While in Niamey we made good use of the taxi's and walking. Taxi's are interesting, you stand at the curb side and just put your hand out for one. They will stop no matter how many people they already have. Then you tell them where you want to go and they will say yes or no. They also do not run a meter like in North America and they do not get tips. Most rides for the two of us were a toal of 400 cfa or about 80 cents. They cabs are old, worn out and for the most part not very clean but they are the prevalent vehicle on the city streets.
When we did not use a cab we often had the help of Andy from the SIM Niamey office. He took us to the places where we could get the best buys on furnishings. Andy is married and has a 6 month of son. We really appreciated his assistance. One of the places he took us to was the Handicapped Society of Niger where we were able to order a table and some chairs. Below is a picture of a man weaving a chair. Ours will be the same only blue and gold.
Our first day of shopping could have been a disaster. We were stocking up on supplies and while going through cash out realized we did not have enough cash. Fortunately, Andy was there to rescue us. At another instance we had a long day and were finishing up some last minute details at a store. Grace was calling Andy to come get us, and while she was doing that I prayed that Andy would just show up so we did not have to wait. I opeened my eyes and looked up and there he was.
We were wandering the grande marche(the largest outdoor market in Niamey), looking for a specific store, without any luck. We asked people but just could not find the place. As we were walking Orest prayed that God would help us find the store quickly as it was very hot and we were tired. Immediately a young man came up to us and asked us in english if we needed help. We told him where we wanted to go and he led us to the store right away.
One evening we were out and about on a quieter street looking for a taxi. One stopped but would not take us where we wanted to go. Just prior to this cab Orest again prayed that God would supply a nice cab for us to finish the day. Right after the first cab left a young man stopped in a brand new Toyota 4X4 and asked if he could give us a ride. He worked in tourism and thought he could help. We were more than happy to accept his ride to our door. All turned out well.
Does God answer prayers?
This is the main bridge in Niamey.
In the morning there is freshly washed clothing hanging over most of the guard rails, and if you look over the side there will be clothing laying across all the shrubs. We look at it and wonder how anyone gets the right clothing back. You can also see people in the river doing laundry - mostly men.
Here are some friends we found walking over the bridge. They obviously were not camera shy.
Last, and certainly not least, here is our friend Andy who helped us through most of our week long stay in Niamey.
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