The days are beginning to have some shape and routine, although each day is different from the others. Thursday was the longer Talibe time and much like last week. The nurse had returned so I didn’t get to do as much wound care but still felt good to assist a little. The roof at the center has a netted soccer area so the serious playing happens up there. But on the lower level is the basketball hoop. So, while the basketball game was going on, a soccer ball was being dribbled and past around too! New sport! Very funny to watch.
Earlier that morning, I went to the tiny library next door and perused English lesson books. Laura, mentioned previously, helps there and was reading with a young boy. After they were finished, she took me to the tailor just a couple of doors down. I’m thrilled when I don’t have to draw a map to get somewhere! The tailor is making my purchased fabric into a Senegalese outfit for me. It will be ready on Friday! The tailor took my measurements, over my clothes, and thankfully the tape is in centimeters so I didn’t get a look at the probably awful numbers!
Friday, back for a sewing lesson. Today there were 14 girls so a little chaotic but when a class starts with some hugs, how can it not be great! I tried showing them how to set in a sleeve but think I overstepped what they are ready for. Monday will be some review of stitches and seams. Please picture several tables pushed together in a smallish room. The girls are around the edges. First, I cut the pattern pieces from paper and then they cut a few more. Accurate cutting is another skill to work on. Then pieces of fabric started flying around as they cut out their pieces. I had made a sample – not sure how helpful it was! There were some missteps and do overs but most of them got some of the idea. They all try very hard, as they gather around the table in their white blouses, black skirts, and covered heads. As class ended, they broke into song and a little dance, as much as space would allow. I love that stuff!
I left on that high note. Had met with Feluine a little earlier to plan next week. I’ll still have my classes and theTalibe but am adding a devotion for the girls first thing most mornings. No more lazy mornings for me! Usually my classes start about 10 but this will be 8. Good for me so I don’t get too casual!
Back to the house to eat lunch – literally bread and water today! It was very good bread, with butter, so not exactly prison rations. 😊. I was preparing for English class but then Feluine let me know the girls wanted to cancel today as two of them are in tomorrow’s wedding and doing some prep. I went just a couple of blocks to visit the Days for Girls and helped there for a bit.
Time to pick up my finished outfit. One day to make a top and skirt, and all for a few dollars! The tailor did a great job and was so friendly. He had seen me walking around as his shop is just doors away so I think felt like he knew me a little. Back to the house where I tried on my new clothes. Well, skirts here are cut tight to hug the hips and tush. The younger girls can carry it off but this tush is not one to show off! Luckily, the top covered all that. Whew! I would wear it for the wedding the next day.
Pizza was on tap for supper so I headed back to the girls’ restaurant. It is in a little purple building so easy to find. Got my margarita pizza and back. It is enough for two meals so good.
My evenings are quiet – reading, lesson prep, and the occasional Netflix show. It is the only steaming service I can get on my iPad but it works. So good night.
Wedding tomorrow!