Yep, i am back in Thies (and on this blasted XO laptop again), just 2 weeks after the end of IST. Why you may ask? Well,I was kindly invited to help prepforthe new stagiares (trainees) whoare in flight to Senegal as we speak, inshallah. I have been here since Sunday and will be here until next Wednesday morning, after they have headedto their village homestays. Myself along with another are working hard on rewriting some of the cross culture assignments trainees have as well as orienting them around Thies and probably leading some cross culture and adaptation sessions. We are both freakishly excited to meet these new kids. Arrival in Country is traumatic and while I am glad not to have to do it again for the first time like I did that late night back in March, but I am looking forward to seeing the responses of the new trainees.
Right before I came back here however, I was actually kindof having work todo...ieI went toplace outsidemy compound and sat whilepeople talked. Ididnt do anything, but itlooked like it. Just kidding. I actually did start helping with my village's summer school session, mainly with English for the middle and high school students. Nevertheless, it has been fabulous (and exhausting) to be back here in Thies,working hard. Its a good feeling.
So this Saturday marks my 6months in Senegal and hopefully I will have agood post in celebration...or not. I cannot believe that we are approaching 6 months and nolonger thenewbies. Even weirder isto think that fall isapproaching in theStates. Bizarre...
All for now.Maybe i will have some good stories later this week, we shallsee. Also, still thinking about a vacay around the holidays. If you areinterested, please let me know. Also, now is time to start entertaining the idea of a visit toSenegal smoetimeinthe next year and a half. However, itis not for the faint of heart.
5 commentaires:
it really is crazy to think that you've been there for 6 months!! I've started reading Nine Hills and I'm imagining you in some of her situations (although very different villages some of her experiences sound similar to yours). I'm not quite sure I could handle what you're doing so all the more power to ya!
My knee is progressing slowly and I think I might try to call you to inform you of my crazy day... (so maybe I'll talk to you in a min) :)
back in theis, training
the newbies 6 months in sen-
egal, i miss you
posting wall got mad
the crazy french directions
make it difficult
6 mois! le temps passe rapide! tu es toujours dans mes penses. tout est bien ici, sauf qu'il n'ya pas de l'eletricite. as-tu recu mon lettre? tu me manque et je t'aime!
Been reading my lastest book on Senegal--I'd guess it isn't for the faint of heart and I only got to page 5 with the termite mounds!
If you thought time was going fast--Kurt thought it was October today. Jumped the gun a bit on that one.
Enjoy the newbies and take care.
Jodi
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