Trip!

The time has come.....the trip to Niger, West Africa!

Just a quick overview here: All of you know that I love to travel and have come from a family where missions is emphasized. As far as I'm concerned, love for traveling + love for God = missions. It might not be that simple, but both of those ingredients are pretty essential.

I've been a practicing PA for 2.5 years now, and I have put in enough time and effort that the hospital is willing to give me 3 weeks off. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a need, preferably in Africa. Unfortunately, many mission organizations haven't grasped the amazing utility of PAs in underserved countries!

I'm leaving for Niger, West Africa on Thursday the 26th. I'll be working in a hospital and outpatient clinic in a village just north of the Nigeria border. It is a hospital run by SIM. I'll be flying over by myself and then working with long-term missionaries.

There have been a couple bumps in the road. Last week there was a coup in the capital of Niamey and then president is currently in custody. There hasn't been any violence since that time (at least in the news) and I'm keeping a close eye on things. At this point, I'm planning on going unless things flare up. Also, there is a threat for a strike of air traffic controllers in Paris. That could cause some delays too.

I'll appreciate prayer in the following 3 areas:
* Safety - Traveling to and within the country. That the coup will remain nonviolent and I'll be able to get out of the country as well.
* Focus - I won't be treating much cancer there. I've read up on a lot of the illnesses, but it is still a lot of new information. Pray that I would learn quickly and apply what I have learned well.
* Clarity - I've been interested in living overseas for awhile. Pray that I would be refreshed and that I would learn a lot about missionary life. I am hoping to have a clearer vision---whether I'm supposed to continue to give more money in the future, take trips like this yearly, or end up overseas full time at some point in the future.

I'm excited to learn about a new culture....wait until you see my great pictures with me in a long skirt and a head covering!

Facts about the country: 95% Muslim, French is the primary language, Niger ranks last in the Human Development Index, 61% of people make less than or equal to $1 a day.