An Open Letter

Dear Nigelec,
I don't envy your job. Being the only power company in Niger has to be a tough spot to be in, but we need to talk. I know you are a native Nigerien, but even your fellow patriots are complaining about the heat. While I understand that you have it rough, I mean, it's not like Niger can provide with your power source. We appreciate all the work you do in making nice with Nigeria to get us the power. But really, it's time to stop stopping! You see, it is 120 degrees out here...every day. Do you understand what that means?

-That means my house is about 100 degrees all the time.
-That means the dorm kitchen is completely unbearable! I don't have the heart to check the temperature in there!
-That means the magnets melted to the refrigerator door. Have you ever tried getting melted magnet off a door?
-That means I have to teach in a room full of nineteen super sweaty 9th and 10th graders. I love them. Really, I do! But Wow! That room is...well...stinky!

Also, you keep shutting down during the worst times in the evening! What is your problem? I have 8 kids trying to shower and get ready for bed when you decide to die. Do you know how frustrating it is to find some sort of lighting for 8 kids who are stuck in the showers on 3 different halls? I get the feeling you're enjoying this. And if that isn't bad enough, about the time I get lighting for them all, you come back on! Just long enough for them to get to bed and have their A/C's cool down their rooms. I, having all kids in bed and quiet, jump in my own shower...and what do you do? Seriously! What's your problem? What did I ever do to you? OH!!! and I forgot! Since the rest of town is out of electricity, we can't pump water into the water tower! I've just been running around and am looking forward to my (I wish I could say cold) almost hot shower and when I turn the water on what do I find? Yeah...that's right...a trickle! If I run around enough I know I'll eventually get wet enough to sleep.

OK...so I may have exaggerated a bit. After all, we do have a generator here that helps out quite a bit. I confess it isn't all that bad. But please, Nigelec, let's work together. Let's at least be friends...or enemies who respect one another and share resources.
Come on, Nigelec, what do you say?

Cordially,
Cindy

A Random Sighting

The Nigerien military carts soldiers around in pickups with big benches in the back. Today, as I was waiting at a stoplight, one of these pickups came barreling out of the round-about in the opposite lane. Movement caught my eye. I focused my eyes and watched as a soldier threw himself off the pickup and ran towards his gun he had dropped in the middle of the road.

I stifled a laugh...they don't always have the best sense of humor.

Nigerien tax dollars at work, my friends.