A bittersweet farewell to Mbisell

Hello family and friends!

This morning we said goodbye to Mbissel and to the many friends we have made over the course of our time here. It was a bittersweet farewell and many tears were shed!

Over the course of our last week in town, our students worked hard to complete the main project-- building a wall around the church. They also put the finishing touches on murals painted on the walls of several classrooms. One mural depicts a map of the United States and a map of Africa connected by a bridge over which people are walking-- an image that resonates strongly with our group because of the connections we have made both here in Mbissel and throughout Senegal. In addition, our students wrapped up the English classes which have been a lot of fun!

This past weekend we stayed in our village to have a chance to see village life on a weekend (instead of taking an excursion). This gave us many opportunities to connect with our many friends from town and drink lots of Senegalese tea! On Saturday night we held a soiree and outdoor discotheque. We also took a day trip to the ocean where we relaxed an enjoyed.

This week we were able to witness the start of the rainy season in this part of Senegal. The rains began and suddenly our surroundings (which had been dry. dusty, and brown) became green, lush, and in bloom! Several students spent part of a day out in the fields with farmers, plowing their green fields.

To celebrate our last days in Mbisell, the town held a goodbye ceremony complete with Senegalese wrestling, sabar drumming and guitars, and more. This was followed up with another soiree and dancing at the school with many friends from town. It has been a memorable week to end an amazing month.

This morning we said our goodbyes and boarded a bus for Toubab Dialaw, a beach resort where we will spend two days relaxing and reflecting upon our many experiences this month before we head back to Dakar and home.

Signing off!
Amelia, Chris, and the whole crew