Hut-Sweet-Hut

Welcome to my new home for the next two years! I'm settling in well to my village, Salamata. I spend my days exploring the village and talking with villagers. My priority right now is to learn the language and identify needs and opportunities in my community. Sometimes I walk out to the cow fields and help milk or I go to the women's dry season gardens to figure out what techniques they are currently utilizing. It's all new and I'm surprisingly exhausted by 9:00 pm (bedtime!).

There are several trainings and conferences through Peace Corps in the coming months, in addition to holidays, so I'll be traveling a little around Senegal. I'll try my best to update when I can.

Here is my Hut-Sweet-Hut!

Left: This is a view from my front door to the back door. My water filter is by the back door and there is a tarp on the ceiling to help with leaks during the rainy season.

Below: This is my back yard! I usually have my hammock up over the green mat on the right but it's too cold to sleep outside right now. There really is a cold season! The water spot under the tree is where I take bucket showers.

Left: This is another picture inside m

y hut! My Ancien (the previous volunteer) left me the furniture. I bought a bed and had a frame built so it really feels like my space. It has such a great atmosphere at night when it is lit by candlelight.

Below: This is a view of my back yard garden/back of my hut. Yes, that's a banana tree on the left. I also have two papaya trees in my garden and three pepinieres (nurseries) for guava, cashew, and papaya trees. There's just so much potential!

Left: Annnd, here is my Douche--where I go to the bathroom. No toiletpaper here folks. That pot is filled with water and you use your left hand. Don't worry, I have soap. Also note that I have ALOE!!!

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a refreshing New Year! I'll be celebrating here with new friends making new traditions.

Warmly from Senegal,

Missy!