Time is an interesting thing, especially when considering an experience like our trip to Senegal. Sometimes, it feels like there simply isn't enough of it. An infinity of potential can seem constrained by the finite. We definitely experienced that during our 9 days in West Africa. During the same trip, though, time also felt immeasurably … Continue reading Back in America
By Jack Butcher I was skeptical about the village at first. It certainly wasn’t my suburban home. After spending a little time in Kekuota’s home I realized that the people of the village are happy even though they don’t have a lot of material things, or electricity. It’s not that they just don’t have iPhones, … Continue reading Misplaced Skepticism
By Zach Magnuson I have experienced very different strong feelings on this trip. First, when we arrived and went to Alter's friend's house, I looked out the window and observed many people. I started to feel bad. I perceived poverty, trash, and disease. There was a kid on a wheelchair that was so excited to … Continue reading Contradicting Feelings
At the end of the presentation, Godfrey asked us to share a word or a thought that captured the program: 'Smart' - Zach 'Clever - the way the system works' - Connor 'Passionate - people who care about what they do and the results.' - Azalia 'Shocked - didn't know about these issues in West … Continue reading Thoughts on Tostan
It's almost sunset here in Dakar and the weather is perfect - a cool 78 with a breeze off the ocean and clear blue skies. Senegal is still embracing us with open arms. We are waiting to eat dinner with Alioune Kebe and his young family. The group is travel weary but still in great … Continue reading Tostan
By Kobe Scales Connections make meaning, in turn the connections make relationships that if done right last forever. The connections made on international trips are indeed the kind of relationships that will last forever. On this trip we missed Thanksgiving with our families, but should be thankful for the people that made us feel as … Continue reading Connections Make Meaning
We are on our way to Dakar and things are good! We have lots to share - look for frequent posts in the next few days. Senegal is amazing!
Sally’s Blog post As the round orange sun slowly goes down, many sparkling stars begin to appear in the sky of Senegal. Today was my day to be leader of the day. To be honest, being a leader was tiring and made me feel uneasy. I had to think about other people first and my … Continue reading When friends come from afar…
Amazing stars - Sally's first shooting star! Sally is proud of crossing the footbridge. Kekouta is the best fisherman - even though he had just a handline and we had expensive gear, he did way better than us. Lots of good food. Mafe, the peanut curry, is our favorite. Lots of friendship. Little kids with … Continue reading Quick Update – little observations
Waking up at 5am and going on a 7 hour road trip to a place that is like no other nor what I am used to brought me unusual Joy (no pun intended). Whilst on the road we saw a lot of people that seemed so happy even though their area didn’t necessarily look like … Continue reading Joy’s Blog Post
