Hmmm

Well, I finally arrived here in Thiapy. I'm glad that I'm not chewing myself up for anything that's happened today. I sort of expected it to go this way.

The ADP manager got hung up in the office in Fatick. There was a bunch of auditing to do.

I just stayed put, worked on other things.
BUT, I'm finally here.
Except, I won't start in the village until tomorrow.
And then I might just very well leave early Friday morning because they only have 1 vehicle, and everyone is going to Fatick in the morning for some sort of meeting. . .

Although, I could stay until Saturday morning, and that, I still have to decide. I have another week in which I will make up for lost time here, but I'm wondering whether I should stay the Friday . . .

We shall see. I have to decide very soon.

I'll let you know how it all goes when I get back.

Running at the pace and circumstance of Africa

I'm getting used to it. Should have anticipated it, but I'm not too bothered. Lots to think about, and now I have the time.

It's Tuesday. 11:20 am. I'm still connected to the internet, which means I'm still in an office. Which means I'm still not in a village.

We were supposed to leave shortly after 9. Then the ADP manager got hung up here on an audit detail. I'm sitting in the same room as him, a world away though, doing my own independent work. I'm glad for it. Auditing. Boo.

It's been a nice break from the village though. And I have a million things to work on. So, no worries.

I'm currently trying to hash out a few more details on a Capacity Building Workshops proposal that needed to be worked on. After that, I can do some research online. Might give me a bit of insight into the way things are at the village level. We'll see.

This'll make the village level stay a bit shorter, and a longer day on Friday to try to make up for 'lost' time. But, given the brevity of my time in the village, Friday being longer shouldn't be a problem.

But maybe I'll have to start aiming to arrive in the villages Monday evenings. Just so that Tuesday is a full day?

It's just the way things go here. As long as I can find a way to keep myself occupied and productive . . .

Vive le Sénégal!!!

Taking the Monday

I've been using most of today getting ready for the rest of the week.

Not much was accomplished last Monday, and even then I had been expecting to get to a village that day.

Today, on the other hand, I've intentionally not called the ADP manager to figure out details of my arrival. I just hope that doesn't mean I won't get there tomorrow at all. I'm hoping if not later this afternoon then maybe tomorrow earlier morning.

Regardless, using Monday to brainstorm, write a number of emails (work related and a few non), working on a few documents for work (Capacity Building workshop proposal and village level discussion topics), and to plan more specifically some of my movements at the village level has been very useful.

It's 2 pm, and I gotta go eat lunch. Then plan some more things for the villages and try to confirm when I might arrive in the village. It's been a much more useful and productive Monday.

Striking a balance

One thing I've wondered a bunch about while here in Senegal is how much I am expected to work. And what constitutes 'work'.

While I am 'only an intern', there is an ever present feeling in me that tells me I should be working all of the time except evenings and Sundays.

Meaning, I've wondered a bunch about my Saturdays.

I'm realizing that to be effective, I need to have time to self-prepare. But, with Monday through Friday often lost in transition to and from and within the villages, that only gives me Saturday to prepare. And while God worked 6 days a week, and while I've worked 6 days a week many times before, I wonder whether that's healthy.

Because I'm still figuring out how to do what I want to do (although I've learned lots and things get clearer by the week), this push is sometimes necessary. Only, it's at times a bit disruptive.

I fell ill this weekend. Something minor. But something all the same. It's still not gone, and I'm supposed to go to a village this week. Sometime today. But, for the sake of my health and for the sake of my sanity, I am going to try to use the majority of today preparing for tonight, T, W, TH days and FR morning. And I might make a point of keeping it that way.

I only wonder whether this is fair. I wonder how many World Vision staff put in 8 day weeks. Or maybe just 6. Occassionally 7 maybe. But how many are able to put in only 5?

That Monday be the day of prep for the rest of the week, and that Friday be a transition day and report writing/thoughts gathering day. Which gives me Saturday to think casually about my work, and Sunday to rest entirely. Therein I believe I will have struck my balance. Still working Saturday, because it will be a time of reflection and brainstorming. But that's it. And then I can leave myself to rest, truly rest, on the Sabbath. (I'm reading a book on it; it's been a real blessing and is reminding me of my need to rest).

I hope you all rest well this week. If only during the evenings until Saturday or Sunday. But at the very minimum, take your Sunday as a day to do nothing that you have to do, and anything that you want to do. In the words of Mark Buchanan, "Let go of anything that is necessary and embrace anything that gives you life"

Find your rest this week.

Thiouthioune

Hey everyone,

First, before I begin, thanks Crystal, for your continued responses on the blog. It's nice to know someone cares . . . ha ha ha. No, really, just kidding. It's fine. I can't respond to everyone anyways!
Second, thanks to the Trudells and to all those who consistently write me emails. I enjoy your words, your comments.
Third, thanks to family and friends who are available to be talked at, to talk with when I come home on the weekends. Love of home helps me love this country.

So, this past week, I spent Monday until Friday in Thiouthioune. (ChooChooN). Very inspiring week, I think. The chief of the village was younger (not ancient like the others) but most importantly he spoke French. So, despite the issues of power relations and being biased to a lot of conversations with him, I was at least enabled to learn a lot of cool information.

Thiouthioune as a village was also really neat: No actual building for the washroom or for the shower. Instead, you were walled in by the 'pallisades' (actual meaning I don't know, but they're walls made from the harvest leftovers - 'paille,' the meaning I don't currently know. Haven't bothered yet to check my French dictionnary).

So, for the first time, I bucket showered under the stars in Western Africa. Never a bad thing, I think. Except when the wind blew. Got a bit cold.

I felt cold at night for the first time in a long while. It was a nice change.

Ate couscous. And couscous. And couscous some more. I really can't complain. Honestly.
Oh, and fish (with small fish bones that are unavoidable to eat) with some rice for lunch.

Oh, actually, what am I thinking. One morning, they caught one of their chickens. Then El Hadj (village chief) killed said chicken (I watched). Then we had said chicken at lunch! It was great! (makes you reflect on where our food truly comes from - from death to my plate within a few hours).

Oh, and during the week, I snuck in a few pieces of fruit (two during the entire week, mind you).
I received a cool peanut snack thingy from one of the ladies. Djuman N'dong. Cool lady. Great change of pace from the typical diet!
Two ladies (Marie Faye and Marie Diouf) made me a cool shirt (that I'm currently wearing): Entitled: Animateur 'Wali Sémou Diouf' [my Serere name here in Senegal. (that's now added to the list of Alex Dykstra, Alex Deekstra (Fr. pronunciation) and Abdulaye Ndiaye (my Wolof name) ]. ADP Diakhao, 2007. Thiouthioune.

We had une soirée dansante. Good ol' Alex thought it would be a night when the ladies performed for me . . . uh huh, riiight. No. They did. Ya, sure. And then it was my turn. And then my turn again. And again. At first, I resisted. And then I realized, 'Alex, you're an idiot. Get into it. You'll lose it (everything - their interest, your legitimacy here etc).' So, I got into it. And it was pretty fun. I suck at dancing. But, they loved me. What can I say? What's not to love? But ya, they loved that.

I had a number of really neat discussions with people. Nothing striking though. I'm still learning just what it is I want to try to get across to people. I'm realizing though that if I can find the right resources (my WV supervisor Doug sent me/ reminded me of a cool one), it's just about making people more aware of their actions, individual, but also especially collectively, and the impact that their actions have on the environment. That I can do. And those things that I studied in school, I realize that in a lot of cases, they just can't be talked about because people aren't there yet, don't have the resources (and truly don't have those resources to do that specific activity). But, other things, perhaps more simpler things but more profound because of how they change people's perspective, I can focus on.

I learned though that to do that, to legitimate anything I do here, I really just need to connect with people, start sharing time with them. Start 'doing life' together with them. I'm beginning to believe that that is what it's all about. That sort of activity, mind you, was made far more easily possible this week because the chief spoke French, and we were able to be easily mobile. I wonder whether in the future my translators are going to be willing to slave away under the blazing heat or the storming rain just so I can work along side people in the fields in July and August. (we'll see whether this actually happens, but the work isn't unknown to me, so I'd like to see if I can be a part of it).

Shared experience. Shared life reality. I'm hoping that that part of this internship grows. That my interest in doing such things will grow.

One dimension of this week too though was the freedom, the personal space they gave me. I will truly push to make sure I get that space when I am in the other villages.
. . .

The chief's daughter (probably aged 11 or something fiercely young as that) told me she liked me yesterday morning. I'm not sure we had ever talked once prior to that exchange, except maybe a 'hi' in Serere. I promptly left the room that we were in (she walked into my room - why do Senegalese girls keep doing that!!!) and went outside . . . I better watch that . . . almost laughable, except that it's rather weird . . .

. . .

Had some great evenings, just chilling with the chief and his family.
Learned a few cool games. One an extension of checkers. A little more complicated perhaps. And all you need is sand, sticks, and rocks. These people are very resourceful.
The other game, I'm excited to learn more fully. Called 'Bullet' Basically Euchre but 3 times more complicated. I have a feeling that once friends back home have it learned, it might become the new thing.

. . .

Slept really well (for a change) this week. First, it wasn't hot. Second the bed was comfortable. I eventually figured the conditions to find the perfect set up. But oh, how I love my moustiquaire. Don't have to think about the mosquitos yet. Although, there really aren't any for the moment. That will come. In the meantime, I get to deal with the very annoying yet very persistent and brave flies. They're not like back home. Never leave you alone . . . grrrr.
. . .

Used my computer to show pictures of home, of family and friends, to play music from home for some of the people in the village. Was just as interesting for them as refreshing as it was for me. Green! When it's summer back home, it's green! What a restful colour. Shots of our escarpment could have made me cry . . . (they didn't, but sometimes just being reminded of home shows you the great contrast that exists between here and there). And had some shots of Switzerland. Man, what a difference between there and here.

. . .

Slowly trying to engage larger groups of people, with activities that make them consider the environment, get excited about its improvement, and also realize their impact on it.

. . .

But anywho, that's all I'm gonna write for now. Time to get out of this office (it's 8 pm and I'm waiting to go out for dinner - meeting up with the US girl at the restaurant that most closely represents a restaurant here in Fatick - and now, having been here for a while and having been in the villages, it really does. Just a simplified version of it). We're gonna watch a movie, relax, talk in English. Enjoy the cooler evening.

. . .

Hope you're all well at home. Know that that prayers of God were powerful this week for me. I hope that same strength and passion carries itself into next week, and I hope that I might be refreshed to consider my work all throughout tomorrow. Some of the books I'm reading are reminding me of the necessity and rightfulness of rest. I pray Sunday proves to be such a day, and I realize that by making room for rest during my week (regardless of what I'm 'supposed' to be doing) made all the difference for me this week round. Strike the balance and get the most back in return.

. . .

Blessings to you all.
Write me (if you get the chance)
I'll write you (if I get the chance)

more on "It's only been two weeks"

Ya, so the van just left to go to Thiès for the funeral. They said 10 am and left 15 minutes before then.

But, I just called Jean François of Diakhao, and they're actually still planning on coming down to pick me up. So, I guess it's for the better. Sort of. I feel like it might have been a good idea if I had gone to the funeral. I dunno.

Well, I'm going to take advantage of the time I have to prepare myself and do some research.

It's only been two weeks

Hey everyone,

Not sure who will end up reading this, but I figure I have a few minutes.

Plans are potentially a little disrupted for the moment. The brother of the Thiapy ADP manager (where I'm working, and who I'm working with/for, in essence) died yesterday, and the funeral is today. I'm still trying to get in contact with the ADP manager of Diakhao, where I am supposed to be going today. But, I imagine that he'll be going to the funeral, and if so, so will I. I might even go as long as I can be sure Diakhao is informed. Going, I feel, is important for a number of reasons, mostly because it's where I'm working and because the ADP is Cdn funded. So, there's something about empathy and representation there too.

Just, I need to try to confirm that that is what's going to happen.

Also, I just wanted to briefly write that, while I am a little frustrated by my work at the moment (like, not deeply, just sort of waiting for things to work themselves out), I've reflected a bit on the fact that it's only been two weeks since I've been back and only 1 week of time in the villages. Since I've never done this work, it might very well turn out that the first 1 week stints in each of the villages turns out to be learning weeks and that the second 1 week visits turn out to be more learning, just coupled with a bit of problem solution brainstorming. And then September might be a time for good 'hope for the future' dreaming when we do the workshops.

At any rate, thanks for your encouragements, especially your prayers. I'll try to keep my head on my shoulders and the spirit in me that makes me want to simply learn, hang out, talk, and explore with people in the villages.

May you be blessed as you have been blessing me.

By God's grace

Hey everyone,

I was reminded by a good friend of mine that I hadn't yet posted on my blog site. So, while it's getting late (I still have a bunch of planning to do and packing for another week in the villages), I know I need to post something so that you have an idea of how I'm doing.

By God's grace:
I feel I am overcoming some of the challenges of village life -as long as there is soap, toilet paper and toilet seats don't matter.
I have water to drink (I bring it with me, but it's a blessing all the same)
I am learning to eat fish, and fish with lots of tiny bones . . . (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me)
I am trying to do my work, but also give myself time to work through the process that is my work, that is creating relationships with people.

Pray though that by God's grace and the strength received by the prayers of you for me that I might:
Not be stressed about my work. Not be anxious about all the details of what needs to be scheduled, who I need to talk with, how I'm going to get there, what I'm going to say . . .
Take a sincere interest in the lives of the people I'm working with (this has been a constant point of wondering for me - why isn't this happening naturally? I just thought it would . . .)
See the adventure in my work
Find rest in God, deeply fulfilling times with the Lord that allow me to go deeper with people I meet, go deeper in my work. Out of that depth, I truly believe that joy (and no longer stress) will be my sole motivator in my work and in my relationships.

Time in my first village:
Overall, it went pretty well. I was taken care of (physically speaking), and was warmly welcomed. But, there wasn't quite enough down time for me, enough time for me to stop thinking, to stop wondering about how to approach my work. About how to do good work. And not enough time just to be alone.

Granted though, the teenage boys with whom I talked during the evenings were a great source of socialization, and if I'm honest with myself, I look forward to seeing them again. I hope that those sorts of relationships build themselves, that I lend myself over to them.

Regardless, my need for time and space so that I can pray and prepare for another day is probably my greatest need. I am very certain that I will let the next village know that I truly need this time, and in the event that it is not given, I will demand it of them. That might not be received well initially, but it is just simply a necessary condition of my working among them for the week, so that I can do good work.

Of my work:
I have already learned much about my work, and I'm trying to generate new ideas about how to stimulate good discussion. Just, because work was a point of stress for me (essentially, of feeling like a bit of a failure in my ability to 'facilitate' discussions on natural resource manaagement, my entire reason for being here), I haven't been too excited to tackle it yet. And I want to be able to balance work with social outlets. So, those two areas at this point have been a bit in conflict with each other. I plan on bringing a deck of cards with me to this next village and teaching and playing a few games with the kids I meet. Plus, I received the Poisonwood Bible book from the Peace Corps woman today, so that's a big book, all in English, that I can read just for fun. I hope to take advantage of that.

There were some positive things for me though this weekend. First, I spent Friday evening with some of the Finnish folk. It was great to hang out with them. Saturday, I spent a bit of time in the city, just wandering around. I did a bit of work (wrote my weekly report), and after visiting the Forsythes (American fam), I was able to download a few movies off their computer. I ended up watching one of these movies Saturday night, complimented by a few glasses of wine and some homecooked food that I made. And Sunday, today was pretty good. I called home, called Janice, but really interestingly, I met the American woman who is part of the US Peace Corps (mentioned earlier). She actually lives not far from me, and one of the women she lives with is also the sister-in-law to the Chef de Base (Base manager Pierre Faye) of World Vision in Fatick. We hung out all afternoon (even though I had been planning on doing some reading and planning - just, I really needed this level of connection with someone, so I put work aside for the moment). I hope to spend more time with her over the weekends when I'm out of the villages.

NEwho, I hope that this is a decent enough of an update to hold you over for the next week.

Pray for me. To family and friends I talked with tonight, you all know I feel I need it right now. I just want my desires to match the way I'm feeling. And I want to get excited about my work so that it makes the stress a very minor component of what I'm doing.

May God bless you all, and thank you too for how thoughts of your prayers for me have been a blessing during the tough times. It's only been 2 weeks, and I want this transition phase to be done with!!!

Off to a village in Diakhao. Time for some more camping . . .

The descent

It's 11:20, and I've had to do a bit of planning with the staff here in Thiapy. It's gone well, and I'm about to head out to meet the State service: Water and Forest, a department of the state that WV works with for environment issues.

After that, I'm going to my first village, Nguith ("ngeech"). I'll be there for a few days, and then to the next village after that. I'll split this week between the two and then spend 1 week in each one from then on in.

So, I'm heading out onto the African plains. It's not too bad at the moment, although a little warm. I'm looking forward to it and hope that things plan themselves out well.

Prayers are appreciated, from everything from health to direction in work to establishing good relationships with the people to figuring out all logistical details so I can actually do my work.

Things look promising, and with that, I'll leave you for the week. I'll be back on Friday.
Ps 46

In Dakar

I spent yesterday and today exploiting Dakar for its busyness, its access to resources, and its beach fronts.

Alex Whitney arrived around 10:30 pm on Friday, and he and I went out and grabbed a few drinks. Sat down on the patio of "On the Run" (you know, the convenience store of Esso? Ya, apparently, it's quite the social hub on a Saturday night. They have the equivalent of a mini LCBO, so we were able to grab a few drinks and hang out there. The view of the gas station was amazing.

On Saturday, we ended up going for a run along the beach (not as lovely as it sounds - lots of construction, car fumes, and building rubble everywhere). But, it was neat to go running, and it was cool to see that a lot of other people use that part of the city for exercise purposes as well.
We then ended up going back to the hostel, showering, grabbing some food, and packing for a day on the Ile de Gorée, famous for being the last stop of the slaves before heading out to North America. We arrived around 1 though, and by the time we wandered around a bit, ate some lunch, and then lounged on the beach and did some swimming (which was cool, refreshing, and pretty wavy!), there wasn't much time to go to any museums. But, it was good to go for a first time to know what it's like. I'll catch the museums when I have more time and more desire to see them. To be honest, though, the ile de Ngor is both cheaper to get to (it's closer) (500 CFA ($1 aller-retour) vs 5,000 CFA ($10 A/R) for Ile de Gorée, and the beaches are nicer).

After the island, we went out for dinner, grabbed a few drinks, and then went back to the hostel and watched a movie (SkyCaptain and the World of Tomorrow - or something like that. Pretty decent, but I was just excited to be able to watch a movie (Alex Whitney had DVD's, and I had a DVD player (on the computer) ).

Today, we went to church. A really great sermon, with some really great points of encouragement for me to think about, reflect on, and engage in Scripture with over the course of the next number of weeks in the villages: Hebrews 13:6 ?, I think, a reference that the Lord is always present with us. I was also reminded of Ps 121, Ps 46, and Ps 118:8. So, I think I should have a lot of things to ponder over and to put my trust in during the dying minutes of the day or by flashlight while alone under my mosquito net.

After church, I went shopping for cereal (and I also found a muesli trail mix that I plan on bringing into the villages).

Then to the office, where I've been taking the time to plan exactly how it is I want to go about my research over the next 5 days.

(so yes, breaking a whole bunch of rules, I guess. Buying and 'working' on Sunday. I try not to get caught up in the legalism of such rules. This entire weekend has been a true Sabbath compared to what will happen in a few days time).

Tonight, it'll be time to pack and make a few phone calls home.

Hope you're all well back home. I'm hopefully going to post a short something tonight yet. And then there will be silence for 1 week.

God in Senegal

I'm giving everyone the wrong impression. Soon these posts will be less frequent, likely only happening over the Friday - Sunday village breaks. Just so you're all fore-warned.

NEwho, today went well. Spent most of my day in the office doing some background reading/research. Went well. I feel like there's a lot more focus to what I'm at least trying to figure out while here. Funny though, is that there just seems to be a total absence of access to information outside of the internet and international organizations located in Dakar. Maybe I'm not asking clearly enough, but there seems to be little documentation on what WV has been up to in Senegal that I can find (there is some stuff, but it's not getting me too far!).

Still, that just makes me realize exactly what an opportunity I have going to the villages. I hope they get my energy, get my desire for them not to look at me and think 'how can we convince him to send money our way' but rather 'guys, I'm here to listen to you, learn from you, encourage and support you. That's it. I hope they catch on to my desire to learn from them, not the other way around. I hope that that's what happens.

I'm currently in Dakar. Arrived here after leaving Fatick around 1:30 pm. All stops and tangents included (including eating lunch around 3 pm (finally - I was starving to the point that I wasn't hungry anymore!), I arrived around 5:30. Takes a bit to get here.

Dropped some stuff off at the WV office, and then headed out into the city. Went to la marché Sandaga. Went hunting for some useful items for back in Fatick, and just looking to explore, to kill some time. Which is what I'm also currently doing right now. Writing a blog at 20 2 10 because my friend still hasn't arrived from Kaolack. But, I knew he was arriving late, and I quite enjoy being attached to email, being attached to the internet because I can do research, write you guys, read things, etc. En effet, il y a des choses que je peux faire, alors je suis heureux (Basically, there are things I can do, so I'm happy). Keeps me pre-occupied, and assuming Alex (my friend, not my second personality) doesn't arrive by the time I'm done here, I know where I'm going to go anyways. Kill more time writing in my journal.

I pondered a bit today about what I was doing here. The work itself seems okay. I'd like to find out where God is present in Senegal. A good friend of mine mentioned he would pray I be fearless to tackle things I come across. One of those things that I'd like to begin to tackle is engaging people with spiritual issues. Certainly, more than I think I've realized or been maybe willing to acknowledge, is that there is a definite spiritual opennes on one hand. There is, however, a solid closure to God beyond Islam. But, people, as much as I can tell for now, are not hostile to open dialogue on these issues. And since they excite me so much, I'm going to tread these waters bit by bit. Carefully. Doucement. Etc. But, it might provide some cool insights into my research, where appropriate.

I hung out à la Place d'Indépendance ce soir, and ended up talking with a guard(?) about life and the appropriate way to live life (he started it, I just added my opinion). It was funny though, because I had just prayed to God asking how he was present in Senegal. He showed up just then, perhaps in a quiet manner. I tried to share with him my understand of living life in reaction to what God has done through Jesus and not so much the act of living a good life just for the sake of it or because God's favour depends on it. Perhaps through a fog that was this guard, that the Lord presented himself. But something was being said then, I think. I hope to listen a little more as time goes on and figure where to go with this dimension of my time here. It certainly excites me a tonne.

I'm currently listening to Najoua Belyzel. French dance music. I like it. Just a touch too poppy, but she's got some good songs (good rhythm etc). I'll have to remember to bring my MP3 player to the villages maybe. Life without music might be deadly.

But ya, tomorrow promises to be a day of sunshine, good food, good friends, and some beach related activities (at least, I'll be pushing for that).

And, I already have plans for next Friday evening with the Finnish woman. She's currently in Mbour (1/2 hr outside of Fatick), but we'll be able to meet up that evening. Just, then she'll be gone until the 24th, back for a week, and then gone for all of July. Just another prayer request. July right now seems like it will be very dry socially. i.e. that will be bad. Pray that I make intentional plans with my co-workers during those weekends off. And/or that time in the villages turns into something beautiful. I want it to be that way.

NEwho, I'm gonna do some calling and some research followed by some walking and journal writing. Hope you're all well at home.

Thanks for the posts to those who are making them.

A Salam Aleykoum (peace be to you - muslim greetinng, said everywhere here)

By the light of the moon

There is this book of poetry I have at home. It's entitled "By the light of the moon". I've never really thought about it a lot. Never had to, never cared.

I mention it now, though, because soon a lot of my evenings will be spent under the light of the moon, and a whole bunch of my work and living in Senegal will happen during those early evening hours.

Just, I wonder what I'm going to be going into soon. Heading into the villages. All by myself. Pursuing relationships with people and also information about what they do, how, why, and what they've observed in their changing environment.

I also wonder why I think about it so much. You know? Like, had you asked me a year ago if I would have thought going to Senegal to be a thrilling opportunity, I probably would have told you 'Yes' with much enthusiasm. I'm still saying 'Yes'. I'm still here, and I find many things about what I'm doing here pretty engaging. Only, I feel like I've changed a lot over the past year, and I feel like I'm not sure I'm saying that 'Yes' with as much enthusiasm right now as I would have then.

Really, I feel like I'm waiting for something. Waiting for things to just work themselves out. Waiting perhaps for an attitude shift, a re-claiming of the excitement to explore, to be challenged, to learn, to grow. Waiting to let go of something. Or to embrace something. Not sure.

Perhaps in waiting for that something, I've lost some of my willingness to tackle the excitement. I dunno. But, I wonder about it a bunch (since, of course, I have lots of time on my hands). Really, that's what I think it boils down to: I have NO IDEA what to do with all my alone time. Relationships are still being built, and even those I'm currently working on might be harder to pursue if I'm constantly running between isolated villages surrounding the city. And there isn't really any one with whom I can share experiences with.

Not only that, but a number of my contacts will be leaving shortly. Betty Reno, the American downstairs is gone in 1 week for about 2 months. There's still the American family across the road, but they're a family, and I don't intend to crash their lives all the time. Even more though, is that I'm still going to try to keep that to a minimum. Running to the familiar all the time seems to be a cop out.
(still, after hanging out in the villages for over half of every week for the next 10 weeks might very well change my opinion! But then it'll be justified).

But ya, despite the nature of this post, know that I'm feeling pretty all right at the moment. I might have a different story to tell in 7 days time, but I need to be patient with myself along the learning curve. I've never done anything like this, and a part of me is still very intrigued with what it is I am doing. Just, as I said to everyone before I left, it's going to be a question of decent social outlets that I'll be able to access when I get out of the villages. The 'pizza and movie' nights on Friday's at the American family's house might very well be a life-saver in a few weeks time! And Dakar will be such a break, what with its beaches, access to communications, electricity, running water, and plenty of food selection.

Pray for me as I go into the villages. Pray for the transition. But more so, pray that I let go of whatever it is I'm holding on to that is holding me back. Know what I mean? Like, here's my opportunity, here's my chance. And what an opportunity it is! I really don't want to walk away from Senegal thinking, 'man, why didn't you do that?!?'. Still, alongside of those prayers, pray that I might be able to find adequate and timely social outlets. It is the last standing frustration I have to overcome, and relationships that have adequate depth might be hardest to form.

That's why you guys are so important! And this blog. And your emails and posts! . . . Get it?

NEwho, I'm off to cook some dinner after hauling 20 litres of water with me for 30 minutes. This'll be fun. (but, I'm hauling what I'll live on for 5 days (actually, I'll probably bring closer to 40 litres with me for over 4 - 5 days).

I'll write more another day.

High Expectations

Wow. I'm posting again. Except, I'm taking a short, short break from work. So this will be a short, short post.

Just had a meeting with the Operations Manager here in Senegal. Showed him my work plan and my action plan. Both seemed good to him, and he and I both realize that I have a much clearer understanding of both what I want to do and how I want to do it. It makes my work become almost a little exciting!

Just a few thoughts:

Going to the washroom takes on a whole new meaning when there is no longer any toilet or toilet paper. Still, if I am to survive in the villages, it will require I adapt . . . ha ha ha ha ha. I encourage anyone wanting a change of pace to try it.

Temperatures here remain similar to back home. So, I'm rather enjoying myself, not dying too much of the heat.

I'm gonna have to get used to silence soon in the evenings. That, and earlier bed times. Often, there isn't anyone to talk to, and with the American lady downstairs leaving for 2 months in 1 week, I'll certainly be by myself a lot . . . I'm hoping village visits will be filled with good evening banter.

I'm off now to go shopping for food in Kaolack. Should be a good time (a wider selection of vegetables, fruits, and hopefully meat that can be trusted . . .)

Thanks for all who post. I love the comments.

And again, happy birthday to all those celebrating this week.

5 min post!!!

I have 5 min to write.

Things are going really well for the moment. The transition was a heck of a lot easier because i knez what I was doing and what to expect.
Getting into work seems to be going fairly well, if only a day in. We'll see how planning goes when it comes to arranging things to get down to the villages.

The geckhos are giganti now. All the babies have grown.
The temperatures is about 30 something degrees, all sunshine. But, really, itùs not too bad.

Ive made changes to how I approach people and how I am. I, currently wearing capris. I wouldnt have done that before, and mite change for when I got to the villages. But really, peple adapt, and provided its not offensive, and thats the key obviously, then youre good to go.

Ive also kept in my earings. This hasnùt been a problem in the city so far. People are warm and friendly, and I had a great time shopping for food in the market today. On the flip side, Ill be pretty careful about earings when I go to the villages. Ill first see how pezople react, according to the advice of the National Director here, and then make a judgement from that.

But ya, I cant complain about things except when theres no water or electricity, but there are ways around both, and its really not bad at all.

Once I make friends, then were good to go.

Its a blessing to be here for the moment, and I want to make the most of this opportunity. Pray that I focus on my work, my relationships, and the Lord for guidance through it all. I was encouraged by a special someone to trust the Lord through this, so we'll see where that takes me.

Hope you're all doing well back home.