FOUR months left.
Four out of Twenty-Six.
Home Stretch.
15%
So close I can taste it.
I have learned I am strong.
resilient
flawed
but compassionate.
I have learned Senegal is beautiful.
violent
on the cusp
young - in it's understanding of equality and independence,
but
venerable - in it's celebration of family and unity.
Senegal,
You have opened my heart and left it exposed... The thrill and pain of this devastating lovely adventure is my forever-teacher.
My perspective is widened,
My humility is strengthened,
Thank You.
The answer to my ever-present question is, yes, it was worth it.
Happy Summer to my friends at home! It is a busy time for Agroforestry and the rains are FINALLY starting to show themselves.
Lately I've been up to:
- Mango Grafting and Tree Nursery trainings
- Finishing up my villages first library
- Painting the Tambacounda Peace Corps house
- Attempting to fast for Ramadan...
Fasting:
Seriously Delirious.
Throat dry and rapacious,
The dirt looks like tasty cereal, taunting me.
Hinges coming loose.
Until--
Glorious Break Fast
So grateful
For a taste of water
A morsel of bread.
I love sharing this simple joy with my family.
Every evening I get to meditate on the abundance I have grown up with; it bring tears to my eyes.
I am deeply fortunate.
Weeding my tree nursery: Cashew, Acacia, Jatropha, Gmelina, and Eucalyptus.
Murals with my wonderful Koumpentoum Work Zone - The 5 volunteers within a 60km radius of me. It is amazing how close I have become with these crazy people- sharing joys, heartaches, low points, and celebrations. Wouldn't trade em for the world :)
Baby Mariatou !!
Gettin' dirty filling tree sacks with a mixture of manure and sand.
Cleaning and Painting the oh-so-dusty Tambacounda Peace Corps house.
Beautiful poem.Lo, and fantastic pictures. Loved seeing the detailed pics of the work you are doing for the village. We will be glad to have you home in Nov.but this past 2 years have obviously been a shaping and growth experience for you. Love you! Grandma
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