Blog #10 from Galmi, Niger, West Africa (#1-9 below this blog)
I’m really ready to come home but we have six more days left. At night I’ve been getting in bed telling myself, “one more day down.” It saddens me to feel this way because I know it’s very selfish and whimpy, but I want my own bed, I want to open a closet door without being worried a lizard or a spider will be in there, I want my own bathroom and a clean house (OK, my house isn’t that clean, but it doesn’t get as dusty and dirty as this house gets). I’m tired of feeling hot, dirty and stinky. I’m tired of feeling sweat trickling down my back or dripping into my eyes. I’m just plain tired.
To all the mothers: Do you know those times when you go to bed at night and tell yourself, “Today I was a good mom”? I’ve been crying a lot lately because I haven’t had one of those days since I’ve been here. I am extremely impatient and grumpy with the boys and have so little energy that even playing with them is difficult. And the last thing I want to do is cuddle with one of them on my lap because of the heat.
Ben goes to work at the hospital and everyone loves him – he’s the “hero” – he is helping people and doing what he loves in a country that desperately needs doctors. I, however, am doing the exact same thing that I do at home – taking care of the house and children – and I’m not doing it well. Locals and other missionaries thank me for coming. Thank you? For what?! I’m not contributing anything. My “job” doesn’t matter, except to Ben and the boys, and I’m failing. Yesterday Ben walked in from work and I had just sat down and begun to cry. It’s a constant struggle trying to keep my spirits up and I’m not doing that well either.
Please – I don’t want a bunch of emails telling me, “Oh Carrie, you’re a good mother…etc.” I haven’t been and I’m not looking for pats on the back – I’m trying to tell you my reality – my heart.
I just want to go home and be a good mom. Maybe I’ll be a better mom because of this experience. I don’t know. I do know God called our family here (after all, He provided Kit Kat bars and Bounty paper towels) and I know God has a plan for my life. People tell me that true peace comes when you’re in the center of God’s will for your life. Ben has peace, I don’t. Does that mean I’m not supposed to be here? No, I don’t believe that at all. I need God’s peace in my life, a “peace that passes all understanding.” (“Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7)
Thank you for reading my blog and for allowing me to be completely honest.
Lizard update: I think the lizard I “caught” recognizes me – there is one lizard that's been glaring at me and I think it's him. He is about 8 inches long but almost became a 2 by 4! I get woozy every time I think of it.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Lizard Mishap and Introductions
Blog #9 from Galmi, Niger, West Africa (#1-8 below this blog)
Our three boys were playing with a local child this morning when I had a very close encounter with a lizard. Rasheed noticed an 8-inch lizard caught between the closed bedroom window and the screen, so I took it upon myself to free him. In order to free the lizard, I had to quickly open the little “doggie door” in the screen and push open the window. I cautiously opened the screen and as quickly as possible I pushed open the window. However, the lizard was faster than me! It jumped toward the open screen “door” just as I slammed it shut pinning the lizard in the door! I’m screaming and shivering all at the same time (I might add that this is the first time I’ve shivered at 100 degrees Fahrenheit). There is the lizard – half it’s body inside my bedroom and the other half hanging out the screen door. I knew if I slammed the screen down hard, I’d cut the lizard in half and I sure didn’t want this mess, plus, I didn’t want to traumatize my audience too much. But, if I let go of the screen I’d have a lizard in the bedroom. Screaming, I told the four kids to go get help, but I knew my three boys didn’t know where to go so I, in my best “sign language” told Rasheed to go get help – “go get a man,” I said as I gestured for him to go get someone tall. All four boys went running out of the house while I precariously held the screen closed (not too tight, but not too loose). Finally, after what seemed like an eternity but was probably only 60 seconds, in walked my Hausa Hero! Laughing, he grabbed the lizard by the neck (as the lizard opened his mouth like he would bite if he had teeth!) and took him outside – where lizards belong! Ten minutes later Ben came down the walk and all four kids went running to tell him the story of Mom and the lizard mishap. Rasheed doesn’t speak a lick of English, but he watched and understood the entire retelling of the story about the white lady and her lizard.
Now on to goats: I saw another goat going at high-speeds, but not on a van – this time a passenger on the back of a motorcycle was holding it. “Gee, the Nigeriens must really be attached to their goats,” I thought. Then I asked a local about the importance of goats – they EAT them! And all along I thought they were traveling with the family pet.
Yesterday I bought raw beef from the back of a motorcycle – at least that’s what they told me it was! There is very little refrigeration available, so the cow is slaughtered in the morning and then the man on the motorcycle drives around the SIM compound selling beef. We don’t get to choose a chuck roast or a steak – it’s just “beef.”
I got to go to the market again yesterday. “Everyone wants to say hello to the white man.” My escort didn’t need to tell me, it was quite obvious. Some children wanted to touch me and others were afraid and went running when I said, “sannu” (hello). Now, if being white was not enough to attract stares, I managed with all my grace and charm, to trip on a rock and almost fall on my face. Thank God I was able to save myself from a complete fall, but not from total embarrassment.
The markets are very much like one of our farmer’s markets where vendors sell everything from food and drinks, to clothing and perfume. However, one “booth” caught my eye in particular because from it I heard the cries of a baby. I glanced over very briefly to see a man with a knife cutting small marks into a baby’s cheek. My escort, Rahilla, and I quickly walked away. She explained that in Niger Muslim culture the leader of the church cuts tribal marks into each baby’s face. I had previously noticed these markings on most adults in the village but did not know the origination. One of the missionaries later told me that after cutting the face, ashes are rubbed into the wounds and some babies get severe infections and can become permanently disfigured from this ritual.
Ben was called to the hospital two nights ago to do a c-section; the baby was wedged far into the birth canal and stuck. The c-section was so difficult for Ben that he was literally drenched in sweat, even in an air-conditioned operating room. Ben pulled and pulled to get the baby out, but during this process he noticed no movement from the baby. After struggling for a considerable amount of time, Ben finally freed the baby, but he had died. Ben assumed the baby had died long before the c-section, but there is no way to tell. As an obstetrician in America most of Ben’s experiences are happy ones, with good outcomes. But not in Galmi. Ben was devastated at the loss of life that night, but no one else in the room seemed phased – in Niger, infant mortality rates are so high, it’s almost expected.
I went to the hospital a few days ago because I wanted to find out what the local evangelists experience. I met with Nana. We had our conversation through a translator which made it a little difficult, but I was able to learn a lot. She told me she preaches in the various “wards” (i.e. maternity, surgery, etc.) and people are open to hearing about the gospel, but most hear it without making life changes. There are, on occasion, people who give their lives to Jesus Christ, but it’s very difficult for people who are hearing about Jesus for the first time to make a commitment to Him. I told Nana I would ask people to pray for her and for the “seeds” she is planting.
I’d like to introduce the other missionaries here with SIM. The long-term, lifetime missionaries are:
Christopher and his wife, Helene, and their three children ages 6, 10 and 13. He is the Chief Medical Officer of the SIM hospital here and is a Family Practice doctor, but since he has been in Niger on and off for 17 years, he can now do just about anything! They are from Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Esther is from Germany and works as an Obstetrician.
Henri is a Family Practice doctor and is also France.
Jeannie is from California and works in Community Health. Jeannie goes into the villages and the “bush” to teach the locals about health issues such as AIDS awareness, how to get clean water, when to go to the hospital (many locals try to have their babies at home and need to be educated about when a labor is going poorly and they need to get help), breastfeeding and more. She also has local Christians share their testimony at gatherings.
Genevieve is from Singapore. She works with the local youth, and this Saturday she will move into a mud hut in town to have more of an influence on the locals.
Dorothy, 80 years old, teaches Hausa to missionaries and hopes to teach English to the locals. She also works as a translator.
Ben and I have also had the pleasure of meeting many short-term missionaries. David and Lois, here for one year, are from New Zealand as “operations” people – David oversees the SIM compound/property and works in maintenance and building projects. Lois is in charge of hospitality – she gets the houses and apartments ready for new occupants and arranges welcome meals for new-comers like Ben and me!
Norman, from Northern Ireland, works with David on building projects.
Alice, 77 years old, is Helene’s mother (Doctor Christopher’s mother-in-law) and is here to help their family and to care for her daughter. Helene is dying of skin cancer. She wants to stay here, in Galmi, because this is where she feels God wants her and her family, but her health is very unstable – some days she feels good and other days the pain is so bad she cannot get out of bed. Please pray for Helene and her family.
Finally, there are three college guys (Jared, Michael and George) here from the United States and Canada. They are here for the summer working on building projects, computer programs and Michael (who is a son of a missionary family from Niamey, Niger), is starting a soccer program for local children where he organizes teams and shares the gospel.
These three guys gave Ben and me the best anniversary ever! On June 23 Ben and I celebrated 17 years of marriage. “The guys” offered to baby-sit while Ben and I went to the SIM compound Community Center to watch a movie by ourselves (bonus: the TV room is air-conditioned!). After the movie, we came home and the guys told us to leave with the kids while they made us dinner! One hour later, we returned home, put the kids to bed and enjoyed a romantic dinner of beef and onions, rice, gravy, green beans, and mango lycees (a special drink made with milk, yogurt and mangos). The guys even made heart-shaped ice cubes for our drinks! Now aren’t these quality people?! Two of the men are single and going to medical school.
It’s so hot in Galmi, my pillow has no “cold side.” I frequently flip my pillow at night hoping the other side will be cooler. It doesn’t work.
Our three boys were playing with a local child this morning when I had a very close encounter with a lizard. Rasheed noticed an 8-inch lizard caught between the closed bedroom window and the screen, so I took it upon myself to free him. In order to free the lizard, I had to quickly open the little “doggie door” in the screen and push open the window. I cautiously opened the screen and as quickly as possible I pushed open the window. However, the lizard was faster than me! It jumped toward the open screen “door” just as I slammed it shut pinning the lizard in the door! I’m screaming and shivering all at the same time (I might add that this is the first time I’ve shivered at 100 degrees Fahrenheit). There is the lizard – half it’s body inside my bedroom and the other half hanging out the screen door. I knew if I slammed the screen down hard, I’d cut the lizard in half and I sure didn’t want this mess, plus, I didn’t want to traumatize my audience too much. But, if I let go of the screen I’d have a lizard in the bedroom. Screaming, I told the four kids to go get help, but I knew my three boys didn’t know where to go so I, in my best “sign language” told Rasheed to go get help – “go get a man,” I said as I gestured for him to go get someone tall. All four boys went running out of the house while I precariously held the screen closed (not too tight, but not too loose). Finally, after what seemed like an eternity but was probably only 60 seconds, in walked my Hausa Hero! Laughing, he grabbed the lizard by the neck (as the lizard opened his mouth like he would bite if he had teeth!) and took him outside – where lizards belong! Ten minutes later Ben came down the walk and all four kids went running to tell him the story of Mom and the lizard mishap. Rasheed doesn’t speak a lick of English, but he watched and understood the entire retelling of the story about the white lady and her lizard.
Now on to goats: I saw another goat going at high-speeds, but not on a van – this time a passenger on the back of a motorcycle was holding it. “Gee, the Nigeriens must really be attached to their goats,” I thought. Then I asked a local about the importance of goats – they EAT them! And all along I thought they were traveling with the family pet.
Yesterday I bought raw beef from the back of a motorcycle – at least that’s what they told me it was! There is very little refrigeration available, so the cow is slaughtered in the morning and then the man on the motorcycle drives around the SIM compound selling beef. We don’t get to choose a chuck roast or a steak – it’s just “beef.”
I got to go to the market again yesterday. “Everyone wants to say hello to the white man.” My escort didn’t need to tell me, it was quite obvious. Some children wanted to touch me and others were afraid and went running when I said, “sannu” (hello). Now, if being white was not enough to attract stares, I managed with all my grace and charm, to trip on a rock and almost fall on my face. Thank God I was able to save myself from a complete fall, but not from total embarrassment.
The markets are very much like one of our farmer’s markets where vendors sell everything from food and drinks, to clothing and perfume. However, one “booth” caught my eye in particular because from it I heard the cries of a baby. I glanced over very briefly to see a man with a knife cutting small marks into a baby’s cheek. My escort, Rahilla, and I quickly walked away. She explained that in Niger Muslim culture the leader of the church cuts tribal marks into each baby’s face. I had previously noticed these markings on most adults in the village but did not know the origination. One of the missionaries later told me that after cutting the face, ashes are rubbed into the wounds and some babies get severe infections and can become permanently disfigured from this ritual.
Ben was called to the hospital two nights ago to do a c-section; the baby was wedged far into the birth canal and stuck. The c-section was so difficult for Ben that he was literally drenched in sweat, even in an air-conditioned operating room. Ben pulled and pulled to get the baby out, but during this process he noticed no movement from the baby. After struggling for a considerable amount of time, Ben finally freed the baby, but he had died. Ben assumed the baby had died long before the c-section, but there is no way to tell. As an obstetrician in America most of Ben’s experiences are happy ones, with good outcomes. But not in Galmi. Ben was devastated at the loss of life that night, but no one else in the room seemed phased – in Niger, infant mortality rates are so high, it’s almost expected.
I went to the hospital a few days ago because I wanted to find out what the local evangelists experience. I met with Nana. We had our conversation through a translator which made it a little difficult, but I was able to learn a lot. She told me she preaches in the various “wards” (i.e. maternity, surgery, etc.) and people are open to hearing about the gospel, but most hear it without making life changes. There are, on occasion, people who give their lives to Jesus Christ, but it’s very difficult for people who are hearing about Jesus for the first time to make a commitment to Him. I told Nana I would ask people to pray for her and for the “seeds” she is planting.
I’d like to introduce the other missionaries here with SIM. The long-term, lifetime missionaries are:
Christopher and his wife, Helene, and their three children ages 6, 10 and 13. He is the Chief Medical Officer of the SIM hospital here and is a Family Practice doctor, but since he has been in Niger on and off for 17 years, he can now do just about anything! They are from Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Esther is from Germany and works as an Obstetrician.
Henri is a Family Practice doctor and is also France.
Jeannie is from California and works in Community Health. Jeannie goes into the villages and the “bush” to teach the locals about health issues such as AIDS awareness, how to get clean water, when to go to the hospital (many locals try to have their babies at home and need to be educated about when a labor is going poorly and they need to get help), breastfeeding and more. She also has local Christians share their testimony at gatherings.
Genevieve is from Singapore. She works with the local youth, and this Saturday she will move into a mud hut in town to have more of an influence on the locals.
Dorothy, 80 years old, teaches Hausa to missionaries and hopes to teach English to the locals. She also works as a translator.
Ben and I have also had the pleasure of meeting many short-term missionaries. David and Lois, here for one year, are from New Zealand as “operations” people – David oversees the SIM compound/property and works in maintenance and building projects. Lois is in charge of hospitality – she gets the houses and apartments ready for new occupants and arranges welcome meals for new-comers like Ben and me!
Norman, from Northern Ireland, works with David on building projects.
Alice, 77 years old, is Helene’s mother (Doctor Christopher’s mother-in-law) and is here to help their family and to care for her daughter. Helene is dying of skin cancer. She wants to stay here, in Galmi, because this is where she feels God wants her and her family, but her health is very unstable – some days she feels good and other days the pain is so bad she cannot get out of bed. Please pray for Helene and her family.
Finally, there are three college guys (Jared, Michael and George) here from the United States and Canada. They are here for the summer working on building projects, computer programs and Michael (who is a son of a missionary family from Niamey, Niger), is starting a soccer program for local children where he organizes teams and shares the gospel.
These three guys gave Ben and me the best anniversary ever! On June 23 Ben and I celebrated 17 years of marriage. “The guys” offered to baby-sit while Ben and I went to the SIM compound Community Center to watch a movie by ourselves (bonus: the TV room is air-conditioned!). After the movie, we came home and the guys told us to leave with the kids while they made us dinner! One hour later, we returned home, put the kids to bed and enjoyed a romantic dinner of beef and onions, rice, gravy, green beans, and mango lycees (a special drink made with milk, yogurt and mangos). The guys even made heart-shaped ice cubes for our drinks! Now aren’t these quality people?! Two of the men are single and going to medical school.
It’s so hot in Galmi, my pillow has no “cold side.” I frequently flip my pillow at night hoping the other side will be cooler. It doesn’t work.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Eternal Purpose
Blog #8 from Galmi, Niger, West Africa (#1-7 below this blog)
One of the most difficult things for me here in Niger is not seeing first-hand an eternal purpose. Our mission here is two-fold: to heal the sick and to heal hearts by introducing people to Jesus Christ. On a daily basis Ben sees women (and a few men too!) who are better off because he is here. He sees long-term pain being relieved through surgeries and babies being delivered by c-section who might otherwise not have made it without his presence. He also sees local evangelists praying with each patient before and after surgery. Ben sees lives being changed. The only change I’m seeing is within me.
I am experiencing strong growing pains. My heart hurts that I am such a spoiled American. The Nigeriens are extremely hard workers and they never utter a word of complaint. Every time I see Maria, one local friend I have made, she gives me a huge grin and asks me how I’m doing. How am I doing?! I’m hot, tired, lonely and frequently frustrated with the kids. But I’m the one living in a Galmi mansion (at least that’s the way it must look to the her) with food in the refrigerator and ceiling fans; she lives in a house that could get destroyed with the next heavy rain. I push my kids around in a stroller; she carries Abednego, her five-month-old, on her back – while she’s working. But Maria, she never complains. I tell her, “You have a hard life.” She just says, “Oh, Carrie.”
I saw Maria singing in the church choir today. She is a life that was changed because of the outreach of SIM. She is the reason we are here yet she is ministering to me.
Speaking of church…I went for the first time this morning and boy was I gorgeous! I had my new Niger dress and head wrap on! “And don’t forget to put on earrings." Alice told me, "all the women wear earrings.” (Of course I’ll include a picture, as soon as I get it downloaded.) Church was very much like church at home – minus the air-conditioning, carpet, padded pews, English and deodorant! The instrument, a “drum,” was literally an empty old metal drum barrel but it sounded great! They did have a keyboard but didn’t use it much. The congregation sang, the youth choir sang, the women’s choir sang, the children’s choir sang, the women sang again, the youth sang again and then we all sang again. All the women were very dressed up and looked beautiful in all their colored fabric and head wraps to match their dresses.
Everyone is up from their naps – I must go. More later on our 17th wedding anniversary dinner – the best one we’ve ever had! And congratulations to my brother Mark and his wife Robbon who are expecting their second girl! (Why can’t I have a girl?! To quote my children, “It’s not fair.”)
One of the most difficult things for me here in Niger is not seeing first-hand an eternal purpose. Our mission here is two-fold: to heal the sick and to heal hearts by introducing people to Jesus Christ. On a daily basis Ben sees women (and a few men too!) who are better off because he is here. He sees long-term pain being relieved through surgeries and babies being delivered by c-section who might otherwise not have made it without his presence. He also sees local evangelists praying with each patient before and after surgery. Ben sees lives being changed. The only change I’m seeing is within me.
I am experiencing strong growing pains. My heart hurts that I am such a spoiled American. The Nigeriens are extremely hard workers and they never utter a word of complaint. Every time I see Maria, one local friend I have made, she gives me a huge grin and asks me how I’m doing. How am I doing?! I’m hot, tired, lonely and frequently frustrated with the kids. But I’m the one living in a Galmi mansion (at least that’s the way it must look to the her) with food in the refrigerator and ceiling fans; she lives in a house that could get destroyed with the next heavy rain. I push my kids around in a stroller; she carries Abednego, her five-month-old, on her back – while she’s working. But Maria, she never complains. I tell her, “You have a hard life.” She just says, “Oh, Carrie.”
I saw Maria singing in the church choir today. She is a life that was changed because of the outreach of SIM. She is the reason we are here yet she is ministering to me.
Speaking of church…I went for the first time this morning and boy was I gorgeous! I had my new Niger dress and head wrap on! “And don’t forget to put on earrings." Alice told me, "all the women wear earrings.” (Of course I’ll include a picture, as soon as I get it downloaded.) Church was very much like church at home – minus the air-conditioning, carpet, padded pews, English and deodorant! The instrument, a “drum,” was literally an empty old metal drum barrel but it sounded great! They did have a keyboard but didn’t use it much. The congregation sang, the youth choir sang, the women’s choir sang, the children’s choir sang, the women sang again, the youth sang again and then we all sang again. All the women were very dressed up and looked beautiful in all their colored fabric and head wraps to match their dresses.
Everyone is up from their naps – I must go. More later on our 17th wedding anniversary dinner – the best one we’ve ever had! And congratulations to my brother Mark and his wife Robbon who are expecting their second girl! (Why can’t I have a girl?! To quote my children, “It’s not fair.”)
Saturday, June 23, 2007
High 5 and Baby-sitters
Evan teaching a patient how to give a high 5.
Drew and his "baby-sitters." These are the ladies we met upon first arriving at Galmi. They took his stick away from him and he was quite confused.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
If Mama Ain't Happy and Goats on a Van
Post #7 from Galmi, Niger, West Africa (#1-6 below this blog)
Ben has been busy. He’s not only busy doing surgeries (he did SIX surgeries yesterday), but he’s also trying to make sure I stay happy – cause “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” It’s funny because just as I’m about ready to lose it, Ben starts cleaning the kitchen. He knows the constant red dust that covers everything drives me crazy. The kids’ bare feet are always red and every surface in the house has a layer of red on it. I keep a bowl full of bleach water on the kitchen counter just to wipe down surfaces (counters and tables) but it’s a never-ending battle. Even the dishcloth and sponge are stained red. The dust slowly blows in from the sandy dirt outside, and if there is a storm – watch out! When it storms we have to close all the windows because the dust gets so bad. Then every time it storms the electricity goes out. I didn’t realize how much the fans helped cool the house until the electricity went out on us the first time. Even without a storm, the electricity goes out frequently here. Usually it’s only out for a few minutes, never for more than 30, but when the lights go out, it is super dark! I can’t even see my hand in front of my face. Ben and I walk around gathering candles and matches saying, “Where are you, I don’t want to bump into you.” It’s like a big game of “Marco Polo.” Ha!
Yesterday in town I saw live, bleating goats tied to the top of a minivan! The van is used as a bus, taking passengers (people AND goats) from one town to the next. I couldn’t get my camera out fast enough, but trust me, I will never forget how funny this looked!
Ben and I watched the movie “Sahara” last night (we borrowed the movie from another missionary). Please, if you’re going to rent a movie this week, rent “Sahara” with Matthew McConahey and Penelope Cruz. It’s a fun, and sometimes funny, action flick that takes place very near where we are. The best part was that in the movie they talk about the “Tuareg” people group, and today I met a Tuareg man! I wanted to say, “I know who you are! Do you know Matthew and Penelope?” but I bit my tongue.
Yesterday Ben removed a tumor the size of a football from a woman’s butt. I tried to tell him that’s what is wrong with me, but he doesn’t believe me.
There are three college guys here as short-term missionaries and they take turns watching Ben’s surgeries. Only the one guy is pre-med, but if Ben has his way all three will go into O.B. or surgery when they leave here. Ben loves teaching!
Today Evan and I watched four men MAKE bricks the size of cinder blocks! If you are a fan of “The Amazing Race” you know they showed this one time on that reality show. It’s unbelievable how difficult of a job this would be; the men work ALL day and each man only gets two cents per brick.
It’s so hot in Galmi that I sleep in my bra so I don’t have to put it back on in the morning. Putting on a bra while sweating is like pulling up a wet swimsuit – a difficult and frustrating, but necessary task.
I’m anxiously awaiting news about babies. Sarah? Robbon? Did you find out what you’re having yet? (And someone else -- you know who you are but I can’t include your name in my blog because I haven’t told anyone you’re pregnant yet!) I’d better be getting some emails soon!
Ben has been busy. He’s not only busy doing surgeries (he did SIX surgeries yesterday), but he’s also trying to make sure I stay happy – cause “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” It’s funny because just as I’m about ready to lose it, Ben starts cleaning the kitchen. He knows the constant red dust that covers everything drives me crazy. The kids’ bare feet are always red and every surface in the house has a layer of red on it. I keep a bowl full of bleach water on the kitchen counter just to wipe down surfaces (counters and tables) but it’s a never-ending battle. Even the dishcloth and sponge are stained red. The dust slowly blows in from the sandy dirt outside, and if there is a storm – watch out! When it storms we have to close all the windows because the dust gets so bad. Then every time it storms the electricity goes out. I didn’t realize how much the fans helped cool the house until the electricity went out on us the first time. Even without a storm, the electricity goes out frequently here. Usually it’s only out for a few minutes, never for more than 30, but when the lights go out, it is super dark! I can’t even see my hand in front of my face. Ben and I walk around gathering candles and matches saying, “Where are you, I don’t want to bump into you.” It’s like a big game of “Marco Polo.” Ha!
Yesterday in town I saw live, bleating goats tied to the top of a minivan! The van is used as a bus, taking passengers (people AND goats) from one town to the next. I couldn’t get my camera out fast enough, but trust me, I will never forget how funny this looked!
Ben and I watched the movie “Sahara” last night (we borrowed the movie from another missionary). Please, if you’re going to rent a movie this week, rent “Sahara” with Matthew McConahey and Penelope Cruz. It’s a fun, and sometimes funny, action flick that takes place very near where we are. The best part was that in the movie they talk about the “Tuareg” people group, and today I met a Tuareg man! I wanted to say, “I know who you are! Do you know Matthew and Penelope?” but I bit my tongue.
Yesterday Ben removed a tumor the size of a football from a woman’s butt. I tried to tell him that’s what is wrong with me, but he doesn’t believe me.
There are three college guys here as short-term missionaries and they take turns watching Ben’s surgeries. Only the one guy is pre-med, but if Ben has his way all three will go into O.B. or surgery when they leave here. Ben loves teaching!
Today Evan and I watched four men MAKE bricks the size of cinder blocks! If you are a fan of “The Amazing Race” you know they showed this one time on that reality show. It’s unbelievable how difficult of a job this would be; the men work ALL day and each man only gets two cents per brick.
It’s so hot in Galmi that I sleep in my bra so I don’t have to put it back on in the morning. Putting on a bra while sweating is like pulling up a wet swimsuit – a difficult and frustrating, but necessary task.
I’m anxiously awaiting news about babies. Sarah? Robbon? Did you find out what you’re having yet? (And someone else -- you know who you are but I can’t include your name in my blog because I haven’t told anyone you’re pregnant yet!) I’d better be getting some emails soon!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Feeling Ugly and Panting Chickens
Blog #6 from Galmi, Niger, West Africa (#1-5 below this blog)
I never feel pretty here. It’s too hot to wear make-up (I’d sweat it off immediately), and fixing my hair is pointless because I always just pull it up into a hair clip. Plus, I’m wearing all these loose-fitting dresses that make me look twice as big as I am. Needless to say, I am in none of the photographs. On top of it all, I don’t smell too pretty either – but neither do the locals. Once again I’m back to the question – why (HOW?!) is the fertility rate so high here?!
It’s so hot in Galmi that even the chickens pant. The day I went to the market, my 21-year-old translator/escort, Robbie, invited me into her home. The houses here are made of mud walls but each has real door. I went in to find an open courtyard – mud floors and walls but no roof, and then one small area with a roof. In this small room where Robbie sleeps was a refrigerator (yes, a real fridge) and a very rickety chair. She offered me the seat and after sitting, I looked up and there at my feet were four panting chickens! None was moving or making a sound – just panting. I didn’t want to laugh, but it was quite a funny sight. She offered me a bysop (spelling?) drink from a plastic baggie – she makes the drinks herself from a plant (I think) and sells them. Vendors selling drinks (usually water) in town don’t have cups; they sell drinks in plastic baggies. The buyer just bites the tip off the end and drinks directly from the bag, which is then discarded on the ground. Litter is everywhere.
It’s so hot in Galmi that Evan doesn’t wear underwear. Now for Evan, that’s not that unusual – he frequently goes “commando” at home too – but in Africa, I don’t even bother laying underwear out with his clothes each day – it’s just an unnecessary extra layer of clothing. Speaking of Evan, I said something the other day about when we go “home,” and he got a funny look on his face – he thought we were here to stay! And the amazing thing about it – he didn’t seem to mind. Kids adjust so much better than adults!
Oh yes, the camel ride. For some unknown reason, Joel did NOT want to ride a camel, but Evan was very excited. The man asked me whether Evan wanted a one or a two-hour ride! Uh, how about just up the airstrip and back I said (actually I gestured since I don’t speak Hausa). The camel owner conveyed to us that we would need an adult to ride with Evan. Ben? No way! He’d sooner pull out all his nose hairs than to mount that creature. Carrie? I had a dress on and there would be no way, without looking like a “loose” American, I could ride the camel wearing a dress. So one of the other missionaries generously agreed to ride with Evan. It was a short ride but Evan seemed to enjoy it – it’s about as exciting as riding the penny horse at Meijer, just a lot hotter and more odorous. (FYI, Drew was most fascinated with the camel poop.)
Galmi Fast Food. The “chicken lady” came by again last night. On Monday nights a lady stops by every house on the compound taking orders for samosas and chickens. (Samosas are little meat pies that sort of resemble Hot Pockets or little turnovers. I don’t know what kind of meat is inside – it looks like hamburger but I’m afraid to ask – I just eat them with my eyes closed.) Then, on Wednesday, samosas are delivered right to our door hot and ready to eat, and on Friday, she comes carrying a pot on her head full of the skinniest little barbequed chickens I’ve ever seen in my life! The Colonel would be ashamed! At dinner, after Ben pulled the legs and wings off the chicken, Drew took the rest of it in his hands and just started gnawing to get as much meat as possible off this pitiful little thing. Skinny or not, we ordered more for next week.
Ben’s done 20 surgeries so far and getting busier every day. He was just called in to do another c-section so I have to end my blog. He did another surgery on a man with a bladder stone; the stone was the size of Ben’s fist! Can you imagine walking around with a rock in your bladder?! All from dehydration.
More later about the red dust covering everything inside and out.
I never feel pretty here. It’s too hot to wear make-up (I’d sweat it off immediately), and fixing my hair is pointless because I always just pull it up into a hair clip. Plus, I’m wearing all these loose-fitting dresses that make me look twice as big as I am. Needless to say, I am in none of the photographs. On top of it all, I don’t smell too pretty either – but neither do the locals. Once again I’m back to the question – why (HOW?!) is the fertility rate so high here?!
It’s so hot in Galmi that even the chickens pant. The day I went to the market, my 21-year-old translator/escort, Robbie, invited me into her home. The houses here are made of mud walls but each has real door. I went in to find an open courtyard – mud floors and walls but no roof, and then one small area with a roof. In this small room where Robbie sleeps was a refrigerator (yes, a real fridge) and a very rickety chair. She offered me the seat and after sitting, I looked up and there at my feet were four panting chickens! None was moving or making a sound – just panting. I didn’t want to laugh, but it was quite a funny sight. She offered me a bysop (spelling?) drink from a plastic baggie – she makes the drinks herself from a plant (I think) and sells them. Vendors selling drinks (usually water) in town don’t have cups; they sell drinks in plastic baggies. The buyer just bites the tip off the end and drinks directly from the bag, which is then discarded on the ground. Litter is everywhere.
It’s so hot in Galmi that Evan doesn’t wear underwear. Now for Evan, that’s not that unusual – he frequently goes “commando” at home too – but in Africa, I don’t even bother laying underwear out with his clothes each day – it’s just an unnecessary extra layer of clothing. Speaking of Evan, I said something the other day about when we go “home,” and he got a funny look on his face – he thought we were here to stay! And the amazing thing about it – he didn’t seem to mind. Kids adjust so much better than adults!
Oh yes, the camel ride. For some unknown reason, Joel did NOT want to ride a camel, but Evan was very excited. The man asked me whether Evan wanted a one or a two-hour ride! Uh, how about just up the airstrip and back I said (actually I gestured since I don’t speak Hausa). The camel owner conveyed to us that we would need an adult to ride with Evan. Ben? No way! He’d sooner pull out all his nose hairs than to mount that creature. Carrie? I had a dress on and there would be no way, without looking like a “loose” American, I could ride the camel wearing a dress. So one of the other missionaries generously agreed to ride with Evan. It was a short ride but Evan seemed to enjoy it – it’s about as exciting as riding the penny horse at Meijer, just a lot hotter and more odorous. (FYI, Drew was most fascinated with the camel poop.)
Galmi Fast Food. The “chicken lady” came by again last night. On Monday nights a lady stops by every house on the compound taking orders for samosas and chickens. (Samosas are little meat pies that sort of resemble Hot Pockets or little turnovers. I don’t know what kind of meat is inside – it looks like hamburger but I’m afraid to ask – I just eat them with my eyes closed.) Then, on Wednesday, samosas are delivered right to our door hot and ready to eat, and on Friday, she comes carrying a pot on her head full of the skinniest little barbequed chickens I’ve ever seen in my life! The Colonel would be ashamed! At dinner, after Ben pulled the legs and wings off the chicken, Drew took the rest of it in his hands and just started gnawing to get as much meat as possible off this pitiful little thing. Skinny or not, we ordered more for next week.
Ben’s done 20 surgeries so far and getting busier every day. He was just called in to do another c-section so I have to end my blog. He did another surgery on a man with a bladder stone; the stone was the size of Ben’s fist! Can you imagine walking around with a rock in your bladder?! All from dehydration.
More later about the red dust covering everything inside and out.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Our Daily Routine and $20
Post #5 from Galmi, Niger, West Africa (posts #1-4 below)
Our day starts at 6 a.m., just like home. Ugh! Except here I lie in bed knowing that as soon as I begin moving, I will start sweating. Ben has to be at the hospital by 7:30, so he leaves the house at 7:28 for the 2 minute walk to work. He loves not having to drive anywhere, but misses drive-thru coffee shops and egg mcmuffins.
We sort of "cheated" on this trip because we brought a portable DVD player with us. Oh, hush-up! I can hear the moans and groans from here. Yes, we're really "roughing it" with a DVD player. So, the kids get to watch a movie in the morning while they eat breakfast and I shower and make coffee. Then we go outside to take a walk or play before it gets too hot. The kids play on a pitiful little playground that is just a few feet from our house. The playground is falling apart, but they have swings and a teeter-totter that we love. Most times, within minutes we have several local children watching us as we play. Joel, Evan and Drew still show very little interest in interacting with the locals. From what the translators tell me, the children say to us, "Hello, do you have a present?" The only thing I have to offer is to take their picture and let them see it on my digital camera. Without excepetion, every child loves to see their picture. I wish I'd brought a printer with me, or better yet, a poloraid instant camera.
Speaking of children, today Joel and I went to a local private Christian school. The SIM missionaries had shoes to give to the children and the school conducted an awards ceremony. When we arrived the children were playing soccer. When it was time to line the teams up to practice kicking into the goal, I asked Joel if he wanted to get in line -- he declined. Like any good parent, I offered a bribe. He said he'd do it for a million dollars. Being the "wheeler-dealer" that I am, I managed to get him down to $20. So for $20 well-spent dollars, Joel got in line with all the Nigerien children. The pictures are priceless!
The principal of the school told us that local tradition is to announce the children who are the worst performers in the school; they try to motivate through shame. This school is different -- they awarded the best-performing children with Bibles, books and pens and pencils. The children looked so proud.
Back to our daily routine: Whenever we leave the house, even just to be on the playground, we always take water with us. I have never had so much water in all my life! Our family goes through gallons of water every day; I'm so grateful we have clean, safe drinking water. Dehydration is a huge issue here. Ben had to do another surgery on a man with a bladder stone. The cause of the stones we found out -- deyhydration.
After morning play, we lunch, take naps (I don't always nap, but I do always lie in bed with very little on and a fan blowing directly on me) and then we swim in the pool until dinner. Pooltime is the ONLY time I am cool all day. I've never been so thankful for a pool in my life.
Ben is usually home for lunch or a mid-afternoon break and then home again by dinner. He is on-call seven nights this month. Call makes him a little nervous, because it's not just Ob/Gyn call, it's "guess what came into the ER" call. :-) He does have another doctor to call upon if he gets in over his head, and he's already used that resource once for a child with a broken leg.
The day ends with Ben and me having riveting conversation -- there's no TV and it's way too hot to do anything "extra-curricular." I still can't figure out why the fertility rate is SO high here.
Thanks for reading. Evan rode a camel today. More on that in the next blog.
Our day starts at 6 a.m., just like home. Ugh! Except here I lie in bed knowing that as soon as I begin moving, I will start sweating. Ben has to be at the hospital by 7:30, so he leaves the house at 7:28 for the 2 minute walk to work. He loves not having to drive anywhere, but misses drive-thru coffee shops and egg mcmuffins.
We sort of "cheated" on this trip because we brought a portable DVD player with us. Oh, hush-up! I can hear the moans and groans from here. Yes, we're really "roughing it" with a DVD player. So, the kids get to watch a movie in the morning while they eat breakfast and I shower and make coffee. Then we go outside to take a walk or play before it gets too hot. The kids play on a pitiful little playground that is just a few feet from our house. The playground is falling apart, but they have swings and a teeter-totter that we love. Most times, within minutes we have several local children watching us as we play. Joel, Evan and Drew still show very little interest in interacting with the locals. From what the translators tell me, the children say to us, "Hello, do you have a present?" The only thing I have to offer is to take their picture and let them see it on my digital camera. Without excepetion, every child loves to see their picture. I wish I'd brought a printer with me, or better yet, a poloraid instant camera.
Speaking of children, today Joel and I went to a local private Christian school. The SIM missionaries had shoes to give to the children and the school conducted an awards ceremony. When we arrived the children were playing soccer. When it was time to line the teams up to practice kicking into the goal, I asked Joel if he wanted to get in line -- he declined. Like any good parent, I offered a bribe. He said he'd do it for a million dollars. Being the "wheeler-dealer" that I am, I managed to get him down to $20. So for $20 well-spent dollars, Joel got in line with all the Nigerien children. The pictures are priceless!
The principal of the school told us that local tradition is to announce the children who are the worst performers in the school; they try to motivate through shame. This school is different -- they awarded the best-performing children with Bibles, books and pens and pencils. The children looked so proud.
Back to our daily routine: Whenever we leave the house, even just to be on the playground, we always take water with us. I have never had so much water in all my life! Our family goes through gallons of water every day; I'm so grateful we have clean, safe drinking water. Dehydration is a huge issue here. Ben had to do another surgery on a man with a bladder stone. The cause of the stones we found out -- deyhydration.
After morning play, we lunch, take naps (I don't always nap, but I do always lie in bed with very little on and a fan blowing directly on me) and then we swim in the pool until dinner. Pooltime is the ONLY time I am cool all day. I've never been so thankful for a pool in my life.
Ben is usually home for lunch or a mid-afternoon break and then home again by dinner. He is on-call seven nights this month. Call makes him a little nervous, because it's not just Ob/Gyn call, it's "guess what came into the ER" call. :-) He does have another doctor to call upon if he gets in over his head, and he's already used that resource once for a child with a broken leg.
The day ends with Ben and me having riveting conversation -- there's no TV and it's way too hot to do anything "extra-curricular." I still can't figure out why the fertility rate is SO high here.
Thanks for reading. Evan rode a camel today. More on that in the next blog.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Blood-Curdling Scream
Post #4 from Galmi, Niger, West Africa (see posts #1-3 below)
Drew was napping this afternoon and I heard him waking up and talking to himself. I waited to get him but jumped when I heard a blood-curdling scream. I went running into his room as he was screaming "wizard, window." I don't know who was more scared at that point -- Drew or the poor little lizard who happened to peek inside Drew's bedroom window. He talked about that "wizard" all day today.
Wednesday is Market Day in Galmi. I was escorted to the market by Eli, a 13-year-old missionary daughter, and by Robbie, a 21-year-old Galmi woman (not the same Robbie who hand washes our clothes). I went to purchase material to have a dress made for myself. When I got home, Joel looked at me and said, "Why do you smell so funny?" I don't know which odor he was talking about -- my sweat (he should be used to that by now) or the incredibly different smells that permeated the market that were now soaked into my skin. Odors came from dead animal pelts; live chickens, donkeys and goats running around; strange meats being cooked and from all the people crowded into a very small area. I sort of felt claustrophobic. With the help of my escorts, I purchased my material and a few handmade sling shots (I still haven't told Joel and Evan we have these -- I don't want to get kicked out of the SIM compound) and high-tailed it out of there. I'll definitely try the market again next week, but only for short periods.
Everyone's been asking about the boys (OK, so maybe it's only the Grandma's) so let me fill you in a little bit. The only children my boys play with are the other three children in the other missionary family -- Eli, 13; Zeb, 10; and Joel, 6). They love playing with these kids but other than that, we don't have day-to-day contact with the locals. I deparately want to take Joel to the market and to the hospital, but as of yet, he shows no interest and when asked, says he doesn't want to go. When we do come into contact with some of the local children, Joel completely ignores them after a quick wave; Evan chatters away but since they don't speak English, the conversation is pretty one-sided; and Drew, he just stares at the kids. Today I took them just outside the hospital where some vendors sell items at a "canteen." I wanted to give the kids a little more exposure to the culture and the people. Again, the same reaction. Children gathered around us, staring, but my three boys showed very little interest in talking to them. I taught the 10 or so children standing there how to give "high-fives" and the African children LOVED it! Drew was the only one of our boys who wanted to high-five the children. Joel and Evan were stand-offish. I think they are a little afraid. My guess is that if I continue to give the small bits of exposure, the boys will get used to the locals and not be so intimidated.
Short blog tonight -- it's "Movie Night" on the SIM compound so I have to go. Will write more as soon as I can. I have lots to tell about meeting children, taking their pictures, and buying b-b-q chicken from a lady who came to my door carrying it on her head!
Drew was napping this afternoon and I heard him waking up and talking to himself. I waited to get him but jumped when I heard a blood-curdling scream. I went running into his room as he was screaming "wizard, window." I don't know who was more scared at that point -- Drew or the poor little lizard who happened to peek inside Drew's bedroom window. He talked about that "wizard" all day today.
Wednesday is Market Day in Galmi. I was escorted to the market by Eli, a 13-year-old missionary daughter, and by Robbie, a 21-year-old Galmi woman (not the same Robbie who hand washes our clothes). I went to purchase material to have a dress made for myself. When I got home, Joel looked at me and said, "Why do you smell so funny?" I don't know which odor he was talking about -- my sweat (he should be used to that by now) or the incredibly different smells that permeated the market that were now soaked into my skin. Odors came from dead animal pelts; live chickens, donkeys and goats running around; strange meats being cooked and from all the people crowded into a very small area. I sort of felt claustrophobic. With the help of my escorts, I purchased my material and a few handmade sling shots (I still haven't told Joel and Evan we have these -- I don't want to get kicked out of the SIM compound) and high-tailed it out of there. I'll definitely try the market again next week, but only for short periods.
Everyone's been asking about the boys (OK, so maybe it's only the Grandma's) so let me fill you in a little bit. The only children my boys play with are the other three children in the other missionary family -- Eli, 13; Zeb, 10; and Joel, 6). They love playing with these kids but other than that, we don't have day-to-day contact with the locals. I deparately want to take Joel to the market and to the hospital, but as of yet, he shows no interest and when asked, says he doesn't want to go. When we do come into contact with some of the local children, Joel completely ignores them after a quick wave; Evan chatters away but since they don't speak English, the conversation is pretty one-sided; and Drew, he just stares at the kids. Today I took them just outside the hospital where some vendors sell items at a "canteen." I wanted to give the kids a little more exposure to the culture and the people. Again, the same reaction. Children gathered around us, staring, but my three boys showed very little interest in talking to them. I taught the 10 or so children standing there how to give "high-fives" and the African children LOVED it! Drew was the only one of our boys who wanted to high-five the children. Joel and Evan were stand-offish. I think they are a little afraid. My guess is that if I continue to give the small bits of exposure, the boys will get used to the locals and not be so intimidated.
Short blog tonight -- it's "Movie Night" on the SIM compound so I have to go. Will write more as soon as I can. I have lots to tell about meeting children, taking their pictures, and buying b-b-q chicken from a lady who came to my door carrying it on her head!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Ravioli, Spiders and Hospital Tour
Post #3 from Galmi, Niger, West Africa (see posts #1 and 2 below this message)
We have ALL of our suitcases! Praise the Lord! I was finally able to enjoy the pool today. Swimming in Africa – I honestly never thought we’d be doing that! Thank you for all your prayers.
Thank God for ravioli. Tonight I was so tired at dinnertime. We had been busy this afternoon unpacking our suitcases and found we have to unpack in stages because it gets so hot. We have to stop, wipe the sweat and rest for awhile – the heat just zaps all our energy. One of the first things I unpacked was a can of Ravioli. A friend of a friend (thanks Manda!) suggested I pack a can of ravioli just in case the food was really bad here and the kids wouldn’t eat anything. That can of ravioli was like an oasis in the dessert. Dinner in a can! Thank you Chef Boy-R-Dee. Now, what to do for dinner tomorrow?
Last night we had our first dinner guest. Jeannie, a long-term missionary from California, stopped by at dinnertime so we invited her to stay. This was the first meal I cooked in Niger and we had a guest to enjoy it with us! Good thing she didn’t come tonight – dinner in a can only serves so many.
As I’m writing this blog I am stamping my feet with my skirt tucked between my legs because I’m scared to death a spider will crawl up my legs! A few nights ago, in this very room, one guy had a “husband of the scorpion” white spider crawl over his foot and actually chase him when he jumped up. He happened to have his camera next to the computer and was able to snap a picture of it. This thing is almost as big as my hand! Thanks, George, for my recent sleepless nights. I’m hoping the sound of my feet will keep the spider away. That WILL work, don’t you agree?
Ben did a surgery on a patient he never thought he’d see – a MAN! It’s not often that an Ob/Gyn does surgery on a man but I guess all bladders look the same. The man had six dime-sized stones in his bladder. His family asked to take the stones home to show others – they looked just like real rocks. Ben also had to tell a 39 year-old woman she had end-stage breast cancer. He was surprised by her lack of emotion. I wonder, is this cultural or was this just the way she was?
Yesterday I took a heart-wrenching tour of the SIM hospital. As I suspected, the most difficult patients to see were the children. One little boy, probably 4 or 5 years old, had severe burns from spilling boiling water all over his face and hands. A 6-year-old girl was lying in bed with her broken leg in traction (a cast would not work for a break like this) – she will lay like this for six weeks.. These injuries happen to children in the United States too, but in the U.S. the children have distractions to take their mind off their situation. When Joel got his tonsils removed, he got ice cream, popsicles, cartoons, video games and just about anything else he wanted. These children don’t even have air conditioning or a private room.
Continuing on the tour I stood in the doorway of a hot room filled with 10 mothers and their young children, mostly babies. These babies are so sick that I would put them in danger by walking into the room. Each mother’s face looked so helpless, so distraught, so empty. The smiles are gone. Because I could not enter the room, I felt compelled to look each mother in the eye and express my sympathy. Frustrated by not knowing Hausa, their native language, I searched for a way to convey my heart. Weeping, I put both hands over my heart hoping they understood. Each mom acknowledged me with a nod.
SIM Hospital is doing everything they can with the resources available. But they need doctors! Where are the pediatricians and neonatologists? I used to work in the marketing department of a hospital. One of the responsibilities we had was to help doctors get patients. Get patients?! Here they are! In Niger.
When I visited the Obstetrics room, I met 10 women who had recently delivered babies. I love babies! And two of the mothers were lying there with twins! As I walked over to one new baby, his three-year-old brother ran screaming – he was scared to death of the white woman! All the mothers thought this was so funny.
I wonder – how am I perceived? I’m walking through the hospital but am I welcome here or am I just a “rich white woman” on a tour like Princess Diana or the Queen?
I did learn a little more about SIM’s ministry here. SIM uses their hospital as the draw, or the “platform,” for sharing the gospel. Every person in the waiting room sees the “Jesus Video,” the story of Jesus. In addition, SIM believes having the local people ministering to their own is the best testimony, so they have an evangelist from local Christian churches pray with each patient before surgery. All of the people I have met have been awesome, quality people who truly care about their work and the people here.
Back to sleep. All three kids are finally on their normal schedule and sleeping well. People tell me it takes one day to adjust for every hour of time difference. Their sleep improved on day five in Niger and it’s a five hour time difference, so I guess they’re right.
Joel got a mosquito bite. I’ve never worried about a bite before; it seems funny to worry about such a little thing. We’re all on anti-malarial medicine, so we just have to assume it will be O.K. but it does make me nervous.
One note I forgot to mention in my past blog: Before we landed in Galmi, the pilot of the single-engine plane had to buzz over the airstrip before landing just to make sure it was free of people and donkey carts. “We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto.”
AHHH! A small “husband of the scorpion” just ran past my feet and, if that wasn’t enough, a three-inch grasshopper slammed into my back. I’m done. I’m going to bed (AFTER I check the sheets for visitors). FYI, it was 102 degrees today.
We have ALL of our suitcases! Praise the Lord! I was finally able to enjoy the pool today. Swimming in Africa – I honestly never thought we’d be doing that! Thank you for all your prayers.
Thank God for ravioli. Tonight I was so tired at dinnertime. We had been busy this afternoon unpacking our suitcases and found we have to unpack in stages because it gets so hot. We have to stop, wipe the sweat and rest for awhile – the heat just zaps all our energy. One of the first things I unpacked was a can of Ravioli. A friend of a friend (thanks Manda!) suggested I pack a can of ravioli just in case the food was really bad here and the kids wouldn’t eat anything. That can of ravioli was like an oasis in the dessert. Dinner in a can! Thank you Chef Boy-R-Dee. Now, what to do for dinner tomorrow?
Last night we had our first dinner guest. Jeannie, a long-term missionary from California, stopped by at dinnertime so we invited her to stay. This was the first meal I cooked in Niger and we had a guest to enjoy it with us! Good thing she didn’t come tonight – dinner in a can only serves so many.
As I’m writing this blog I am stamping my feet with my skirt tucked between my legs because I’m scared to death a spider will crawl up my legs! A few nights ago, in this very room, one guy had a “husband of the scorpion” white spider crawl over his foot and actually chase him when he jumped up. He happened to have his camera next to the computer and was able to snap a picture of it. This thing is almost as big as my hand! Thanks, George, for my recent sleepless nights. I’m hoping the sound of my feet will keep the spider away. That WILL work, don’t you agree?
Ben did a surgery on a patient he never thought he’d see – a MAN! It’s not often that an Ob/Gyn does surgery on a man but I guess all bladders look the same. The man had six dime-sized stones in his bladder. His family asked to take the stones home to show others – they looked just like real rocks. Ben also had to tell a 39 year-old woman she had end-stage breast cancer. He was surprised by her lack of emotion. I wonder, is this cultural or was this just the way she was?
Yesterday I took a heart-wrenching tour of the SIM hospital. As I suspected, the most difficult patients to see were the children. One little boy, probably 4 or 5 years old, had severe burns from spilling boiling water all over his face and hands. A 6-year-old girl was lying in bed with her broken leg in traction (a cast would not work for a break like this) – she will lay like this for six weeks.. These injuries happen to children in the United States too, but in the U.S. the children have distractions to take their mind off their situation. When Joel got his tonsils removed, he got ice cream, popsicles, cartoons, video games and just about anything else he wanted. These children don’t even have air conditioning or a private room.
Continuing on the tour I stood in the doorway of a hot room filled with 10 mothers and their young children, mostly babies. These babies are so sick that I would put them in danger by walking into the room. Each mother’s face looked so helpless, so distraught, so empty. The smiles are gone. Because I could not enter the room, I felt compelled to look each mother in the eye and express my sympathy. Frustrated by not knowing Hausa, their native language, I searched for a way to convey my heart. Weeping, I put both hands over my heart hoping they understood. Each mom acknowledged me with a nod.
SIM Hospital is doing everything they can with the resources available. But they need doctors! Where are the pediatricians and neonatologists? I used to work in the marketing department of a hospital. One of the responsibilities we had was to help doctors get patients. Get patients?! Here they are! In Niger.
When I visited the Obstetrics room, I met 10 women who had recently delivered babies. I love babies! And two of the mothers were lying there with twins! As I walked over to one new baby, his three-year-old brother ran screaming – he was scared to death of the white woman! All the mothers thought this was so funny.
I wonder – how am I perceived? I’m walking through the hospital but am I welcome here or am I just a “rich white woman” on a tour like Princess Diana or the Queen?
I did learn a little more about SIM’s ministry here. SIM uses their hospital as the draw, or the “platform,” for sharing the gospel. Every person in the waiting room sees the “Jesus Video,” the story of Jesus. In addition, SIM believes having the local people ministering to their own is the best testimony, so they have an evangelist from local Christian churches pray with each patient before surgery. All of the people I have met have been awesome, quality people who truly care about their work and the people here.
Back to sleep. All three kids are finally on their normal schedule and sleeping well. People tell me it takes one day to adjust for every hour of time difference. Their sleep improved on day five in Niger and it’s a five hour time difference, so I guess they’re right.
Joel got a mosquito bite. I’ve never worried about a bite before; it seems funny to worry about such a little thing. We’re all on anti-malarial medicine, so we just have to assume it will be O.K. but it does make me nervous.
One note I forgot to mention in my past blog: Before we landed in Galmi, the pilot of the single-engine plane had to buzz over the airstrip before landing just to make sure it was free of people and donkey carts. “We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto.”
AHHH! A small “husband of the scorpion” just ran past my feet and, if that wasn’t enough, a three-inch grasshopper slammed into my back. I’m done. I’m going to bed (AFTER I check the sheets for visitors). FYI, it was 102 degrees today.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Paper Towels
Post #2 from Galmi, Niger, West Africa (see post #1 below this message)
Salaam elechum ("peace be with you" in Hausa).
I have been crying a lot today; I don't know why, I just keep crying. Today has actually been a good day -- I bought laundry soap (bar) and floor cleaner from in "town," had a lady come and do my laundry (what little I have) and managed to purchase bananas from a "vendor" lady with three young girls who came to my door. I also "ordered" eggs and a red onion and we fed lizards some cornflakes. Oh yeah, and...Martha Stewart, in case you're reading my blog, I just made fresh lemonade from lemons the boys picked next to our house.
Salaam elechum ("peace be with you" in Hausa).
I have been crying a lot today; I don't know why, I just keep crying. Today has actually been a good day -- I bought laundry soap (bar) and floor cleaner from in "town," had a lady come and do my laundry (what little I have) and managed to purchase bananas from a "vendor" lady with three young girls who came to my door. I also "ordered" eggs and a red onion and we fed lizards some cornflakes. Oh yeah, and...Martha Stewart, in case you're reading my blog, I just made fresh lemonade from lemons the boys picked next to our house.
My laundry looks perfect! I even had "stubborn stains" that she managed to get out for me. Maytag, watch out! Here comes Tanti Robbie (that's my helper's name). I think she's pregnant, but I cannot ask because it's not appropriate -- that's private. Even when asked, some women will deny being pregnant and then show up days later with a newborn. One of the goals of the SIM community service missionaries is to get the women to tell people they are pregnant so that they can receive prenatal care. Ben saw a baby today with a life-threatening spinal cord defect that probably could have been prevented with folic acid.
I passed through the hospital today -- choking back tears from what little I saw. This is definitely a third world country. A toddler wandering outside with only a shirt on and men and women lying outside waiting to get into the waiting room and then, the hospital beds, are just that -- beds -- no separate rooms, only cement walls and floors, and open doors and windows with extreme temperatures. I cannot believe how blessed we are in America. However, everyone I have met, adults and children, seems happy...content. They all have a "Marie Osmond" smile and greet me warmly.
When we first arrived in Niamey (the capital city 8 hours away) we purchased four small bags of groceries, no meat, and it was $128! I am shocked at how expensive everything is -- labor is cheap (Tanti Robbie makes only 50 cents per hour) but products are expensive because everything is imported. I found out yesterday that the average Nigerien makes only $250/year! I had such extreme guilt for spending so much in the grocery store and not even thinking twice about it -- we just walked through, grabbed what we needed and paid for it. The people's stares must have not only been because we look so different, but because of what we were purchasing. We found out later that only the "wealthy" people shop in a grocery store. I bought grapes and thought nothing of asking for a large bunch. When we arrived on the SIM compound, one of the missionaries looked at my grapes in envy asking where I got them. She's never had grapes here. I realize now how wonderful those grapes are and I cherish each one.
Regarding the subject of my message -- paper towels: I cannot live without my Bounty paper towels, I even packed THREE rolls in my suitcases (which of course someone in Paris is probably enjoying right now!). Well guess what was waiting for me in my house when we got here? A roll of Bounty paper towels! Can you believe it?! God provided Kit Kat bars AND the "quicker picker upper."
Sleep is still an issue with all of us. Evan won't sleep -- he's not even tired. Drew will only nap for about an hour and Joel is just plain exhausted, although he sleeps well at night. Please pray that we all start sleeping better.
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
We're Here, We're Hot
Sanu! (That's "hello" in hausa.)
We are in Galmi, Niger and I have computer access! Yahoo! No one has the "Galmi Gallops" (diarrhea) and we're eating pretty well. So much for my weight loss program. :-)
The heat is almost unbearable at times and zaps all our energy. The mornings are O.K. but by afternoon you will find me in very little clothing sprawled in the middle of our bed with a fan blowing directly on me. Yesterday Ben found me like this and after laughing said, "I guess it's better than finding you crying in the corner curled up in a fetal position." I can't curl up, it's too hot! I can't even sleep on my side -- that means my legs would be touching each other and it's way too hot for that.
Our housing is wonderful! Very spacious (three bedrooms/one bath) and clean. We live in a small community ('compound") of SIM missionaries from all over the world. There are about 10 adults here and 3 children and all have houses or apartments. The houses are basic, cement walls and floors, but well furnished and comfortable. In the compound they have a SMALL grocery store with very limited food, but one of the "staples" is Kit Kat bars! There is also a small pool which Ben and the boys have enjoyed. I could swim too, if only I had a swimsuit! That's another story ---
We have no luggage. Our flight to Paris was great, but once in Paris we were told we missed our flight to Niamey, Niger -- even though we were there 15 minutes before the plane was supposed to depart. Then, after 25 minutes standing in the Paris airport with a customer service rep trying to find us another flight (none until Tuesday), they told us to follow them quickly, "the plane is still here." Hmmm. I think that was an answer to prayer! (I feel like I'm in an episode of "The Amazing Race.")Crying, I boarded the plane. Once we landed in Niamey we discovered our luggage didn't make it and we would get it on Wednesday (please pray that this does happen!). Thank God I listened to my mom and dad -- we each had one extra outfit packed in our carry-ons, plus toothbrushes, toothpaste, the all important hairspray and a few breakfast bars. Somehow Ben had managed to pack most of his clothes in the carry-on (he said it's because they didn't fit in the big suitcases, hmmm. He even "happened to have" shorts packed in the carry-on which means he has been able to swim!
There are no bugs but we're been supplied with mosquito nets because they say it can get bad, but we haven't seen any. There are little lizards (6-12 inches long) everywhere outside. The boys actually love them; Joel wants to catch one. At first Drew was scared of them so on our first night when he wouldn't stay in bed, we told him the lizards outside would get him if he didn't stay in bed. The next morning he woke up and as he was sitting up he said, "Wizards, ouside." (wizards, outside) Then last night I tried to tell him the same thing, but he got excited and started crying said, "wizard, ouside" because he wanted to go out and see them! He gets so excited everytime he sees them climbing the walls. We have one that sits on our porch all the time.
We haven't had much contact with the nationals yet. Ben was called to the hospital for the first time this morning to do a c-section, but the baby was delivered vaginally by the time he got there. He will begin spending his days there tomorrow (Monday). The nationals love to watch us. One boy tried to get Joel's hand-held video game from him. Joel was scared a little, but managed to duck in the car. The boy wasn't being aggressive, just interested. One group of women were fascinated with Drew. The walked alongside him talking in Hausa (the native language) and smiling. Drew had a stick in his hand and one of the women took it from him and threw it on the ground. He looked very put-out. I asked a translater why she did that and she said it was because the stick was not a suitable toy for a young child. The local children don't have toys. I still don't understand why she took the stick, but she was so friendly, it didn't matter. The women all carry things on their head, just like you see in pictures and they dress very well. I am told you wear your "wealth" on you, you don't put money into housing, etc. Two of the women with Drew had babies tied to their lower backs. It's so sweet to see this, but boy does it look hot!
Did I mention on top of it being HOT here, there is NO cold water. The water on the compound is very safe to drink, but it's tapped from a very deep well and it comes out like warm bath water! One missionary suggested I run bath water early in the day so that by nighttime it would be cool for the boys. (It's not too hot to bathe in, it's just that a warm bath in the evening is NOT a welcome relief.) We have unlimited water so we make lots of ice and drink water constantly. However, even though I've been drinking tons of water, I still have chapped lips in a very humid climate. Ben says that is a sign of dehydration.
The local missionaries have had us to their houses for the last three meals (lunch, dinner, lunch). It's been so nice to not have to worry about cooking right when we got here. Tomorrow my cooking begins. When in the capital city, we went to a grocery store and bought lots of groceries that we couldn't get here -- cheese, canned vegetables, deodorant and a few diapers (once again, please pray that our luggage arrives on Wednesday!). So I do have a good supply of food.
To get from Niamey to Galmi we flew in a teeny tiny plane with only 6 seats and one propellor (spelling, Cheri?). It was a little scary at first, but was quite fun to fly in. When we arrived in Galmi, we landed right next to the SIM compound and all the missionaries came to greet us. That was awesome! Well, except for the fact that I had to hoist my butt out of the tiny plane and step onto the wing and jump down with everyone watching. I did this will all the grace of an elephant on rollerskates -- oh yes, and lucky me, one guy was taking pictures! Several nationals came running to see the plane too. Joel, Evan and Drew loved that part -- mainly just because there were kids, I don't think they realized how cool it was to be in that plane. I felt like Tattoo should be somewhere yelling, "The plane, boss, the plane."
I have to run -- no, maybe I'll walk, it's too hot to run! I'll try to write more tomorrow. Please keep checking back; I don't have access to all my email addresses, but if you'd like to write back to me, I am checking my emails. I haven't figured out how to send pictures yet. One more note: one of the missionaries in Niamey, the wife of the pilot of the tiny plane, scrapbooks on Tuesday nights with other missionaries! I asked the pilot if he'd pick me up and fly me there each week. :-)
Thanks for reading.
Carrie
We are in Galmi, Niger and I have computer access! Yahoo! No one has the "Galmi Gallops" (diarrhea) and we're eating pretty well. So much for my weight loss program. :-)
The heat is almost unbearable at times and zaps all our energy. The mornings are O.K. but by afternoon you will find me in very little clothing sprawled in the middle of our bed with a fan blowing directly on me. Yesterday Ben found me like this and after laughing said, "I guess it's better than finding you crying in the corner curled up in a fetal position." I can't curl up, it's too hot! I can't even sleep on my side -- that means my legs would be touching each other and it's way too hot for that.
Our housing is wonderful! Very spacious (three bedrooms/one bath) and clean. We live in a small community ('compound") of SIM missionaries from all over the world. There are about 10 adults here and 3 children and all have houses or apartments. The houses are basic, cement walls and floors, but well furnished and comfortable. In the compound they have a SMALL grocery store with very limited food, but one of the "staples" is Kit Kat bars! There is also a small pool which Ben and the boys have enjoyed. I could swim too, if only I had a swimsuit! That's another story ---
We have no luggage. Our flight to Paris was great, but once in Paris we were told we missed our flight to Niamey, Niger -- even though we were there 15 minutes before the plane was supposed to depart. Then, after 25 minutes standing in the Paris airport with a customer service rep trying to find us another flight (none until Tuesday), they told us to follow them quickly, "the plane is still here." Hmmm. I think that was an answer to prayer! (I feel like I'm in an episode of "The Amazing Race.")Crying, I boarded the plane. Once we landed in Niamey we discovered our luggage didn't make it and we would get it on Wednesday (please pray that this does happen!). Thank God I listened to my mom and dad -- we each had one extra outfit packed in our carry-ons, plus toothbrushes, toothpaste, the all important hairspray and a few breakfast bars. Somehow Ben had managed to pack most of his clothes in the carry-on (he said it's because they didn't fit in the big suitcases, hmmm. He even "happened to have" shorts packed in the carry-on which means he has been able to swim!
There are no bugs but we're been supplied with mosquito nets because they say it can get bad, but we haven't seen any. There are little lizards (6-12 inches long) everywhere outside. The boys actually love them; Joel wants to catch one. At first Drew was scared of them so on our first night when he wouldn't stay in bed, we told him the lizards outside would get him if he didn't stay in bed. The next morning he woke up and as he was sitting up he said, "Wizards, ouside." (wizards, outside) Then last night I tried to tell him the same thing, but he got excited and started crying said, "wizard, ouside" because he wanted to go out and see them! He gets so excited everytime he sees them climbing the walls. We have one that sits on our porch all the time.
We haven't had much contact with the nationals yet. Ben was called to the hospital for the first time this morning to do a c-section, but the baby was delivered vaginally by the time he got there. He will begin spending his days there tomorrow (Monday). The nationals love to watch us. One boy tried to get Joel's hand-held video game from him. Joel was scared a little, but managed to duck in the car. The boy wasn't being aggressive, just interested. One group of women were fascinated with Drew. The walked alongside him talking in Hausa (the native language) and smiling. Drew had a stick in his hand and one of the women took it from him and threw it on the ground. He looked very put-out. I asked a translater why she did that and she said it was because the stick was not a suitable toy for a young child. The local children don't have toys. I still don't understand why she took the stick, but she was so friendly, it didn't matter. The women all carry things on their head, just like you see in pictures and they dress very well. I am told you wear your "wealth" on you, you don't put money into housing, etc. Two of the women with Drew had babies tied to their lower backs. It's so sweet to see this, but boy does it look hot!
Did I mention on top of it being HOT here, there is NO cold water. The water on the compound is very safe to drink, but it's tapped from a very deep well and it comes out like warm bath water! One missionary suggested I run bath water early in the day so that by nighttime it would be cool for the boys. (It's not too hot to bathe in, it's just that a warm bath in the evening is NOT a welcome relief.) We have unlimited water so we make lots of ice and drink water constantly. However, even though I've been drinking tons of water, I still have chapped lips in a very humid climate. Ben says that is a sign of dehydration.
The local missionaries have had us to their houses for the last three meals (lunch, dinner, lunch). It's been so nice to not have to worry about cooking right when we got here. Tomorrow my cooking begins. When in the capital city, we went to a grocery store and bought lots of groceries that we couldn't get here -- cheese, canned vegetables, deodorant and a few diapers (once again, please pray that our luggage arrives on Wednesday!). So I do have a good supply of food.
To get from Niamey to Galmi we flew in a teeny tiny plane with only 6 seats and one propellor (spelling, Cheri?). It was a little scary at first, but was quite fun to fly in. When we arrived in Galmi, we landed right next to the SIM compound and all the missionaries came to greet us. That was awesome! Well, except for the fact that I had to hoist my butt out of the tiny plane and step onto the wing and jump down with everyone watching. I did this will all the grace of an elephant on rollerskates -- oh yes, and lucky me, one guy was taking pictures! Several nationals came running to see the plane too. Joel, Evan and Drew loved that part -- mainly just because there were kids, I don't think they realized how cool it was to be in that plane. I felt like Tattoo should be somewhere yelling, "The plane, boss, the plane."
I have to run -- no, maybe I'll walk, it's too hot to run! I'll try to write more tomorrow. Please keep checking back; I don't have access to all my email addresses, but if you'd like to write back to me, I am checking my emails. I haven't figured out how to send pictures yet. One more note: one of the missionaries in Niamey, the wife of the pilot of the tiny plane, scrapbooks on Tuesday nights with other missionaries! I asked the pilot if he'd pick me up and fly me there each week. :-)
Thanks for reading.
Carrie
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
We're Off to Niger!
The White family is off on an adventure of a lifetime! We are headed to Niger, West Africa from June 7 (that’s TOMORROW!) through July 7.
Ben has had a heart for missions ever since his first short-term missions trip to Venezuela in 1996. He knew he wanted to use his gifts for the Lord but wasn’t sure where or when. After considerable research, he discovered that Galmi Hospital in Niger is in need of an Ob/Gyn. Many countries in need of an Ob/Gyn missionary only want a female doctor because of religious beliefs. Galmi was the exception because there is such a desperate need – only one physician for every 38,500 people! After receiving confirmation from the Lord, we both knew Niger is where we are supposed to be.
This month long trip is actually a fact-finding trip – we’re going to Niger to see if it is a place our family could serve long-term in the near future.
In Niger, Ben will be working as an Ob/Gyn at a 45 year-old, 120-bed hospital in Galmi run by “Serving in Missions” (SIM). SIM partners with five different church organizations that represent over 100 congregations and is a member of the Association of Evangelical Churches and Missions in Niger.
We are all excited (albeit a little nervous) about going. Evan (3) packs his backpack weekly for “Assrica” and wants to know if they have scissors there. J Joel (6) is hoping to ride a camel and Drew (22 months), well, he’s just along for the ride.
Please keep us in your prayers this month. Specific prayer requests:
1. Pray for travel safety and arrival of family and luggage as scheduled.
2. Pray for good relationships with other missionaries and the locals.
3. Pray that all surgeries and baby deliveries go well and that the most needy patients receive the care they need.
4. Pray that language barriers would not be an issue.
5. Pray for tolerance with the weather (it’s been 1070+ with high humidity and rain) and dominion over bugs J (all three children, and Carrie, are scared of even the tiniest of bugs!).
6. Pray for open hearts of the Nigeriens.
7. Pray that if God is calling us to serve long-term, that the entire family would feel the confirmation.
Thank you in advance for being part of our prayer team! If we have computer access, we will “blog” about our trip – or you can email us.
Niger Facts:
*According to the United Nations Development Index, Niger is the second poorest country in the world.
*Niger is the largest country in West Africa.
*A landlocked country, 80 percent of the land is desert where the heat can be so intense that rain frequently vaporizes before it reaches the ground.
*Twelve percent of all infants die before their first birthday.
*Infant and child mortality rates are high due to generally poor health conditions and inadequate nutrition for most of the country's children.
*Niger's fertility rate (7.8%) is among the highest in the world.
*The life expectancy at birth in Niger is 41 years (we will look like senior citizens there!).
*Most of the population is under 17 years old.
*Literacy rate is 10.8%.Islam is embraced by 86% of the population. Only 0.07% of the people claim to be evangelical Christians.
Ben has had a heart for missions ever since his first short-term missions trip to Venezuela in 1996. He knew he wanted to use his gifts for the Lord but wasn’t sure where or when. After considerable research, he discovered that Galmi Hospital in Niger is in need of an Ob/Gyn. Many countries in need of an Ob/Gyn missionary only want a female doctor because of religious beliefs. Galmi was the exception because there is such a desperate need – only one physician for every 38,500 people! After receiving confirmation from the Lord, we both knew Niger is where we are supposed to be.
This month long trip is actually a fact-finding trip – we’re going to Niger to see if it is a place our family could serve long-term in the near future.
In Niger, Ben will be working as an Ob/Gyn at a 45 year-old, 120-bed hospital in Galmi run by “Serving in Missions” (SIM). SIM partners with five different church organizations that represent over 100 congregations and is a member of the Association of Evangelical Churches and Missions in Niger.
We are all excited (albeit a little nervous) about going. Evan (3) packs his backpack weekly for “Assrica” and wants to know if they have scissors there. J Joel (6) is hoping to ride a camel and Drew (22 months), well, he’s just along for the ride.
Please keep us in your prayers this month. Specific prayer requests:
1. Pray for travel safety and arrival of family and luggage as scheduled.
2. Pray for good relationships with other missionaries and the locals.
3. Pray that all surgeries and baby deliveries go well and that the most needy patients receive the care they need.
4. Pray that language barriers would not be an issue.
5. Pray for tolerance with the weather (it’s been 1070+ with high humidity and rain) and dominion over bugs J (all three children, and Carrie, are scared of even the tiniest of bugs!).
6. Pray for open hearts of the Nigeriens.
7. Pray that if God is calling us to serve long-term, that the entire family would feel the confirmation.
Thank you in advance for being part of our prayer team! If we have computer access, we will “blog” about our trip – or you can email us.
Niger Facts:
*According to the United Nations Development Index, Niger is the second poorest country in the world.
*Niger is the largest country in West Africa.
*A landlocked country, 80 percent of the land is desert where the heat can be so intense that rain frequently vaporizes before it reaches the ground.
*Twelve percent of all infants die before their first birthday.
*Infant and child mortality rates are high due to generally poor health conditions and inadequate nutrition for most of the country's children.
*Niger's fertility rate (7.8%) is among the highest in the world.
*The life expectancy at birth in Niger is 41 years (we will look like senior citizens there!).
*Most of the population is under 17 years old.
*Literacy rate is 10.8%.Islam is embraced by 86% of the population. Only 0.07% of the people claim to be evangelical Christians.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Evan's First Fish
Evan, 3 1/2 years old, caught his first fish today! Grandpa Heibel took him fishing and immediatly after casting with his new Spiderman fishing pole, he got his first bite. Evan wasn't too sure what to think after reeling it in and didn't want to stand too close to it for the picture. (Can you spot the little fish?) Notice Evan is wearing his new Scooby-Doo pajamas; only at Grandma's can you wear P.J.s all day long.Friday, June 1, 2007
Drew on Memorial Day
Here's Drew on Memorial Day. We didn't have anything planned for the holiday but ended up with a big party! At the last minute we called friends and family and everyone we called ended up coming. We ate like kings and then played bocce ball and "Dance, Dance Revolution." What a great way to kick-off the summer of 2007!
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