The Drum Beats Slowly

Will shares the news from Niger. It is election time across Niger. His role is to encourage his village people to get out and vote, but his political stance is neutral. His village will elect a new mayor, Niger may elect a new president. There is unrest in many of the large cities. We must hope for a peaceful election process.

It is winter in Niger and Will reports the noon time heat is not nearly as oppressive and that the evenings and early mornings are glorious. Evidently the night skies in Niger are outstanding. He reports he has learned to cook using the coleman type burner this past week, but then his burner broke and he will not be able to replace it until the end of the month when he will journey to Maradi. Meanwhile he dines on the "meat on the street".

His accomplishments thus far include: running a hand washing education program for the children where after they demonstrated correct hand washing each child got soap and candy; establishing the jogging track for himself and the neighborhood children who along with their parents and grandparents are amazed to see a big white guy run; and being successful in having the children ask politely if it is time for a soccer game, using the 3 balls that Will has in his house.

His 30 days in the village ends at the end of the month and he promises he will journey to the city and post a big blog of his own. Meanwhile he wraps his arms around all of you and appreciates so very much your good wishes and prayers for the people of Niger, which includes him.



The Parents