Ngurndan e Senegal

A lot has happened since I last blogged so I am going to have to recap via list.

1. Counterpart workshop was not as bad as it was initially made out to be. It was awkward and intense but I made it through and now I have a modest idea of what I will be doing my first two months in village. I also got to stare at my counterparts long enough that I am now confident I could pick them out of a group of Senegalese people. Both of my counterparts are kind, encouraging and supportive. They also mentioned that on the day of my arrival they will have a Tam-Tam (a party with drums and dancing). What a great way to start out!



2. Best day and a half vacation ever! We rewarded ourselves for making it through CPW with a relaxing/crazy/ fabulous over-nighter in Popenguine. I climbed a mountain like structure, swam in the ocean under the stars and fire-works, had a picnic in a bunker previously used by the Senegalese military, drank delicious fruity drinks, and took leisure strolls up and down the beach with good friends and good music.



3. Before going back to my training village I found out my best friend lost her sister in a car accident, and I am devastated for her and lost in the helpless feeling of not being able to comfort her. I love you very much and you are constantly in thought and prayers Buckaroo.

4. Got to talk to grandma Rava on the phone! It was comforting to hear her voice and exciting to catch up with her.

5. Had discussions in Pular about polygamy, marriage, Osama bin Laden, education, malaria, neem lotion….I may sound like a baby and use 50% since language but my words are coming and when you can talk you have the ability to build relationships. This is an exciting concept.

6. Our garden is BEAUtiful. The school kids have really taken an interest in it and invested time and energy into making it look wonderful.

7. I had a traditional Senegalese outfit made for swear in. I picked out a deep purple color, bought six meters and gave it to my host dad (who is a tailor and does embroidery). I attempted to explain what I wanted but resigned in defeat after not being able to have a coherent conversation about embroidery in Pular. I figure they know best anyway, right? RIGHT! My “complet” is embroidered with enough gold to make me bullet proof. The foreign ambassadors and other dignitaries may have to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from my bling. I have included a picture for your enjoyment.



8. I had to say goodbye to my training family in Sangalkam, whom at first I wasn’t too cracked up about but in the last few weeks have grown pretty fond of. My Aunt and dad are genuinely sweet people and I have gotten comfortable in their home. Saying goodbye was actually pretty sad and the women of our families cried as our bus rolled away. It is bizarre to remember my emotions upon arriving to the village the first time (sick to my stomach, terrified, not speaking any Pular) and compare them to how I felt leaving the adorable kiddos, dad and aunt I have come to care about.

9. I am back at the training center and was lucky enough to talk most of my family via skype on mother’s day. I have a beautiful mom and grandma I couldn’t be luckier to have in my life. I got to wish my 16 (!!!) year old sister Brit a happy birthday and can’t believe that in another week Jake will also be 16! I have been able to talk to my new Afgani sister Sana several times and am inspired by her daily leaps and bounds in the U.S. I love you all and feel incredibly fortunate to have you in my life!

10. I’ve gotten lots of letters and love from America these past few weeks and I am so grateful. It brightens my day/week to hear from home and remember how much support I have. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and love. My new address is posted so keep sending me updates and funny thoughts.

11. I just took my last LPI (language proficiency interview). I am expected to reach the level of intermediate mid (whatever that means) for swear in. I am glad to have it over with and think I sounded somewhat competent which is a bonus.

12. This is my last few days in Thies. Wednesday a member from each of our training families is coming for a pre-swear in party…let the dancing begin. Thursday we all go to Dakar for swear in at the ambassadors’ house and then beginning Friday people are traveling to their regional capitals and eventually their villages. I am installed in my village the 18th and am excited and terrified. I am not sure how much communication I will have with the outside world but keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I enter the world of the unknown and try to assimilate into the culture, learn the language and attempt to work to improve health resources, education and awareness!