Greetings from Dahra!

             My apologies for not posting any sooner, I have been having some internet issues but I do believe that they have been resolved. So I have been in Dahra since October 20, 2010, and I feel like I am going non-stop. My counterpart is very excited and committed to working with Peace Corps, so he has introduced me everyone in town that he feels like I should know in order to be successful. It has been crazy. It’s so hard to remember everyone’s name here because they sound so different than American names. It’s also difficult because they all remember mine since I’m the new toubob in town (“toubob” is the wonderful Senegalese word for “foreigner”…and they love to call you that…especially the children).

          Overall though, I am really enjoying Dahra. It’s really freaking hot, and I’m pretty sure I’m dehydrated everyday no matter how much water I drink. Supposedly the cool season is approaching…I will believe it when I feel it :) Everyone that I have met so far seems really nice and excited to have a volunteer. I do feel overwhelmed at times though, because they want me to fix all these problems, like lack of water or electricity in every home or build them a new school (which are very important actually), but I do not have the skills nor is it my responsibility. Also trying to explain that I am here to help the community via training, facilitating workshops or help find finance option, not just giving them money, has been a little difficult. Luckily my counterpart understands that, so he’s able to help re-enforce that. He’s also doing a great job in screening people and not giving anyone my phone number.

            So my living situation here is pretty sweet. I actually have my own house! I have a host family which lives about 15 minutes away by foot (in sand), but there are a lot of people in that household – 20+ -- so my counterpart and PC supervisor thought that the house would be best. It’s in a rather quiet neighborhood, so not much noise going on. I have a main room, bedroom, office, bathroom, and kitchen. I have a fence, but there are several holes throughout and there is no gate which invites all the local livestock to come hang out. Sheep, goats, chickens, cats and dogs all like to hang out in my front yard. Still needs a little sprucing up, but I’m really happy. I’m able to head home each night, relax and cook my own dinner  :)
       Here are some pictures of my life in Dahra...I promise to add more later :)



yes, those are Obama pens