My Adventure in Africa

Random Posting

2005-05-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this pretty much to myself... It's been a month since I've been back. So many ups and downs, but glorious. I'm learning. I'm realizing. I know Africa has changed my mind, my direction, how I think. What a gift that I've been given and am slowly unwrapping. Here's my insight tonight:

Father Sundborg said something that stuck with me today. It is during our college years that we decide what our world is. How far does it extend? Does it stay in a realm of similarity and comfort and do we allow experience to mold it beyond previous comprehension. Does it end in our city, our town, our, state , our country or does it extend to worlds so different from our own, to the countries soaked in poverty, in suffering. Do we allow our world to be touched and pained by what is not before our eyes? Do we extend our world and allow love to hold people of different sexuality, faiths, beliefs, ideas, and colors? Is it justifiable to do this? Why not live merely within what you already know? Why expand? Why learn about what you can not change? Why go through the frustration? Why, because that’s where living beings. That’s where God is discovered. Open your world. Please simply open your world and allow it to live a life so diverse, so colorful, so crazy that it will forever remain inexhaustible. Continually discovering and learning and stretching.

Conclusion to Chapter One

2005-03-24T04:48:00.000-08:00

Alright… (deep breath)… I almost feel like I’m getting ready for another unknown adventure returning back to the U.S. I’m trying to anticipate the culture shock of returning home… the presence of so much, so much wealth and materials will be interesting, but I really can’t foresee what the process will be like. I was thinking yesterday how when I first came here, Dakar was so foreign so me, so culturally different than what I had known. Just as an experiment I tried to return to that mind frame and I can’t. I honestly can’t do it, everything has been embedded in me and has become a natural way of life.

I’m going to miss the charm of Senegalese people. I think this is a selfish thing because I’m always the receiver of their charm. Especially these last few days, everyone’s been expressing their gratitude and even giving me gifts… it’s like a birthday. They have set an example to me how to live with generosity and a constant welcoming attitude.

This morning I walked baby Khady to school with Coumba. I’ve grown pretty darn attached to this family. I think I was meant to meet them. In a few minutes we’re having an office party. Seriously CRS and the staff here have been great. Tomorrow I’m going to the stations of the cross for Holy Friday, which I think will be a big gathering and then my friends are coming over to say a final goodbye before I head to the airport Friday night.

Well… I guess this sums it up for My Adventure in Africa… or at least until chapter two. Thank you all for reading. It’s been real:) Peace be the journey.

Fini!

2005-03-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

I just gave my final presentation ! I’m done with project here with CRS Senegal. Though I know my contribution was small, I think I made a small one. I have helped to create the first draft of a manual that eventually will be distributed to all the partner organisations of CRS which contains all the information imperative for being in a partnership with CRS. AND it’s all in French… okay so not perfect French, but still that’s an accomplishment. The presentation went well, maybe not the most interesting for everyone to listen to me try and manage in French, mais je m’en fou. I realize that this document will be pretty useful when it’s completed. Godlove even expressed the idea to share it with the other CRS offices in francophone countries. I have the "I just got done with finals feeling," though the idea of leaving is beginning to create some sentimental emotions. I’m making sure to profit from each moment during my last few days here. My last weekend here I spent catching up with my friends that I haven’t seen since my vacation. I went to the last soirée with the track team… we danced the evening away. Palm Sunday was really interesting. So many people showed up to mass and we all joined in a procession around the area where the church is while singing songs and saying prayers. I found this fairly impressionable, since 95% of the population is Muslim. Everyone respectfully stopped traffic and people peered out of their windows and balconies to watch. This country is blessed with a great solidarity. I’ve been filled with a full joy my last few days here… I’m so grateful for my experience here, the people I’ve met, all that I’ve learned, and I know I will take it with me. There are certain aspects of this culture and my life here that I will miss because I don't know if they would fit in as naturally back home. For one, there's the closeness of the people; guys will hold hands with their guy buddies, same with the girls and people are genuinely accepting of everyone else, secondly, eating dinner with my hands and sharing one big plate with the family (Sarah and Lydia.... maybe we can make this possible back home), thirdly is that I spend the evenings here simply enjoying the presence of others without always feeling like I should be doing something, and lastly... okay there is no lastly, I could go on but will stop there. ALright well, for many of you, I'll be seeing you soon. God Bless!

Continuation of Vacation Update..

2005-03-18T01:42:00.000-08:00

I'm back from vacation ! C'était vraiment magnifique. Cap Skirring is one of those places that almost seems like you're in a dream-state. Our hotel was situation on a small cove on the Atlantic Ocean. The waves were perfect for body surfing and boogy boarding, the palm trees provided shade from the sun and perfect for setting up hammocks, mangoes and coconuts were a daily snack... really was perfect. My fam and I all went to Mass in Cap Skirring, so my parents got a feel for Mass...African style. There's a certain enthusiasm and sincerely that I love about mass here and always makes me feel like I belong right there in that moment. After Cap Skirring we went to Zinguinchor. I stayed there for a few days while my parents attempted to make it back to Dakar. There have been difficulties with the airlines here and they arrived at the airport to find out that there was no plane. So in order to make it to Dakar in time to catch the flight to the U.S. They hoped in a 7 passenger car and drove to Dakar. This is quite a trip due to the unpredictable ferry that crosses the Gambia river, the condition of the roads, the heat and the communication barrier.... but after about 10 hours they made it.

In Zinguinchor I visited some of the partners of CRS and the projects being executed. One of which is the microfinance banks in Casamance. I went to a meeting where all the women make they monthy payment for their loans and are also given a portion of the loan which is distributed over a period of 6 months. The organization and patience of these women was impressive. All the women take responsibility and really appreciate the presence of these the bank. Most of them use the loan to buy and sell some type of good whether that’s clothes, shoes, peanuts, fruits or vegetables. This allows women a chance to be empowered and earn a living which in turn improves the living of their children and families.

I also visited Madina and Kandialong, which are villages that were destroyed during the 20 years of conflict between the military and rebellion group. CRS helped to fund projects to rebuild these abandoned communities. In 1997 everyone fled their homes due to the violence in this area, leaving everything. In 2001, after the conflict has subsided for the most part, CRS funded projects to help rebuild houses and schools in these villagers so people could return to the places they grew up in. As we drove through these towns, you would of never know the history that had passed. People were going about their daily life, children out playing, andI could see houses scattered around everywhere. CRS and RADDHO (a partner of CRS) provided the materials to these communities, which allowed the villagers to work together to reconstruct their homes. Everyday they worked to rebuild their community and in the end constructed 97 houses. I bet to see this community come together and rebuild their lives would have been pretty impressionable. This was definitely an insight to a more traditional lifestyle then life in Dakar. No electricity, no running water and though people could travel to Zinguinchor for supplies and materials, most people lived off the land.

I'm feel really fortunate to have the opportunity to see these projects and also to have been able to travel around Senegal and Gambia with my parents. It's definitely been a highlight to my experience here. I was excited to come back to see the family and my friends here. Even work is good because I’m in crunch time to finish my project, present it and write up a report of my internship and I like the fact that I’ll be busy my last week here.

I feel like I have to end by saying God is good. I’m so very sure of that. It seems everything in my life testifies to this. What amazes me is how many times I hear this from the people here who struggle to make it, yet never hesitate to glorify our Creator.

Gambia and Cap Skirring

2005-03-18T01:37:00.000-08:00

(I wrote this in Cap Skirring was wasn't able to post it till now)

Greeting from Cap Skirring ! There’s so much that I feel worth sharing with everyone but I think that would make for way too long of an update. To begin with our vacation started in Dakar. My mom got hit by a car on the first day... haha. She’s not going to be happy when she knows I’m sharing this information with everyone. Don’t worry, it was barely a tap and it was their first day so with the time difference, crowds of people and culture shock she has many excuses. Though Dakar was a good visit with good meals and quite a bit of sight seeing, the bussiness and in your face atmoshpere of this city was a quite enough for my parents after a few days.

After a 6 hour delay, our plane finally made it to Gambia (country right in the middle of Senegal, colonized by the British, speaks English) This place has made a colorful imprint on all of us. First of all we had quite a character for our chauffeur/taxi driver/guide. His name was Kebba. Yesterday we all had a heartfelt goodbye when he dropped us off in Zinguinchor. One funny incident we had with him was after we had visited the Makasutu forest. Our guide there informed us of all the mudicinal purposes of the plants and trees. We all found the most interesting to be the root of a specific tree which if soaked in water acts as a natural viagra. Before hand I had noticed a mysterious bottle in Kebba’s car and on the way back from Makasutu, my mom picked up the bottle and asked what it was as pretending to take a big gulp. This led to quick a few good laughs and we gave Kebba a hard time about it the rest of the way home. I took a priceless picuture of him driving the taxi, wearing my dad’s safari hat and drinking his “special solution.”

My first morning in Gambia I woke up to the sound of chopping and when I went outside to check it out, it was a few guys chopping down coconuts. I sat there on the grass with them and drank for the first time the milk from a fresh coconut. This has been something on my life list....quality moment.

In Gambia I had my first experience seeing the field work of a non-government organization. Funny how I was in a different country and with a different organization than CRS in order to do this. A couple staying at the same hotel as our family invited me to go with them to see the school they had sponsored to build. We hopped in a jeep and took the only narrow, sandy road to a small village in Gambia called Madiana. We were greeted by 60 nursery school kids cheering and yelling as we drove up. A couple from Holland who now live in Gambia help local communities build schools, cliniques and other needed structures. They were sponsored by this the Holland charity group to build this specific school. The town had a meeting while we were there and discussed some of the issues with the school. A difficultly in Gambia is that children have to pay to go to school in order to have materials and provide salaries for the teachers. Though it is only a the equivalent to a few dollars a month, it is too much for many families. I realize that finding these types of funds is not necessarily the most difficult part (100 dollars would make a big difference), but instead it’s organizing, distributing and ensuring that these funds are used properly that is the big obstacle. I really like how this Holland couple saw a need and decicded to address it. Now they are attempting to expand this aspiring INGO. This excursion was a good reality check..

Everynight my mom, dad and I end the day laughing usually at some type of money scam that we fell for, or typical tourist ignorance that we were a part of which was usually mispronouncing almost everything, or falling out of hammocks and then there was a certain accident that I’ll only tell to a specific audience (Suzanne you’ll like this one).

We drove from Gambia to Casamance and had to say goodbye to several friends that we had made in that wonderful country including Kebba and Ba, my running buddy. We discovered the adventure of the the roads here in Africa. It’s almost like a workout sitting in the car because you’re bouncing around so much. Actually I do have to give credit that some areas are in good condition but after a 5 hour drive to Cap Skirring, that was enough for us all. Oh, we saw Baboons on the side of the road!! That was maybe another life list, to see a Baboon. Cap Skirring in on the southern coast of Senegal. They claim to have the best beaches in Western Africa, and I believe it. Though we’ve only been in the southen region for a day and a half, there seems to be a much more relaxed atmosphere. Less people and they are less forward. Instead of “Hello, do you have a husband?” it’s just “Hello, how are you.” A nice change.

Yesterday my mom said to me that every person, especially students, should have an experience abroad, in a country less developed than our own, like Senegal or other countries in developing areas in the world. What a great comment to be hear. A definite change from when I first told my parents that I want to go to Senegal.

I'm heading on Vacation

2005-03-04T03:35:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling more at peace today. Doesn't mean that I resolved anything, but God's granted me a peace in the midst of it all. Part in due to the fact that my parents have arrived! I think this will be a growing experience for us all. Their first time in Africa, my first time kind of taking care of them while they are here. I'm not sure if I'll have much computer access so if I don't update this thing, it's not because I'm dead, but because I'm off exploring this country. Enjoy the weekend and God bless!

This Morning

2005-03-03T00:54:00.000-08:00

I wake up some mornings and feel heavy. I drive to work some days in silence as I watch the mother’s with children tied to their backs begging, breathing in exhaust, as I see the Talibé kids already amidst the traffic being repeatedly turned down for change, as I see the only woman who sells newspapers on the street working hard to compete with the others as I see the young men crippled by polio and with nothing to move themselves with but their gnarled hands…. I feel heavy. Some days I am captured by the hospitality, smiles and joy of these people, but today I’m captured by their hardships. The next emotion that runs through me is how my life is in direct contrast. I have so many options, I can discover anything, I can move about society without constraints of worrying to feed myself, of trying to survive and make it one day at a time. I look ahead and see so many options and unknown paths. I question what to do with this. Yesterday, I watched a documentary of Martin Luther King Jr. because Cheikh brought me to the English club at the British Institute where he studies. Afterwards the students talked about what stood out to them. A few mentioned the importance of the message of MLK to be the best you can be. Some people are made to shine like the sun and others are made to be steady, quiet stars. He points out that God has a purpose for each of us. That purpose might seem relatively small compared to others, but it is up to us to live it out. While I’m spending my last few weeks here I feel pressure to really define my role here, my reason here… maybe that will come and maybe it won’t. There is always something worth striving for, worth trying to make better. Some don’t see it, some don’t believe it’s possible; others simply don’t care for it. I know I’m striving but for exactly what I’m trying to understand.

Only a Month to go...

2005-03-01T01:34:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody. Today is March 1st meaning I only have 25 more days here. The thought of leaving is bittersweet; I’ve come to realize that’s the case with most changes. I’m excited for the last part of my stay here. Friday my parents come and we’re going to be making a tour through Senegal and Gambia. We’ll be heading to the Atlantic Coast in Gambia and then to Cap Skirring and Zinguinchor in the Casamance region. I’m going to be staying in Zinguinchor to take a look at some of the projects CRS and it’s partners are involved in such as the Micro finance banks and the peace building projects.

At work I’m trying to gather as much information that I’ll need in order to write the lovely 30 page paper I get to write when I return. Two of the main human rights issues are the Talibé, and women’s education. The Talibé are the kids who beg for money on streets in order to give to the Marabouts who supposedly take care of them and teach them the Qur’an (I think wrote about this earlier). These children obviously are not taken care of and the problem is very visible, yet the government isn’t acting to improve the situation. There are several NGO’s who focus on this issue, some provide shelters for these kids to clean themselves and provide food, others actually interact with the Marabouts and provide resources to ensure that the children are actually being taught and not sent out on the streets. In terms of women’s education, the literacy rate among women is around 30%. Part of the problem is that for many women it is not imperative for them to read and write French because they are preoccupied with house work, raising families and trying to earn a living by the means that are immediately accessible such as being a maid. But iliteracy handicaps them from any type of job in the working class and from improving their status. I’m thinking of focusing on some of the cultural barriers that are present in Senegal which create obstacles for development efforts focused on women’s empowerment when I apply for the Fulbright Scholarship. One example of a cultural carrier is the idea that keeping women at home helps to maintain their purity and ensures their protection from the outside world. Though I personally have not observed this in my experience, I have to remind myself that I’ve been living in the most developed and modernized part of Senegal.

Other stuff going on… I’m coming to the point where I realize my French has definitely improved. I can goof off and rarely find myself lost in conversations with my friends, though outside of the friends atmosphere there’s still a lot that I don’t catch because my vocabulary still needs to expand (I’m sure this will hold true for the rest of my life). This weekend I realized there are going to be a few things I’m going to miss: my track buddy, Coumb, being the intriguing toubab on the track team, chatting with all my buddies who hang out at the boutique by my house everyday after work, and being greeted with high energy and excitement by Khady when I enter the house. Okay well now that I started thinking about it more come to mind… I’m going to miss the prayer group that meets every Monday night that worships like there’s a party going on. I found it humorous during one song when everyone took their shawls or shirts and started waving them in the air. The only other time I’ve seen this is when dancing to the rap song with the line “take your shirt off and hold it in your hand like a helicopter (I forget what song and who sings it).” The contrast of these two scenarios caused me to laugh.

Alright, I’m off to try and recuperate a package. (Mom, I finally got it) I’m premeditating before I go because it’s so ridiculously complex and time consuming. You take numerous pieces of paper that different people give you and are directed to go to see about half of the post office staff. Then after paying whatever sum the official guy wants (he’s official because he has an office and writes something in a big book), you can receive the package. AGH…. This is one thing that I won’t miss.
May God bless you all on this glorious day!

A Change in Routine... WOOHOO!

2005-02-25T00:54:00.000-08:00

YES ! Finally a change in going to the office and sitting in front of my computer. Yesterday after complaining about this to JP, I went to the last bit of the CRS conference that has been going on all week. It was a strategic planning meeting for the next five years. Many partner organizations were present along with CRS staff from around the country. I really should have been there the whole week. I got a feel for what real bussiness counsel meetings are like (Mom, I'm begining to understand). CRS Senegal’s main focus right now is its micro finance program, which gives out loans to groups of women. It’s been very successful not only in return rates (99 %) but has also had positive impacts of families and has enabled women to start long-term investment projects. I've observed that a unique aspect of CRS is that it really focuses on local organisations to run the projects here. This way the local population manages the projects, leading to greater sustainable development. The role of CRS in many of the projects is to oversee the progress and provide financial assistance. The issue was brought up that there needs to be a greater focus on education and health projects, along with being more proactive in fundraising for support of these projects. After the meeting my job was to talk with some of the partners about the manual I’ve been working on and areas that could improve with the relationship with CRS (the manual contains all the imperative information a partner would need; from the values of CRS to how to go about project finances). Though my French limited complete understanding I think some of the partners were appreciative that someone was listening to their insight. I met a man involved with the Sesame project, which is a project to help promote the diversification of crops in Senegal in order to establish a more stable agricultural market. The main crop here is peanuts, so the challenges are educating people how to cultivate sesame crops and also to promote the positive benefits of this crop, which are that it is more durable to droughts, allows diversification and the export market for this crop is rising.

I might be heading down to Casamance with some of the CRS staff to see some of projects first hand such as the groups of women in the micro finance program and the peace building programs. I’m hoping this works out. If I go I’ll be leaving Sunday and back by Thursday. Don’t worry Mom and Dad, I’ll be back to meet you at the airport Friday morning. For those of you that don’t know my parents are coming to visit! We’re going to play the role of the tourist and head to Gambia, Cap Skirring and Ziguinchore.

P.S. If any of you are interested in reading about the other students experiences from SU in this program go to this website: http://www.seattleu.edu/idip/projects05.asp

Happy New Islamic Year!

2005-02-21T03:27:00.000-08:00

This weekend I celebrated the Islamic New Year. For a little background information, the Islamic New Year is based on the cycles of the moon and is only 354 days long. It's celebrated on the first day of the first Islamic month, Muharram. A major part of the holiday is telling the story of Muhummad’s flight from Medina to Mecca. If you want the kids version of the story go to this website(it’s short and interesting, just copy and paste the site): http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/holidays/hegira.htm In Senegal the kids cross-dress and go around the neighbourhood dancing to the beat of little drums and asking for money, rice or basically anything anyone wants to offer. The best part of the holiday is that everyone eats lots of couscous with a really yummy sauce. I actually had dinner twice because I was invited to Awa Coli’s house but of course had to eat with the family too. That night I hung out with the neighbourhood posie and listened to the guys play the Djembe and sing the African songs they grew up to. All the kids gathered around and joined in the singing to. It’s not often that people spend the evening doing this in Dakar because it’s more urbanized than the rest of Senegal but Balakey explained to me that in the smaller villages this is what people do in the evenings. I’m thankful I got a small taste of it this weekend.

I hung out with a track buddy, Mor. I met his family and his friend who is a reggae singer in the group called School Afia. I watched his music video, which was pretty good and his music definitely makes you want to dance. He tried to get me to improvise with him (everyone here tries to make me do something half-way embarrassing) and I was wishing that you were here Suz to show him your singing talent. Mor and I went a beach that I had yet to discover. We ate cookies, and talked about relationships. This is something that seems to cause a lot of heartache here. After talking to quite a few of my friends, it seems like trust is a hard thing to come across. This partly ties in to the poverty here. People are looking for love, but also for a stable financial situation, so even when you’re with someone, the search for someone better off continues. Or at times parents arrange marriages regardless of the consent of their kids. And then there’s the factor of polygamy. I have the impression that it’s fairly complicated and a lot of people end up getting hurt. I’m thankful not to be involved with that type of drama.

This weekend I also went to a soirée with the track team. Every weekend they get together at someone’s house, dance, eat dinner and give praise to the person who hosted the evening. I attempted to learn the dance. I forget what it’s called… the Sambi, Samba?? I got the very basic part down, but once people throw in the random pelvic thrusts along with the high-energy chicken leg movements… I’m lost. Ok my description does not do the dance justice because it’s actually really impressive, but also very foreign to me.

This week at work everyone’s at a conference that I’m not a part of so I don’t really have anything to actually do relating to CRS. I feel like I should be learning about something about development work, but maybe it’s the fact that some sectors of this field of work involve a lot of administrative efforts. I think I’m more of hands on type of person. The greatest learning experience so far has been living here with a Senegalese family, meeting the people, observing life in a place that most people don’t give attention to, and seeing the reality that others live by with all its similarities and differences. I guess I can’t force the other stuff. That is all from me now. Enjoy the Monday off in the U.S.!

Thoughts

2005-02-18T01:58:00.000-08:00

I feel like I should have some profound insight or at least a good story every time I write, but today I’m not feeling it. This whole week I feel like I’ve been living my routine just like I would have a routine anywhere else. Most things seem familiar to me; all the cultural differences that intrigued me with its newness have been incorporated into what I view to be normal life. I feel like I should be noting everything and somehow registering it so that it will forever remain a part of me, but maybe just the fact that I live my routine here with joy and with the normal ups and downs is a way that I am allowing this experience to form me. There are certain little moments that would seem to insignificant if I tried to explain them and yet they are moments I never want to forget. Yesterday it was playing with baby Khady and watching her facial expressions, as she was completely entertained as we played together. I realize that the fact that I hardly ever know what she’s saying isn’t much of a barrier between us. When I go back to the U.S., I question what will keep everything close to my heart and not let it fade. What will keep me from diving right back into my routine at school, from always being busy and from putting the people and experiences here on a page in a memory book? I’m not really sure, but I believe the answer is in God. I pray that in my actions, my words, my thoughts and my prayers that I respect all that I am learning here and all the friendships and people I have encountered and created.

P.S. For everyone’s knowledge it’s JP’s birthday tomorrow (this is the boy of my dreams and just so happens to be my boyfriend too). HAPPY BIRTHDAY JP! I’d be more elaborate than that but I think I covered all the sentimental love-y stuff in the letter I sent you

100% Tourist

2005-02-14T04:17:00.000-08:00

This weekend I was a true tourist. This started out by being scammed for money. When I tell the story it’s so obvious I was conned but what can I say, I’m a very gullible person. A seemingly decent guy approached me, we started a conversation, which led to him wanting me to send him a post card from Alaska…. all right innocent enough. Then he “randomly” ran into his friend who recognized me from Parcelle, though I couldn’t place him. With enthusiasm he explained to me that he was heading to the hospital because his wife just had a baby girl. He explained how it’s tradition to give a gift to the first foreigner he meets to ensure good fortune. At first I declined but then I totally fell for his detailed explanation and my role to accept this pendant on behave of the good fortune of his new enfant. After accepting, I was explained that for the baptism everyone gives a gift in return. I was late, he was in a hurry, and I ended up giving him four dollars because I didn’t have time buy food to give. I even gave him a heart felt “Félicitations.” Once we parted and after five minutes of reflection, I realized I was totally a sucker and completely scammed. You live, you learn.

As for the rest of my tourist experience… I travelled with four other girls to Toubab Diallo, a small town 40 km south of Dakar. We stayed in a hotel, maybe it was more like villa, which was right on the quiet coast. This place was ideal for a young adult crowd and offered different courses. I went to the African dance class and picked up a few moves, but came nowhere near to perfecting them with the natural energy and grace that the African dancers do. Saturday night there was a concert of dancing, singing and drumming… the dancers were amazing. I’m going to practice the moves every night so Mary and Roomy- be ready for some dance parties- African style when I get backJ. I woke up Sunday morning and went running along the coast and had a chorus of kids cheering Toubab (meaning whitely in Wolof) with grand enthusiasm and arms in the air as I passed by. I also went for my first swim in the ocean and back floated on the waves (I thought of you Grandma). When I made it back to the hotel I went down to the kitchen and got a bucket of hot water for the shower. It really was a divine moment to bath myself in warmth. Usually I take a shower in turbo speed, while kind of dancing around to stay warm.

I visited my first wild reserve! We drove around the Réserve Bandia, where I saw monkeys, boars, giraffes and many different types of antelope (okay I don’t know if they were all antelope, but large mammal animals). Some of these animals are natural to Senegal and others were imported from South Africa. We asked all the tourist questions that the guide had probably answered thousands of times before, though I do believe Dorothée did ask an especially unique question with: “Les antelopes, ils courent avec leurs pattes? (translation = do the antelopes run with their legs?)” The guide was laughing with us as we gave her a hard time suggesting that the antelope probably run on their heads. During the tour you can rest assure that we did break out in song as we recited all we could remember from the Lion King.

We came across a large Baobab tree that has the remnants of some skeletons resting inside the tree. The guide explained to us that this is where the Griots are buried. Griots are the keepers of the oral tradition. Every family has a griot that knows the history of their ancestry for hundreds of years except for members of the Diola tribe. I found this so intriguing and would love to sit down and listen to a Griot tell all the stories of a family history. These people are buried in the heart of the Baobab trees and not in the ground because they never work the earth. Senghor, the previous president, outlawed this practice because he viewed it disrespectful that these people could not be buried amongst everyone else. Since this time Senegal has been experiencing a drought, which follows the ancient belief that if griots were buried in the earth, water would not fall from the sky. The guide left us to question to whether this was mere coincidence or something more.

During our crammed taxi ride home, which took us 1.5 hours to go less than 25 miles due to traffic, dirt roads and constant speed bumps, we kept our minds off the pain of our rear-ends falling asleep by sharing funny/embarrassing stories. We had a few winner stories. One was the story I told of Andrea loosing a misplacing a pop-tart while on an airplane and only while walking down the aisle to go to the bathroom did we find it because the frosting had melting and cemented the pop tart to her rear-end… I can’t even type this without laughing. The other winner was a compilation of all the moments Sarah experienced of flying objects hitting her head. I felt very fortunate to have found some travelling buddies that I can genuinely laugh with.

Definitely this was a quality weekend. I had several moments where I was just amazed by my surroundings and where God has taken me on this adventure. I hope all of you are celebrating this day dedicated to love back in the U.S. God Bless!

Music Under the Stars

2005-02-11T01:43:00.000-08:00

My first music concert was magnifique! The group, Nhojke (sp?), incorporated the guitar, drums, oboe, and 3 or 4 traditional instruments (I’ll have to learn what these are). You could see how all the musicians were enjoying themselves and the lead singer successfully enticed the audience to get up and dance with his enthusiasm and charm. The mix of all the instruments and the rhythm était genial.

That evening before the concert a beggar came up to me, an elderly man with no fingers, and I couldn’t just ignore him. I gave him some money, chatted with him for a bit using my sparse Wolof skills and then in return he prayed for me. I was with Cheikh, so he interpreted the prayer for me. When the man left I had no doubt that he was a person of faith, of goodness and from God. In the States, one can justify not giving money because there is a high possibility that they could use it for something that might not actually benefit them, but here the presence of drugs and alcohol is not very prevalent (I have yet to see one intoxicated person). Whether completely honest or not, I think these people use the money to survive. Which then poses the problem of figuring out how to interact with all the beggars. What I’ve begun to do is make friends with a few people that I regularly pass by. Alando calls me Madame Meghan every time I see him and today he told me to stop giving him money because it’s not about that. I laughed and told him that I realized we shared a friendship.

Random side note: People on the track team have had trouble with my name and have repeatedly called me maggot. We all had a good laugh after I explained that in english a maggot is an insect that eats dead meat.

Oh I asked Assane about the labour laws here and the worker unions. These do exist and enforce rightful pay to those workers officially registered, but the people who do manual labour for entrepreneurs are day workers. They are not registered in any way, and without any contract, so there’s no way to enforce rightful pay or gather accurate numbers on how many people work under these conditions. It’s obvious that Dakar is expanding and many new private homes are being built all around the area, therefore you can guess that working all day for 2 dollars is a reality for quite a few people.

Track Practice

2005-02-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

First day of Lent, got up early and prayed. I think I'm going to start getting excited to wake up early. We'll see if I still think that in a week or so. Yesterday was so great, well okay the day at work was normal but track practice was wonderful. Coach Ba is one of those coaches, who from day one feels like he's a fatherly figure (a Mr. Berry type of guy). I did a workout partly on my own and partly with Coumba. Her goal is to be the national champion for the 800m. I realized after talking with her that club sports don't signify the same thing that they do in the U.S. These people are competing for national titles. The ambiance is great among all the athletes. People are goofing off, dancing, laughing, working hard... and its all so genuine. After practice we all went and drank Café Tuba (a specialized Senegalese tea) at a market place nearby. All of us sitting around a rickety old table outside, while the women preparing the tea made the yummy concoction made for one of those simple pleasure moments. Coumba and Mor walked me home and I was left excited to see everyone the next day. I love how everyone is open... no crap, no barriers or fakeness... at times I think I get tired of that in the U.S. Of course not with my close friends, but in the day to day encounters... actually I don't know if that's true either. I guess it’s just that this place seems a bit more real in that the people recognize what’s important and are not so caught up in all the hoopla that the U.S.

Un week-end bien amusé

2005-02-07T01:30:00.000-08:00

First lesson of the weekend : never intake l’huile de palme (palm oil) and water at the same time. I learned the hard way. I had eaten a meal at a friend’s house that had palm oil in it and then headed off to mass. During mass I started getting these horrible stomach cramps and figuring I could tuff it out, I hide the pain by looking like I was intensely praying. But at one point we were standing and I just couldn’t take it so I told the guy next to me that I was sick and needed to head out. Luckily, he followed me out of the aisle because suddenly everything closed in on me and I couldn’t stand up. I was the one white girl making a commotion in church. I was helped out of the church and by this point I had a staff of clergy all around me. They laid me down and the most memorable part was the nun standing above me, fanning me off. I was so thankful to be at church where people could take care of me. They gave me a nice quiet room with a bed and a real toilet. After an hour or so, everything passes (you can guess what that means) and I was back on my feet.

Friday after work I went to the track and did a work out on my own. Today will be the first real practice for me. I’m amazed how willing the coaches are about including me. Given it is just a club team, but still they’ve already got their hands full and didn’t think twice about letting me join in. I also went to the beach this weekend and hung out with “the guys.” It’s such a treat just to listen to them sing and play the tumtums, especially when the ocean is your view. These guys really like to talk and explain everything to me, which is good because I’m gaining a better insight into the culture. The subject of unemployment came up again. People who are stuck doing manual labour for private entrepreneurs have it hard. They can work the entire day for two dollars. I asked Jazz if this was how much they were paid per hour and he just started laughing at me. Hard work all day for just two dollars… but if you don’t do that, then you have absolutely nothing. I’m curious if there are any labour unions or laws in the process of being passed to help this situation. I’m going to find out.

I also hung out at the university this weekend with Coura. We spent a relaxing day hanging out in the dorms, eating lunch, drinking tea, listening to music, chatting and braiding my hair. I wasn’t quite sure what I was in for, but it felt really good to have people playing with my hair so in no way was I going to protest. By the end, I had a bunch of little braids but they didn’t stay in too long because that night while trying to sleep my head was in a lot of pain. So close to midnight Khady and I took them all out.

I no longer have sympathy for anyone who complains that a dorm room is too small for two people because here the university is so crowded that some people sleep four to a room, meaning that two people share a twin bed. They weren’t really complaining about it, just stating how it is. I really like the campus, lots of trees and greenery. I learned that it is home to the largest library in Africa. I thought that was an impressive claim to fame.

This morning I was given one of the best compliments. Mamadou said that he has never seen an intern at CRS who has been as open to integrating and experiencing the culture as I have. I'm always battling myself trying to have confidence in my ability to make the most of my time here, and I really feel like there was some divine intervention in his compliment.

D'accord, il faut que je commence le travail. To all who are reading, I hope that life goes well and that you are taking the time to live this day out! God Bless!

Story Time

2005-02-04T01:34:00.000-08:00

The First African Story I was told:

Once upon a time there was a girl. She wanted to find a husband and decided she would marry a man who did not have any scars. Her mother warned her that this was not normal and that she should be careful about desiring this. A man overheard the conversation and wanted to marry the girl, so he took the heart of the baobab tree, a tree that has no wounds or scars, all for himself. Now when the girl saw this man, he was flawless and didn’t have one single scar. Right away they were married and he took her far far away, so he could spend all his time with his wife and no one else. After the husband and wife travelled to where no one else lived, the man turned into a snake. When the wife saw this she began to run. She ran and ran but the serpent was right behind her. For days she ran and passed all the villages until she reached her own. When she found her mother, her mother reminded her that she had warned her about wanting to marry a man with no scars.

This is a song in Wolof explained to me by Prince and translated into English by myself. I’ll let you all extract the many morals for yourselves.

Yesterday was a great day. After work I went running with Arona, who I found out is a soccer player hoping to go to South Africa to play for a team there. He took me to the stadium, which isn’t too far from where I live and introduced me to the Track coach for the Dakar club team. I’m going to start training today… I have no idea what I’m in for. The practice times interfere with my work schedule most days, so I’m not sure how it will all work out, but I’m excited to do a workout with others.

I went over to Jazz’s house with Prince, Balakey, Idi and Pap last night. I learned how to make the Senegalese tea, which is simply tea with lots of sugar, but it has to be made in a certain overly complicated way or else the drinking tea-scene would loose some of its character. I was slightly pressured into dancing to the beat of the tumtums… we all had a good laugh at this and I learned to be sans complexe. We spent the rest of the evening talking, mostly about religion and how there are many similarities between Islam and Christianity. One of the founding principles of Islam is living peacefully and forgiving others, which is easily observed in the Senegalese culture. Another thing I discovered was the reason for women to be covered (this is a practice that some Muslims follow and others don’t, personal preference). The idea is that this allows women to be valued for their person and not just for their physical appearance, along with preventing men from thinking of less-than-holy thoughts. In the U.S. I think we tend to view the Muslim practice of covering women as oppressive, but how much more oppressive is U.S.’s culture of objectifying women as only beautiful bodies? It’s interesting to ponder.

Alright I’m going to begin work. This weekend I have a full program. I’ll be filling you all in on Monday!

ROOMY- HAPPY BE-EARLY BIRTHDAY! I'll be thinking of you on Sunday!

Mes Pensées, Le Voyage à la Maison et Pauvre Simba

2005-02-02T04:34:00.000-08:00

In a certain way, I feel like I was made to fit into this culture, to fall in love with it. When I say this I don’t mean to give the imppression that everything is perfect and pure bliss, that’s not the case. But I am filled with a contentment when I’m crammed into a car rapide, unable to move and holding my hand out to help pass the change back and forth from the passengers and the guy collecting money, or when I see people walking down the street prayer beads in hand and openingly praying. A charm exists in the fact that faith is not hidden in this culture. I just can’t help but think I was created in a unique way that allows me to see the attractiveness of the people and life here.

Yesterday I was attempting to go home after dark by taking a car rapide. I only had a 500 CFA (equivalent of a dollar) on me, so I couldn’t afford a taxi home and was really depending on the car rapide. Besides the fact that I never know which car goes where, yesterday I was even in more confusion because the car going to where I live never showed up. Luckily, I met a student who was attempting to go to the same area as me. We took a different car rapide and transferred cars in a different area. By luck there happened to be a car rapide heading to Parcelle at the other station.

During my short contemplation on deciding whether I should start panicking about being stranded, I realized that I can rely on the kindness of people here to help me out. I’ve found that people here will take the time to help a stranger out, even if that means taking a few minutes out of their own agenda.

Oh I do have sad news to share. Simba, the goat that was spared during la fête de Tabaski, passed away this morning. He had been sick and didn’t make it through the night. Everyone was pretty sad about it as we watched him being dragged out of the house… poor Simba. He was a good sheep.

Co-ed Bathrooms... WOOHOO!

2005-01-31T06:13:00.000-08:00

Just have to share because I thought the scene was humorous. The bathrooms at the office are co-ed, like the show Alley McBeal. It's a naorrw bathroom with three stalls and two sinks. Today I walked in, squeezed by Diop who was brushing his teeth, went into the last empty stall and when I came out observed the thourough technique of Diop still brushing his teeth and Moulousel washing her hands, continued by her face, then feet in the sink; all while I was waiting to wash my hands. Everyone was just doing their own thing... quality moment.

Locals and Life

2005-01-31T01:40:00.000-08:00

This weekend I had the chance to hang out and enjoy the company of a few new local friends. I think this may be one of the unique ways I will gain an understanding of this culture that is different from other foreigners because I’m willing to give those, who others may not, a chance just to talk, to learn and to share. I hung out with Jazz, whose passion and also pain is rapping. We talked about the reality here in Senegal. I have not truly been introduced to the problems here, and he began to explain them to me. One of his songs talks about the hard lives the women in Casamance endure. How they overwork in the hot sunshine everyday, how life is trop dur (too hard), but there is really no way out. He also explained to me his personal discouragement because he’s been focused on his music for 10, yet no one knows him and he does not have the money to record his songs. People without a college degree, or who do not have the right connections are left doing small petty jobs here and there to make a living. I’m curious how many people live like this. I don’t know how I would make it if I saw no end to this tiring routine. Despite it all, joy still persists in the community, the support of friends, the hospitality of neighbours and the strong presence of family. Everyone talks how they want to go to America to make money and though I see how that could make life a lot easier, I can’t help but think what they’d loose here wouldn’t be worth it, but then again I don’t really know the reality they speak of.

Personally this past week has been filled with many ups and downs that I’m learning just to have patience with and accept whatever it is the day brings. The positives have been my connections and the friends I’ve made here. I think my favourite moments were listening to Jazz, Prince and Balakey play the tumtums and freestyling a song; escaping the business of everything after a difficult day at work and just chilling on the beach with Cheikh learning new words by writing in the sand; and sitting on the kitchen floor crushing spices for the meal while catching up with Khady (she helps out and lives with the family but had gone home for a few weeks). The downs have been, well for one dealing with bodily malfunctions, and keeping up the confidence with my purpose here and ability to make the most of this experience. Before I left on this adventure, during the silent retreat, God saturated me in the peace of knowing that I am simply enough as I am. I knew then that this would be something I would need while in Senegal, so I’m working on being open to that peace again.

JP- I wanted to say thank you because after our conversation I think I began to do just that.

L'île de Gorée et l'hôtel Meridian

2005-01-27T06:52:00.000-08:00

These past few days my professor from SU, Janet, has been here checking out the internship program. Her company has added a good change of pace to the week. I was able to be a tourist with her yesterday and we visited Gorée Island, which is an island where over 15 million slaves were shipped from Africa to the Americas. I visited a slave house and besides being affected by hearing about the horrible treatment the slaves had to endure, the part that got to me the most was gazing down this long dark hallway toward an opening looking out into the ocean. This was where the slaves were loaded into the ships, basically the point of absolutely no return for these people. Looking down that tunnel left my heart feeling so heavy, and I know this doesn’t even begin to give justice to what took place there. I’ll probably go back to the Island to visit the place more in my own way and pace.

After the Island I went over the Meridian hotel that Janet was staying at. This is probably the nicest hotel in Dakar and the nicest hotel I’ve ever been to. I took the afternoon to swim in the large outdoor pool, enjoy some sun on the lounge chairs, share a gourmet meal with Janet and take a hot shower. I must say I enjoyed it very much, but that place is not Senegal. I walked in there and was no longer the minority, no longer had to speak French, and no longer in reality. I can understand the temptation to hide away in a place like that when visiting a developing country, but I wouldn’t prefer it. I was thinking while I was there how the majority of Senegalese people have no chance of even spending one afternoon in their entire lives in the luxury I was in. I didn’t necessary feel guilt, because my time here is not about spending it in this atmosphere, but for the first time I quite clearly understood the privilege I have for being American and for being caucasian, and I’m not quite sure what to make of that.

Senegal; A Model Country

2005-01-26T01:25:00.000-08:00

Today I learned a bit more about the Senegalese culture and uniqueness of this country. Senegal is a model country for Africa in many ways. The country has relatively low debt, little governmental corruption and low violence, civil conflict and HIV/AIDS prevalence. The interesting question is why is Senegal so unique and what’s different about it? Godlove, the country director of CRS, explained a little bit of this to me. For one thing the country established a good government system when they became an independent country in 1960. Their democratic system incorporates the checks and balance system that has helped established a culture of responsibility. The people who are in power don’t have complete power and if someone messes up they have a justice system and the media to hold them accountable. (This is definitely a very simplified explanation)

The other aspect that I find really interesting is the how the people view themselves in relation to others. A brother or sister can be considered someone who 200 years ago shared a family tie. Godlove explained how this extended view of family has shaped Senegal into a peaceful country. For example if there is a car accident (which regularly occurs) and two people arguing about it come to realize that their family names came from the same tribe/kingdom 200 years ago, they recognize each other as brother or sister, stop the arguing and deal with the aftermath on their own. This idea of extended family also creates a culture of acceptance and prevents the stigmatisation of people from conflict areas, such as the Casamance region (south-west part of Senegal). 20 years ago this region experienced civil conflict because some forces were trying to secede from Senegal. Today there remain some sporadic outbursts of violence, but peace agreements have recently been made. In many African countries people who come from conflict areas are automatically stigmatised and associated with the violence, but in Senegal people from Casamance are looked upon as people related to everyone else and no different than if they were from another region.

I thought I’d share these points because they impressed me and also because it’s rare when we are exposed to the positive attributes of Africa by the media which are well worth mentioning.

La Fête de Tabaski

2005-01-24T03:04:00.000-08:00

I forgot that I have to make sure I get the details right since Assane is reading this (for those of you who do not know him, he’s from Senegal and a friend of mine in Seattle) So a few corrections. La fête de Tabaski involves the sacrifice of a sheep not a goat, and yeah what I called a donkey in one of my first posting is definitely not a donkey. I guess this is a lesson in a foreigner’s perspective…. it’s not always accurate.

I celebrated my first Tabaski! I started the morning by hanging out in the kitchen helping the preparation for the big meal. I cried through peeling all the onions and managed to miss my fingers while cutting the potatoes for the French fries. I did not watch the killing of the sheep, actually was unaware at the moment, but did take a few pictures of the aftermath. During the day I played with the kids and chatted with everyone since there were many visitors, and ate several meals all involving some combination of lamb, yummy onion sauce, and fries.
In the evening everyone dresses up and visits family and friends to say hello, and ask for pardon as the New Year begins for them. I dressed up in a sea green Baobao I had boughten from the market and walked around the neighbourhood with the family to say hello. I loved seeing the streets brightly coloured with everyone in their fancy outfits. This celebration was much simpler than any holiday in the U.S., but the amount of joy and richness was nonetheless greatly present. After drinking the sweet tea that is a must after dinner, the fam and I ended the evening by gathering around Sada’s laptop to look at the photos we had taken that day.

To fill up the rest of my weekend I went to the beach with Bineta. We were running, but that turned into playing in the sand and me being lazy as I just took in the moment of soaking up some sun and watching the waves. I also went out with Cheik. I met his friends/family and then we attempted to go to a club, but it was closed so after wandering the streets for a while in Dakar we ended up at a little hole-in-the-wall game place where I lost several times to him while playing the soccer game on the Play-Station. OH, I went to mass too. It was great; lots of people, enthusiasm and good music. I met a friend too, Natalie, and she lives close to me. After knowing her only from our way back from church, she invited me to her house and introduced me to her family and friends in the area. I really am thankful for this aspect of the culture here.

I had a conversation with Cheik this weekend and I realized that I had forgotten that I’m experiencing life in a developing country. The significance of the term “developing” is unclear in my head. I see life her at different, people make due with a lot less and live in what many people might initially think unsuitable, but I don’t necessarily see it as developed verses developing, it’s different in a way that’s not comparable by these terms.

Alright, I have officially spent 3 hours at work, not working, so I’m about to start. God Bless!

Doing Laundry

2005-01-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I attempted to wash my own laundry… I’m really going to think twice about this next time I try to attempt it. The first challenge was convincing the women of the house that I could do it, seeing it’s done the old fashioned way here with buckets of water and your own two hands. I was the obstacle for all to see and the cause of laughter. I was told many times what I wasn’t doing it right, even from the 7 year old. I’m telling you they have high standards for clean clothes here. I’m used to the SU washer and dryer where your just-washed clothes still have remains of dirt, but sometimes if you don’t overload they at least smell better. That college norm does not work here. Right now I’m typing with raw knuckles, but by God my clothes are clean, cleaner than they’ve been in a long time.

I had lunch with Cheik (the student I met yesterday) this afternoon. I bet the people I meet don’t realize they are talked about online. Should I be using fake names? Oops… oh well. I think I’ve reeled in a friend…. yes that’s right I have a Senegalese friend. Some of you who I went to France with might understand this feeling of accomplishment when you make a local buddy. That’s all for now. God Bless!

A Silent Moment

2005-01-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning discouraged and in need of simply time to myself and of silence, but I’ve found those are both rare commodities here in Dakar. All I could do was ask God for some intervention and well, he did just that. I went for a run from my office and found a road that follows the coastline of the peninsula that extends out from the downtown area. No taxies, or breathing in exhaust or dodging people and cars, just a fairly quiet road with some restaurants and occasional people. I greeted everyone in Wolof, which make us both smile and the best part is that I came across a pier that extended out into the ocean so I walked out there, got a look at some of the fish people were catching and then sat down, listened to the waves hit the pier, enjoyed the sun shining down and thanked God for granting me my prayer.

Not only this on my way back I stopped to stretch and met a student from the university here and we’re going to have lunch tomorrow. So today could also be the start to a new friendship. This morning I couldn’t see how this day would turn out, but I put my hope in God and that’s exactly where it was meant to be.

Weekend Moments

2005-01-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

I’ve had a few moments this past weekend worth mentioning. First, I saw a goat riding in a Taxi…. I still laugh when I think about it. I also went running along the beach and Bineta along with a couple of the neighborhood girls accompanied me. It was an odd sight for everyone to see; me, the only white girl in the area, and three little ones passing by all the men running or playing soccer on the beach. Afterwards we practiced some yoga moves and attempted some push-ups by the oceanside. It was definitely a moment of many blessings and light-hearted joy. This weekend I also went to a huge open market with Coumba to buy a boubou (I think that’s what they are called). It’s an African outfit for the approaching holiday, la fête de Habachiyy (???).

I spent a lot of this weekend hanging out with the family and I find so much beauty in them and in the Senegalese family culture. The kids have no closets filled with toys and games, but are never bored and always entertaining themselves with their family, friends and neighbors who freely enter the house when they please. There’s a richness and genuine companionship amongst it all. I think it would be an ideal environment to grow up in. I find this ambiance is lost in the more posh areas where many international people live, partly due to the walls resurrected around the houses (I’ve gone to a few of the houses of some of the CRS staff).

Last night I stayed up late conversing with Coumba, Sada and a family friend. We talked about some of the misconceptions that people have about the Islam religion. I asked about the treatment of women and Sada explained that the degradation of women is not promoted by the Islam faith but instead it is something that man has created. We talked a little about polygamy, and I still only understand it from a westerner’s point of view. But when it comes down to it, the imperfections of Islam are no different than the imperfections of Catholicism or any other religion. We are all human; we are all imperfect, but luckily we all have the same God and I’m confident he/she knows how it all comes together.

Reflection of the Day

2005-01-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

I believe there’s something to be learned everyday. So the lesson that was reinforced in me is that there is much to benefit from if you don’t walk around with walls built up around you.

The streets of Dakar are filled with people selling all types of goods: roasted peanuts, oranges, printed fabric, beads, wooden carvings, cds… the list goes on. Being non-African is an automatic bulls eye for all these sellers. Automatically you are greeted, sometimes followed, some are too pushy demanding for your name, and others just smile and silently see if you’re interested. Usually I just say no thank you and keep walking but today while on my adventure to find a small Senegalese restaurant, I inevitably got lost, and had to rely on them to direct me around. I trusted the help of Moussa ( I now know his name) and he led me to the restaurant which wasn’t necessarily close. After I ate, he asked if I would look at his boutique, which I figured I would have to repeatedly explain that I’m not going to buy anything. But instead we had a good conversation talking about the importance of experiencing different cultures and people and of building inter-cultural relationships. I didn’t buy anything, though I’ll probably come back and buy gifts from him before I leave Senegal. After I looked at his boutique, he led me back to an area that I recognized again.

I could of easily ignored his help and assumed he just wanted to pressure me into buying things, and if I would of done this I would of missed a chance to connect with a genuinely good person. He explained to me that “tu tombe sur les bonnes et tu tombe sur les mauvaises,” meaning you come across good people and you come across bad ones. He reminded me that if you always let the fear of what’s unknown build up walls, you miss the chance to relate and connect with those unlike yourself.

And there you have it, my reflection of the day:)

Quality Day

2005-01-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Good day today ! I wondered around the city on my own. I enjoy exploring by myself. It allows me to be in my own thoughts and enveloped by the surroundings. My random meandering also led me to meet a few locals. During lunch I had a conversation with some fellow Senegalese and they taught me some phrases in Wolof.

Asslaloumou Aleykoum = the common greeting
Malekoum Salem = the reply (these might actually be arabic)
Ndaga def = How are you
Ndaga yeudo = Good evening

I make everyone write it down so I can remember. This evening I’m off to watch a movie at the cinema and then attempt to make it home. Transportation here is pretty chaotic and not always dependable. I live about 9 miles from downtown and it can take up to 50 minutes to reach the CRS office.

Oh I do have to mention that I jump-roped with Lantoro and Bineta yesterday. It was a good bonding activity that I believe will be continued. Alright I’m off.

La paix sois avec toi !

Day Three in Senegal

2005-01-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday after work, I walked to the ocean side with Lamtoro et Bineta ( 10 year old host brother and 7 year old host sister). It’s only about a fifteen-minute walk from where we live. When we reached the ocean I tried playing the wave game where you stay as close as you can to the edge of the waves as they role in and out without it touching you. But Bineta yelled to me several times, “C’est pas bon,” meaning that’s not good. Though I would go swimming on this beach any day and a few people were in the water, it’s considered dangerous. The beach is sandy, not white sand, more light brown, very busy with people. This is where everyone works out. There are pull-up bars, people doing push-ups and squats, teams working out and people running along the beach. It’s only men though working out. I have a great urge to join in the scene. I think I might try running today. In public, people receive me with friendliness and don’t pay much special attention to me than anyone else, except for some of the vendors and les drageurs (all you frenchies are familiar with this term). Don’t worry JP, I let them know that je suis fidèle à toi.

I’ve had a couple people ask me what the house is like that I’m staying at. I think I already have a different perception of it than my first day. It’s very different depending on if I’m comparing it to American standards or more local ones. It’s a modest house without many unnecessary objects. The entry way is the main gathering place. There is a T.V. and we lay a matt down on the floor to eat dinner. I have my own bedroom, which was the office of Sada. It’s right next to the entryway, so I always know what’s going on in the house. But I find the noise comforting. The house is very open and between the entryway and kitchen, there’s an open courtyard with tile flooring. The bathroom is in this area. I would say the bathroom is the most interesting. There’s a hole in the ground that you stand above to do your business, and a showerhead across the way. Yep, that’s it. At first, I thought this way kind of roughing it, but you know, the necessities are there. Across from the kitchen is the open den area for Simba, the goat, and the kitchen also is equipped with what is needed. It’s funny to think of how much I acquire in the U.S. because I feel like I need it. I’m shown here that that is not necessary reality.

I’ve been waking up at 4am because I’m still adjusting which allows plenty of time for thinking. This morning I felt uneasy, and I didn’t see how to move past it, but then I took time just to pray and read scripture along with The Purpose Driven Life and was able to be at peace with my faith in God that He will sustain me and accomplish far more than I think possible through my time here. This is insight I will strive to hold on to while I’m here. A tout le monde, bonne journée!

P.S. Mom, I’m wearing the Senegalese necklace you made me !

Internship Expectations

2005-01-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

Today has been my first day of "work," and I feel like I'm in over my head. I'm supposed to create a manual of procedures for the partner organisations that work with Catholic Relief Services. I have a brief outline, a computer and my own creative ability to come up with the information needed and present it in French. I'll be working on my own for the most part. I feel like soomeone with experience could manage this, but that's not quite me. I'll figure something out.
I now know the names of my host family. Sada and Coumba's (the husband and wife)children's names are Iatoro, Khady and Bimeta. I've already been given a Senegalese name, Emmi. It's the name of Sada's mother so I guess that's a good sign. The house is always filled with people coming in and out whether neighboors, relatives or the kids. I like that there's constant chatter, but for the most part I do not understand it. That's because they speak Wolof and Pular, both African languages, along with French. So once again I've entered the life of the smiling foreigner.
I had my first meal with the family and though they suggested I could eat with a spoon, I jumped at the chance to dig in with my hands like the rest of them. My first night here felt calm and peaceful, which sometimes is not the case when you're in new surroundings. My favoirte moment was brushing my teeth in the open night time air. The room with the sink-type hole in the ground has no ceiling so you can brush your teeth while looking at the stars. Oh I forgot to mention that we share the house with a pet goat, but he won't be with us too much longer. He's going to be sacrificed for the upcoming celebration (maybe the passover?)
It looks like my routine here will consist of going to the CRS office each day, and returning home to spend the evening with the family. I hope to be able to exlpore the city soon, maybe this evening with another intern working here from England. Alright well I should be attempting to work. May God bless you all! Please pray that I'm able to accomplish something here while I'm interning.

Yes that's right... I'm in SENEGAL!

2005-01-10T01:20:00.000-08:00

I've had my feet on the African ground for two hours. Right now I'm realizing that this experience will be truly foriegn, perhaps more so than I had expected. From the pictures I have seen of Dakar, I thought it might have a feel like being in a developed country, but I see that it's not. Which I believe is a good reality to base this experience in. Donkies, people, cars, buses packed with students all share the street in what appears to be chaos to me, but most likely not for the locals. The driver from CRS was at the airport and he brought me to my host family. Though I can't remember there names yet, there's the father, mother and three kids ages 3,5 and 7. I think my host family will be one of the biggest blessings here. I am going to enjoy the challenge of adjusting to a much more simple life style. Right now I'm at the CRS office. I've been introduced to everyone, which is a bunch of smiling and french that my tired brain is attempting to manage. Part of me is thinking, "what the heck am I doing here?" But I just smile at this and figure God has a plan.

Hello from NY

2005-01-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

I made it to the big city! WOOHOO! Almost half way to Senegal. I've spent my day touring around Manhattan. I went to ground zero where the twin towers used to be... it's hard to imagine the reality of 9/11 in that empty part of the city.
After walking around ground zero, I saw something tall and gold, which I assumed to be the torch in the hand of the statue of liberty, so I just starting walking toward it. After randomly walking through China town I decided to ask if I was heading in the right direction. Well a man informed me I was walking in the exact opposite direction, but from our conversation he suggested I hop on the Staton Island Ferry to get a good look at the statue of liberty. This might have been the highlight of my day. Drinking hot chocholate on the ferry and looking out at the skyline of NY city and seeing the statue of liberty. Right now I'm in Times Square... I feel like a little kid caught up in all the business of the city. I like the ambiance of this area. Alright I'm off to the airport. I really have no idea what to expect the next time I step of the plane in Senegal, but I'm really looking forward to it.

May God bless all of you!

First attempt to Senegal... not too successful

2005-01-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

According to the original plan I would have already been 15 minutes into my flight heading to New York, but then who likes to stick to a plan. The freezing rain and other undesirable weather conditions in New York are the causes for my flight to have been canceled. After an hour of trying to reschedule my flight, the soonest I can leave is January 9th because my ticket only works if I take the same route. So I've returned to my packed up apartment, roommate still sleeping, and I'm about to crawl back into bed. Give me 4 days and then hopefully I'll be writing you all from Senegal. My motto: all things happen for a reason. Maybe after some sleep I'll figure this one out.

2004-12-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

In Seattle Still