our last day

Doug here....We are leaving on a jet plane and don’t know when we can post again! No really, our time here is officially done! A school and a clinic have been painted, the name of Jesus has been shared in a place where many had never heard of Him before, perspectives have been changed, faith has grown, understanding of God’s Word deepened…all in a week and a half.

Today started out with debriefing…which sounds totally boring. However, when you get to hear how God has worked in the lives of 12 young people (and two old ones) it could have gone on all day and I wouldn’t have minded one bit. I cannot stress enough how wonderful the missionaries here have been. While some of them have been friends to Kasey and me for a while, all the missionaries we came into contact with have been amazing. There are true heroes of the faith and our churches should point to them more often as examples than we do (just my opinion…but its right).

After that we enjoyed more of the Niger culture with some henna tattoos. They are part of the culture here for ladies only; however, some of our guys were a little jealous so they begged to get some too. The girls that did the tattoos laughed when they found out that men wanted them also, but did not refuse them. You will see them soon enough moms and dads. I know you are excited.
The highlight of the day was going to an American style restaurant. On the menu was PIZZA and ice cream (dairy has NOT been part of our diet the last 10 days)! We asked if we could bring our friends from the week; Ide, Bilo, Cephas, Biba, and Hama, and luck for us they could all make it. While we have been getting culture all week it was cool to see Bilo, Hama, and Ide eat their first pizzas! In one more reminder of how lucky we are, it was brought to our attention that Ide had NEVER eaten in a restaurant before. Let that sink in for a second. One of my prayers is that our work this week has had as much an impact on Ide and Bilo (both Muslim) as on the village of Tagabati.

I almost forgot, IT RAINED TODAY! I know there were some happy farmers in this area of Niger today. The rain came hard and fast and then we saw a temperature drop of quite a few degrees. I know its rainy season so its suppose to rain, but I have no doubt that it is an answer to prayer.
Its bed time because 2:30am is going to come fast. After this post, you won’t hear from us again until we are in New York. We will be in contact as soon as we can. If you get bored, pray for no delays because the Nashville airport closes and we don’t want to be stuck in NYC another night and NOT get home.

SEE you soon!

Our henna tatoos!

Don't worry mom's and dad's - they wash off in a week or so!!

All of us, Mark & Parker and their kids, the Saleeby's, Mark's parents, Emily & Erin (2 summer missionaries), Cephas and his wife Biba, Hama, Eday, and Billo!! What a great bunch!! It was the first time a few of the Africans that helped us this week had EVER eaten in a restaurant. Needless to say, there were a few tears shed after this "last supper" together!!

IT FINALLY RAINED IN AFRICA!!
I didn't edit this picture, because I wanted you to see how dark it was!!!

I'm sure the people of Tagabati were celebrating tonight.