I was under the impression that I wouldn't see a drop of rain until June, but apparently there are occasionally small storms which are known as mango rains during the hot dry season. The 2-3 rains we have had in the past 2 months have been absolutely delightful! And mango season is upon us! I can't tell you what pleasure it is to bite into a tree-ripened mango on a hot day.
But enough about that. Things have been progressing well over the past couple of months. Went on an amazing trip to Kedougou and swam under waterfalls! I also visited some of the amazing volunteers down there and completely fell in love with that region. Don't worry, I will be back there in July for Independence Day celebration! I have spent an amazing amount of time gardening and getting things ready for the rainy season. We had a summit for all of the Urban Agriculture volunteers a few weeks ago and in that time went over the various projects that are happening around Senegal. People here are doing some amazing stuff! From hospital gardens to help the people in the psych ward, teaching people about the awesome properties of moringa, school gardening, working with Talibe, and so much more.
Since then I have been assessing my current projects and am figuring out where to put my energies. I have been at site 6 months now and am beginning to grasp the language and my role here a bit better. My family is still amazing and they love saying that I'm a girl when I help with cooking and cleaning. And guys who come to my garden say I work hard like a boy. Don't worry, I'm quick to respond that I work hard like a girl and then list off all the work girls here do every day while men sit under trees drinking ataaya and talking about how hot it is. Women here are amazing and very under appreciated. I hope that can slowly change. On that note, I'm helping put together a girls camp in June. It will be a great way for girls who are eager to continue their education to meet likeminded girls from all over the region and take part in awesome activities with the Peace Corps Volunteers in this area. I'm going to teach salsa and help out on other great sessions too. More on that later.
And the final bit of news....I'm going on vacation to Cape Verde! I fly out on Saturday and will be gone about 2 weeks. I'm so excited and nervous! But I will take lots of pictures :)
Ba bennen yoon!
