Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Senegal, but we as Peace Corps volunteers do our best to make thanksgiving just like home. My friends Erin, Maggie, her boyfriend Cory and I went down to Kedougou. Erin, another friend Hayes and I made the trip to the waterfalls a few days before thanksgiving. This is not your average waterfall trip, it’s a pretty intense 57+ km trip by bike over rolling hills the first half and on gravely, rocky trails the second half. The scenery in Kedougou is so unlike the rest of Senegal. It has beautiful, rolling hills, somewhat mountainous terrain, and of course the reason we were going: waterfalls. I am not that big of a biker because I have been unhealthy and around my site its much sandier and harder to bike as often as I would like. So, I was prepared to be in for a butt kicking and in some senses that’s what I got. My friends were very patient and encouraging but I was definitely struggling huffing up those hills and crossing small rivers. It was absolutely beautiful and we finally reached the falls after about 4/1/2 hours of biking! I will say that trying to bike those trails and crossing rivers in the rainy season would be very painful, very hard, but a huge accomplishment with beautiful sights!
We camped out when we got to the falls, fixed some delicious camping food, swam in some really really cold water, hiked, and enjoyed the peace and quiet! I will try and attach some of the photos I took and you can see some of the beauty there. I am happy to say though that this trip has been known to make or break a peace corps volunteer and I hope upon looking back that my trip was made.
Now I am at the kedougou house, enjoying a thanksgiving dinner, football, games, and other toubabs company! I wish you all a fabulous thanksgiving wherever you are hoping you are able to celebrate with delicious food and family! Happy Thanksgiving and more blogs to come!!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
New Pictures
Hey all!
Just letting you know there are new pictures to the left...Korite is the holiday after the month long fast of Ramadan. Pictures are of my family and friends in my compound. They all got new clothes for the holiday and were excited about the pictures I was taking! Pretty cute eh? Take a look and let me know if you have any questions!
Just letting you know there are new pictures to the left...Korite is the holiday after the month long fast of Ramadan. Pictures are of my family and friends in my compound. They all got new clothes for the holiday and were excited about the pictures I was taking! Pretty cute eh? Take a look and let me know if you have any questions!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
An assortment of random things you must must read!
*my apologies for the mistakes made in the haikus that were previously posted on my blog. I entirely blame them on my lack of work with haikus and the number of languages jumbled in my head that i can't count syllables. forgive me :)*
A Lizard Climbed up my Back; I’m Going to Have a Baby
For those in touch with your superstitious sides when a lizard climbs on your back, you will soon conceive. I was fortunate to have that occur this last week and was informed by my mother that I will soon be having a child. For my family and friends in the states-please don’t worry it is only superstitions, nothing I plan on happening any time soon. Oh and for those who were wondering i only semi-freaked out as the lizard was climbing up my back. It was trying to reach the destination of the post next to my seat...i just happened to be in the way. All the same I must say that was probably a first.
Christmas 2009 - yes its early but then again i'm thousands of miles away. Please contact my family with any questions or collaborations. Thanks!!!
A Lizard Climbed up my Back; I’m Going to Have a Baby
For those in touch with your superstitious sides when a lizard climbs on your back, you will soon conceive. I was fortunate to have that occur this last week and was informed by my mother that I will soon be having a child. For my family and friends in the states-please don’t worry it is only superstitions, nothing I plan on happening any time soon. Oh and for those who were wondering i only semi-freaked out as the lizard was climbing up my back. It was trying to reach the destination of the post next to my seat...i just happened to be in the way. All the same I must say that was probably a first.
Christmas 2009 - yes its early but then again i'm thousands of miles away. Please contact my family with any questions or collaborations. Thanks!!!
An ode to my family and friends far away
Listing my wishes for this years’ Christmas day
They’re not set in stone, just writ with a pen
To give you ideas of the things you might send.
If times now are hard, money’s not coming through
Please just send me a Christmas letter or two.
Packaging can make quite a dent in the pocket
That Flat-rate boxes or teaming up may help stop it.
No need to feel like you must send me an item,
Simple updates with pictures will keep me a smilin’.
The address is easy B.P. 309
Tambacounda, Senegal, W. Africa (Christmas 2009)
Wishing you love, peace and joy this Christmas to come
Here’s my list-take a look-why not join in the fun??
Spiced Tea-just a lil I don’t need the whole family supply
Oyster Crackers and Dill spice-chili anyone??
Jello Cake Fixings -minus the cool whip that pry wont travel well
Candy Canes/Peppermints/Christmas Treats
Crochet Hook
Christmas music (cd, tape, or flash drive)
-John Denver, Bing Crosby, Manheim Steamroller, the classics i grew up with
Andes mints
Ritz crackers and chocolate chips for dipped PB sandwiches
cute headbands
Football/Volleyball (send deflated for packaging)
Maple Syrup (the real stuff)
Big Tomatos seeds
Seeds for herbs
The Meal you will Crave on a Cold Winter Night
Recipe dedicated to the women in my family who loved it!
Senegalese Maffe (Peanut Sauce)
This recipe will feed 10 people generously (Senegalese standards). Fix rice separately (follow rice instructions) as you like it and set aside to be topped with a heaping portion of a delicious peanut sauce…
Peanut Sauce:
2 cups unsalted, all natural peanut butter
Veggies: 1-2 potatos, 1-2 carrots,
Meat of your choice
ex. 2-3 filet of fish deboned
filet of steak cut into cubes
Small can of tomato paste
Onions 2-3-chopped up
Dried okra powder- made by drying okra and pounding it up –it basically acts as a thickening agent so if you need a thicker sauce you can use this if you find it or a substitute like a little bit of flour
Netto seeds (if you can find these please tell me where, I searched everywhere for them) about 2 T whole seeds
pepper about 1T peppercorns
red pepper about 1T small dried red peppers
salt
mami cubes 2 (you can probably find this in an international grocery store)
garmi packet 1 (same as mami)
1. Mix together Peanut Butter and about 2-3 Liters of water over heat (depending on thickness of sauce you desire) and bring to boil and simmer
2. Add desired veggies (cut in large chunks), meat, tomato paste, and a mami cube and garmi packet
3. Pound up pepper, red pepper, netto seeds, onion and other mami cube with a mortar and pestle and add to maffe sauce. Leave to simmer on low heat.
4. If needed add salt to taste
5. Add okra powder or thickening agent substitute
6. Simmer until ready. Serve with rice and enjoy on a cold winter night!!
Friday, October 2, 2009
A Senegal Haiku
Per request of my brother in law I will make a post only in Haiku's. Nate I hope you enjoy and bear with me this is spur of the moment.
Senegal is hot
But when it rains it gets cool
I sweat day and night
There are lots of flies
they like to swarm on new cuts
like mosquito bites
my dad the mayor
has plush new couches and chairs
i lay on them now
Mosquito nets work
but they dont work well if
you both are inside
Guy like to dance here
they dance better than girls do
it is lots of fun
Work is slow right now
The trees are all planted
I hope they dont die
Vitamins are good
they make you feel much better
when you eat just rice
Soccer is huge here
team mission just won first place
this weeks new highlight
Send your requests here
I'll write what you want me to
this websites for you
Until the next time
Enjoy the cool weather there
Jump in the leaves too!
Senegal is hot
But when it rains it gets cool
I sweat day and night
There are lots of flies
they like to swarm on new cuts
like mosquito bites
my dad the mayor
has plush new couches and chairs
i lay on them now
Mosquito nets work
but they dont work well if
you both are inside
Guy like to dance here
they dance better than girls do
it is lots of fun
Work is slow right now
The trees are all planted
I hope they dont die
Vitamins are good
they make you feel much better
when you eat just rice
Soccer is huge here
team mission just won first place
this weeks new highlight
Send your requests here
I'll write what you want me to
this websites for you
Until the next time
Enjoy the cool weather there
Jump in the leaves too!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
ATTENTION!!!
Attention to All!
New photos have been posted! A HUGE HUGE thank you to all who generously donated to my net distribution campaign. The pictures in the new album show the distribution that occurred mid-july with the help of a number of community members and fellow Peace Corps volunteers! Maleme Niani and neighboring communities received 1,150 nets to help eradicate the effects of malaria in the area! I will keep you updated on the effects of this campaign and how you helped to make a huge impact on the health and happiness of people I live with! I can't say thank you enough! New posting will be coming soon!
New photos have been posted! A HUGE HUGE thank you to all who generously donated to my net distribution campaign. The pictures in the new album show the distribution that occurred mid-july with the help of a number of community members and fellow Peace Corps volunteers! Maleme Niani and neighboring communities received 1,150 nets to help eradicate the effects of malaria in the area! I will keep you updated on the effects of this campaign and how you helped to make a huge impact on the health and happiness of people I live with! I can't say thank you enough! New posting will be coming soon!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A crack in my methodology
Well I am going to stray from the structure of my previous postings in order to at least get something out there for y'all to read. The photo posted is just one of my beautiful sister who is newly married to my new bro-in-law Nate! The wedding was fantastic, meaningful, and lots and lots of fun and now the two are living in Buffalo NY. Im sure any other info you can get from either one of them!
I am currently sitting in a hotel in Tambacounda, the main city in my region. I am here for the next couple of days working with other peace corps volunteers, typing up random reports and documents, and getting together things i can only do in places that have electricity and internet access. I didnt have the time to put together something like I have in the past but hope this suffices for those who like to keep updated.
I've stayed busy the two weeks I have been back at site. It is the rainy season here so every couple of days we have at least a little bit of rain and often times get rain every day. It is the time of outplanting all the trees i have been growing and watching over alongside of people in my community. I have outplanted a live fence that helps to keep from having to replace dead wood fences every year as well as random spots to plant trees in prominent community places, schools, for shade, etc. That has pretty muched wrapped up and now I am in the process of finishing all the detail work for the mosquito net distribution that happened before i left for America (pictures to com soon).
Along with staying busy it is a really important time for the muslim community here in Senegal because they are celebrating the holiday of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month long experience of fasting of food and water during the times when the sun is out. Family members wake up at 5am to take their breakfasts and then do not eat or drink until around 7:30 pm when the sun begins to set. It is a really special time i have found that brings family members together and really creates a feeling of community and bonding between people. I have been taking part and am really finding it to be something that i have appreciated and learned to take a lot of things from the times I wish i had a glass of water or something to eat to reflect and think about all that I do have and where it comes from! I have also had a wonderful time experiencing this with my family here, being able to connect with them in a different way than i have previously since being in Senegal. Ramadan ends with the next cycle of the moon (around September 21) with a big feast called Korite. Often this will be celebrated with the slaughter of a sheep or goat and a big meal that the family eats during the day and finally breaks the fast!
I wanted to get something out to you to let you know i am trying not to neglect my blogging duties! It was so good to see some of you all when i was in the states! All the best from Senegal and the Toubab times will hopefully begin again in the next post!
much love and happy fasting!
Jessica
I am currently sitting in a hotel in Tambacounda, the main city in my region. I am here for the next couple of days working with other peace corps volunteers, typing up random reports and documents, and getting together things i can only do in places that have electricity and internet access. I didnt have the time to put together something like I have in the past but hope this suffices for those who like to keep updated.
I've stayed busy the two weeks I have been back at site. It is the rainy season here so every couple of days we have at least a little bit of rain and often times get rain every day. It is the time of outplanting all the trees i have been growing and watching over alongside of people in my community. I have outplanted a live fence that helps to keep from having to replace dead wood fences every year as well as random spots to plant trees in prominent community places, schools, for shade, etc. That has pretty muched wrapped up and now I am in the process of finishing all the detail work for the mosquito net distribution that happened before i left for America (pictures to com soon).
Along with staying busy it is a really important time for the muslim community here in Senegal because they are celebrating the holiday of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month long experience of fasting of food and water during the times when the sun is out. Family members wake up at 5am to take their breakfasts and then do not eat or drink until around 7:30 pm when the sun begins to set. It is a really special time i have found that brings family members together and really creates a feeling of community and bonding between people. I have been taking part and am really finding it to be something that i have appreciated and learned to take a lot of things from the times I wish i had a glass of water or something to eat to reflect and think about all that I do have and where it comes from! I have also had a wonderful time experiencing this with my family here, being able to connect with them in a different way than i have previously since being in Senegal. Ramadan ends with the next cycle of the moon (around September 21) with a big feast called Korite. Often this will be celebrated with the slaughter of a sheep or goat and a big meal that the family eats during the day and finally breaks the fast!
I wanted to get something out to you to let you know i am trying not to neglect my blogging duties! It was so good to see some of you all when i was in the states! All the best from Senegal and the Toubab times will hopefully begin again in the next post!
much love and happy fasting!
Jessica
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Toubab Times
Second Edition, August 13, 2009
Editor and Writer: Mane Gory aka Jessica Scates
Letter From the Editor
I apologize profusely to my readers because of my lack of communication since around May. I have been busy this “summer” and not taken the time to update you all so I hope this edition will give youa few updates on my life and what I am doing right now. This last june I had the opportunity to go to Brasil for a family reunion! It was fabulous and I got to see my immediate family and many members of my dad’s family. (not to mention the whole getting to be in brasil thing) After my trip to brasil I had about a month left in Senegal before my next trip…my sister’s wedding. Amanda got married on August 8 in Michigan and I went to be present, help how I could, and see her off on her way to be a wife! After I met up with some friends in the chicagoland area and now I am sitting in Ohare waiting for my flight to NYC to make it to Senegal by tomorrow morning. Through all of this I have tried to get as much work done as possible, stay as healthy as possible (update below), all the while going back and forth from place to place. So my apologies to you all and happy reading!
This is a horrible segway into a different time but I am now currently in Senegal, made it safely as you probably can see (i did post a blog) and going back to village tomorrow. I'm happy to be back and hope to see some trees alive and planted when i return to ville. I got the opportunity to welcome some really wonderful new volunteers to Senegal. There are a total of 52 here and all of them are doing very well so far and will be soon adjusted to the Senegalese lifestyle! Miss my american friends and family but enjoying everything I am doing! Keep me updated when you can!
TOP STORY: PCV Jessica Scates Village Father Inducted as Adjunct Mayor
Reported by: Jessica Scates
Mane Gory’s father was elected as adjunct mayor of Malem Niani. The victory occurred with nothing less than a little drama and huge celebration (as the Senegalese always do) and her family is on its way to becoming patron!! PCV’s father is technically the second mayor in command but the representative who is living in Malem Niani. His family and friends are very proud of his accomplishment and excited for the opportunities this will bring them in the near future. PCV Mane is also very excited for the inside look and connection she may have with the government and the possible effects that might have on her service experience. Updates will continue on his term and how he is dealing with responsibilities that are new to him and his family.
FINANACE: Mosquito Net Distribution
Reported by: Jessica Scates
PCV Mane Gory spent a weekend with the help of other PCV’s (Binta, Ida, Aissatou, and Sanu). The distribution was stressful but went as well as could be expected. Malem Niani habitants and individuals living in neighboring communities all received nets from this distribution and another distribution that covered women and children of the community. Mane wants to send a HUGE thank you to her family and friends who helped her raise the money to buy these nets for her neighbors and friends. It will make a huge impact on the health and safety of the people of her village. 1150 nets were provided for the area which means $2300 was raised to support the effort. Thanks to all who helped and the ways in which you have improved the lives of so many people Mane interacts with everyday.
FORECAST
Hot.
Rain continues through October.
WHATS IN YOUR HUT??
(What’s on your bedstand)
Finding our Way Again
By Brian McLaren
-I just started this book by recommendation of my newly married sister!
USA in AFRICA
-Weekly Sighting-
Senegalese Sledding. Senegalese children craftily cut up plastic water carriers, using them as toboggans, and slid down a dirt hill outside of Maleme Niani.
SALYMATOU’s Senesations
(Senegalese Mama’s Recipe)
Previous Recipe: Cheb O Jen
Current Recipe: Maffe/Durango coming soon
UPCOMING EVENTS:
PCV Continues work with Local Eaux et Foret agency. Around 30,000 tree sacks have been filled with earth by community members and seeding has begun. Outplanting began on August 1st and will continue as PCV returns to her community at the beginning of this week.
PCV to meet with president of community rural of Kouca Gaydi, town 25 km from Maleme Niani to speak about AGFO technologies and PCV’s presence in that community.
PCV’s work with Environmental club at the local college continues. Event was held to begin outplanting while PCV was in the USofA with members of the community. Outplanting will continue through the rainy season.
Tomatoes planted at the local Eaux et Foret. More veggies to follow after rainy season ends.
Scholarship process completed. Papers sent to Dakar and scholarship recipients will be announced within the next month.
PCV beginning process to put together orchard/garden site in her village for the 8+ womens groups to grow and sell produce. She hopes to use currently available space to make a test site for the upcoming cold season. Hopes for veggies galore are bright for her future.
PCV to help with new trainees arriving on August 13th. PCV may be flying with trainees on their flight from JFK and then will help for the first few days they are at the Thies training center.
*Please Send questions and comments to the blog site. Editor will respond when needed. Thank You for your Time! Please glance at the short list of items always accepted by PCV in the country of Senegal through the postal service in the top left hand corner of this blog! J
Second Edition, August 13, 2009
Editor and Writer: Mane Gory aka Jessica Scates
Letter From the Editor
I apologize profusely to my readers because of my lack of communication since around May. I have been busy this “summer” and not taken the time to update you all so I hope this edition will give youa few updates on my life and what I am doing right now. This last june I had the opportunity to go to Brasil for a family reunion! It was fabulous and I got to see my immediate family and many members of my dad’s family. (not to mention the whole getting to be in brasil thing) After my trip to brasil I had about a month left in Senegal before my next trip…my sister’s wedding. Amanda got married on August 8 in Michigan and I went to be present, help how I could, and see her off on her way to be a wife! After I met up with some friends in the chicagoland area and now I am sitting in Ohare waiting for my flight to NYC to make it to Senegal by tomorrow morning. Through all of this I have tried to get as much work done as possible, stay as healthy as possible (update below), all the while going back and forth from place to place. So my apologies to you all and happy reading!
This is a horrible segway into a different time but I am now currently in Senegal, made it safely as you probably can see (i did post a blog) and going back to village tomorrow. I'm happy to be back and hope to see some trees alive and planted when i return to ville. I got the opportunity to welcome some really wonderful new volunteers to Senegal. There are a total of 52 here and all of them are doing very well so far and will be soon adjusted to the Senegalese lifestyle! Miss my american friends and family but enjoying everything I am doing! Keep me updated when you can!
TOP STORY: PCV Jessica Scates Village Father Inducted as Adjunct Mayor
Reported by: Jessica Scates
Mane Gory’s father was elected as adjunct mayor of Malem Niani. The victory occurred with nothing less than a little drama and huge celebration (as the Senegalese always do) and her family is on its way to becoming patron!! PCV’s father is technically the second mayor in command but the representative who is living in Malem Niani. His family and friends are very proud of his accomplishment and excited for the opportunities this will bring them in the near future. PCV Mane is also very excited for the inside look and connection she may have with the government and the possible effects that might have on her service experience. Updates will continue on his term and how he is dealing with responsibilities that are new to him and his family.
FINANACE: Mosquito Net Distribution
Reported by: Jessica Scates
PCV Mane Gory spent a weekend with the help of other PCV’s (Binta, Ida, Aissatou, and Sanu). The distribution was stressful but went as well as could be expected. Malem Niani habitants and individuals living in neighboring communities all received nets from this distribution and another distribution that covered women and children of the community. Mane wants to send a HUGE thank you to her family and friends who helped her raise the money to buy these nets for her neighbors and friends. It will make a huge impact on the health and safety of the people of her village. 1150 nets were provided for the area which means $2300 was raised to support the effort. Thanks to all who helped and the ways in which you have improved the lives of so many people Mane interacts with everyday.
FORECAST
Hot.
Rain continues through October.
WHATS IN YOUR HUT??
(What’s on your bedstand)
Finding our Way Again
By Brian McLaren
-I just started this book by recommendation of my newly married sister!
USA in AFRICA
-Weekly Sighting-
Senegalese Sledding. Senegalese children craftily cut up plastic water carriers, using them as toboggans, and slid down a dirt hill outside of Maleme Niani.
SALYMATOU’s Senesations
(Senegalese Mama’s Recipe)
Previous Recipe: Cheb O Jen
Current Recipe: Maffe/Durango coming soon
UPCOMING EVENTS:
PCV Continues work with Local Eaux et Foret agency. Around 30,000 tree sacks have been filled with earth by community members and seeding has begun. Outplanting began on August 1st and will continue as PCV returns to her community at the beginning of this week.
PCV to meet with president of community rural of Kouca Gaydi, town 25 km from Maleme Niani to speak about AGFO technologies and PCV’s presence in that community.
PCV’s work with Environmental club at the local college continues. Event was held to begin outplanting while PCV was in the USofA with members of the community. Outplanting will continue through the rainy season.
Tomatoes planted at the local Eaux et Foret. More veggies to follow after rainy season ends.
Scholarship process completed. Papers sent to Dakar and scholarship recipients will be announced within the next month.
PCV beginning process to put together orchard/garden site in her village for the 8+ womens groups to grow and sell produce. She hopes to use currently available space to make a test site for the upcoming cold season. Hopes for veggies galore are bright for her future.
PCV to help with new trainees arriving on August 13th. PCV may be flying with trainees on their flight from JFK and then will help for the first few days they are at the Thies training center.
*Please Send questions and comments to the blog site. Editor will respond when needed. Thank You for your Time! Please glance at the short list of items always accepted by PCV in the country of Senegal through the postal service in the top left hand corner of this blog! J
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
