Almost there

 Between lay overs and cancelled flights it took 36  hours, but I am finally at the Guest House in Niamey.  I think the tiredness caught up to me and I got a bit anxious when my flight from Addis Ababa to Niamey wasn't showing up on the displays in the Airport, but it did board from the gate on my boarding pass so all is well.  The airport in Niamey has been updated somewhat and it looks nicer.  Once again glad that I can speak french and talk to all the officials.  Because I got a "Visa Volante" they will be keeping my passport for 24 hours, but apparently this happens all the time, and Crystal from SIM in Niger will be collecting it back for me soon.  

It was raining in Niamey when I arrived.  I have never been to Niger in rainy season (and this still isn't really it), in fact this is the first day of rain I have ever seen in my 3 trips here.  My luggage arrived in spite of all the flight changes so thanks again to the wonderful Turkish Airline employee who looked after me.  Mari the driver was right outside the airport exit waiting for me.  Good to see a friendly face and we chatted in French on the way to the Guest House.  Lots of familiar sites and sounds - 3 lines of cars trying to use 2 lanes, people cutting through round abouts in the wrong direction on their scooters, even the land marks seemed familiar.  

I even got to have a Thanksgiving dinner with all the other missionaries currently working for SIM (Serving in Missions) in Niamey right now.  It was fun to visit with others from various parts of Canada.  One even said her Aunt and Uncle live in Chilliwack and her Aunt is going back to school to become a doctor at the age of 45.  

Well, I am getting picked up tomorrow at 0745 and it has been a long couple of days, so I will be heading to bed soon.  I will be flying out to the Hospital Compound in Galmi tomorrow.  Thanks everyone for your prayers, it has been an interesting trip so far, but it is all working out well. 


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