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Rachel Schrattenholzer

Rachel is passionate about outdoor sports, social justice, public service, and immersion into new cultures. Her hobbies include backpacking, hiking, softball, and physical fitness. She is passionate about women's rights, civil rights, and works to educate people on these issues. Rachel has volunteered in Portland, Oregon over the past four years and participated in service trips to Belize and Romania. Rachel's goals for the year include becoming proficient in her host language, fully immersing herself in the culture and community, gaining a global perspective that will lend her humility and passion, and finding her place in this ever growing, ever changing global community.

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Sama Turondoo

Rachel Schrattenholzer

2015-07-16

For months I’ve wished I could turn back the clock to when I was standing in the middle of my compound, suitcase on the ground and bags on my shoulders that very first day. I was given two choices for my name Ami Ndaw” or “Ndey Xana Ndaw”. Under pressure I went with “Ami Ndaw”

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Two Ami Ndaw’s

Rachel Schrattenholzer

2015-04-01

I was given the choice to be named Ami” or “Ndey Xana”. On the day I arrived in Ndianda

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These Hands

Rachel Schrattenholzer

2015-01-26

I took my place on the crowded bus, folding up the roughly welded seats and tattered cushioning as I passed. One of my favorite parts of going to Joal is access to fresh fruits and veggies, which I don’t see much of in Ndianda. I sat down and immediately pulled out the orange I bought...

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Just Breathe

Rachel Schrattenholzer

2014-12-17

October 28, 2014 I wake to hear the crickets still softly chirping, donkeys wailing in the distance, and horse carts galloping by the compound. It’s 7:00am, when people are working in the fields, taking advantage of what’s left of the coolness of the night, and my brothers are taking the horses and sheep out by...

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Mangi Fi Rekk

Rachel Schrattenholzer

2014-07-30

In Wolof, “How are you?” is said “Nanga def?” which literally means “Where are you?”. The usual response to this is “Mangi fi rekk.” which means, “I am here.” By saying “I am here,” you are saying that you are alive, and that is something to be grateful for. “I am here” and that in...

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