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.