Tamkarit

Yesterday was the holiday Tamkarit, which celebrates the Islamic New Year. I missed Tamkarit last year because I was in the middle of my in-service training in Thies, so I was looking forward to spending it this year with my Senegalese family. This holiday is kind of like their version of Halloween; the kids dress up as opposites (boys as girls, girls as boys, children as adults, and even “white” face) and go around asking for money (I handed out candy). You are also supposed to eat couscous so as to have a healthy new year. I had a hard time figuring out this holiday because no one really does that much for it like they do for the other holidays; it’s mainly for the children. We had an awesome dinner though: lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, fried eggs, French fries, onion sauce, and meat; and since I do not eat red meat in Senegal, my grandmother brought over half a chicken for me to enjoy. I love my family here! They really try to take care of me. After that delicious meal, we had a little bit of couscous with sauce as to keep with tradition. After that, we sat around and waited for the children to make their rounds in the neighborhood.

Me and my twin rocking our new outfits

enjoying some tasty non-alcoholic beverages

                             

"white" face...not exactly PC, but no one gets offended over here

 School update: I submitted the final version of my Capstone this past weekend and am scheduled to graduate this December  :)


Homecoming: I will be State-side in less than 10 days! I will be in Kingsport Dec.15th-25th; Chattanooga the 26th; Birmingham, AL the 27th-28th; Lexington/Bloomington-Normal, IL Dec.29th-Jan.1st; Kingsport Jan.1st-4th; I will be back in Senegal on Jan.5th, 2012.