weeks later...

It’s been way too long- my apologies. As you could probably tell by the last post, I’ve been busy. Which feels great (although sometimes I still wished it was a more structured busy and not the kind of busy that feels like you’re going to lose your mind).

Any who- World AIDS day went well. All of the organizations ended up pitching in at the last minute to cover all the costs as far as their means would let them. On Sunday, there were two races with the prize of a sheep (one week before Tabaski). Then on Monday (the actual int’l day) there was a march through town followed by an official ceremony. Then in the evening was a rap-off with six groups of rappers rapping with an aids theme. All the events were held or started at this one central location. Both days there was HIV/AIDS testing. I was really surprised by the turn-out for all the events. The main people targeted were youth and there were indeed those who came out the most. There was a lack of female presence. But we’re hoping to organize activities for the Int’l Women and AIDS day, focusing on them then.

Right after the events I went to Dakar to see Nora (we studied abroad in Dakar together and haven’t seen each other since). She’s great and it was a real pleasure to see here. We had a lot of good memories studying abroad together and it was fun to visit some of the places we were fond of in Dakar (and discover some new ones [‘N’ice Cream’ anyone?]). It was also nice to see my host family in Dakar and get some errands done that can only be done in Dakar. (Hey I finally got all that fabric from Mali to a tailor). But it was a short trip, because I wanted to make it back in time for Tabaski. I would rather skip the 28 hours of my life that was hell nad never relive them again-but I will just say that the trip back makes me want to never return to Dakar by road again…

After my long trip home I went directly to the post office to get a package form Mom (you’re the best!). It really made me happy. The day after I got back was Tabaski. What is Tabaski you may ask? I think I’ve explained it before. But this year was fun. We ate a lot of sheep (which is delicious) and hung out while wearing pretty clothes oh and the second night of Tabaski we went out dancing at a bar that was-PACKED!

PS. Kedougou never ceases to surprise me. It’s such a small town but there seems to be son many. Another thing I learned from working with all the big organizations is that everything is so political in Kedougou; they never covered that in pre-service training.