INA SABKA DA IYALI KIMSO

Well last week was probably my favorite week so far here in Niger. It was home-stay week, and to be perfectly honest I was really nervous about how I would handle it. For those who don’t know all the details about my semester, for one week all of us students go and stay with Nigerian families. The point is not to be their guest but rather function as a member of the family and household, probably the most important social unit in Nigerian society.

So I accidentally caught a glimpse of the list of families with their profiles before I was supposed to and immediately became attached to the idea of staying with the Kimso family. They are a uniquely bicultural family who speaks French, English, Hausa and Zarma. So I got to practice all three of my languages. (I don’t know Zarma.) Also, the father used to work for the Nigerian Embassy. So the family lived in Ethiopia for 8 years and even in Maryland for 8 years. While in the US, the family converted to Christianity. Then, they decided that their place was back in Niamey where they could start and foster a Christian community. Now, they basically run a church out of their house, and it’s not just a Sunday morning thing. There is choir, youth group, special speakers and even all night prayer during the week. It was a really incredible community and experience. As Pastor Kimso said, “It must be cool to see how Africans worship my God.”

Aside from the really interesting religious experience, I got to hang out mostly with Oumou and Christine, the two daughters who live at home. Oumou is 24 and the former RA for our program. Christine is 12. They are really fun. Oumou is a lot like my older sister. She took me to meet all her friends so that I had to practice my French. Also, we had a little evening ritual of talking about our separate customs. It was really interesting to talk to her about polygamy and her ideas about relationships. She has very American views, but a lot of her friends do not, and it was cool to see how she agreed and disagreed.

We also ate strawberry yogurt in bags and watched Dawson’s Creek on DVD.

With Christine I shared a bed, and we would do homework together. She’s really sweet and loves movies. So, I told her that I would be her personal resource of movies once I’m back in the states. She love romantic comedies, so I can’t wait to send her 10 Things I Hate About You, She’s All That, and Never Been Kissed. She hasn’t seen any of them and at twelve she would love them!! I’m taking over You’ve Got Mail in a couple weeks for us to watch.

All in all I had an awesome week with them. It’s nice to have a Nigerian family to visit, and they really now are my family here. I’ve started to go to church on Sunday mornings at their house, and I took Christine swimming last weekend.

Oh, and they have the sweetest dog named, Buzz and a turtle… but like a big turtle at least 2 feet in diameter.

On Monday we leave for Agades and Konni!! We’re very excited. Oh, and I’m getting my hair braided tomorrow. Could or could not be a good idea, but with a trip coming up there will definitely be lots of pictures (which by the way are easier to upload now with the addition of 2 more internet connections)!!!!

Loves and smiles to all you.

Sai an jima,
Habiba