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.