Something wonderful: The Garden

We have some very amazing friends here in Niger. Francis and Marie Wright. They both grew up here, had their children here and now are continuing to make Niger a better place. This past year they started a NGO (Non Governmental Organization) called Esperance (Hope). Their first project was starting a preschool giving an opportunity to under privileged children. They opened in October and it has been very amazing to me to watch their vision turned into reality. The first time I met Francis and Marie, Marie told me that she had always dreamed of opening a school. Each time we would meet she was telling me of how the plans were progressing. They secured a property and with much love, care and perspiration they opened! I love talking to Francis and Marie because they are definitely people of action. Their words are never empty. They mean what they say and follow through.

Yesterday I was amazed again. After having lunch with them the other day they invited us to come and see their newest project. A garden. This garden was actually more of what I would call an orchard. 4-5 different types of mango trees (about 50 trees in all), some grafted all in bloom. Citron, papaya, henna (used for dye), fig, cassava, orange, moringa (a tree with very nutritious leaves). They were also growing veggies. The "gardens" were enclosed in two separate areas with a small sand road between them. Their surroundings….a literal dump. I could see how Francis had meticulously cared for the space and it was quite breathtaking. There were two separate wells and we were there at watering time. They attached a big hose to a pump and Francis’ one helper lovingly watered each tree. He and Francis had created troughs around each tree that made a place for the water to collect and then gave it a chance to soak into the roots. Drew, Ben & Becca enjoyed running all over in their bare feet, picking fruit, treasure hunting and just enjoying the afternoon shade as the breeze gently blew through. The “treasures” they found were remnants of the dump....as you do here in Niger…finding random things, Ben found a baby doll head, Drew, something with lots of Chinese writing on it....Becca, a plastic peanut. To them that is probably the one and only benefit of the dump. It was such a place of peace and very out of place considering the surroundings. Definitely and oasis in the middle of the dumpy desert conditions. What a place of transformation!

As Francis led us around he was full of joy & hope for the future. As he talked, he had more plans and vision….a primary school, also project for young ladies…..teaching basic homemaking skills and sewing. I often marvel at the fact that they have stayed all these years, but this is their home and they are completely invested in Niger. Two of their children have left and made their way in France. They could have gone too? I am so thankful that they have not. They have financed the NGO with their own resources and you can really say that they have put their money where their mouth is….Francis (the General as some call him) is retired military. He was a pilot and very well loved and respected. They are leaders in community as well as the church. One day, I made a trip with he and Marie into town and it was so cool….he got the red carpet treatment....special parking, salutes.... but the neat thing about them, though…they are the most humble and kind people you would ever want to meet. Francis was asking us about the CURE Hospital and our standards for cleanliness & training and such. We started talking about training people to work in excellence.....to a higher standard. This is what I see in Francis and Marie, pure excellence. The desire to please and obey God in all they do. They are truly servants and I really learn a lot from just being around them. I left the garden yesterday not only seeing a wonderful project and carrying away some fresh lemons…..I left feeling full of hope and vision for this country that needs so much. Hope you enjoy the pics… they do not do this incredible place justice….