About the same time we welcome food and water back into our lives rainy season arrives with force, as if the congratulate us for our hard work.
Rainy Season means it is time to start outplanting the trees in our nurseries and is the busiest and most exciting time for us Agroforestry Volunteers.
Even though Rainy Season is notorious for its hellish skin infections and moldy huts and clothing, it is my favorite season here in Senegal.
It is still over 100 degrees, but when the humidity becomes unbearable and the sky turns an ominous dark purple, you know a storm is brewing. I have never seen such awe-inspiring lightning shows, Back to back to back to back, the lightning dances and ignites the sky from all angles.
Rain brings life and action to Senegal. The wells fill back up and the fields are full. It cuts the heat and reminds us that there is respite from the oppressive sun. The simple pleasure of showering in the cool rain ALMOST makes me forget to torture of hot season.
Korite: Celebrating the end of our 30 day fast and symbolizing clean beginnings and pure faith.
Fresh Blood and Baking Bread: The first things I smell as my host mother wakes me up screaming, Mariatou, come watch the sacrifice!
The Celebration, In Brief
Inharmonious clash of flashy fabrics
Fresh braids and aching scalps
Joy,
In the rare treat of red meat
In the graceful prayers
In the vivacious dance circles
Endless feasting
Family
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| Yeah, TREES! |
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| Transplanting Acacia Mellifera for a live fence |
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| Plantin' trees with a baby on my back |
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| My namesake Mariatou |
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| Mango Trees. |
