Simple Pleasures

This has been a good week in the Carrigan house. Marc is gaining some much needed confidence and satisfaction in his work here. Although the death and sickness will probably continue to overwhelm him for many months to come, I think he at least feels he is contributing more as a member of the team and is helping some of the people he sees. I found THIS article on CNN yesterday and thought it gave a good description of the food crisis this nation is currently in.Thank you for faithfully praying for Marc as he serves the Nigerians during our time here. A few people have asked us how they can help contribute to the work that is going on at Galmi Hospital. Here is the address if you would like to make a financial contribution to SIM Galmi Hospital. It feels wonderful to know that we are connecting you enough to people's lives here that you would want to become involved in such a way.

For tax deductible purposes, gifts for the hospital should be made out to SIM USA. The US Tax ID number is 22-1936391. Gifts can be earmarked to “Galmi Hospital, Project 84400” and sent to: 

SIM USA 
Receipting Department 
PO Box 7900 
Charlotte, NC 28241 

I am continuing to try new and fun things in the kitchen. If you were reading this blog before we departed for Africa then you are surely familiar with the fact that I love food, really good food, and love cooking it. Good food is such comfort to me. I tried out a few of my Memaw's family favorite recipes this past week and they have filled our tummies to the brim with delight.

What says comfort to a southern girl more than some chicken and dumplings???

I love watching Marc play with Eli and Hailey. They enjoy the wrestling time with him that I don't offer them during the day. Hailey has learned to play rough like the boys, and she loves to tackle Marc. She learns so much from just watching her brother. I keep reminding Eli that she is watching him all the time and that he needs to teach her how to do the RIGHT thing. It is a work in progress most days. :)

I should mention that you are likely to see more pictures of our kids in their undies than in actual clothes for the next few months. Temperatures are rising (the high was 102 yesterday) and they prefer sleeping like this for their naps. I somehow can never get them to put their clothes on again after they wake up. :)

Hailey is growing up so much! We thought that she would be the one to change the most while we were gone, and that is proving to be true. Her hair is getting long and she has many teeth coming in. She is becoming quite independent. She refuses any help with walking (though she walks SO slow and often gets distracted by rocks and steps to climb), using a spoon or fork, and drinking from a big cup without a lid. She loves annoying her brother by just invading his personal space and he squeals, "Mommy, Haywee is boddering me!"

Marc and I were cleaning up the kitchen and washing the dishes the other night while we thought Hailey was finishing her chocolate pudding at the table. We looked over and realized she was using it as body paint instead. She thought this was quite funny and so did Eli.

So, here we are today enjoying some of the simple pleasures of our life here in Niger... satisfaction of work, good comforting food, quality family time, two healthy and beautiful growing children, and the abundant grace God continues to lavish on us each and every day. Have a wonderful and blessed Sunday.