What You See is . . . Well . . . You Have to Look For Yourself . . .

"You are looking only on the surface of things . . . "

2 Corinthians 10:7

While this quote from the Bible is part of a passage in which Paul is defending his ministry, it also stands alone as an observation of how we live life.  Even though this is the third time we have descended the steps of the plane, and been stunned by the wall of heat that "smacks us" in the face, I find I continue to process and seek to understand the world that I just entered.  Niger is so different from the western world - in distance AND culture, and yet, our hearts seek the same things - love, respect, value, meaningful work, and a desire to know the God that created us.  I always seek to know what is "under the surface" and go home with more questions than answers.  BUT - in the journey,  there is much that amazes, surprises, and makes me laugh!  For example . . .

 IF you have a chair, you want to keep it at all costs, so you had better know how to sew!  And if you were wondering where you will ever use those Boy Scout knot skills you acquired, it would be to attach the sticks stabilising the legs!

I wonder how the sheep stays up there when this tanker takes corners.  I guess if it gets too windy for him, he can always climb down the ladder and ride on the bumper!

Somewhere there must be a formula for this related to height of a camel and width of its load!

Room for a few more . . .  or chairs . . . or tires!  This is how they roll . . . or roll OVER!

Niger version of Starbucks "drive-through!"  Niger's "sweet tea" has a reputation all its own!

Niger's version of "off-roading?"  Perhaps scenes like this serve as realistic reminders of what speed and over-loading a vehicle can lead to.  It is surprising to see that there are many versions of this along the  main road! 

It is overwhelming how large the African continent is!  Look at all the countries whose size could fit inside the size of Africa!

A Land of Many Contrasts!

Yes, There is a Driver  Here . . . Somewhere!

Where Life Happens
Roadside Business = No Set-Back Laws Here!

Sheep Transport

"How" is more the question here than "what!"  Perhaps somewhere there are instructions about how to transport sheep efficiently - "Put one leg of each sheep through your luggage rack!"  (Almost no one in Niger has "luggage," anyway!)

So Many Choices!

Let's see . . . Do I want "regular screen" or "a-little-wider-screen?" "Bent screen?  "Computer Screen?" How about "no screen?" (That would be just a box!) You need a "flat screen?"  Don't see one, but I am sure this shopkeeper would be happy to make one for you, if you can wait a few minutes!  Bottom line: Nothing is wasted here; EVERYTHING has potential!

Owning the Road --- BIGTIME!!!

Compare the height of the truck with the man standing next to it!  There are many roll-over accidents that happen in Niger.  This might be why.

Again, as I look past "the way things seem on the surface," I realise the people of this country possess many positive qualities that allow them to survive in such a harsh environment.  Among those qualities are resourcefulness, willingness to work hard, perseverance, lack of "entitlement" (listen up, western world!), friendliness, and helpfulness! 

So . . . just because your country is often the lowest on the human development index, it does not mean the people are!  It just means people here have a LOT to overcome to survive and thrive, and it is rewarding and revealing to see how they do that with kindness and an ever-present smile, and often laughter (at/with us)!