As the dawning sun rose into the sky, my body pulsed with nervous energy. I was poised to set sail on an ocean of unknowns. I knew this day would be a turning point during my stay in Senegal, yet I had no idea what to expect. Somewhere deep down, my excitement whispered words of reassurance. Everything would turn out wonderfully in the end.
I walked into my homestay, greeted by the sound of my little brother’s squeals of joy. He dashed around the corner grinning from ear to ear. More giggles burst from his lips as I shook his hand and asked how he was. He beckoned me to look at his marvelous toy car, and we spent the next few hours driving it wherever our imaginations could go. As our energy dwindled, we sat and relaxed with the rest of the family. Suddenly, I noticed he had stopped talking completely. That’s when I realized, my two year old brother Rassoul, had fallen asleep in my lap.
As usual, several nights ago, Rassoul and I were playing with his toy cars and horses. For some reason that particular night, he thought everything I said or did was absolutely hysterical. His laughter could be heard throughout the house as he jumped and shouted with mirth. He turned in my direction, and in the most perfect English a two year old could muster, he said, “Macoura (my Senegalese name) I love you.” After lifting my jaw from the floor, I looked at him in astonishment. He looked right back, with a grin on his face.
Moments like these remind me why I’m here, and how important it is to be fully present every second. Life flashes by and if one doesn’t keep a watchful eye, many beautiful things are easily missed. My host family is wonderful, and being actively involved with them continually strengthens our relationship. Solidarity permeates every aspect of life here, it’s impossible to not feel welcomed and embraced.
