Happy Mother’s Day!!!

A very special blog post to all the moms out there all over the world! I know the actual holiday was yesterday, but I’m gonna post a day late.  I did skype with my momma yesterday! It’s so nice to talk to Amerik J

The book I’m reading actually got me thinking about posting something for all the amazing moms out there! I’m reading the Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells because, well, I find myself with a lot of spare time.  The book is entertaining, and it primarily focuses on a mother and daughters relationship.  It got me thinking about my own mom and our relationship. I miss her terribly! She is not only my mom but an amazing friend, pillar of support (especially with my PC service), and an awesome listener.  I don’t know what I would do without her! She is amazing! Happy Mom’s Day Mom! I loff you!  J

Luckily for me, I have, technically, three Senegalese moms…officially….but the way Senegalese families are, I guess you could consider all women in this country to be my mom.  In fact, I often call complete strangers (females only) that I meet on the street or in the market, Néné, meaning mom, because everyone else does and sometimes because I’ve forgotten their true name. But I would like to acknowledge them also because they’ve helped me in so many ways here: integration, teaching me how to tie a head wrap, the importance of wearing earrings all the time, how to make follere, etc. (so many more things too!)

So I would just like to acknowledge some awesome Senegalese women who I’ve crossed paths with:

My host mom during training was Maryama Baldé; she stood up for me when a tailor in Mbour tried to rip me off on my Korite outfit because I am white. We really bonded during PST; I still call her from time to time to say hello!

 My second host mom during PST was Ruby Saar.  She was three years younger than me, and my father’s second wife.  She laughed at me all the time, but was really helpful and supportive with teaching me Pulaar and letting me try new things like carrying water on my head or pounding leaves into a pulpy glob J

Ruby is on my right and Maryama is in green holding the baby

Then, of course, there is my current host mom in Kounkané, Salymatou Ba who informs everyone that I live in her house. She gave me my Senegalese name; I’m her namesake J She is the head of the house hold, a strong woman, an entrepreneur, and she is willing to help out everyone in the community J Glad she is there to help me out from time to time….. (pic of her in the Tabaski post J)
Above all, I’d like to note how strong and amazing I find Senegalese women, especially Pulaar women.  They have multiple children, they cook, they clean, and they put up with Senegalese men with their cat calls, laziness, and suppression….among other things…. I’m amazed at how strong and beautiful Senegalese women are J

Happy Mom’s Day!!! I’m so grateful I have such amazing moms in my life J especially my “real” mom J

Love. xxx