SUNDAY
This morning the team woke up to Geoff playing foozball with his soon-to-be daughter Leila while his brother, Kam, held onto Mani who too, like Leila will soon be going to a new home in America. Earlier this morning Geoff, Kam and Scott went with Rodrigo (The LINK™ Niger Field Director) to Leila and Mani's orphanage, The Good Samaritan. Geoff hadn't seen Leila in a year and a half which made this a special moment in which the team could rejoice together. The open sincerity of Niger's children enables them to associate with the team members quickly and easily. They are, in their own fashion, equally welcoming to all of us.
After a short breakfast, the team headed to Rodrigo's new church which resembled those of 2000 years ago, with simple laid clay block walls, a thatched open-sided roofed chapel, and a floor of red Niger sand.
A month ago Rodrigo requested the head of the Niger Assemblies of God to attend and deliver the sermon. Per Rodrigo's request he came along with his wife and Rodrigo's co-minister-in-arms, Aime Kombari, who worked with Rodrigo to translate and deliver the message which centered around God's grace. The small children gathered on a blanket while the women both listened and tended the children, about 30 of us in all. Russ gave testimony to a life once on the wrong track, but by the grace of God was rescued. This testimony was well-received by all in attendance. The message was followed-up by prayers for the women. We also prayed for the church, Rodrigo's vision, as well as a particular child who needed help with his studies. When the service ended we spent some time playing with the kids before driving across some rugged terrain to a relatively undeveloped area where Rodrigo has purchased land and marked off where a future church is to be built.
Afterwards, the team headed back to the LOC for a short break before lunch at a local restaurant, Amandine's, with Rodrigo, the Lighty family (Jonathon, Ashley, and their new daughter Emma who beams to any and all--that's one happy child), Ashley and Edem, as well as others considered part of the LINK™ Niger family. Both of the soon-to-be adopted children were able to FaceTime their soon-to-be families which was very cool.
This afternoon we visited the CSEN orphanage run by Bernard and his wife Josee. Only later did we learn that Josee was in the hospital. We had the opportunity to pray for Josee with Bernard after being introduced to the children and given a tour of their complex.
Like the Remar Orphanage we visited the day before, Bernard and Josee started this orphanage out of their home and then expanded to the current size to accommodate more children. After the tour, the real fun began as some played football and soccer followed by some wrestling. Others swung on the swings with kids on their laps.
Philip spent vast amounts of energy tossing the young girls (Eva, Malika, Jemina, and others) high into the air over and over again. There were loads of smiles attached to fast moving feet and inquisitive countenances. There were certainly plenty of hugs all around along with the bracelets and suckers handed out by the team. The members of the team were sad and reluctant to leave after a joyous experience with an incredible group of children. Despite, sand-filled shoes and dirt-ridden clothes, the entire group was all smiles!
Joined yet again by the LINK™ Niger family, the team had a very nice dinner at Cote Jardien. Great food and fellowship enveloped the night, followed by another prayer and worship time on the roof at the LOC. Our experiences here have shaped all of us, brought each of us closer together, closer to God, and grateful for God's grace and mercy which has been evident in almost every person we've met so far. We certainly miss our families back home, but our experience here is that of a lifetime. To God be the glory for this special time here in Niger!
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