Surprises

*Driving in Niger - no matter how many times I've visited, the crazy driving continues to leave my with my mouth and eyes wide open. I could scratch the backs of the people on motorcycles riding next to us. I have seen way too many accidents. Helmets? What's that? Donkeys and camels ride next to me on the road. Who needs a turn signal when you have a horn? Need to deliver a mattress, large piece of glass or a live goat? Just put it in a motorcycle wedged in between 2 grown men. Easy peasy.

*Our daughter spits like a man. She tried to teach me. I am not a worthy opponent.

*When without a tissue, blow your nose sideways against the nearest wall. Only the foreigners will look twice including the mortified mother from America who will quickly hand you a tissue that I had all along in my bag.

*Underwear may have been hard to come by at the orphanage as it is optional until mom sees its missing.

*There is no shame in being our birthday suit when you have lived in an orphanage. I'm gonna have to figure that out fast once we get home to MM and Frazier. She was at least modest when Daddy was here.

*I was talking to Daddy tonight on the phone and she asked to talk to him. Her conversation was so cute with her French accent and sweet voice. She then confirmed again that tomorrow was Thursday (I keep thinking she says "thirsty", so I head to get water), and that is when we are leaving. She is so excited! I was not expecting that.

*Doctors go on strike here, patients die, and it is talked about with a tinge of sadness and a lot of "well, this is Africa"

*Leila weighed 700 grams (about 1.5 lbs) when she was born to her then 13 year old birth mother (13!!!). She is a miracle. I learned so much in my time with the woman that cared for her since she was an infant. It is videoed and translated, and I know it will be a precious gift to Leila when the time is right.

*US technology issues unrelated to poor internet in Niger. I love America. Really, I do, but this was shocking.

*Leila has gained 4+ lbs since we picked her up. Yay!! So, she's a whopping 48 lbs now. Watch out world!

*Niger has a zoo. We went to it. It was not PETA-approved by any stretch of the imagination.

*Leila loves rice. Rice for lunch. Rice for dinner. You can't have enough rice. I have denied her requests on many occasions in an attempt to get some protein and green things in her. It's going ok.

*This girl can pray. Tonight she prayed for a good few minutes. I understood none of it except for mama, daddy, Mary-Michael and Frazier, which she said multiple times. Otherwise only the Lord knows what she said in French. Or maybe it was Zarma?!

*Humility is a gift though it often comes with challenges, but it leads to leaning on Christ and growing deeper in your faith and His Grace. Maybe not a surprise, but a truth I've taken away from this trip. Keep me humble, Lord.