Tranquil Waves on the Distant Western Shores

Hey everyone,

Jolene's mentioning in passing of having posted the Ski Trip pictures on the Blogspot made me think, "Hey, why don't I do the same thing?" Wow! Revolutionary. . .! ha ha ha. Except, I won't be posting pictures. Just blogging.

Except, I tried, and it wouldn't load properly. So, I'm posting in where I normally do.

I hope everyone is doing well. I'm alive and well. Perhaps a little frustrated and concerned over very slow progress in my work, lack of concrete direction (I'm still waiting for my ideas to become leads, still trying to figure out how to get some of the staff here to set up some things that I'd like to be doing sooner than later).
But, I'm part of a greater whole, and all the people I want to be meeting are busy with other aspects of World Vision business.

I just wanted to relate to everyone some of the new developments here in Senegal. They're very simple things, but to me, they're very enjoyable changes!
1) I bought two energy saving, much brighter light bulbs. Meaning my room is no longer the dingy place it once was. A light has shone. A new day has dawned! It's a wonderful thing, full light. Just having light, for that matter, is wonderful. You get used to not having it from time to time.
2) I fixed my shower yesterday! Yaaa! Meaning it doesn't spray all over the place anymore. Just had to flip the rubber washer (inside the shower head/neck joint) upside down. Still just cold water, but in 1 month, I won't want to do anything with "warm," I'll be so sick of it!
3) I figured out how to set up my mosquito net in such a way that I can now fully stretch out on my mattress. I used 1.5 L water bottles to pull the mosquito net out a bit and elevate it a bit above the mattress. So, I no longer touch it. It's fantastic being able to stretch out.
4) I went walking in Fatick just the other day, and I discovered that we have a full out food market. I'm looking forward to going there every now and again.
5) Tomorrow I am going to a wedding in Thiès. Not sure what that will be like, but I imagine it will be a good party. I'm looking forward to it.

Christmas went over very well. Being in Mali with the other intern and her husband was time very well spent. Lots of good conversations, good food, lots of swimming, walking, reading, relaxing. Got to watch a bunch of sheep get their necks sliced on Dec 30 for the Muslim celebration of Tabaski. Some cool videos too, for those who want to see them when I get back. Not too graphic, although on one I think you can actually see blood splurt for a second or two. No, but seriously, it was sort of too bad to see them get killed, but really, where does any of our meat come from anyways?

So, the holidays have passed well, and now I'm trying to get the ball rolling on some of my work. Have a 2 week vacation only 3 weeks into arriving really doesn't help. You're just starting to figure a few things out and then all of a sudden, you're not working for 2 weeks. And then you have to get started up again. It's very inefficient, for someone who functions like me. Part of it is my expectations, though, which need changing.

Needless to say, I'm much more comfortable now than I was when I first arrived. A lot more comfortable. I've loved being able to experience how much joy simple changes in my environment give me! Water that runs, lights that shine, restful, relaxing sleep! Great things to be reminded to be thankful for!