When I was walking home from work yesterday, Jamila & Aichatu, two of my little friends on Eden Street, came up to me and asked me if I could please take a picture of them. Of course, I couldn’t resist them, but as soon as I got out the camera, the smiles disappeared - as it culturally correct in Niger to look serious on picture. Here’s a quick recap of how our photoshoot session went:

Esther: “Great guys, now show me some happiness!”

Esther: “That’s it, Aichatu! But Mila, you still look sad!”

Jamila [giggles]: “She really wants us to smile on pictures!”

Jamily [whispering]: “Isn’t that weird…?”

Aichatu [nods in agreement but does not mind]: U-huh!

In the end, my favorite picture was the first shot I took!