Rachel, Hasira, and Learning Hausa

Rachel is a very friendly little girl. She quickly remembers people's names, and is able to repeat their names back even after hearing their name only once. She makes quick friends this way, and has a way of charming people into lavishing affection on her. Hasira helps us out around the house. She comes about 3 times a week to help with some of the more labor intensive jobs, and frees me up to do other things that would be impossible to do otherwise. Rachel and Hasira have become great friends. Hasira is teaching Rachel Hausa (and me too!) and she has already begun repeating phrases in Hausa. She "hears" Hausa, and will also disobey when commands are given in Hausa(!)when she doesn't want to do something. She also obeys commands in Hausa, and uses cultural Hausa gestures as well. Rachel will often try to "ci abinci" (eat food) with Hasira during her breaks. This is an excellent way to get Rachel to finish her breakfast (if she thinks it's Hasira's food)! One of the best things that Hasira is teaching Rachel is how to praise the Lord in Hausa, and give thanks. She sometimes walks around the house shouting, "Hallelujah, Amen!", or "mun gode Allah" (Thank you, God!) hours or days after Hasira has been to our house. We thank the Lord for Hasira, and the blessing that she is to our family!