New Way Home

I realized a funny thing over these past few days.  I finally feel as if I live here, in this country so far and different from my own.  This revelation hit me yesterday as I watched a local soccer game with my sister, Ajda.  I won’t be able to explain adequately what I mean.  I just have that feeling, which I’ve experienced so many times in life, that I’m as familiar with my current home as my last.  Admittedly, this feeling comes a little quicker to me than most, thanks to my semi-nomadic life in the states.   However, I’m still surprised everything this feeling hits me.  I no longer feel like a stranger in my village.  In fact I always allot extra time for the walk to my computer class to account for all the people I talk with.  My language isn’t as much an issue as it once was, in fact through a mixture of french and wolof, I can almost always get my point across.  I also have friends to hangout with when I’m bored.  While, I still miss America, my family and friends, it is amazing to realize I finally feel like this is home.  I’m not going to pretend that I don’t still get homesick from time to time, yet it is a different type.  It is more of a realization that I miss something but am not distraughtly sadden by this longing. 

My adjustment to this very different country, which strangely feels not so different now, is probably due in a great part to my family.  I have talked about them many times before, but really I feel so lucky to have them.   Originally, I was worried about living in such close quarters to my family.  I’m sure I would have adjusted if I lived a little more separate, like most volunteers, however it really has proven to be a blessing.  The normality of having a family, people who are I am totally comfortable with, has made my life much more enjoyable.  My younger siblings are always cheer me up when I’m feeling down, my brothers are willing to help me with whatever I need and I’ve grown very attached to my older sister and mom.  My sister, Sophie, is especially a source of comfort. I know I could go to here with any problems and frustrations.  Having people who I can share my excitement with and frustrations, is probably what has been most importatnt.  Right after the new year, I was feeling so removed from everyone I loved.  I especially hated that when I had good news I wanted to share, I couldn’t just call someone in the states to share my joy.  While I still hate this lack in availability, being able to share my excitement with family and friends is what makes Popenguine feel like home.   I even worry about missing them when I’m back in august for vacation.   These 9 months have been quick at times and dragged on at others, however I finally feel at home and can’t believe I have only a little more than a year left.

Quick side note….I wrote the above post a few days ago and since then something happened that had me feel truly grateful for my village.  I just leaving the lycee after teaching my weekly computer class, when I stopped to talk with a few teachers, who were getting ready to eat.  Like most schools, the teachers are predominately male, that being said they are a wonderful group a men.  I have never once had a problem with the normal proposals I get everyday.  I’ve always been very thankful for how respectful they are to me.  So I was bummed when a guy started hitting on me, but not fully surprised.  To make matters worse he got quite vulgar, which is saying a lot since I deal with rude comments daily.  I swiftly turned around and left the school, figuring it was best not to suffer his comments any longer.  I wish I could say I was upset while walking home, but honestly I was not fully surprised. I had been working at the school for a few months now, with manly men, and it was bound to happen eventually. 

While this story shows the unfortunate lack of respect men (not all) have for women here , it does have a good ending.  Today, upon returning to the school a teacher approached me to apologize for the man’s comments.  I had honestly forgot all about the encounter, so his apology was that much more appreciated.  This teacher wasn’t even involved, but had heard about the incident and wanted to ensure I knew that sort of conduct is not tolerated.  His apology truly made me feel welcomed into this community.  To make things better on my way home, I ran into another teacher who had just come from my house.  He had walked there to find me and apologize for his friend.  He felt truly bad that he had brought a person to the school, who would treat me with such disrespect. 

All of this may sound silly to an american, because an apology would be expected for such conduct. However, here these encounters are a common occurrence and are not a big deal.  While it is unfortunate, it is just something girl volunteers learn to deal with.  Also, Senegalese do not tend to give direct apologies; they tend to be more passive.  So these teachers apologies were even more meaningful than the typical american apology.  The whole incident really just reiterates how lucky I be in Popenguine, everyone is great and I makes me feel truly welcomed.  As I’ve said before, I can imagine it will be hard to leave this place in a year.