Mom and Dad in Senegal

At first I was a little worried about my parents visiting so early in my two years of service. My language skills and the projects I am working on are not as solid and impressive as they will be a year from now. BUT it turned out to be an incredible 10 days and I am so happy that now when I mention my crazy host mom, or doing laundry in front of my hut, or the painfully hot 9 hour drive from Dakar to my village, they will REALLY understand what I am talking about!

They were real troopers and slept in my hut for 3 nights in the 110 degree weather. It was really special for them to meet the people that have become my family here in Senegal and will be taking care of me for the next two years. We through a big party for the village on their last night (complete with a generator and dj blasting scratchy Senegalese music into our hut all night)! They also did a major spring cleaning in my hut and removed all the hanging branches and cobwebs and built me a shelf for my outdoor bucket shower (thanks guys!!).

They visited my regional house and met a bunch of my Peace Corps friends. We took everyone out to Warthog and beer, which was a great time, until both Mom and Dad got epically sick a couple hours later. After throwing up all night they rallied for another 9 hour public transportation ride without air conditioning (hey- welcome to my life!).

We staying at an incredibly beautiful resort in the beach town of Saly. It was SUCH a nice break for me to be able to relax and hang by the pool (and in our ice-cold room) with my parents. Below is a photo from "Obama Beach" in Saly.

I LOVED having visitors and my hut is open to all if you feel the inclination to come explore Senegal!

Lots of Love, Lolo