'The Stage that Stayed' at Swear-In... all 40!
So about two months after leaving home, I'm finally a volunteer! Leaving my host family in Thienaba was tough and there were a few tears shed. It's amazing how close you can become to people when you can't even talk. I feel like I know all their personalities and can laugh to jokes that are in a language I know only 5 words of - based solely on facial expressions and emotional reactions. It makes one realize how what we say to people, while significant, isn't as important as just knowing that they are there for you and care about your well-being. While I will miss them, I am VERY excited and a bit anxious to move to what will be my home for the next two years. November 7th was our official swear in at the US Ambassador's House in Dakar (PS: I'm becoming an ambassador later in life... I wouldn't mind having a pool like that in my back yard!). I first want to say that our stage (group of volunteers who come to country at the same time) is amazing and is the first in known PC Senegal history to have all 40 that arrived stay for all of training, pass the language exams and ALL swear-in! It really is a great group and it's disappointing to know that I will likely only see some of them who live far away a few times. Now the pressure is on for all of us to stay for the entire 27 months.
The Kolda Krew from our Stage
(Jess, Emily, Dorothy, Megan, Darren and Me)
We all went to the Ambassador's house where everyone gave speeches, ranging from the PC Country Director - Chris Hedrick, The Training Manager - Demba, The Ambassador, and a Representative from the Senegalese Department of State; all were generally very well delivered and inspiring. A few volunteers also got up and gave some short speeches in local languages and did an amazing job... makes me a little jealous that as of right now I only really know French (comme ci comme ca). After the official ceremony we got some AMAZING food, which didn't make it 4 feet out of the kitchen before it was devoured by a pack of starving newly appointed volunteers and their possibly even hungrier trainers.
The Thienaba Crew at Swear In - All Decked out in our Senegalese Clothes
Later that night, back in the training center in Thies, there was a little dinner party for the volunteers, trainers, and a member of each volunteer's training host family. My brother and homonym, Moustapha, came to represent the Diops. For the most part it was a bit of an awkward-fest, I think I actually talked more with Moustapha than any of the other volunteer / host family pairings (it is a little easier to maintain a conversation in French than Wolof or Pulaar). Also, during the presentation of diplomas to the host families, they mentioned the passing of my father and Moustapha become a little choked up. In the end, however, he was able to maintain his composure very well and went up to accept the diploma on behalf of the family of Alioune Diop. There was also crazy Senegalese dancing going on between the volunteers and Senegalese, accompanied by local musicians playing some crazy Senegalese guitar/drum thing. In the end it was a good day and I think everyone was happy to finally be official volunteers.
Senegalese Musicians
The two Moustaphas at the Post Swear-In Party
I enjoyed a few moments of extreme pride and contentment that day, knowing for probably the first time in my life that I was doing exactly what I should be and I am exactly where I belong. I think all us here were a little afraid to make the decision to leave home for two years, but I know that it was definitely the right one for me. There are very tough days here where you feel completely out of place, confused, and lost and you question every decision you've ever made. And then there are days where you just want to start dancing for no reason other than the feelings of pure excitement, adventure and joy that pulse through your whole body and soul when you realize where you are and what you are doing with your life. In the end the lows and the highs are both invaluable experiences that make life what it is; and you can't have one without the other. If it weren't for those moments when you are simply frustrated and want to quit (and this has nothing to do with Peace Corps but with anything), the moments of success would not be nearly so meaningful and joyous. Let's just say I'm glad I'm here as it has made me appreciate everything so much more, especially all that I left behind in order to live in Senegal.
Crazy Senegalese Dance Party
Far from the first time I've "danced" the Sabaar.
Well off my little rant and back to what's been happening: two days after swear in we all woke up at 6am (some of us still a little happy from our 'volunteer only celebrations') and started our journeys to our respective sites. It's crazy that we're all splitting up after two good months, but that's what we're here for! So basically the ride went smoothly, the Gambian border guards didn't hassle us too much and the driver was pretty quick (I think it only took about 10 - 11 hrs). Now I'm sitting in the Kolda Regional house, enjoying the company of the Americans who will be my neighbors and friends for the next two years. I also have the company of a TV with a well stocked movie collection and internet connection on computers with American keyboards and no time limit (can you tell that based on the length of this post?). So we spent all day shopping today buying what'd we'd need for our huts and in 1 day I will be dropped off in Velingara to truly face Senegal on my own for the first time! I can't wait!
Random Gambian Fisherman
The ferry across the Gambia River
The ferry across the Gambia River
I'm not sure what my access to the internet will be at sight but I'll be back on as soon as possible. If not before, I'll be back here at the regional house for Thanksgiving. Peace to you all and keep in touch!
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