Desert Gills

Ir loves to be told and retold 'disobedience stories' these days, and one of her favorites is about how baby Aunt Anna got into Daddy's gum and ate all of it up. So today Ir was talking about how she and E were going to have "Grandpa's gum" when we "got back to the United States." She then paused and commented that, "When Aunt Anna wants some gum Grandpa is going to have to say 'no, no Anna,'" so that there would be enough for "the other little kids" - ie, her and E. Upon being further pressed she conceded that Aunt Anna could have a little of the gum, "but not all of it."

well, I will have to post a picture of today's delicious cardamom bread later... courtesy of Tara and Swedish heritage... for now I will just have to show Emmett biting into some French bread...

E and our guard Hama with a Christmas lamb

I had a really good time attending a U-17 national team game with some friends in teh capital. Admission was free, and Niger deservedly beat Ivory Coast 1-0. Now I just have to find my brother a National team jersey for his collection...

Who says Ir and E got a little stir crazy during Mom and Dad's studying times?

Here is Ir with our language helper Haruna at the National Museum. Ir hasn't really been in a full-throttle Hausa environment, but she does have enthusiasm... she showed a bilingual friend a lion toy the other day... the friend said "Yes, a lion." Ir corrected her: "No, Zaki."

Well, we are thankful to be safely in Galmi. And Irene is thankful for the lovely renovated playground! There are about 10 kids here to play with ranging from age 1 to 9.