So I found out the local language I'll be learning is Jaxanke/Malinke. Apparently they're so similar that my 4 person language group is learning both. I'm still not sure exactly where my permanent site will be, but I know I'll be in the southeast part of the country, probably in the Kedougou or Tambacounda regions.
This morning I got up at sunrise to run around the soccer stadium with a few other volunteers. It was beautiful to be up with the sun and be on the track with local runners working out as well. This afternoon, I went to the Thies market to buy local gifts for my host family. I'm bringing them tea and sugar! The market was extremely chaotic, and we met a little boy who helped me and a few friends bargain and get good prices for things. He was adorable and spoke to us in french.
Tomorrow I'll be taking a bus with other volunteers to M'bour to move in with my host family for the next 9 weeks! I'm excited and nervous to meet them! We've been having talks on integrating into the culture, so hopefully I don't make too many embarrassing mistakes! Next Sunday I'll be back at the training center for a few days to debrief and do some more tech training before returning to my homestay. So for the next week I probably wont have access to internet. Hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow!
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ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting that you're learning a new language! I can't wait to hear about your host family and i've always loved listening to little kids speak french, JEALOUS haha
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