It's all about Sam and Ally Oh we Can't forget Mike

Me, Ally, Sam. We made smores for Sam's Family

This is a little sentimental blog about my new family here in Senegal. 

Although I love my entire stage and the entire Peace Corps family, these are the people I have come to rely on whenever I have problems here.

My new PC (Peace Corps) family. They understand the problems that I go through as they too are facing the same challenges and obstacles. I've realized whenever I'm down or I'm having an issue its better to talk to the PC family then anyone else. They understand the issues and at times I've been there. They know just the right advice and what to say, to give you that hope and sunshine to keep on trekking. 

At times talking to friends and family back home is not the best idea as they may not understand, and quite  frankly CANNOT comprehend the challenges we face daily.

Sam and Ally are both in my region and we have been together since this journey started. Sam and I were the only two in our language class. Ally was in the same training village and we saw her everyday. Ally and I were actually cousins during training. They are both my closet neighbor.

Oh and Mike well lets see, he is my site-mate/husband. Its just a joke we have going on ( I don't have pictures with him yet). In the beginning he was not my favorite, hence they say hes my husband BUT, I have no choice but to love him because he is my site make and I think as far as PC Senegal goes we are the closet volunteers to live together. A two minute walk from each others house

SO as time goes on you would be hearing alot about these people.. 

I've come to rely on these three people as my anchor and I know they are always there for me no matter what and willing to help me in any way..

We got matching pants made

Sam and I at swearing

LOVE YOU GUYS

The 3rd Annual Black Arts Festival

A big cone in the middle of the city

This year the 3^rd black arts festival was celebrated, which was started by the first president of Senegal. It is suppose to be a festival celebrating all the black arts around the world. There were such grand plans for the festivals but only a few manifested. The country was not prepared by the date of the festival, which is from the 18 of December through the 31^st. There were a lot of no shows, people canceling, or and things being postponed. Some of the concerts spaces were not ready; a museum that was supposed to open is still under construction.

OH but there is always light at the end of the tunnel and I am glad I was part of the celebration. I was able to see the opening ceremony on T.V. in Dakar. It was very interesting with some speeches. Wycleef was supposed to perform that same night BUT that got postponed to the next day.

There is a big statue that in honor of the renaissance that was finished. I still have to make that journey up the hill to see it (one of my things to do next while in Dakar).

I was able to see a photography display, a display of South African Arts and clothing. I was also able to see Lucky, the first human being on earth that was discovered in Ethiopia. I also got to see the skull of an ape, which was much older than Lucky.

To top it all off I was serenaded by the band Casave (I hope that’s how it’s spelt) from the Caribbean, Rick Ross was supposed to be in attendance but GUESS WHAT? He did not make it. 


All in all I was glad I was a part of this history because who knows when the next one would be. Overall it was fun getting to learn about black arts and its culture. 

Clothes from South Africa

It was Bright Idea at the Time!!

At the end of our training, in Theis, we thought it would be a nice idea to ride the train to Dakar. We had asked around and everyone told us the train would be running that Sunday and it leaves at 6:45, so we had to be at the train station by 6.

So we all got up (about 17 of us) at 5am in the morning after been up all night for the past two days. We walked all the way across town with ALL OUR LUGGAGE. This was a month’s worth of luggage and all the other things we had accumulated over the month. Needless to say it was a lot of SH*T. Each of us had at least two bags and most of us had more. This was usually a 20mins walk, so with all our stuff in the dark it too k us about 45mins. SOOO FUN. There was no taxi (cab) in sight; the only cars we saw were those that were dropping off bread.

So we were doing all this walking and we had NO IDEA where the train station was, we were just going with faith and hoping we would see it. I guess this is how this whole journey has been, and how it would continue. “Just going by faith and hoping all will be okay in the end.” So me and two other people saw a cab, we decided to take it: not knowing where we were going, while suffering from back pain. Thankfully the driver knew where the station was.

(You would be surprise how many drivers don’t know where things are BUT say they do, and after minutes of driving around ask you how to get to your destination. I DON’T KNOW. You are the driver. Thank God these cabs don’t run on a meter system. If it was so, it would be one hell of a ride, spending all our money on cabs and these crooks just been crooked for NO REASON).

So the station was less than 5 minutes away from where we took the cab, BUT we were thankful for the relief on our backs. SOOO guess WHAT? We get to the station and the TRIAN DOES not run on Sunday’s. Thanks people for giving us the wrong info.

But what do know, the Lord work in mysterious ways. Our cab driver was like, “wait here, I can go to the garage (the place where we take transport for outer-city journeys) and get you a mini-car that can take you to a Dakar. A mini-car is like a van that stops on the way to get people and drop people off.

So we sent two people with the cab driver to get the mini-car. About 20 minutes later they were back with the car YAYAYAYYA.

So we got our own private car that dropped us off right at our destination.  Usually it would just drop us off at the garage, and we had to find our way to our destination.  Overall it was cheaper than what we would have spent.

YAYAYA… one for the Toubabs..

Us on the mini van

                          WE ALL MADE IT SAFELY

Frustrations.. All I want is my money

Okay. This is just a quick venting entry.

Lets see, where do I begin. It all started with the Peace Corps opening our bank accounts, for our living allowance. First off, I'm in the forgotten region, all the way down south where most people in Dakar or the North I've ever heard off. Due to this, people in the region use a different bank than the rest of Peace Corps. Luckily enough a branch of the bank that Peace Corps normally uses was just opned down there. YAYAY. So with my group we had an option of staying with what other people already used in our region or go with the Peace Corps bank. I chose the Peace Corps banks because, it can be used whereever in Senegal unlike the other, which is only in my region for the most part.


Okay so since I requested this change, I did  not get my debt card with the rest of my group, I got it 6weeks later. So during those times if I needed money I had to write a check to myself. (yes I just cant't go to the bank and take money out, I can only write checks to myself).


So that was one stumble block I had to get over. When I came to Thesis to pick up my card, the first bank I went to said they did not have it, it was at the other bank. Went to the other bank and the the guy said, No your card is not here you have to go where you opened the account. Then I said well NOO your other bank said it was here... OH: then he went into the back and looked and what do you know it was there.


So,  got the card, tired using it at the ATM BUT I could not get money out. My pin was correct it, I could see my balance I just could not take money out. Spent about an hour at the bank, getting a tour of the bank, going to each person and station and nothing could be done. They just kept saying go to the branch were you opened the account.


So that was unsuccessful, therefore, I called the Peace Corps and a day later it was fixed; I was able to get money out. I went back again a couple of days later and I am back at square one. (I'm having the same issue, I cannot take money out). Went to the bank today but nothing was resolved. Now I have to wait  till Monday.


Just a fun story to show you how the system works here in Senegal. Customer service does not exist.


I shall keep you posted.


P.S. I'm not only one have thins problem, lol. The people that decided to switch banks are all having the same issue.  

Tamkharit

Tamkharit is the Muslim celebration for the New Year. It comes one month after Tabaski. This year it is celebrated on December 16. There is the traditional dish served in Senegal for this holiday. It is a Senegalese couscous served with a tomato sauce, vegetables, with meat. It is not the same couscous served in North Africa and the Middle East but just as delicious.

It has become a Senegalese tradition for people to go from house to house with friends after the meal. Children spend the week before Tamkharit making the drums they will play for this evening of celebration. The drums are often made from tin cans and sometimes just a plastic container is sufficient. Of course there are those who have friends with drums, but a sound, any sound is all that is required.

These house-to-house visits include performances. Children sing and dance and each group has a treasurer. If the people they perform for like their performance, they give the performers a few coins, or sugar, or rice. This is then used by the group to buy candy or for food prepared for or by the group members.

Info courtesy of E.S.

How I spent my Tamkharit

So since I'm currently doing training, and we as Peace Corps volunteers don't technically have off for any holidays, Senegalese or America, I spent most of my day in training. After training I went to a friends house, who I consider my sister and we hangout whenever I'm in the neck of her woods. The celebration started around sunset although I did not make it there till 7ish.

When I got there, her mom gave me some of the delicious couscous, with an onion sauce with meat and lots of vegetables. According to my friend they had been preparing this meal the entire day. The couscous is made from scratch and some families usually kill a goat. They have also been eating there and there the entire day. They even eat the couscous with meal. (so guess they just drink that, because its very watery).

Later on some kids came by and gave the family a bowl of the food their parents made. Some boys came by dressed as women with wigs, make-up and everything. Others came as musicians. My friends family just gave them a cup full of rice for coming over.

I heard, in other cases, the main goal is for people to dress like who they are not normally. Example, the poor dress like the rich and vice versa, men like women, and vice versa, kids likes adults and vice versa, etc.

Overall it was a good experience getting to experience their new year's. However, I wish I was home so I could see how my family and town celebrates this new year.

Its Thanksgiving

Writing  this blog from my regional house where I just had  a awesome thanksgiving lunch. So what's a regional house?  Each region has its own house were volunteers can go and hangout with each other, you know get away from our work site for a while, relax, etc, its little America. My regional house is in Kolda


The volunteers in my region got together and prepared a delicious thanksgiving feast Senegalese style. We got a turkey, killed it cleaned it and deep fried it. We had stuffing, green bean casarole, mashed potatoes, candied yams, grilled chickens, cranberry sauce, garlic bread corn, gravy and salad  with cheese (trust me it's a luxury here). AND YUMMY deserts, we had pumpkin pie made out of squash, apple crisp carrot cake and eggnog (i made the last two). With Sam's help.. A new bff here


This was a very awesome thanksgiving. It was a first for most of us, preparing an actual feast without the help of parents and family members. We went to the market got everything and made it ourselves.. and the best part ALL OF IT WAS FROM SCRATCH.. 


We all went around saying what we were most thankful of.. and I am just thankful to have such a awesome Peace Corps family in this region. And it was nice getting to see other volunteers and people we had not seen in while.


SO friends back home.. I hope you guys had a awesome and bless-filled thanksgiving like I did


LOVE
 

My carrot cake

It's Festive Season

So it’s around 10:30 p.m here and I’m just coming from the market. I guess shopping. Just ate dinner. I guess no matter where we come from, no matter how different our backgrounds and cultures, we are all still human beings. Girls will be girls. I just came from the market with the women in my compound. We were, well they were out shopping for shoes and the last necessities for the big fete tomorrow. November, 16 (tomorrow) would be Tabaski but must just call it julide, which means pray day in fulla.

We had went earlier in the day, spent about four hours in the market, and most still did not get what they wanted, hence our  return in the evening. The market was crowed like free things were been handed out. Everyone was touching, stepping on each other trying to get around. The food market, which is usually the liveliest was the dullest, as most women were concerned with getting jewelry, shoes, est. Lunch was later than usual as we came back from the market super late and someone had to prepare it. They have been asking me for money to buy this and that. I ended up buying some food, so they could include it in the meal  tomorrow, a jewelry set for one, gave one some money for shoes and bought materials so all the girls in the family could do henna, which we have still not done yet. I guess that would be one of the morning activities.

For days now women and children have been getting their hair done, braids, weaves, etc. Tailors are working into the wee-hours to finish their client clothes. I think they’ve only been getting a couple of hours rest during this week and this past week. My brothers whom are tailors I only see briefly at night when they come home for dinner (they don’t even bother coming home for lunch) and a quick bath.

So after lunch the women got started again on doing hair, which is still going on now. Right outside my room door. It’s like the Grammy’s as one of the other volunteer’s put it. EVERYONE is in high spirits getting ready.

Then around seven we went back to the market, and it is STILL CROWDED… the market usually is closed by this hour. Around five everyone is starting to close their shops and go home NOT TODAY…. It is still lively at ten O’clock at night. Everyone is trying to sell off their reaming goods; people are still trying to find the perfect shoes, perfume and even some, extensions and weaves.

Needless to say this was a fun evening getting to see the women in action. Although it’s not my scene, (as you all know, I’m not into the shopping and finding a “good barging”) it made me realized women all around the world ARE ALL THE SAME… They welcome the opportunity to go shopping, to buy/make new outfits and to get dulled up for the day. Splurging and spending money, which could come in handy later. I had fun joking around with the women as it seems the only thing on their mind is looking pretty and also making sure their kids are up to par.

Therefore,  I can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow all dulled and ready to eat their sheep or goats. However, apparently for this great pray day, only men, young children, and old ladies would go praying in public tomorrow at the grand park and the mosques. One of the women was explaining if they go they would get their period (menstrual) for a year. Did not quite understand that.

However, I am going just to take pictures and see what the fuss is about.. PRAY FOR ME.. that I don’t getting  a yearlong menstrual.

I can’t wait for tomorrow… I will update on how the day went.

Hande Ko Julde

My korite outfit

SO it’s almost 10 pm here and the fete is still going on. All the women are out; the kids are out playing and dancing with each other. They are all dolled up. They spend all that energy, time and money only to wear their outfits at night, when it’s dark and people can to see them properly in the light. Men are in front of their houses playing loud music with their stereo sets (which was only brought out for the fete) or watching T.V.

This morning I woke up around 7. I sooo did not want to get up, because I was tired and my bed is comfy but I had to if I wanted to go praying with the kids at nine in the park.  So I got up took a shower and went with the kids to the park for prayers. The men had already left. The men wore their outfits they got made but the kids and women who went wore others clothes (the outfits sown for the day were worn later). When I arrived the place was soo crowed and people were still coming, so I just took some pictures and left.

On my way home I stopped at my parent’s house to say hi. The girls were still getting their hair did. Came home and started getting ready to put henna on my hand (which should have happened the night before, but I did not want to sleep with my hands tied up or early this morning). BUT I had to leave because I wanted to watch my dad kill the sheep for the fete. So I went for that.. poor sheep, they have so much blood and it was just pouring out.  I saw two other sheep get killed at two other different houses.

Then I came back home and my cousin/sister did henna on my hands. Which is done my warping gauze tape around my fingers for the design. After, she tied both hands in a plastic bag. I then went back to my dad’s house to chat with women and help them cook. I was not much help as my hands were tied up. People were bringing meat to the compound I live in. I guess those that are more fortunate and can afford to kill a sheep share the meat with those that are not so fortunate. At my dad’s house they kept moving me around, as where I could sit, due to the sun and the smoke from the fire. They roasted/grilled some of the sheep and ate it with sautéed onions and I think mashed potatoes, I can’t say for sure. I only had a couple of bits as it was mostly fat.

Then the women got to cooking, which was just an onion sauce, which had fried potatoes and the meat. This is then eaten with bread. I think most families make a variation of the same thing; this is based on what I saw from the various houses I ate today. Times like this the people just like to focus on the meet as it is not something they eat every day, this is luxury.

So l left them and came back to my house so I could finish doing my henna. After that was done I went back to my dad’s house and ate lunch. The best food those people have made based on what I’ve eaten from them. After that lunch I came back to my house, and they had not eaten yet… OOOPPPS, so I had to eat AGAIN. It was mostly the same thing I had at the other house but their sauce had peas.

After both lunches I got dressed to start my journey of greeting people and do more eating off course (It’s pre-thanksgiving). It’s hard to refuse food if it’s been offered. First, I went to the house of my site mate’s counterpart (work partner) (by the way he has made it a tradition, my site mate and I have to eat lunch at his house every Sunday) and off course they “saved” me lunch so I had to eat some. Their sauce had noodles. We even took a photo because, a photographer was passing by. I sat and chilled with them for a while, and then I was off. Next I went to the house of the president of one of the women’s group I would like to work with. SHE IS SOO SWEET. And she too save me a plate, more like a big bow.... but I told her I would take it to go. Again I sat and chilled with them. I did some dancing (they had their stereo out in the street), drank some kosam, which is yoghurt. Her daughters invited me to a party happening tomorrow night. Kids are working around greeting families and in return they are giving some money, just some loose coins.

So I stopped by my house and dropped of the food she gave me, then I was off to my work partners house. There I just drank some juice and chilled, watched some T.V. Then I was off to one of my many mothers relatives house. This mother her name is Hawa, she works for Peace Corps and is responsible for finding us families during training, she is sooo AWESOME, hence I made her my mom. She has relatives in the town I’m leaving (her husband’s family); this house I’m speaking of right now is of the man that is now the head of her husband’s mom’s household, since her husband is dead. (I hope that was clear).. Again I sat there for a while; I told them I already ate so I could not eat anymore. Then next I went to my mom (Hawa’s) mother-in-law’s house.  

So everyone kept saying I was expecting you earlier to eat with us, you were suppose to spend the fete with us (hmm I already have two households to juggle). Then you MUST stay for dinner. Hawa’s mother-in-law was EXTRA, SUPER mad at me. She said she had been expecting me way before now. I was supposed to spend the day with them and eat and be there till I was ready for bed. Yea I guess she has the right as she is my grandmother, lol.

After spending some time with them, and it was also EXTRA hard to leave that house, harder than normal, I went to my predecessor’s supervisor’s house (she could have been mine too, but she retried this year.). My “brother” (Hawa’s so, he down here for school) and his friend dropped me off. There I ate again. Their sauce had fries in it. It was YUMMY… again I hung out for a while and her son told me he would take me out to town to see how it was at night during the fete.

So I came home and the son picked me up from my house. Hmmm the whole time, since I agreed to us going out, I was scared, it was just sketchy. I’m not sure if he’s sketchy, as I don’t know what, or who to trust here, what are his alternative motives, etc, and that was what I kept thinking the whole time out with him. I kept thinking to myself Pam you should not be doing this I hear the voice of our security officer asking, are you crazy?

Then we went to the hotel in town, which is like the hangout spot/bar and we got drinks (coke). AGAIN the whole time I was just thinking what these guy’s motives are. I’m not sure if he is really sketchy or not BUT based on how the conversation went, I was just thinking he is soo sketchy, I hope he is not expecting anything out of this. Or maybe I’m just pre-judging; hence anything he said would seem sketchy.  After the hotel I thought we were going home but them we drove around and  I was like, where the heck is he taking me. But he was just showing me around the town. Needless to say he dropped me home without a scratch.


This is how I spent my first Tabaski/pray day in Senegal. I still have the food from that lady; I hope it does not go bad by morning, without any fridge. That would be my breakfast. I plan on resting tomorrow. 

My henna

. 

Reconnecting with the past.

Here in Veligera, I’m not sure if its throughout Senegal, there is fete that the community has, which is called fete de tostan (SP). It is a celebration in reconnecting with the past and teaching the current generation about the past and the culture. The elders of the community think their culture is been lost and the kids have no true idea about their culture. So for a weekend there is a big fete (celebration) for the community to earn the cultures of the past. There is a grand celebration and each tribe does their own thing. It starts Friday and ends Sunday, each day it starts around 9 till the morning. They cook a big lunch each day. The event is organized by the various women’s group all coming together for a common interest. I would be working with these women groups, so they invited me and they did a mini presentation of who I am. They have plays, skits, comedy, dances, etc, all in the name of education and teaching the young people about their culture.

I love this fete. It something exciting, learning about what life use to be like, back in the days and teaching the kids how to hold on to their culture while moving with the times and best of all its done in a non-condensing way. It’s done in a fun way that both generations can enjoy. I was part of the fete, I watched as much as the bugs would permit. Because at night I just get spooked about by the bugs and just get under my mosquito net.

They have these women called the pulo rewbe (fulla women)(. They are fulla dancers. They beat on calabash as drums with metal rings and they sing dance and stuff, while saying prayers for whatever event. People can give them money and they dance; it’s like slow motion music. When someone goes to dance they beat the drums really fast. They offered to come play for me and they did it was fun. They came to my house, but they could not play in the compound as it was not 40days after the death of my grandmother, so we did it outside under a big tree. I have a video and if the internet ever allows I will upload it. People in the area came out and watched and dance. Even I did and apparently I’m a good dancer. It was sooo fun..They prayed for me and my boyfriend (husband here), which here at the time. I am getting soo much special treatment here, when people finally believe I am American. 

I am now EATING. YAYAYAY

The food is good. SOOO much better than what I had during training. BUT that was a long fight too.

Let me explain…….SO the guy before me, ate at our mom’s and dad’s house. AND THERE FOOD well lets just say it’s not up to par and I would have been doing all my cooking or just starve if I had continued that tradition. That was the original plan, make all my meals. BUT my dad was NO you have to eat with us, Amhed did (the guy I replaced). They do that here a lot do comparisons between the previous volunteer and the current one. This did that and that you should do the same. NOOOOOOO we are two different people and that was after two years of living here. Okay, so I made up my mind that I would just take a couple of bites and then eat in my room.

THEN one day, I tasted the food at the compound I am living and it was AMAZING, compared to what I’ve been having, so I was like why don’t I just eat at this house. This BECAME A BIG ISSUE….. I spoke to my dad, he was like talk to your mom, that family cannot afford to take care of you, I take care of them and I am thinking of cutting them off since my mother-in-law is deceased.

And mom was like well I am in charge of you Peace Corps gave volunteers to me, you are my responsibility, I am your mother you have to eat here and they cannot afford another mouth to feed.

Well..(all this in my head)… you are not my responsibility I am on my own, the Peace Corps gave us to the city and not you alone, usually we eat where we sleep, the other guy only ate there because he was living in your compound before, and I do make contribution, so they can afford to feed me. Your food is not up to par. Plus that family eats better than you, they can cook, they are not as poor as you think, at least they have fish every day and meet at least once a week and with you I’m lucky if I see any fish. Yet again poverty for them is measured on a different scale. Who has the T.V. is richer. I say who can eat better and can afford vegetables and meet in their bowl is richer.

ANYWAYS, long story short after about a week of going back and forth and getting another volunteer involved all was resolved. I now eat where I sleep and the food is good. DON’T get it twisted it’s not AMAZING for American standards… but it is AWESOME and better than what I would have been getting.

My New Family/Town

I am now Kadiatu Camara. My permanent site is Velingara.  It is all the way in the south, SOO far from Dakar and closer to the Gambia. It used to be spelled Weligara, which means a good place to come. BUT apparently it was changed by the colonizers because they could not pronounce it.

I have two moms, the 1^st wife and I guess my mom is called Asatou. She has a different last name than me; as wives keep their last names and the kids take the last name of their dad’s. My dad is Saliou Camara. I have five siblings; one is in Spain, the eldest, and one younger brother. I don’t live in the same compound as this family. I live like two blocks away at my mom’s sister’s compound. Where I guess my grandmother use to be, and she died a couple of days before I moved in. (Thank God). I know that may sound cold but I don’t want to be around for family funerals, it’s kind of awkward.

So at my compound I have my aunt and her kids and I called them brothers and sisters too. It is kind of hard knowing how people are related here, as everyone calls each other, mom, sister, brother and dad, or uncle.

I have my own bathroom and a backyard next to the bathroom, which is my kitchen. I have a well and a tape in my compound. I use the well water to shower and other household needs. And I use the tape water to drink, cook and wash my face, I think the well water is making me breakout. There are fishes in my well which makes the water taste bad. The water has been contaminated and it would become worse when the fishes die in there. I guess we would cross that bridge when we get there although my family does not seem to be bothered by it. I have suggested they take the fishes out but they say no. I have huge bed. Bigger, than normal beds. Thanks to my predecessor, who left it for me. Three people can sleep on there comfortable without touch each other both ways. The foam is comfy. It is my refugee and my safety zone.

The family is cool. I like them, although people just keep barging into my room without asking or knocking. ESPECAILLY, the men. I mean even when the door is closed they would just open and come in.

Bugs, rats, rodents and everyone in that family are my new Bffs but I am getting screens put in. Which I think (know) they are over charging me for. I will get to that in a different entry.

I love my aunt she is cool. Although they keep asking me to buy stuff or give them stuff. One thing though Senegalese are SOOOOO indirect, I wish they would be more direct and come out and say what they want or what is bothering them. So instead of asking me Pam (kadiatu) can you buy me this, or I would like you to give me this they would be like, I wish I had this, I want to buy this and my response it “OK”..  Great go buy it then. And they should not know you have something they would always want to borrow it. I just want to ask them, what did you do before I was here people.

I’m having a hard time just telling them NOOOOO because I hate saying no, and I want to avoid as much confrontation as possible but, we shall see how that go.

I love the town, it’s a bit big but small enough for people to still know everything. Electricity is pretty much 24/7 minus a few times. There is pastry shop like a 10 minute walk from my house. There is some okay street food, so they town is not that bad.

Sooooooooooooo this is my new life for the next two years.

It’s been a while

Sorry guys it’s been a while. I have been kind of busy. I have just been trying to learn my new environment, fixing up my room, getting to know my family and seeing where there is potential for work. I have been at my site for about three weeks now, since becoming an official volunteer.  Well I am now situated and I have pay-as-you- go internet, which I can use anywhere. SOO here are a couple updates of what been going on.

Official P.C.V

Hey Lovers,


I am now part of the selected few that has been called to serve, dedicating myself to the cause of peace and development. I am now an official Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal. All 61 of us got sworn in on the 15 of October, 2010. Three people did not make it through the 9 weeks of training. The ceremony was held at the Ambassador' house, which was gorgeous. After the ceremony we had some AMAZING American food. It was finger food, like mini pizza's mini hamburgers and a bunch of other things including deserts and Senegalese local drinks. After the ceremony we went to the Atlantiue, Club, which is a place for American, like a YMCA, that has a bar and a restaurant. 


The next day the people and I in my region got shipped off to the regional house at 6am in the morning. I am currently at the region house, which is a place for all the volunteers in the region to get together or an escape to mini America.


I get installed Monday, (I move in). And tomorrow is shopping day to get stuff for my place/room.


SO guys thank you for getting me through training. I'm learning to appreciate each and everyone of you each day. Your kind words and prayer got me through training so keep it coming and I love you all.

As it said in  my new language Jaraama buy

Last 10 days

Okay Guys,


I have nothing in particular I just want to give an update on what has been going on these past two days. Just so you know, THESE HAS BEEN THE HARDEST 10 days of PST. Just because I saw my site, I LOVED IT, I’ve seen soo many possibilities on how I could help my city, so I just want to move down there and start working.


The food situation I think got worst. I liked Ramadan better because at least the dinner was OKAY since they had not eaten all day and it was there only meal. However, now for lunch there is a OKAY meal, which off course I’m not fond OFF SOOO, I don’t get to eat much. Then dinner is leftover lunch (double trouble). Or plain white rice and dreaded palm oil (tentulu). So needless t say, I’ve not been eating much so I’ve just been hungry making me week and less able to do other stuff… I don’t know if I’m loosing weight or not since hwen I do eat it’s JUST RICE.. and my clothes are getting all big and loose due to how laundry is done here sooo IDK


BUT on another note.. my permanent families food is much worsr than my current family soo the food sucks more and it’s a smaller town SOOO I’ve decided to do ALL my cooking when I get to my permanent site. That may be a big thing for the family to comprehend because they love sharing food and they may just think I’m rude.. O Well.. and my Predecessor ate like ALL his meals with them. SO I see them saying “Amhed is better than you he ate with us.” The food was the last thing I thought I would have problems with, since I’ve been around West Africa and I love the food.. BUT Senegal is bottom on my list when it comes to food.


And I’ve being, feeling under the weather, having a cold. Maybe from not eating. OH and I had some insect in my right eye. The sucker was walking in my eye. I had it in there for at least 5days. So that was full of headaches and all. My dad did not believe my eye was hurting since it was not red and my mom said it’s because I’m not eating, lol… So the eye doctor had to cut the bug out it was living in my upper eye lid, and he gave me some eye antibiotics. SOO I’m okay now.. just some headaches.


So I got to go Dakar as result of this.. SHOUT out to the Peace Corps medical staff (PCMO’S). The best medical care I’ll probably ever have in my life. I called them and told them what was wrong they sent a car to pick me up, spent two nights in Dakar. The med hut is AWESOME, which had hot running water AC and you know the whole 9yards, Mini US. Dakar is beautiful, at least downtown. Sorry no pics ( I just got a ride since I was going to the doctor). Looks like a mini island a beach all along the coast.


SOOO now it’s crunch time, 2weeks before I become a actual volunteer..October 16, when I pass this language test. I got Novice-High on my latest result, so I’m two steps away from the needed result. People keep saying you speak the language really well and I’m like TELL THAT TO SAMBE KANDE (the guys doing and grading the tests). So I know I would do it. I asked him do you think I’ll get this language in the next two weeks he says yes if you keep trying it depends on you.


This week we get to do counterpart (our work partners) and supervisor workshops, 6 more days in the villages, our last language test and tech tests. AND BECOMING a P.C.V (Peace Corps Volunteer)

Yes I'm American

So as a black person doing the Peace Corps the toughest battle I've faced so far is proving to Senegalese people that I'm truly American. That I'm not Senegalese and I DONT SPEAK WOLOF. I keep having to argue with people, telling them I am from America. Some just don't believe me and say I'm not telling the truth and I really don't work for Peace Corps. Some even asked how come I'm black if I'm from America. Yea I don't think they catch much TV in the villages.

So the kids and even some adults call the  White people (sorry for being political incorrect.. BUT you know me) Toubabs and run up to shake their hands. I mean for them it can get annoying with billions of kids just chanting TOUBABS.. BUT for me they just don't say anything if I'm alone because they do think I'm Senegalese.

However when, I'm with the other volunteers and I try to shake their hands, They are just like NOOO we want to shake the TOUBABS hands..  You are one of us..

SO I just hope this does not pose a problem for me with my work for the next two years. People thinking I'm not a real Volunteer I just want to spend their money or whatever. Soooo we shall see how that goes..

Not Making it is not an option

Okay. We took our first language test and I got my result back... BOOMMER I scored novice Mid which is one up above from the lowest and three from what is needed to get to swearing. Okay. So I did not think that was such a bad result for only learning and speaking the language for about two weeks. Soo I was okay with my Score.. HOWEVER..
Some people already achieved the level needed and the Peace Corps staff was expecting me to do  better since, I'm from Africa and have an African experience.. BUT excuse me, I'm learning the hardest language and i trying my best. Needless to say I was very BOOMED I've been crying about it. But I spoke to some people and im Good now..One blonder on the road to many, so I thought i might share.


In my defense those questions asked during the test are crazy, question I could not even answer in English. Questions such as, Why did you join the Peace Corps and What are your plans after Peace Corps.. As its a oral exam I had to make stuff up on the spot to get the talking going and just saying "I don't know" which is the truth means you don't know the language.


My family keeps telling to talk more.. BUT  I JUST DONT HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY..... yea I think I have to just be "fake" and pretend, to get the talking going...


SOOO after two days of been boomed and crying I'm good now.. I shall make it to Swearing Inshalla.. Si Allah Jabi

It's Korite

So I don't know what's the English word for Korite, or if it  is the English  or at least the universal word this Muslim holiday..BUT it's the day used to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the fasting month, and this is determined based on when the moons goes down.

It has also created a problem with scheduling and confusing because no when is the actual day of the holiday till the moon goes down.. One minute we are the training center next we are with our families sooo it has been quite confusing..

Anyways its a big deal here since its 95% muslim. The people are soo excited, I guess this is because they having been fasting for a whole month straight and they have been the holiest... So they are ready to get back to life..

Everyone is getting ready.. People kill chickens, they just dont eat fish that day.. YAYAYAY...Women, young girls are getting their hair did. Men are getting hair cuts. Outfits are been made for everyone in the family.. So this is every exciting.

My family is making me a outfit too.. My dad asked me one night, so do you have a outfit for Korite and I said so he said, I just said I did not have the time which was true... So he said we shall get you one..

Then the next day him and my  mom called me and said here is the material, and when your uncle comes home tonight he would take your measurement. And that night..he did.. I did not get to pick the style or anything SOOO we shall see...

That was sooo nice of them..

Culture Faux Pas

okay so this is has happened  a couple of times....

People keep telling me how to sit an watch the way im sitting..
Since been here and its sooo hut Pange, has been a vital part of my wardrobe.. So what's a pange you ask.. It like a skirt just wrapped around you held together by just tucking it in with strings.. I guess your are not suppose to put your foot u while sitting with that, just sit flat. I've been yelled at a couple of times for this. One day my LCF yelled at me.. Well pulled me to the side and was watch how you are sitting, someone just said its not the proper way to sit.. and when i was getting my hair braided a guys driving buy was look at watch how you are sitting so I guys im doing something wrong...

In Senegal knees apparently turn u on.. ITS forbidden to show your knees but women can work around showing their boobs all day. Yea women just walk around in the street, in the house, near fathers, husbands, kids and all that..but if they show their knees everyone just goes crazy...SO friends, like this was not bad enough.. Ill just come back showing you more boobs but noOOO knees.. there my have been some few changes to them sinceI was gone that you need to see..

Diabetes in the making

I already have a family history of diabetes and I am now in the capital of suga land... I thought I love sugar but NOT THIS MUCH... EVERYTHING and I mean everything is soooo sweet, and its sooo hard to drink.. The tea, juices, the sodas, and when I tell my host mom I don't want and its too sweet, she looks at me like im crazy. So friends be prepeared if i come back with  a sugar disease..

And on a side note I think my host mon thinks im dirty. She does not think I take enough showers during the day and she keeps asking me to take one, lol....

The Food

SOOOO the food in the village, to say the least is not up to par... I was soooo hungry the whole time.
They are fasting so i have to hide in my room to eat lunch and snacks... and for lunch I have rice and plam oil with pounded okara... not my favorite..

and for  dinner rice and plam oil stew with fish. I eat with the men of the family, and my dad just keep pushing food in front of me WITH THE SPOON HE HAS BEEN EATING WITH... not my forte.. Ive kindda gotten use to eat i just look away when i know he will be doing it......

BUT my mom can cook. but she had not been cooking till the last   day i was leaving... so i was boomed.. it was the same think but she made it better...

SOOO I JUST BE coming back skinny..... but I cant wait till October when I can cook for myself

MY New Family

Hey guys,

So I met my new family and I spent six days with them... Not sooo bad.. minus the part that i dont understand  half of what they saying all the time. My new name is Kadiatu. So i have bucket baths and a whole in the ground to pee and number too.. I have 5 brothers and two sisters.. There are about 20 people in my family and it has the wiredest set-up.. I have my dad and his family, then all his brothers and cousins like 4 of them have their family in the compound.

My father is sooo forceful telling all the time what to do, I guess that means he cares. And my little sister thinks im from outter space just keep touching me and stuff.. but I love her we get along.

Ill be going there for 2weeks all alone.. PRAY FOR ME

BUGS

ok.. i just thought I'll tell you how the flies are SOOO CRAY here... its rainy season soooo its their time...

Last time i was just slapping myself because there were sooo many mosquitoes and my mosquito was broken, therefore i have all these bumps on me. and I think one bite me on where I received a shot so, my arm us swollen and it hurts like crap.. OH and i got more vaccines today so that other arm hurts too..

there are countless other bugs here that i dont know what they are..but they keep disturbing my life.

So there are 6 of us in our room. We all get along but we don't talk much since we are always out and doing stuff..




i really like our group all 64 of us (the largest thus far).. we all are getting along. We are really building a family here.. and right now im using someone else's computer.. SOOO we are all close now and stuff./. helping each other on the way.



SEE YA SOON

My number 221 77 673 00 68

I MADE IT

Hey guys.. I made it safely to Theis, Senegal pronounced Chess…




So let’s see, I had my staging(pre-orientation) on Monday. It was pre short and fun.. It felt like freshman year all over again.. Meeting new people, getting to know the college, and about our program and all that jazz.



Then on Tuesday: THE DAY OF DPARTUR.. we then went to the medical center for yellow fever shot.. Which my arm still hurts from..

Then we get to the airport and OFFCOURSE I OVER PACKED.. SO I had o pay $150 for an extra bag. I don’t if I was mad that I had to lug around another bad to my already 4 packs (this includes hand luggage)or I had to pay, which could have been $100 excess. But apparently the bag was too heavy for just the excess.. “it had to be an new bag)..

Thankfully when I got to Senegal the roads were paved and there were carts.. YAYAYAYAY..



The flight was AWESOME…but I could not fall asleep. My eyes were burning and all but the sleep was no were to be found. South African Airways ran by United was one of the best planes I’ve been in.. and just a side note Peace Corps have to fly on a ran US airplane, hence the flight was ran by United, although its South African Airways.

So got here it was pretty awesome and less chaotic than im use to when traveling to Africa. We were met by the country director and a couple of other staff member. We arrived like 5 in the morning

Then we took a 2hrs bus ride to our center which was not bad at all.. No traffic because it was soo early in the morning. There were lots of goats and horses on the way. We rode on air-conditioned buys and stopped mid ways for a potty break.

We were welcomed in the center with drums.. and these people were so hyped and happy for been up so early. You gotta give it to them.

Each room (there are six of us in our) got their own “guide” they helped us with our bags and showed us our rooms and bathrooms.



Then breakfast, which was baguette with condiments and ovaltine and coffee.

Then we got to nap till lunch… which was AMAZING…then some activities and dinner AMAZING TOO..

I have not had a chance to use the Senegalese bathroom yet since its on the other side of the compound. Well the shower are ok like dorms… pictures to follow.

I just had my French test.. SOOO ill see how bad I did. If I get placed in a French class or a local language.. we shall seel.

the flies are vicious man...

The Doorknob

The Doorknob

an interesting article about the misconceptions of the Peace Corps

Preparations

I received my invitation to serve a little over one month before I ship out. So it has been crazy getting everything in order.


Packing has been fun (NOT).. I mean how do you pack your life for the next almost three years in 80 pounds (the allowed amount of luggage).. Not soo easy.. I don't even know what to pack, what i'll need, whats "essentials." I've been doing some shopping getting things i know I can't find in Senegal..  I got some tennis shoes, My first pair since the 9th grade, lol,.. And i got that one because I needed it for gym back them... 




I had to apply for a passport (its required even if you already have one) and also a visa, which is required.... Ive also been getting all my affairs in order, taking care of the home front. I've also been filling out all these paperwork for the Peace Corps. Getting required shots, meditations, etc.


Now, I'm just in the last minute phase getting everything else that is needed...


Pray for me that I can get all my stuff in 80 pounds.. But I figure I take less clothes since most things in my closet wont be appropriate. Ill just buy stuff there or get them sown. 

Salam Alekum

Hey Guys,


So lets do this again.. I just deleted my earlier posts. I'm still getting use to this thing..hahah...


Anyways, welcome to my blog. This blog is going to be about my experience in the Peace Corps. I've been invited to serve in Senegal as a small enterprise development agent.. We are scheduled to live on the 10th of August.


I am excited to start this journey. It would be 2 1/2 years.. The first 8 weeks there would involve training, so I'm not a volunteer yet till i'm sworn in.

My Worries

Ok guys... these are just a few worries I have for my new life but I'm sure I'll adapt..there is JUST NO OTHER CHOICE right? lol.. This is in no order although I think the toilet is my biggest issue..

1. Its majority MUSLIM.
• I'm not against the religion but its a  conservative one. And it been in Africa, it would be more traditional. This means I have to change my dressing and now looking at my closet must of my current clothes would not work in my new culture... this means Shopping. I have to wear longer things that cover up more of my body BUT its HOT. I guess after a while ill get use to it... 
• The 5am prayers i'm use to, because in Sierra Leone, i get that wake up call all the time anyways, when there..
• The diet won't be that different I guess no pork but  I don't eat it much now anyways. 
2. I don't eat/like beans
• So I was reading up on what's a staple in Senegal and its beans... I hate beans, peas, all types and all variations in this family expect string beans. We shall see how this goes because apparently its mixed in with everything.. So hopefully its sooo mixed in that I wont notice it or taste it..
3. We all eat together and with our hands
• I love the idea of family and togetherness.. All i have to say about this is I hope everyone washes their hands Properly before eating.
4. I'm I up to par
• Another thing is DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES..I know my job is in small business as I'm a small business development agent. Altho I don't don't know my exact job I know it involves writing grants, getting small business owners on their feet and less dependable on  handouts and loans..I had originally been nominated for youth development, but this is were I was placed so i guess if the Peace Corps thinks I have it in me I MUST. I just hope I will be able to serve the people I will be sworn to serve.
• I know I can do anything that I have my mind set on and this is one of them.. the Peace Corps thought I had it in me so I guess I do.. Plus we get more than enough training..
5. The Toilet

My New bathroom

This picture on the left will be my new bathroom system for both NO. 1 and 2. Its pretty much a shoot and aim.. I hope i can make it all the time especially for those No.2s that can get messy.. O well we shall see how that goes.. I'm sure I'll have some funny stories for you.