The days are getting hotter here in Senegal so you will note that everyone has a nice sheen in the pics! With the skies clouding up everyone is anticipating the rains that will be MOST welcome after 9-months of dry season, and will also bring with them a flurry of…
Service Visits to Saint Louis and Darou Alpha We began our rounds of visiting students at their service assignments now in their third week. Although we have been in touch with most of the students by text or phone over the past couple of weeks, this is a chance to…
Just a quick note to say that all of the students have safely arrived at their service locations and are currently getting to know their host families. It is an exciting time of new beginnings, a new environment, new relationships and new experiences. Can’t wait to hear their stories!…
Friday was our last day of the “study” part of SST and our last day together as a group until we gather for the retreat after service. In the morning we visited CEEDD, a local women’s organization that promotes urban gardening (in schools and homes), and helps women in…
Students finished up language classes this week. Language learning is just plain hard work and is a big part of the SST experience. From the time we wake until the time we sleep again (and maybe even in our dreams!) we are hearing and communicating in French, Wolof and English.
This next-to-last week in the ‘study’ part of SST continued our look into the role of the arts and artists in Senegal. Norbert — a cousin to Adama — is a singer-songwriter and also works with other musicians recording and mixing their work. Norbert was able to bring together musicians…
Monday through Wednesday our days begin with an hour of Wolof class and an hour and a half of French. While French is the official language, Wolof is used by nearly everyone on the street, in the shops and at home. And while we came to Senegal with a wide range…
On Friday this last week we all woke to the lovely sound and smell of the first rain of the season. It was just a little shower, mind you, but was so nice after the long, dry days. This rainfall pattern of a long 9-months of dry and short rainy…
Today we have a few pictures to share from our time together at Chez Goshen yesterday afternoon and today’s trip to Bandia, a wildlife preserve about an hour from Thiés. Our Chez Goshen times are when we can share what we are all learning and observing and thinking and wondering…
Not all of the students will have an opportunity to spend time in rural Senegal while they are here. A few get to visit rural areas along with their Thiés host families, and some will be in rural areas for their service assignments. But we thought it important that everyone…
