Today is Friday – the end of the school week, and I have learned a great deal this week. I still can’t find my way around the neighborhood but will work on that this weekend.
What I have learned –

the Senegalese people are people I want to

get to

know
the women are so beautiful and wear such gorgeous clothes with grace and style
most children are indeed part of a “village” as everyone seems to look out for them
technology is embraced but things like credit cards are used infrequently and at few stores cash in hand is the order of the day
Feluine is amazing – such a warm dear woman of God – one of those saints who it is an incredible privilege to know – I have met a few and most of them seem to be Africans, although there is one Bangladeshi who stands out

And I have learned my lack – no language except English! Little is spoken here so I am adrift often
And I needed to be prepared to actually teach – I did not know this so there is a little excuse but I am so wishing I had some supplies from home to help. Today, again, I went into a class expected to teach. This was sewing. This weekend a lot of time will be spent preparing as best I can as I will be teaching English to three lovely young women three times a week, as well as a regular class at times. I am also working with the beginning sewing girls and need to help them learn to sew without a machine. Machines are not always available so they need hand sewing skills. I’ve never made a dress by hand or cut a pattern from a blank piece of paper so again, work to be done!
But, I know it will all work out as the girls are so accepting and just seem to like having the old white lady around, although there is much giggling at my ignorance! Well deserved!
On a fun note, the Starbucks coffee my daughter, Attie, sent over with me is a huge hit! The chef, at the school, got some and I was invited to come into the kitchen for a cup. However, first a young lady demonstrated how to fold a paper napkin into a lovely container for the coffee cup. Great, I thought. I’ll have a pretty cup and saucer with its paper collar. Well, I did, eventually! However, I had to first demonstrate my ability to watch and learn. The girls were very helpful so my folded napkin worked alright. The coffee was great! And the chef invited me to a meal with his family sometime. Such a lovely thing to look forward to.
I then headed back to my place for a quiet evening. A little about that – this is a guest house with 5 bedrooms and each has a bath. Please don’t think it’s like your bathroom. A small sink with a trickle of cold water, a good functional toilet, (Yay!) and a shower that has no curtain but is part of the room. But it has hot water! Everything I need.
There is also living room and a kitchen with most conveniences. All I need!

I’m sending this on Sunday as my internet went out F and evening. Still out but should be remedied soon. I’m at a friend’s house so can send this on.
Hope your weekend has great well.