Humidity, Sun, Roaches and Goats

Well guys, I made it. It has been good and hot. I have enjoyed my time thus far. There have been some struggles, such as eating anything besides starch, but those times are overshadowed by the goats (which are supposedly sheep, although I don't believe it yet), drinking bisaab juice (which comes from the hibiscus flower) and the time spent in the street with kids.

On our first day here, we ventured into the streets, spoke some Wolof with people and even went out to a little bar. Life here will take some getting used to, although it constantly reminds me of the Dominican. (Like the hissing... not as highly used, but still you hear it all the time!)

I got to my host family two days ago and might have to change already. I have bed bugs and someone at Centre Baobab (where we are centered) told me that I'll track them here and need to change. I guess I'll see what Aby (housing director) says. In the big scheme of things, waking up with bites on my stomach are not as grave as it feels, but when I have no clue how to fix it, it makes it much more difficult.

On a brighter note... bug bombs are still used here. Don't mind the cancer it may cause in fifty years, enshallah.

My host family is HUGE. I don't know who anyone is/ how they are related, but they are all very nice and extremely patient. I have a four year old in the house and a four day old who will come home tomorrow. I guess there will be a huge party to name the baby and I have to wear traditional clothing. The four year old was terrified of me the first day, but now he comes to visit me at my door and waves. I think he's just looking for some candy ( he has a ridiculous sweet tooth). Today I gave the family des bons bons (candy) and he went and stole it from everyone.

Well, I believe that I will be online tomorrow if anyone wants to skype. It should be around three o'clock to four o'clock.

A demain mes amours...
I hope you're all doing well.

Kate

Address

Hey guys--

Here's my address. Send me letters and crushed pennies! :)

Katelyn Brinks
c/o Baydallaye Kane
Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis
B.P. 234
Saint-Louis, Senegal

Suitcases are not my friends. But we won't get into that.

Jamm ak jamm

Kate

3 weeks...or 21 days.

We're close enough to have a count down, I suppose. I forgot in the last post to inform you all, my faithful followers, that I will be on skype while there. In other words, you should download skype and add me! brinkkat. I'll be trying to figure out a certain time where I will be on, so that you could talk with me! I'll also add my address up here, in case you were to happen upon a smashed penny machine and thought "WOW. I think that Kate needs to experience a little bit of this place." Then you could smash the penny and send it to Africa!

Well, that's it. I'm going to go pack and clean. c:

You stay classy.