The Adventures of Rassoul and Babacar

One of the most rewarding, dynamic and challenging aspect of my experience here in Senegal has been living with my beautiful homestay family. Here's a short video my little brothers Rassoul and Babacar helped me put together!

The days flash by like seconds on a clock. The world constantly spinning round, like that little second hand. It makes me dizzy to think about. Today felt like any other day, but maybe thats what made it special... Everyday is special. The small moments admits a sea of movement make the days stand out. The few minutes I had to talk with my host Dad about his recent trip to South Africa, the smell of my host Mom's cooking, and coming home to a room filled with curious children, all made my day unique. The small moments when put together, like pieces in the puzzle of life, form a beautiful picture. 

Coming back to my homestay after my afternoon class and run on the beach, I see the friendly smiles of my host family accompanied by their greetings. After I've said hello to everyone, I'm followed by a small flock of children as I enter my room. Snatching a few toys, they entertain themselves scurrying around like squirrels in the forest. When they see me start writing, Babacar grabbes a comic book and all the other little ones gathere around to see each turn of the page. Its quiet for a moment, something that doesn't happen very often, I can take a deep breath and listen... 

A Saturday Well Spent

I left the house first, followed shortly after by little Babacar who stealthily evaded Rassoul so as to not upset him on our departure. We gathered at Sebastian's homestay before setting out for the island of Ngor. After a short ride we left the nearly empty bus at the end of its rout and wandered our way through crooked streets until we came to the coast. After paying our fare, we piled into a ferry that took us across the small gap separating the island from the mainland.

Tossing and turning, the boat plowed through the waves, spraying us with blasts of salty froth. After jumping off the boat and sloshing to shore, my pants were soaked all the way up to my thighs. The island was filled with beautiful houses and fancy looking hotels. We stood by the water, atop the rocks and cliffs to watched the ceaseless waves roll in from the deep. The wind swept across the island as the sea churned and roiled below the gnarled and weathered rocks.

Sine-Saloum Delta

A New Land Awaits

When we first arrived in Senegal, we were like little babies, born into a completely new world. Everything we saw was for the first time and every step led us farther into this unknown land. As the weeks flew by, however, things began to normalize. We started going to the same places, seeing the same people and doing the same things. As the time passed, we developed routines that have helped us make sense of everything that’s going on. Our regular patterns are a source of continuity and comfort. This is all about to change. We’re about to leave the comforts of Yoff for over one whole week!

Tomorrow we are leaving for the island community of Niodior. Nestled in the delta just north of The Gambia, Niodior is surrounded by hoards of mangroves and is the home to a large fisherman population. We’ve spent the last few days preparing our gear for this adventure. The coastal breeze on this island community could create temperatures we have yet to experience here in Senegal. We've been warned that there is a  possibility that we will wear clothing, which up until now, has remained unused at the bottom of our packs.

After a long day of traveling to Niodior, we will move in with our rural homestays, where we will stay for about four days. This experience should give us a little taste of what life in rural Senegal is like. After we leave our homestays, we’ll venture deeper into the mangroves to explore on foot, by boat and possibly enjoy some time fishing. This excursion together away from Yoff will give us an opportunity to experience new things and take a break from the routines that we have become used to.  

When we return to Dakar on the 5^th of January, our host families and the Internet, we’ll be able to share what we have experienced. For now, we’ll be away from all forms of communication, except perhaps carrier pigeon, telepathy and/ or our questionably charged Senegalese cellphones. Happy holidays, more to come in the New Year!

Touba

Religion is an integral part of the Senegalese culture. It permeates all facets of life and serves as a strong foundation for people's everyday actions. It is something I have been continually exposed to over my first few months here. Five times per day, the call to prayer blasts fourth from large speakers mounted on every mosque in the neighborhood. While walking home, I often pass several mosques at prayer time. Crowds of praying people spill out from the overflowing mosques into side alleyways and across the sidewalk. 

The prevalence of Islam is even ingrained in everyday conversations. It's no surprise that Senegal's population is 95 percent muslim when the most common greeting is in fact Arabic for "peace be with you." Religion is a common thread that holds together the fabric of many Senegalese communities. It serves as a guide for people's everyday interactions, providing principles that are now deeply ingrained in the culture.

Last weekend our group traveled to Touba, which is home to the largest mosque, and the most influential brotherhood in Senegal. It's magnificence and beauty is unmatched by anything I have seen here. Millions of people throng to Touba during the great pilgrimage of Magal, which happened to be last Thursday. This is yet another testament to the dedication people have to what they believe in. Faith is a binding force that holds together the vast majority of citizens here; it is a source of unity and a stronghold of hope. 

Tostan Celebrates International Education Week

Over the past month, the bulk of my time has been spent at my service site. Working with the communications department of Tostan, has brought me all sorts of wonderful experiences and opportunities. The latest of which, has been writing a piece for their celebration of International Education Week. That post can be found here!