Two Posts by Lucia Rodriguez

For my day as leader, I chose to focus on gratitude. I thought it would be appropriate and simple to reflect on everything I could be grateful for during this trip. To my surprise, as I started reflecting, I realized elaborating a list of this sort would be an impossible task. I became aware of the fact that if you look for them, there is an infinity of things to be grateful for. It felt like counting sand on the beach, like counting drops of water in the ocean.

Nevertheless, some things stood out, impossible to miss in this flood of gratitude. There are big things, such as the incredibly warm welcome we received when we arrived to Kecouta’s village. The hugs, the “bienvenue”s, the whole village coming out to take us in; they all made us immediately feel at home. Big like all the hours that Sira and Fanta spent making delicious meals for us, even taking into consideration our peculiar preferences. 

There is also the little things, like the smiles of the tiny children as we played with them. Little like the multiple opportunities to dance and sing, like the frozen bissap on hot days, like the windows into such a different culture. Little, yet so huge in my heart.

In the past few days, we have explored the coast of Senegal from Dakar to the busy tourist town of Saly. Mr. Alter asked us to reflect on the future of Senegal – what might it look like in 25 years? As I think about my answer, the idea of gratitude seems very relevant. Senegal feels like a place where people are connected to and grateful for the little things. I believe that as the country grows, the roots will stay the same. The future is bright but also it’s clear the culture will endure.

In this place where gratitude is so abundant, I have realized that it is not simply a feeling, but more of a way of life. A way of taking everything in and trying to give back, which feels so natural when you’re aware of it. This is something that I know I will bring back home with me, and wherever I go in the future, because there is always an infinity of things to be grateful for. I know that even though it may seem impossible, you can always count a few grains of sand.

THE INDESCRIBABLE

Wow.

This word means “yes” in Wolof , but it alsodescribes my amazement with this country.

While the beaches are beautiful, the food delicious and the sun inviting, Senegal is much more than this. It has this presence, this energy that most places lack. It is so distinct yet so comfortable, embracing you as you enter it. No words can describe it, no images can depict it, it is simply Senegal and the people who inhabit it.

I find it mind blowing that this essence has been conserved for so long, despite the many reasons it has had to evaporate. Despite the horrors of colonialism and slave trade, despite the temptations of an entoxicating economic growth, despite the religious differences of its people, the energy is still here.

The memories you make may fade over time, but the energy stays. It transcends life, death, and everything in between. Senegal leaves a mark on you, a mark that, like its energy, will never disappear.