Merry Christmas

Holiday Greetings to Everyone!

I hope everyone's holiday season has been happy and healthy and that your travels will be safe (Dad mentioned another storm may be gracing WI before Christmas arrives).

I am anxiously anticipating my sister's visit to Niger. She'll be here to ring in the New Year, which is almost as good as being able to spend Christmas with family. I've got lots planned for her, ranging from pulling water and pounding millet in my village to hopefully seeing some giraffes and hippos as well...she should have some good stories when she gets home! {from the bush taxi rides if nothing else ;}

After two weeks of being on Standfast in my village (due to a security situation in country), I am very thankful to be in Zinder and able to spend Christmas with my friend and her visiting, parents in her village.

Although, being stuck in the village did allow me to celebrate Tabaski (the big Muslim holiday) with my villagers, which was really enjoyable. The years of hanging around Papa and his brothers and friends cutting up deer meat came in quite handy, as I was able to save the backstraps and "good" cuts of the goats from being completely anihilated by my villagers' "butchering skills". I would never have guessed I would spend the day in my full on Niger getup/Hadjia outfit cutting up meat with Nigerien men....never a dull moment. Thanks Pop!

Well I just wanted to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jamie

Ga Masala....

Here's Trouble. I have a new addition to my Nigerien family. Now there are three lovely ladies living in my concession...that certainly sounds like a recipie for trouble. Flop (my kitten) isn't so thrilled with having a sister. There is definitely a story behind a name like Trouble....and it's a long one. But let's just say, while she is anything but, where she is, there's Trouble.