West Africa....is super hot.

     I have taken a bit of time to write anything, because I would like to acknowledge that it is hard to separate my feelings from my thoughts here. 50 of us are going to stay here in Senegal after training, while 19 of us proceed down to The Gambia in May for ICT and then we are sworn in, sometime in June.
    So I thought instead of the emotions I would share the facts I have learned.
    These people I have met in the past week, have been some of the most amazing and inspiring people I think I have met thus far on certain levels. And trust me, I have met some amazing people in my life.
   Some things I have had to learn and adhere to in the past week
   1) more than 4 squares of toilet paper is not only considered a luxury, but excessive
   2) if you are a wad-er become a folder.. it will produce greater respnses
   3) People suspected or convicted of homosexual conduct can be sentenced from 5 to 14 years of prison if they are lucky enough to go through the system, otherwise they may be left to public mentality of stoning. Yes, Stoning.
   4)anyone who can eat pizza RIGHT NOW, do so.
   5) Please appreciate America for all of its faults for we are eons ahead in ways I would have never imagined.

    I am trying to keep my emotions separate from my thoughts but I had hoped some of these things may provoke thought or perspective or emotions.

   I am learning the language of Mandinka and will be traveling to Mbuur on Wednesday. I will try to write next week.
    Thank you for reading, decrease your tp usage and I will write ASAP. Health and happiness,


Meg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_the_Gambia

I own, alot of heavy stuff.

First of all....The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.

I am obligated to post this message due to the fact that these videos and postings are solely my experiences and interpretations of this experience with the Senegal or Gambian culture.  I have nothing but respect and fascination reserved for traditions of cultures different to mine. So I certainly don’t plan to speak of The Gambia and its people in anything but in a positive light…any jokes or anecdotes that I provide here are merely in good humor and are my experiences alone!

With that said.

Anyone who knows me knows my favorite part of life is "jumping". Buying an airplane ticket and just moving somewhere new, or even visiting.  I usually jump and hope there is an ocean or a net there to catch me and I am so thankful of the wonderful things I have landed on so far.  I am about 15 minutes away from boarding an airplane to Dakar, Senegal in West Africa right now. This jump, I am bringing a parachute. 

There are 50 wonderful people going to Senegal, and 19 of us are going to The Gambia. 7 of that 19 of us are doing agroforestry and environmental work.  It took us a while to get through bag check :)  7.5 hour flight and then we arrive in Dakar, Senegal at 6:10 am Senegal time.  I was so worried about weight limit, and now I'm worried I'm late for boarding. I will write as soon as I can. Thank you everyone who is reading this, it means you loved me enough to see the first one and I love you all.