This Senegal SST is nearly done! We have continued to enjoy our time together here at our place on the beach, to relax and hear each other’s stories, to think about what we have learned and experienced, and try to figure out the connections between this place and the homes…
Senegal SST students finished their last weeks in their service assignments and on Wednesday and Thursday they all made their way safely back to the CAFE guesthouse in Thiès where they started their Senegal journey three months ago. Lots of hugs and so many stories to relate to each other…
We did our last service visits yesterday and today, only a little less than two weeks from when we will all meet again on July 21 in Thiès for retreat. On Thursday we visited Caleb and Valentin at the rural clinic, Poste de Sante Keru Yiiw operated by Jeunesse en…
This is a season of transitions in Senegal. For a month the patterns of life have been largely determined by Ramadan. Muslim families get up very early in the morning – like 4:30am early — to eat breakfast before the start of the fast. They neither eat nor drink for…
The days are getting hotter here in Senegal so you will note that everyone has a nice sheen in the pics! With the skies clouding up everyone is anticipating the rains that will be MOST welcome after 9-months of dry season, and will also bring with them a flurry of…
Service Visits to Saint Louis and Darou Alpha We began our rounds of visiting students at their service assignments now in their third week. Although we have been in touch with most of the students by text or phone over the past couple of weeks, this is a chance to…
Friday was our last day of the “study” part of SST and our last day together as a group until we gather for the retreat after service. In the morning we visited CEEDD, a local women’s organization that promotes urban gardening (in schools and homes), and helps women in…
Students finished up language classes this week. Language learning is just plain hard work and is a big part of the SST experience. From the time we wake until the time we sleep again (and maybe even in our dreams!) we are hearing and communicating in French, Wolof and English.
This next-to-last week in the ‘study’ part of SST continued our look into the role of the arts and artists in Senegal. Norbert — a cousin to Adama — is a singer-songwriter and also works with other musicians recording and mixing their work. Norbert was able to bring together musicians…
Monday through Wednesday our days begin with an hour of Wolof class and an hour and a half of French. While French is the official language, Wolof is used by nearly everyone on the street, in the shops and at home. And while we came to Senegal with a wide range…
