Feelin' HOT HOT HOT

So I finally made it all the way back down to Kedougou. It only took me 17 days from the time I arrived in Dakar. I took my time coming down as I hope not to go back to the capital until August when I leave. The road is a nightmare that I would rather not face again.

Like it says in the title, it is really freakin hot right now. Not to complain but it is over 105 everyday, or over 40 for you celsius peeps, and there is a total water crisis in Kedougou. What does that mean? No water flows from the faucets. A truck comes around once a day and people line up to fill up buckets. So when you really just want to wash the sweat and dirt off you look at your bucket and have to decide whether to drink or bathe. Which did I choose... let's just say I am really thirsty but smell great.

Here is a pic of the bucket of water I am talking about. It doesn't smell but it doesn't make you want to touch it either.

This week I must interview a bunch of girls for the annual scholarship SeneGAD gives out. I also have to pass out a bunch of seeds to my villagers and make arrangements for a Girl's Leadership camp I am putting on. Busy little bee for my last few months.

So here are some great pics from my dad's wedding. I had a great time being all sorts of pretty for the day. The wedding was a beautiful and intimate affair. The house looked amazing and the garden was spectacular. Class the whole way.

Me and my dad



The Five Kids




The Four Girls



The Beautiful Bride and my bro



Well that is all the update I can muster for the moment. I wish you all a good whatever.

The Home Stretch

Since my return to Senegal, many things have dawned on me. One is that Senegalese people are amazing and have made my experience here worthwhile. Second is the movie that I have been working on for the last 9 months rocks and is going to change the course of my life as much as the people of Senegal have. I played many roles in the production of the film, including editing it for the past week, and after today it is starting to look like a real bonafide movie. It's called Elle Travaille, Elle Vit!! (She Works, She Lives) and follows the lives and careers of five Senegalese women as they talk about the importance of girl's education. The footage is stunning and the inspirational words of Senegalese women for Senegalese girls is more powerful than I could have ever imagined. I hope that the film provides a catalyst for the much needed feminist revolution in Senegal.

In other crazy things that have happened to me lately... I hung out backstage all night at the Alpha Blondy concert on Bob Marley's Birthday. Basically I just walked backstage, greeted all the guards and musicians and was welcomed as if I belonged there. After awhile I had Dread Maxim on one side of me howling with laughter at my Pulaar abilities and Dimshel fetching me beers. It is bizarre what a big smile and a handshake can get you around here.

Going to Tamba tomorrow. I need to get to Kedougou so I can interview the girls who are up for this year's scholarship and I need to get my materials together for the Leadership Camp I have coming up. I am a busy little bee for these last few months as I prepare to go on to the next big phase in my life... New York City.