Just arrived in Niger with John and Judy Craig from New Jersey. As we left the plane, the ex Mayor had a special VIP van waiting for us on the tarmac, with a sign that said “ROBIN”! There is no better way to arrive in a country than have a greeting like this! Then we met the current Mayor Zenaboo and she was lovely! Of course Fatouma was there and once we retrieved our luggage we saw Hamani and the rest of the gang. Off to the Grand hotel…..John and I riding with Amadou, and Judy with Fatouma. Saw all the familiar faces at the Grand hotel….they all asked about Ed and Sam from my previous trips. Have a lovely room, in a bungalow….but had to be moved as the air conditioning wasn’t working and the heat is oppressive for February. Usually doesn’t get this hot until April. Found out that Hamani’s mother passed away a few weeks ago just prior to Neil’s visit and he didn’t want to say anything…..Hamani’s mother was a very refined woman, with a beautiful smile and warmth and graciousness that always touched me. I had brought her a present and hadn’t realized she had passed. I was heartbroken for Hamani who quietly talked about her……and today Gaston came to the hotel and told me that his mother too is not well. Still he came by to say a quick hello. The Nigerien people I have met here have tremendous character and heart and I have such high respect for them. They feel like my second family. Tomorrow is a big day – visiting the sewing centre and having our meetings with the women leaders. Off to sleep now…..!