The next 3 years

Change in plans

For the first time in my life, I'm going to be a city dweller. After some changes in personnel at Galmi Hospital, my plan for the next 3 years has been altered slightly. But many faithful friends have reminded me, "God is not surprised by this change in plans!"

So instead of studying Hausa language in Niamey (the capital city) and then moving to Galmi Hospital to work in their rehab department, I will now be working with therapists in Niamey, associated with Clinique Olivia and CURE Hospital. The timeline has not changed; I still hope to depart in April with faith that I will be fully funded very soon! (See previous post below for budget update.) I will be studying French in Niamey for 6 months full-time and then begin taking on OT responsibilities as I continue studying for another 6 months part-time.

Language learning continues

In the SLA (Second Language Acquisition) course, I am learning about fully voicing my fricatives and removing my emPHAsis from the wrong syLLAble (apparently in French there is NO emphasis). I am now meeting with my instructors online (long live Skype!) 3-4 days/week, in addition to doing the coursework. The struggle is real. 

Have you heard about Niger in the news? 

After the attack that killed 4 American and 5 Nigerien troops on patrol near the Mali border, the US issued a travel warning for Americans in the northern region and the southeastern region of Diffa. I want to assure you that SIM takes this warning seriously; however, these regions do not affect the ministry in which I will be serving. Niger is about 3x the size of California, and the areas under warning are about 600 miles and 900 miles (the distance from L.A. to Portland, OR) away from Niamey. But I definitely appreciate everyone's prayers for safety!

Prayer Requests

• Another SIM hospital in Niger, CSL Danja Fistula Center, is facing a change in leadership as their interim medical director is leaving. Please pray for wisdom for SIM Niger as they fill this position, and for the staff of the hospital during the transition.
• The malaria season in Niger has just concluded, as the season turns drier and cooler. Please pray for those recovering from this disease (you may remember the young girl we treated at Galmi last February who had contracted cerebral malaria and could no longer walk nor sit upright) and for the ongoing efforts of medical teams from SIM, Samaritan's Purse, and Doctors Without Borders (MSF/Médecins sans Frontières) to become increasingly effective at prevention education.
• Pray for the medical staff treating patients in the southeastern region of Diffa during the recent Hepatitis E outbreak, which is being managed by Doctors Without Borders (MSF/Médecins sans Frontières). Mortality rate is down from 29% to 1.2%, but there is always more to be done. You can read about the progress they have made here.
• Please pray for me, regarding the relationships with my boss and coworkers, as they continue to ask me to take on more than I can handle due to a surge in patient caseload. 
• Happy Thanksgiving! I'm grateful to spend this holiday season with friends and family. Please pray that we can enjoy it together with joy as I look forward to my departure.