Song…
As my time here is beginning to come to an end, and realizations of college being my new upcoming reality, I can’t help but think what it is this experience has done for me. I know I’ve changed in many ways; various means that I will never even realize have altered. I’ve been gone from home for just over 7 months now, living in Joal for just about 6 months. I’ve had a family take me in as their own, made friends with incredible people I could never forget, become an older sister to one of the most bright

In the amount of time it takes me to run to the island of Fadiouth and back, I hear an overwhelming amount of ‘toubab’ or foreigner, something like word throw up for many people I have encountered. Recently the phrase, “donne-moi une cadeu,” or give me a gift has also been commonly said. Give me a gift? At first I thought I was hearing or translating it wrong. Why would I give you a gift while I am running, hot and sweaty? But then I realized it is not because I am running, but because of who I am; the…

In the 1950’s, a radio show came out to inspire Americans in a time of uncertainty. “This I Believe” has currently been reawakened, and even brought into the form of a book. People from all across the United States can write about all forms of love they have possessed in their lives. I was smart enough to bring this book with me to Senegal, and each day I take a moment to read just one chapter. It has inspired me to look each day for all forms of love, and encourages me to give the benefit of the doubt to…

I wake up slow. Drifting between my dream and reality, I let my mind slowly awaken before my body. I turn off my alarm, gradually lifting my body and do a series of stretches before I even open my eyes. I give myself time each morning to reflect on the day that passed, and prepare for the day ahead. I take a moment to pray for my family back at home, to pray for my family in Joal, and for inner strength courage and wisdom for this day and each to come. I do chakra to rebalance my energy and…

It is all about the pace and patience. I am learning rather quickly how slow the pace of Senegalese culture is, and how important patience is. I can already hear my family at home laughing at the idea of me living in a world surrounded by patience. Always antsy and wondering what is next on the agenda, it has become a challenge to adapt to the slowly moving atmosphere. The only thing that seems to move at the speed of light are the conversations my family has in French or Wolof or Sereer, me nodding frequently trying to catch key words in their race to finish a sentence.…