Because of the recent security situation (during the fall, five West African aid workers were kidnapped in Dakoro some three hours drive west from the city where I live, and during spring, a French family was kidnapped in Cameroon close to the northern Nigerian border), I have not been able to make it into the field as much as I would have wanted to. But finally, I was able to enjoy a 24 hour stay in Edenland which gave me so much joy.

Because it had been a while,

I had a lot of greetings to catch up on!

Greetings are important in Niger,

…where time does not equal money, but instead friendship and compassion.

It was a precious visit.

We visited a number of households,

We talked about their recent Eden harvests.

During the past year, the Eden trees had provided well.

The farmers showed us their Eden food – former famine food that used to be their stable food but lost its status with colonization, which is now being reinstated into their local food culture again.

We tried their hanza porridge (made of boscia senegelensis seeds) and it was delicious!

We walked past their growing herds of goats – their financial capital;

…and saw the women’s accumulated wealth inside the houses.

We met with their visitors,

…we drank tea together,

…but above all, we just “were”.

It was a very precious stay.

You see, when you spend your days in an office and deal with data and numbers and practical issues most the time, the problems and solutions that you face can seem overwhelming at times. But once you head into the field, you are reminded of what it’s all about. It’s about people gaining a dignified sustainable life through drought-tolerant trees and bushes, that give food even in times of need. It’s as simple as that.

So I come back from the field; grateful, touched and with renewed energy. Grateful to the Eden girls who held my hand. Touched by the generosity and warmth of the Eden population. And with renewed energy, knowing that no matter what technicalities may await at the office, Eden’s work takes place every day, all year round, and I am grateful to be part of it.

You can be part of it too!

The thing I love about birthdays is that it gives you the opportunity (and the excuse!) to do something out of the ordinary, such as going up at 4am in the morning and drive out to your favourite hilltop just to have a cup of coffee and a ‘pain of chocolat’ and watch the sun go up.

It was a very special start of the day.

As for my wishes, I posted this note on facebook:

Eden: my reason for living and working in Niger. ♥♥♥

Last year, Eden distributed seeds for more than 43,000 trees to 3000 farming families here in arid West Africa. These trees are life savers and make all the difference in the world for their caretakers (often women and children). They require no irrigation to grow and yet provides food in abundance, even in times of need.

So if you thought of giving me a gift on my birthday, wouldn’t you much rather support a new farming household with Eden trees and help them achieve a sustainable life?

For €20 you can sponsor a new family with a start-up package with seeds for 10 trees. Last year, more than 80% of the farming families were new to the program, and we have all reason to believe there will be even more this year! Please help us answer the demand!

You can donate to Eden here:
http://www.edenfoundation.org/support_donation.html

You can also use my paypal [contact me for info] if that’s easier.

BIG HUG from Africa!
☼ Esther ☼

Two weeks ago, Ishtar’s Ark had a new set of goats: two little bucklings born to Allis and Tyson!

These little newborn brothers were so cute together, but I have yet to decide their names!

I am keeping the dark (a mini-Tyson he is!) while the brown one will go to my neighbour in exchange for a set of hens (meant for horse parasite control).

Name suggestions, anyone?

I was at a friend’s house on Friday and had a very nice lunch with good company.

As he is house-sitting for my other friend who is on vacation in his home country, I thought I’d put a post with all his beloved pets, who were more than willing photo subjects! And also to show that I’m not the only person in Zinder with an Ark!

Tiger – the firstborn – was happy to pose for the camera.

And look at those beautiful eyes…

Little Penny came as soon as I called her. Sweet face there too, though I’m partial and enamoured by Tiger’s fantastic eyeliners.

Poutchi, the MAN, was all over me until we tried spraying his ears with aluespray. Then he hid under the van, but enjoyed the photo-shoot nevertheless.

Mr Kittycat was one sweet gentleman – so cuddly and handsome in his white.

Also in white was Mr Pigeon and his crew.

Mr Blue walked peacefully on the ground,

…while Mr Grey called at me from above! I found him in the tree…

King the stallion hurried over as soon as he spotted the camera,

…but wouldn’t you say this was a little too close, King?

Last but not least was Mrs Lamb (not a goat!) had just given  birth! We named the little ones Elsa and Evie, but they will be big like their mother, and soon!

I hope you enjoyed this little peak into this one courtyard!

To see what’s happening in
other corners of the world,
visit OurWorld!

Isolde, Isolde…

It really doesn’t feel like a long time ago, when you were a fuzzy little creature that followed us on our trail rides. Our firstborn equine, always so obedient despite your curiosity.

You followed us on our trails for two years, before you got to carry your own rider.

You grew as tall as Ebony.

Our first rides were amazing. You impressed me, taking it with all the easy in the world.

As if you were born for this.

And the bush awaited!

I would have to look long for a more handsome horse!

And you are sensitive and sensible too!

Always a bit of a poet, sometimes lost in a world of your own,

…but super cuddly and in constant need of human affection.

And the affection is mutual!

You’ve had some rough times in your life, and in the past year, you suffered from colds, repeated piroplasmosis and even parasites. Still, you bore with me and the vet, taking your shots without complains.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Isolde!!! Have fun with your pals today and your fresh grass party!!

For more animals around the world, check out Camera Critters and Pet Pride!

A few nights ago, the dogs announced the arrival of rival creature in the garden, and as I looked up in the trees, I saw the distinctive striped tail of a genet.

A wild animal, this little guy (or guys!) have been making frequent visits to my garden, often walking quietly amongst the horses when the dogs are on the veranda.

Ronja was very upset by the genet’s presence, but could not quite understand why I did not take matters as seriously as she did!

Armed with a torchlight and a camera, I watched the fascinating creature as it jumped from one branch to another.

Well aware of my presence, he seem oblivious to me being there,

…nor was he particularly bothered by the hostile stare of the dog below.

Safe in the tree, the genet lay to rest,

…while Ronja stared in chock at the enemy creature’s audacity to call HER garden ITS home.

Personally, I adore genets!

They are beautiful, elegant and daring creatures. This guy seemed as intrigued by me as I was by him, and did not let my torchlight (or the hostile dog right beneath him) stop him from going about with his usual nightly routines.

I watched him for a over ten minutes (while the mosquitoes bit my legs) as he cleaned his tail and tried out the tree for the most comfortable sleeping position.

Eventually he found it, and I just stood there, amazed at his beauty and lost in a world of wilderness.

After several minutes, the feline-line creature closed his eyes and napped, telling me it was time to go back to bed.

At my side, Ronja was falling asleep on her post as well,

…and I took this last picture of the dog sitting on duty-patrol under the tree and the genet sleeping comfortably above it, before calling it a wrap.

This is not our first genet visit, and hopefully not our last either! To read more about our genet visits and what kind of animal the genet is, click here.

To see what’s happening in
other corners of the world,
visit OurWorld!

For more animals,
check out Camera Critters and Pet Pride!

To see what’s happening in
other corners of the world,
visit OurWorld !

Did you find a favourite? I couldn’t!

For more skies
around the world,
visit Skywatch !

It’s mid-rainy season here in Niger, West Africa, and the trails are beautifully green!

There’s nothing to please the crew of Ishtar’s Ark as saddling up and going for a beautiful hike!

As soon as Sheba knows where we’re going, she’s happy to lead the way!

This time, we were heading for the healin jirgi tapki, one of my favourite places on earth.

Healin jirgi means airfield in Hausa. To us, however, it means a particular little spot, right next to the airfield.

A pretty little lake filled with grass, though deep enough for the horses to splash their bellies and for the dogs to swim. And beautiful whichever way you look at it!

The dogs were quick to plunge in.

You’d be surprised how cold the water becomes over night in such an otherwise warm country!

While the dogs explored the waterside, I got off my horse and explored the lake with my camera.

As always, Sheba was on the lookout, making sure we were all “safe”.

Surrounded by so much beauty, I had no need to leave!!!

Eventually, it was time to head back home,

…with both dogs and humans done discovering the premises.

We collected some fresh grass for the horses left at home. Ebony and Sahara were not all that happy to serve as transporting mules (“Isn’t that what donkeys are for?!”) but they did it nevertheless. After a few minutes, Sahara forgot all about her “load” and insisted we gallop home.

Our ride back through the green millet labyrinths was as enjoyful as our way there.

I can’t believe the millet is as tall as me on horseback, even though we’re not even in the middle of August! This is going to be one fabulous year for the farmers of the Zinder area!

As for the trail ride, Sheba and Sahara raced most of the way home, spurring each other all the way through. I love that dog, and the horse!

And here’s your close-up on the gigantic yet still growing millet plants for the Zinder area. From August 4th, 2012. Hope you enjoyed!

To see what’s happening in
other corners of the world,
visit OurWorld!

My beautiful niece is 7 years old today! I can’t believe what a big girl she’s become!

Not only is she a dog owner and an eager rider, but she is a real goat girl too!

I wonder who she could have inherited such an interest from…?

Well, Tabita, I wish you a fabulous birthday!

I hope we have time for many more sleep-overs at my house this year,

…because someone is needed to look after those Barbie dolls!

HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY, TABITA!

For more skies around the world, visit Skywatch!

On this day, exactly three years, my dad, my sister and I drove to Smögen to visit my mother’s grave.

My dad – 2009. I couldn’t be prouder!

The graveyard where my mother lies is peacefully situated at the end of the island, close to the sea. The air is fresh and it’s almost always windy.

We’d brought new flowers,

…and my dad knew exactly how he wanted to place them.

A beautiful stone, for a beautiful person.

And the flowers were beautiful too!

Miss you so much, Mom! It’s been more than three years but the longing for hasn’t faded over the years. Not a bit. Seems I just miss you more and more for every day that goes by.

It’s Cattle Egrett mating season here in West Africa, and even in the city, the thorny acacias are buzzing with activity.

I figured such a colony would be easy to approach,

…and sure enough, I got some nice captures.

With so many birds and so much activity,

…there was a lot of landings,

…and a lot of hopping about.

Dressed in mating plumage, there was more fighting than mating going on.

This guy made a beautiful dance for what seemed to be his partner-to-be, but once he turned his back, another suitor took his place.

Truth be told, I’m not exactly sure WHAT they were doing, but they were beautiful subjects to photograph nevertheless!

And in not too long, these nests will be filled with little cattle egret chicks. I hope our beautiful photo subjects will be equally cooperative then!

To see what’s happening in
other corners of the world,
visit OurWorld!

For more birds around the world,
visit World Bird Wednesday!