There are times, living here in Niger, that the realities of this place are overwhelming. Niger is always in danger of famine, and this year is no different. When the rains do not fall exactly as expected, the millet does not grow and people die. It is such a harsh reality.
Dave has been working with the AG national church and also some of the pastors in far out villages to try and disperse grain from the American AG Mission for famine relief. He has asked some of the pastors for lists of the name of every head of house in their village so that we can give them each a bag of grain. One of the pastors had the list ready before Dave asked for it. He said problems with starvation are already starting to get bad there.
This is so incomprehensible to me. Here I sit, craving McDonald’s and Panera while people two hours from me are literally dying of starvation. This is why there is such a large worldwide emphasis to stamp out poverty and disease. It seems so unacceptable that these people are dying when so many around the world have a surplus of food and money.
Can you imagine having to decide who in your family should eat and who should not? Can you imagine killing your last cow in the middle of the desert and knowing that after that your family will die? Can you imagine choosing to die so that your family has a better chance of survival? I can’t imagine what this would be like, but living here, I’m faced with these situations.
Please continue to keep our health in your prayers. Sam and Dave have scratchy throats and I went to the clinic this morning and received an IV treatment because I have not been able to keep much down this week. The doctor was encouraging. She gave me a medicine that should help my nausea, and I already feel 100% better.
Next week, Dave’s brother and sis-in-law, Jon and Nicole, will be here for their work with Book of Hope. We will be traveling with them to some of the villages where the famine is beginning to become a problem. We are sure to take many pictures during their trip, and we promise to post. Until then!
Please tell Jon and Nicole we said hello! By the sounds of your post the medical missions was amazing and I am so glad you’re feeling better. The pictures you posted bring back so many memories of Ghana. Wow, does Sam look like Dave! He is so cute!:) We miss you all so much. Love, Amy
IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE WHAT YOU WROTE. We need to pray for the world and especially your people in Niger. God is God and we can trust Him for answers.
I wish I could climb into Jon’s duffle bag and surprise you, but I can’t!!! We know you’ll all have a wonderful time together.
And of course we’re glad to hear you’re feeling better. That’s very important to a mommy. A house just doesn’t run the same when she’s incapacitated. Here’s hoping there will be no more sick days!!
Thanks for answering God’s call to these people. You’re great!
Just wanted to say hey. I hope everyone is healthy. Jaime is reading a book for class on our little green couch. Jerash is laying beside her drooling on the cushions. We just got back from another Wednesday night softball game we lost by a seriously large margin. We had fun. I’ll send some pictures soon. We love you guys and miss you like crazy. When I pray for you I pray for safety and satisfaction. That God would keep you safe but always finding satisfaction in your work and ministry. We believe in what you are doing. Tell Sam we said hey!