I can officially call this my new home since I have my own phone number and an extremely more functional cellphone than my one in the states. JJ just got dropped off next to a field full of football players. I'm next to be dropped off with my new family. Here goes nothing...
Holy cow! I am hot and nervous. My hands are shaking. The roof is much cooler, but also much more awkward. I guess I expected someone to extend the Wolof greetings to me so that I could respond. I haven't had practice starting them yet. This is so strange. I find comfort even in the abstract idea of using French to communicate. It seems like that's not an option with my host mom, but maybe others in my host family? Right now I'm just sitting in my room, sweating my ass off. Maybe I'll take a shower and then have a fresh start. I'll just embrace the heat like Bikram and find strength and peace within it.
My new home is rather large. I have my own room on the 2nd floor complete with a queen size bed with floral sheets, topped with a barbie pillow. Not much in life could prepare you for this moment. I wonder if there will be any small children running around? I hope so! That would make me feel so much more at ease. How has my life led me here? I am so privileged, and ignorant, and curious. Rhianna's 'Rude Boy' is playing in the background -- a language I understand, and fortunately they don't because I have a feeling that wouldn't fly in a Mulsim household. Time to take action, but I can't seem to move. Even the effort of writing is causing slight spasms. Just take my time. Relax. Although these thoughts and feelings are slightly overwhelming, I'm not upset or even scared. Maybe a little anxious, but not necessarily to endure it. Just curious. Time is a strange thing--dinner time, 6:00, family time. How much time to start to assimilate? To learn Wolor? 'Til bedtime? So many unknowns. I really need a shower.
Short shower. Quick nap. First greeting. I can do this!
Baby steps. Introductions. Awkward misunderstandings :)
I made it through my first evening with my new family. I still have no idea who's who, but I'll get there. I wasn't sure of the customs for going to bed, and who I was supposed to tell, and who actually lives here. There are so many people. We had beans and some sort of meat for dinner with bread. It was delicious and very communal! It is very difficult to communicate so far, because I don't know any Wolof, and I don't know who speaks French, and some people will throw some English in randomy, and it catches me off guard, so I find it difficult to respond. Juggling 3 languages is hard. They are very patient with me thus far. I'm not really sure how to extend my deep gratitude and to whom. I'll figure it out eventually. My fan stopped working. Luckily I have my own room with a lock on the door so I can sleep practically naked. That reminds me of spending time at the apartment for lunch with Thiaba and Khoudia (our guides). For a culture where women have to wear full dress (at least on the bottom half) in public, they sure are comfortable and let it all hang out behind closed doors. I doubt I'll be able to experience that much more, though, since this household seems to be predominantly male, particularly those around my age. I'm not compaining, I'm just not quite ready to accept invitations to the roof. Maybe after learning a few more key phrases and cultural norms.
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