It is official!!

It is official! I spent my first night in the village here in Africa. I went to Ruga Zabi, one of the two villages that I am acquainted with, and spent the afternoon, night and early morning. I came back early so I could talk to some missionaries who were passing through, but they stopped by before I arrived back at home. I was sad, but it was an answer to prayer, whether or not I was to return to Niamey with them. (My original plan was to return on Fri, but I heard they were coming through and contemplated riding with them.) I was not sure where God was leading because I wanted to stay and visit the other village, but I also wanted to go back with them and have 5 hours to talk with them. God answered that simply by having them come so early. Staying in the village was really hard. It was my first time thinking that maybe I could not do this big thing that God has given me to do. I really missed my family, especially when the woman I was talking with could point out cousins, uncles, children, nieces, nephews and brothers and sisters all around. I would really like to be surrounded by my family like that. I almost cried twice while just sitting with them. I thought about just going back to the house and not spending the night there. "Maybe next time I will be ready for this..." I thought. Then I prayed about it and asked God for strength to get through. He answered the prayer and gave me the strength to be a stranger. It was also really hard because I do not fit in their culture. I am foreign, out of my family (their complete social structure) and just getting to know them. They are very very hospitable, making me very physically comfortable, but that did not help my heart at all. This was a big test of God's strength for me. I did not intend to test it, but it was so faithful! Man! To describe it I can't believe it. The language was difficult too. Being in a group of people that are all native speakers talking quickly and sometimes simultaneously is so hard. It made me feel pretty alone, but again, God's strength was enough to encourage me to try to listen again and I did pick up some of the words.

My Babies in Konni

My Babies in Konni
Originally uploaded by dkoepke.

These are some of my little friends in Konni. You know I can't stay

away from such beautiful children! Their names are (L-R) Ramatu, Rabi

and Bule.

Did you ever wonder what millet looks like just before harvest?

Did you ever wonder what millet looks like just before harvest?
Originally uploaded by dkoepke.

Baker and I took a little detour the other day towards the border of

Nigeria! It was about a 2 and a half kilometer hike each way! It was

well worth it. The surroundings were nice, and Nigeria was cool too!



Here is the millet just before harvest! It is HUGE!! The people will

harvest this and store it in the granaries until they need it to feed

their families. This year's harvest was much better than last year!

Thank you God!

Tara came to visit!

Tara came to visit!
Originally uploaded by dkoepke.

New Experiences in Konni

Now I am in Konni, and a man just came to my home asking for money. It was so weird. He is traveling through and had to stay an extra day or something after his money ran out. He was speaking French. I offered him bread that I had. He talked about how that was not anything worth eating and that I should give him money. I explained that I did not plan to give him any money because I did not know him (culturally appropriate) but that I wanted to help him. I gave him the bread and also gave him a small can of tuna that I had. He then told me that the tuna was very good, but it was not enough. He told (not asked) me to give him another can of tuna. I politely told him that that was all I could help him with. I was struck with incredulity with the way he spoke to me. He definitely spoke down to me, even while asking for help. It was a new experience for me, but I am sure it will not be the first. Pray for me as I encounter people asking for help that I would know when they truly need help and when they are simply looking for a handout.

Fun with the kids!

Fun with the kids!
Originally uploaded by dkoepke.

I really enjoyed playing with the kids (and the chameleon) Here He is

black because he was very angry with us!



Seeing these kids experience something new reminded me how I should

act when God shows me something new. I should gaze in expectation, to

want to touch it and experience it all. I should, most of all, gather

everyone around to show then what I have found in hopes that God will

touch their hearts too.



That is what I am doing with this blog. Hoping to share what God is

doing so that through my learning experiences He will touch your life.



Thanks for giving me that opportunity.

Language learning

While trying to decide what to post this time I thought to myself, "I didn't do anything worth writing about, lately" But boy did I have the wrong outlook on what I have been doing. I have been diligently studying Fulfulde and Fulani customs. I have began and deepened relationships with some very strong women, increasing my awesome respect for them. I have learned my way around Niamey and have met different Fulfulde speakers all across this area.

I have spent time getting to know the other missionaries in this region, and spent time letting God reveal to me exactly who I am in Him and why I am here. It has been a very productive and successful month!

This coming week marks the end of my full time language study in Niamey and the beginning my "half-way house" type language study in Konni. I will be spending weeks in Konni at a time to take in the eastern dialect as much as possible. Then I will come to Niamey and "teach" my language tutor what I have learned, while learning more grammatical rules and using the eastern vocabulary in stories and parables.

In celebration of the official MOVE TO KONNI. I have devised a fun activity to help decorate my new home! I would like YOU, Friends, family and people that find my blog on the internet to participate! Because you can come and see my blog whenever you want, I want to be able to see you too! I want to COVER a big board with PICTURES! If you send me a picture of your self or your family I will make a big collage and show it to all my guests! I know it will be a HUGE ENCOURAGEMENT to me as well as others! If you are in the greater Fort Myers area, and would like to save postage, you can give pictures to Amy. She will get them to me as well! THANKS SO MUCH!!!

My address is available by request. If you send me an email asking for it I will send it to you!

I can't wait to hear from you!

No one was safe from Katrina, even in Africa

My heart goes out for all those affected by the powerful impact of Hurricane Katrina. We are praying for you!

The night before my trip to Konni we were sitting around the satellite radio, captured by news of the storm. Filled with joy for the safety of my friends and family as it crossed Florida, I was slapped by what I heard. The news was predicting devastation for the coastal areas. My heart sank.

Returning from my trip only brought news of the devastation and suffering. My heart was broken for them. I was burdened and very alone. Feeling the effects on those at home only brought my closer to the situation. As a family member was called to assist in relief efforts, Katrina hit home.

I am very far away, and have no idea how hard it has been for you all at home. But I just wanted to let you know I am with you in this. My thoughts and prayers go out for you. I am so thankful that there are those of you able to help out in any way possible! Be strong and take courage! We are all in this together! Even from Africa...