?

The answer to that question is complicated.

A baguette is 200 CFAs which is about 30 cents...that's cheap!
A local mobile phone was 10,000 CFAs including a few CFAs to charge it up as it has no contract. That is about $17.40 US.
Somethings seem cheaper.
Some things look or seem the same but are often different in flavor, quality and durability.

If one is trying to cook and eat 'just like back home', it will be fairly expensive.
We are having some friends over for dinner Tuesday night so I thought I would make my standby chicken dish. Onions were cheap but I could not find any decent carrots in the market so I bought them in the grocery store and did not pay attention to the price. When I got home I realized that I payed $12.80 for about 8 good sized carrots---yikes!
Paul tries to eat an apple a day to keep to the doctor away so he picked 6 apples at the International grocery store called Hadad's or Scores. The man asked me twice if we wanted them.  Paul and I said yes! They were 12580 CFA $20 US. They are like gold! Haha. We had bought apples at a street market last week at a reasonable price of 1500 CFA $2.60/Kg
Good meat is 4500 CFA per Kg $7.78/ Kg
Crackers are 2170 CFA per box $3.75
Christmas garlands were a bargain at 500 CFA each which makes them $0.86  We bought 4 as Paul loves Christmas so much!! No tree this year but we will have 4 festive garlands!

All this is to say that we cannot afford to shop all the time in the international grocery stores. We will need to get more market smart. Sadly with our foreign faces, the prices leap up unless we have a Nigerien with us. We are learning.

We are living in a one bedroom apartment with very good security. It is about $600/month plus electricity, plus a little extra to have our laundry and floors done. Honestly, we are so happy to pay for these services because the heat and work have exhausted us at the end of the day.

Our car is not particularly gas efficient as we have used at least half a tank to go to and from work, church twice,  out to dinner once and run simple errands. Gas is $4.00 a gallon approximately.
Are we complaining?
No! We are beyond blessed to be here!
We are learning to adjust and appreciate the many blessings that we have enjoyed over the years. This is a season of really learning how to live more simply.  It has been such a blessing to be here. We are feeling such peace in our little home. We are enjoying the challenges and joys of the hospital work.
As we look around our neighborhood we see stark contrasts of abundance and poverty. It truly has caused us to think and rethink about our lives and attitudes towards the poverty and God's kingdom solutions. It is challenging for sure. We have much to learn and so grateful that we have such kind teachers (our brothers and sisters in Niger!). We are studying God's word daily to listen to His leading of us in all these new things.

Paul shared in French his joy in being invited to this church where many of the employees of CURE attend. He was truly touched by the warmth of the fellowship and simplicity in worship.

It was a great privilege to share for about 15 minutes in French my testimony. Three point message was God's Call, God's Preparation and God's Mission of work for Paul and me. This service was part of a weekend conference on the subject of career preparation for the Christian Youth of Niger.

Douda is talking to me after the service regarding the need of education and preparation for the serving within the church for the young people. He is such a passionate young man for the LORD! Note the stark simplicity of the church property.

The contrast was our lunch in a pleasant garden restaurant. It was very modest by US standards but certainly a luxury for most people here. 

 

 

"O teach me what it meaneth Thy love beyond compare,

The love that reacheth deeper than depths of self despair.

Yes, teach me, till there gloweth in this cold heart of mine,

Some feeble, pale reflection of that pure love of Thine. "

Lucy Ann Bennett (1850-1927)-public domain

A Baker's Dozen-Some Firsts of our Adventures with CURE in Niger

Ready to Roll after many months of preparations and many prayers!

First flight with noise canceling headphones

Second flight....still looking perky

Poor Paul had to sleep on the way to Niamey!

First sunset on the way to our first dinner with friends

We made our bed up first thing! Note the pink stuffed giraffe that George and Anna Lee game me when I was in the hospital. I will keep it close by to remind me of our dear grandchildren and their love for us!

It didn't take long to unpack our few clothes.

We are very happy with a clean and spacious bathroom with hot water...not that we need it!

Our first breakfast on Friday morning was special as we brought placemats from home.

This is a view of the courtyard of our apartment building called The Link Outreach Center.

We are so glad that we packed the folding camping chairs that Mark and Shannon bought for Daddy and me. Here we are enjoying our first Saturday morning tea and coffee on the roof terrace. It is nice to have a little breeze and view of the few treetops.

Cheers! It is not Starbucks but it is just fine!

 First attempt at cooking was an omelet. It will take a little getting used to this type of stove, but we will manage.

It has been a great few days in Niamey, Niger. There have many firsts, many new experiences and many friendly reunions with dear ones. Getting set up in our new apartment has taken a little time but we are very happy here. We have all that we need and more.  We were offered a cable TV package but we refused. We never watch TV. It will be more fun visiting and reading etc in the evenings. Paul has even started to drive. Next blog I will post pictures of the hospital and every day life. Will also post some of the everyday prices so you can see what daily life costs. What do you think? Is food cheaper or more expensive in Africa? (where we are living?) See next blog for the answer. Thank you for your interest in this adventure and your faithful prayers.

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Everytime I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Philippians 1:2&3

Another Adventure- more grace!

It has been a very long time since posting a blog! It has been more than a year. Obviously I am not very proficient at blogging. What Paul and I would like to do is post from time to time a blog updating our time in Niger over the next 6 months.  This old hymn has been on my heart for the past few days and expresses a blessing and encouragement for all of us! Be encouraged today! We appreciate your interest in us!

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

He Giveth More Grace

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.
To added affliction He addeth His mercy; 
To multiplied trials, He multiplied peace.

When we gave exhausted our store of endurance, 
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we have reached the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Refain:

His love has no limit; 
His grace has no measure
His pow'r has no boundry known unto men.
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, 
He giveth, and giveth and giveth again.

Bye -Bye for Now...until next time!

 God Be With You

God be with you till we meet again

By His counsels guide, uphold you,

With His sheep securely fold you

God be with you till we meet again

Refrain:

Till we meet-----

Till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus' feet,

Till we meet----

Till we meet----God be with you till we meet again

God be with you till we meet again,

'Neath His wings protecting hide you,

Daily manna still provide you

God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again, 

When life's perils thick confound you,

Put His arms unfailing round you

God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again

Keep love's banner floating o'er you,

Smite death's threatening wave before you

God be with you till we meet again.

Jeremiah E. Rankin (1826-1904)

Public Domain

How did the time here  in Niger go so fast? This morning I woke up thinking about this old hymn. It is a bit of a tear jerk-er. We used to sing this at the end of BSF Leader's Retreats. The tears would flow not knowing if we would see each other for another few years. My Mum has recalled saying good bye to missionaries at the docks in England. She recounted a time when a young woman was going to a far off land with a wedding dress and baby clothes in anticipation of her future joys! When one left to serve in another land it was a lifetime commitment with seldom opportunity to seeing one's homeland or family again.  Serving the LORD today is quite different. With the advent of airplanes, antimalarial medications, Internet, stricter visa requirements and government restrictions on Christian missionaries rarely leave their home country forever.  I was brought up to love and respect missionaries. At the same time, I learned that all those who are saved are a part of the God's family. We are missionaries...each one has the privilege of sharing the Good News of God's kingdom. Simply put,  you are either a missionary or a mission field!

As a young child, my Sunday School teacher, one year, was a missionary on furlough. Her name was Mary Poole. She was a missionary in Rhodesia (which is now Zambia). I was 10 years old and so impressed with her love and devotion to the LORD and to the children who she taught at the Sakagie School. She brought reel to reel movies which was pretty sophisticated for missionaries in those days. All the other missionaries had slide shows beginning with maps and ending in lovely sunsets. In between these book ends, there would be pictures of missionaries in villages with straw thatched roofs and church services under trees. Miss Poole's movie showed me the movement of children playing, learning and engaged in everyday activities. During her movie, I sensed the Holy Spirit calling me to go to Africa to be a nurse for these dear people. Oh, how I wanted to leave everything behind to go and be a missionary in Africa! So I began to pray.....and pray........the Lord's timing was not what I expected.

Fast forward 37 years, nursing studies, marriage, 3 children....many life events, including various ministries.

Finally, it seemed that the LORD answered my prayers and in 2004, I was able to travel to Uganda for my first African experience. It was so wonderful to be able to integrate my nursing with my love for the LORD....What would be the next step or phase of serving the LORD? How could I be a missionary in Africa as my heart desired?

God's plans and ways are so amazing as He has allowed me to go back and forth since then serving with CURE International as a nurse. Now I get to serve as a nurse consultant, sharing my love of Jesus Christ with my passion for caring for people's health and well being....physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. It has been a joy to even have family members join me in the earlier years. More recently, my dear husband Paul has enjoyed joining in God's activity through CURE International and is able to travel with me.  This journey, I had to make alone. It is hard to be away from Paul especially at this particular time in our lives as grandparents and with some health issues. It is hard to be away from Mum who lives with us too. Being able to go back and forth works well for the most part.  So here I am preparing to return to Lexington......part of me will always be in Africa, particularly in Niger, ( but also Zambia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya and wherever the LORD calls me)!

God be with us till me meet again!!

Sweet cuddles and goodbyes...last picture together for this time!

Some of my team of nurses....I say my team because they are like my family! Love each one1

Deep and wide there is a fountain flowing deep and wide. May these dear children and their caregivers all know the length, breadth and height of the love of God through Jesus Christ one day! Looking forward to next time!

Restoring the broken

One of our amazing cases of two brothers with very deformed legs....here is the older brother with his first surgery to straighten his legs. Wow, this young man is going to be so tall when the surgeries finished! Even JF our surgeon is surprised.

Our friend is leaving the ward for the hostel which is on the hospital property. He will stay there with his mother and brother until the next phase of his treatment. This young fellow is so happy....I didn't catch his smile in this photo. He is also deaf but seems to read lips well and just rolls with life. He has such a calm attitude towards everything. I learn so much from our patients.

So many of our little ones who come to CURE are starved for affection. Today, I had three kiddos on my lap for morning devotions. They messed up my hair, smoushed my fresh dress and dirtied up my clean white pants....but who cares....they just wanted me to put my arms around them, sing to them, pray over them and acknowledge that they are special. Jesus loves these little ones......I know for the Bible tells me so!

These kids just vie for attention....and love to see their faces on the selfie mode of the phone! It is all part of loving and restoring these dear ones while they are with us.

Sodogas our special Physical Therapist, is helping a young man who is post op and learning to walk with a heavy cast using crutches. He has a lot of patience and kindness towards these little ones.....day after day!

 Sometimes it feels like I am the broken one. My heart is so overwhelmed with the brokenness, poverty, sickness and hopelessness of the people we see day after day. Yet it is always good to remember what I have learned this summer while studying Ephesians 6:10-18...the armor of God is actually putting on the person of the LORD Jesus Christ....being hidden in Him for our daily struggles and joys, too!
Today this hymn has been on my heart and it has blessed me very much...maybe it will you too?

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole and calms the troubled breast;

'Tis manna to the hungry soul and to the weary rest.

Dear name! The Rock on which I build, my Shield and Hiding Place, 

My never failing treasure filled with boundless stores of grace!

Jesus my Shepherd, Brother, Fried, My Prophet, Priest and King, 

My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of my heart and cold my warmest thought;

But when I see Thee as Thou art, I'll praise Thee as I ought.

Till then I would Thy love proclaim with every fleeting breath;

And may the music of Thy name Refresh my soul in death.

  

Well folks, it was a great day at the hospital, having a small role in restoring the broken. It was great praying together, playing with the children and participating in wound care today. There are many layers to the work here that all add up to restoration physically, socially and hopefully spiritually too. May it all be done to the honor of the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD and SAVIOR.

Tuesday Musings--Rain, Rounds, Bandages and Blessings!

Tuesday morning rain fell steadily and abundantly on our way to the hospital

We saw many ponds, rivers and 'lakes' made by the accumulation of water

And how would you get to work?

Morning rounds includes Joel our CURE Kids Coordinator loving on the sweet patients. I didn't capture his smile but the children just love him. He is so comforting for the little ones. Thanks Joel!!

So happy to have a nice supply of rolled bandages supplied by the Workers Together Ladies Sewing Circle from Boca Raton Bible Chapel in Boca Raton, Florida.

See how we are using these hand rolled bandages! Thank you!

One of our wound care tables is assembled and ready....including the above mentioned bandages.

Pretty girl and her grandfather. She was actually smiling when I showed her this picture. She was giggling as I chatted with her. These pretty bandages are such a blessing. I like to think that as this bandage surrounds her head, this dear little girl will experience the loving everlasting arms of the LORD Jesus Christ in her life one day!

Dear Djamilla, a nurse I have known since the beginning of my journeys to CURE Niger, came to visit me on her vacation time. She especially wanted to greet me and ask about Pappa Paul. Feeling so very loved by the nurses here! Relationships are so important! I have known her for nearly 7 years.

This sweet girl has suffered many burns on her arms and legs. She is so happy and jolly in spite of all her grafts and wounds. Every morning when I am at devotions, this little girl likes to sit with me or on my lap. These dear children just love all the affection that you can give them. It is very refreshing that they do not ask for anything....just to be with me! Of course, it is my joy to occasionally bring stickers, lollipops and other little treats.

It is always a joy to greet and take a picture for those who want one....even if we do not speak the same language. It is as if the picture affirms them and gives them a moment of connection between us. What joy!