Kait and I arrived safely after our trans-Atlantic red-eye at 10am Senegal time. Our first day has been a bit exhausting, but mercifully under-programmed. We met all of the in-country staff and some volunteer leaders. Everyone seems really nice and enthusiastic. After meeting, and trying to remember the names of the 60ish other volunteers during our brief staging in Philadelphia, the prospect of remembering another 30+ names is a bit daunting. But it's a good problem to have! One of the first things discussed was proper squat toilet etiquette. I took the lesson to heart, and have tested my skills twice already. No catastrophic outcomes yet (e.g. Poop on the shoes). I have yet to attempt the "water instead of toilet paper" that will become the norm, but we're making small steps. The most fun, and exhausting, part of the day thus far has been the hour-long dance party, to live drumming, we had this afternoon. Due to bandwidth limits (and all the other trainees wanting to email home too) there won't be any pics of that uploaded yet. Sorry! We learned some Senegalese dances, which Kait fell into like a local, and I butchered like a tubaab (Wolof for westerner, or white person). Kait and I were also surprised when we were led to our private room in the training center. The other trainees are 8-to-a-room, bunk bed style. I feel slightly bad, but am also jealous of all the inter-volunteer bonding that we might miss out on. We're also right next to where all the language teacher hang out and drink tea... So perhaps calling it a private room is overstating it. We're the only two people sleeping in it though.
I managed to eat my first traditional meal without using my poo/devil hand (aka my dominant hand). That was pretty great.
The heat, and the lack of sleep has resulted in a slightly rambling and disjointed post, but I'm just typing things as I think of them. The summary is that we've arrived safely, and are in high spirits.
In conclusion, chech out this map of Pangea with modern political boundaries. Seems like we'd have been able to hit Jacksonville with a rock from Dakar if only we'd been serving a few eons ago... Thinking of you Ash and Pat!
Love,
Peter and Kait
So glad you are settling in. I love that a dance party was first on the agenda. You two should feel right at home! I will try eating dinner tonight without my poo/devil hand to show solidarity, Peter. We lefties have to stick together. Am going to pass, however, on all things related to a squat toilet. Sleep tight in your cozy private room!
ReplyDeletelove you both AMTDO. Be safe and happy. Sue/Mom