Returning to my village this time felt different. Something was off. Or was it the opposite? Nothing was off. I didn't feel anxious. I didn't feel awkward. I felt like I was home.
The change was slight, but significant.
These people running to greet me and welcome me home are my family.
I am one of them.
PORTRAITS OF MY FAMILY
NENE SALIMATA DIANE (33) - THE WARRIOR
Mother of seven. Uneducated. Illiterate. Rich with knowledge beyond formal education. Opportunist. Survivalist. Will do anything to help her family, no matter how brash or embarrassing. Graceful and deliberate in the way she nurtures her family. Married and pregnant before her 16th birthday. Wants more for her children.
MANE GORY (3) - THE INDEPENDENT WOMAN
Sassy. Boisterous. Gets what she wants. Incredible Vocabulary. Everyone takes care of her, but no one watches her. Roams freely. Fetches her own water. Makes her own decisions. Violent. Adorable. Temperamental. Genius.
DAHABA GORY (5) - THE (CRAZY) NUT
Constantly covered in dirt. Always starting brawls with the neighborhood kids. Craves the attention that the baby receives, but no longer holds that place. Wild. Uncontrollable. Fragile.
SEN BAATOOHOMA GORY (9) - THE CHAMELEON
Hasn't decided who she wants to be yet, but has made the astute observation that it is up to her. Watches. Waits. Speaks rarely around strangers. Eerie calm for a little girl. Mind always working. Wallflower. Set to bloom into a strong young woman.
ISA GORY (11) - THE ACROBAT
Stoic. Forgotten middle child. Ready to impress girls. Ready for responsibility. Loves to wrestle. Sharp-witted. Incredible break dancer.
HABBY GORY (13) - THE PRINCESS
Hungry for attention. Devastatingly gorgeous. Trying to find her place in the world. Fight starter. Fake cryer. Second mother to her siblings. Gemini-like contrast between her immature tantrums and wise beyond her years poise. Sometimes I forget that we are not the same age, then I remember that she is still a child. The attention she gets from men in their 30s and 40s makes me cringe. This sort of inappropriate behavior from older men to pre-teen girls is disgustingly common and one of the things I like least about Senegal.
PAPE GORY (17) - THE LEADER
Quiet. Strong sense of self. A man, despite his age. Protector. Adorably kind to his little sister Mane. Silently carries the expectations of the oldest child. Excels in school and a pride of his parents.
SOULEYMAN GORY (45) - THE PROVIDER
Monsieur le Mayor. A Pillar. Not easily shaken. Doesn't raise his voice. Almost always speaks in a near whisper. Loves his wife. One of the only Senegalese men I have ever seen show affection to his wife in public. Frustrated with the near non-existent job opportunities in Senegal. Wants more for his children.
MARIATOU GORY (1 month)
My namesake. Don't know anything about her personality yet, but isn't she adorable?!
