Ibrihim and Muntari- Meet the SoHA Nigerien Team

As I was riding through the sand, the motorcycle shifting from side to side, I realized that I couldn't think of two people with whom I would rather share this vision. I was wishing that we would get to the next village and that the motorcycle was bigger to accomodate the three of us, but if I did have to be on a motorcycle with two others, I'm glad it was them.

Ibrihim
Ibrihim is the son of the chief of Garin Maigari. When I moved into Garin Maigari 13 years ago, the chief told him "You take care of her." That was the beginning of our friendship, long conversations over tea, trips to the field, question/answer sessions about life in America, and even advice on women since he was married just two weeks after I moved into the village.

Muntari
Muntari is Ibrihim's best friend and therefore became mine as well. He is somewhat of a comedian and when Ibrihim came over at the end of a long day to check in, Muntari was never far behind. Muntari is a true entrepreneur and has acquired a motorcycle, small mud hut "store" in the village, two wives and six kids. (We've had many discussions about birth control and Muntari has assured me that six is enough!)

Ibrihim and Muntari compose our Nigerien SoHA team. They take on the responsibility of checking in on the women's groups in each village and reporting back on their progress. After a long conversation a few days ago, I'm pleased to hear that all is well. Many births, no deaths, and the women are diligently making their monthly deposits into their microfinance savings and loan fund.
Both men passed on the blessings of good fortune from the women and I asked them to pass on my greetings and thanks for their commitment to success of the project.

Muntari said to me, "Zoulleha, na yi mahwelki bisa ga tahiya America", I have dreams of going to America.
I've told them in the past that my dream is to bring them here to visit, meet my family and share this world with them. They understand the challenges of money and time involved and that it will take time to make this dream come true. I'm sure he could hear the longing in my voice when I responded, "Nima Muntare, ina da waccan mahwelki kuma", Me too Muntari, I have that dream too.