By Rebecca Cook

Hello, Hola, and Bonjour are the three most common words I have used during my time in a place where the connection formed from words is limited for me. I like to talk back at CCS and to make friends by teasing them and making jokes but here I do not have many common words with people. Throughout the past couple of days here in Senegal, I became much more aware of the everchanging ways relationships can be built. A few of my fellow peers have cultivated their connections by speaking the same language or being familiar with the place and people. For me, it’s been utilizing my hands. A crucial instrument of your body usually used for some of life’s most daunting tasks, such as opening a fresh pickle jar from Food Lion. 

Upon arriving in Kecouta’s petite and homely abode, we were welcomed with a tsunami of cute little kids dancing and smiling from ear to ear. I quickly rolled down my window and attempted to communicate with them. Unfortunately, the only word that spat out of my mouth was “Bonjour”. In attempt to do something more than a bland hello, I aggressively began to wave until my wrist started to cramp. Somehow, the kids’ smiles stretched even wider than before and a rush of happy emotions began pulsing through every inch of my body. From just a simple wave from my chubby baby hands, I was able to form many little connections with people I had just encountered.

When people here in Senegal are doing anything, they invite you to join them.  When they were making the food or beating the branches of the palm trees to make natural luffas, they invited us.  I was pretty good at that.  In a place where there aren’t a lot electronics, all you really have are each other.  You get the privilege of focusing on the people around you without a lot of distractions.  This is what makes this place what it is and also what has helped it endure through history. At first, I thought this was because they just didn’t have what we have.  But now I think even if they did, it wouldn’t matter.

During our days with Kecouta and his family and neighbors, my simple chubby wave evolved into little games, a dancing partner, tickling, thumb wars, and holding hands while walking throughout the village. Using solely my hands, I have surprisingly been able to experience some of the most fulfilling emotions. With very few words in my French vocabulary, it didn’t matter. The people that I have been lucky enough to meet here in Senegal have put into perspective the versatility in building connections.

If you are ever scared of introducing yourself to new people, maybe all you need to do is wave.