Goatee

The week went well! Surprisingly, I got a few things done off the list. Bringin Djebaye to Joal was a success, although it made for an extremely long day. We left here at 8 but had to wait over an hour for the bus to fill. Then it just took forever! We got to Joal at 1. A little info about Fridays: they are the Muslim's holy day so they go to the big mosque and pray at 2ish. And then it's the weekend (thank you French for that influence). So normally there is not a whole lot that happens until Monday. I was so worried on the road that it would be a waste of money to go all the way there and see nothing. But it went so well! We met with someone who was very knowledgeable and told Djebaye the whole history and problems and solutions. After that, we had a great lunch, talked with the current volunteer there and 2 charretiers (donkey-cart drivers like Djebaye). Then we went to a government official who talked to us more about the project and how it has expanded. They are in the process of building a beautiful new compost site. Needless to say, Djebaye and I are jealous and motivated. We will start right back up with more trainings and collections after Tabaski!

But now it's time to relax, while everyone prepares for this big holiday Tabaski. It's in the Bible too, where Abraham sacrifices a sheep. So why don't we have this tradition in the Christian world?! It's fun! I have my hair braided (pics coming soon), new clothes, new sandales that mom bought me and plenty of invitations to spend the day with friends and work partners. I am ready to have this holiday over so I can get back to work but it is cool that this is my second. I know what to expect, and instead of being shown around as a guest, I get to go and do my own greetings and take pictures with people. Should be fun.

Oh, and we have a new member of the family. Population of this house is always changing. My favorite maid left to go work for her sister in Dakar. :-( It was rather lonely for a few days since mom and sis were at school and the other guy that rents is working out of town. But now my sister is striking at school til the 15th so I have company. The new addition is a baby goat! I call him Goatee. He was born 2 nights before I took this picture, where he is actually peeing. He will soon learn manners. He's so cute. He jumps and twitches when he gets excited. We have 2 other pregrant goats, hopefully one will have twins since she's much bigger that they other 2. Who knows what we will do with all these babies, but at least they are cute and don't make as much noise as other animals! My host mom, like I have said before, is good at investing. We are in the process of building a structure to house 50 chickens to do a raising project. I hope they become dinner more often!

After Tabaksi, I am heading to Dakar for the weekend. Then I'll be back for a week before Christmas! Staying at a house on an island. Be jealous. It's no snow angels and cookies but maybe I can work on my tanlines again!