Update #6 from the LINK Business Discovery Mission

(received Saturday, 2/18/2012)



Dear Friends and Family,

How quickly this week has passed...tonight is our last official night in Niger. As with every other day of our mission, virtually every minute was filled.

We started the day driving out to the bush to see giraffes: how incredible those animals were to watch. But the drive there, passing dozens of small villages, was the best! It was like going back to biblical times - the primitive nature of the environment, stick and clay houses, livestock. We could almost imagine Jesus walking along the dirt paths, meeting people where they are, not backing away because of filth. This made a lot of us reflect on a quote repeated many times this week: "Live simply so others may simply live."

As you can see, we've had time to reflect on God's grace and provision while we've been here; yet not all of our time has been serious! We've had great fun getting to know one another, laughing (hysterically, at times), giving each other nicknames, and playing practical jokes on one another. See if you can figure out who "Nomad" is.

Our visit to Le Bon Samaritain (The Good Samaritan) orphanage touched our hearts in ways that are indescribable. This orphanage houses roughly 60-70 children who have been abandoned due to death of their parents or unfortunate circumstances. These kids are some of the most resilient and inspiring people we've encountered so far. Despite their situation, they greeted our group with huge smiles and hugs galore! We played a game of soccer (they won of course!), had a huge water gun fight, danced, and most importantly bonded. Many of us became connected at the hip to one or more kids which made it very difficult to leave. These kids followed us and clung to us - it was clear they just wanted to be loved and touched. What a wonderful feeling, for them and for us.

As we prepare to leave Niger, we are cleaning up and packing our belongings. We have been reminded to check our rooms several times, so nothing is left behind. One thing is for sure though. Each one of us will be leaving a part of our hearts here in Niger.

Love to you all! We can't wait to share our stories and experiences with you in person. Until then, may God bless you abundantly.

The 2012 LINK™ Business Vision Discovery Mission