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Zinder/Matameye, Niger
Corps de la Paix B.P. 14 Matameye, Niger

Sunday, December 23, 2007

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


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

you are my heart.

when can pasciak and i visit? lol, ok, you're right...knowing pasciak...when can I visit? lol

~lily

Anonymous said...

Ohhh, these entries are really making me miss you. There has been so much snow here you wouldn't even believe it. It seems like the end of January. Hopefully this means lots of skiing!! So when you say it is really cold there... what temp are we talking? 70? :)
It's weird to think that you are cold in such a sandy place. I'm kind of jealous of the sis getting to visit you! Ahhh one of these days I will leave the country. haha. Hope you have a good Christmas, sorry I was lame about the package. Have fun with Chelsea and take care.

love ya, pasciak