The first week in a nutshell...

Monday and Tuesday were uneventful. Mostly sleeping late to recover from jet lag, unpacking and enjoying delicious meals hosted by missionary families from the school. Our first night we had a traditional Senegalese dish, Chub (probably not at all like it's actually spelled and maybe not even how it's pronounced). Rice with vegetable and an onion sauce. Definitely a food I could eat regularly. We were initiated with our first power cut walking home from dinner. It lasted roughly five hours which is relatively short.

Wednesday was spent at school dusting and cleaning. Literally everything in the room was covered in a chalky dust. Thankfully I teach middle school. Other teachers are still cleaning two days later because of the amount of manipulatives and other supplies teachers have at the elementary level. I got some of my bulletin boards done and it's starting to feel more like "my" classroom. I've had to remind myself more than once that it's not home, it's just different, and I'm resourceful. As a side note, sticky tack works amazingly well here because of the humidity.

Wednesday night was our first dinner at home. We have been surviving off the groceries the school provided but were limited in our options. We made spaghetti, which turned out quite delicious if I do say so myself. Though a simple meal required more effort than you might expect:

1. Make a glass of powdered milk
2. Add powdered milk to tomato paste with various spices from home.
3. Realize the element is not on and the apartment smells like gas.
4. Go to neighbours across the hall for demonstration on how to light the gas stove without blowing yourself or the apartment up.
5. Heat sauce
6. Thaw, cook and add ground beef to sauce
7. Filter water
8. Bring water to a boil and cook pasta
9. Serve sauce over pasta
10. Enjoy the meal under the cooling (not cool) breeze of a ceiling fan.

Thankfully the two power cuts that evening were both after we had prepared our tasty meal.



Thursday: The good news is we didn't have any power cuts, the bad news is the phone company was on strike therefore no phone (including cell) or internet service.

It was the first day of orientation which included a presentation from the board on the history and policy of the school and presentations on the day-to-day stuff like mail, transportation, utilities etc. In the evening there was a potluck on campus.

Dakar is home to many missionary families working for various missions and DA is a hub of activity. One of the most amazing things is how they all work together and embrace fellowship with one another. I think it's a small slice of what heaven will be like. I headed over with my roommate (hereafter just Kari) thinking there'd be five or six families, but the place was packed. It was fun to meet so many different people all doing amazing things here in Senegal.

I happened to meet the mother of a student I supply taught last year when I visited Dakar. She remembered me and told me that I made an impression on her son because it had been his first day at a new school, in a new country, and the only person he knew was the teacher who left suddenly because she was sick. Apparently he came home talking about me and I helped his first few days go smoothly. It was an encouragement for me because you don't often hear or realize the way you influence people.

Today is Friday, day 2 of orientation, mostly teacher training. A few of our Dakar Academy neighbours in the building hosted us for an incredible meal on the rooftop. I can't believe I've gone almost a week without going up there. You can see the ocean on one side, the African Renaissance statue and lighthouse on the other side, and Dakar's entire skyline. The evening temperature was comfortable and it was a pleasure to get to know such amazing people. It felt like the rooftop dinner party scene from Julie and Julia minus the twinkle lights and dressy clothes. I love living movies in real life. Real life is always better!

Tomorrow is our first big day on the town. We are going on a guided tour of Dakar to some of the local stores and markets. It's all about practical living in Dakar. I'm just hoping it won't cost me too much...we all know how much I like shopping :)

Pictures are still coming. I apologize for the delay. Don't give up on me just yet.