Be a washer not a wiper

I am here! Here is Thies, pronounced "chess," Senegal, West Africa. It's about a 2 hours drive from Dakar, the capital...if the traffic is good. The country is beautiful, the people are beautiful. We've been at the 'compound' for 6 days now. And by compound, I mean a gated/walled community that was given to the PC after the French Government lost imperialistic control over Senegal. The most popular languages that are spoken here are, French and Wolof. But there are several others, so many that it is hard to keep them straight. I am learning Mandinka, the most common language in The Gambia. It is sing songy, something between Spanish and Chinese, and yes Mom all letters of a word are pronounced so I can actually have a good chance at successfully learning it. My "CLF" or culture language facilitators name is Bakary Camera, he is Mandinka and perfect for my learning style. On Wednesday afternoon, myself and 3 other trainees move to Mbour to begin our CBT, or community based training. In Mbour, I will live in a Senegalese family and practice integrating into the culture and learning the language. We shift between our CBT and the compound for the next few weeks, coming back to the training center to digest what our experiences are and learn more tools to help ourselves and our communities. The Gambian trainess will be heading to Gambia on the 11th of April. Where we will be living with different host families for 4 weeks.

I am very excited for this whole experience, trying to take in every moment but never having enough time in the day to do all I want to do. Everyone here is wonderful and I am so honored to be living this adventure with such an amazing group of people. For a deep thought- I am learning more about myself then I have so far learned about the Senegalese or Gambian culture.



Brief overview (like the first 3 hours): We flew into Dakar and were safely guided to the PC vehicles by current PCVs that speak the local languages and tell people to 'back off.' There was a 'potty' talk almost as soon as we got off the plane, or at least it seemed that way. The days blend together, but that might also be the lack of sleep between the train that rolls passed the compound or the all night religious ceremonies So potty talk- be a washer not a wiper. And if we wipe then we are only supposed to use 4 squares of toilet paper. Also, if your planning on coming to West Africa or traveling to any country that does not use western toilets I highly suggest practicing your squat. Start taking yoga now.

More to follow, I must sleep too tired. Oh, i'm taking Methlaquine, a malaria prophylaxis, of which common side effects are vivid dreams or waking delusions. Those should be fun- blog readers get excited for some wild stories. At least I'm protected against Malaria.

Ready or not, Set, Go

It's here, time for staging. Got the providence airport to fly to DC at 5am, after several hugs and kisses to my "entourage" I passes through security to a world of unknown and excitement. The original flight had several mechanical issues and was cancelled. I'm now scheduled to leave at 9:30. I'm using the time to download books, stalk Facebook heavily, talk to parents and Evan, and people watch. Norms of life that will soon become luxuries. On the people watching status, in the past 30 minutes, 13 business men have paid $7 to have their expensive Italian leather shoes shined, many have paid extra to have their leather briefcases polished plus tip. I won't comment. (make that 15)

Backtracking: thes past few months I have been showered in love and support from my friends and family. I can not express the enveloping sense of security that I have been wrapped in. As hard as it has been to say "see you later" I know that I will see you in 27 months. Thank you for being there and opening yourselves up to my adventure. I love you all.