Side note:
I sit writing this out on a “car rapide,” essentially a gutted mini bus with benches that they cram twice as many people than comfortably fit. I happen to be lucky enough to be sitting next to a drunken man that is harassing everyone within arms reach. He happens to know that I am a singer and he's seen me on T.V. Then, he breaks into a disruptive singing and clapping number It's really quite becoming of him...I hope he will pass out soon.
Anyway, at fist coming back to village I felt directionless work wise. I took a few days to go to everyone's huts and to spend time with my family and neighbors. I know that this is just as important as health wok for relationship building/maintaining and cultural exchange, but sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough. Luckily the perfect opportunity came up for productivity, or at least the feeling of such.(PS: the drunk passed out...thanks be to God.)
Our region, sweet home Tambacounda, holds an annual eye clinic, put on by American doctors to correct cataracts. It is not put on by Peace Corps, but we act as translators between the doctors and the general Pulaar, Mandinka, Jaxanke, and Wolof speaking public. Spence and I set out on our bikes to get the word out that people with “broken eyes” should get to Tamba's regional hospital. We ventured out pretty far, into big villages that we knew of when we set out and little roadside villages we just happened upon. In the process we even completed a challenging mountain climbing expedition (okay, hill, but you could see out pretty far) and toured a beautiful banana plantation.
The next day I reunited with my favorite Senegalese family other than my own. The Catholic family in a nearby road-town that holds a church service every week. They have three daughters around my age, all of which are unmarried and childless. They are so welcoming and altogether too much fun. Terise, my favorite of the bunch chased down my car after seeing me the day I came back. Our get together reminded me how lucky I am to have yet another family that I feel a part of. And it doesn't hurt that their food is delicious!
The rest of the week I felt very satisfied about my work attempts. The women in my health care goup were excited to share what they learned while I was away, which means that my counterparts did their job! The elementary school director chose girls for the girls group I want to start to give girls a fun outlet, encourage them to stay in school and build confidence, while covering serious issues.
I continued to go to other villages to advertize the eye clinic and ended up in a community in which I want to try to place a volunteer. They were so welcoming and had motivated village health volunteers. They also gave me a cup of sweetened condensed milk with extra sugar in it...oh dear.
English is becoming more of a part of my life here in Senegal. My brothers asked me to start giving them lessons and we are making some progress. Last week, a guy I met once in a neighboring village showed up at my door with a pen and paper to study English. Weird as it was, it was refreshing to see someone with some motivation.
Although the transition back was much smoother than I expected, I realized long ago that w.hile some people outgrow homesickness, for me it is something that I will live with while away from home. Regardless of my homesickness, I am happy with what I am going and know that I will never regret it.
Speaking of home, oh America. That place is one hot spot, full of amazing people and a delicious variety of foods. I couldn't be happier that I get to spend so much quality time over the holidays with the people I love most. Thanks to all of the family and friends that made my time at home what it was! You are all so special to me and I count you all as my greatest blessings!
