I saw that big ocean

Well I am back in the U.S. I am not sure if I have an opinion of it as of yet. but mostly I am overwhelmed by all the stuff. stuff everywhere. I cant even find my own stuff. A pair of sandels I left here. a coat for when it goes below 70 degrees. I saw that Atlantic ocean and I wanted to share a photo of what it looks like in the middle. It looks alot like it does at the edges but its just nicer knowing there is not very much stuff around. Europe is three days to the left and North America is three days to the right.

Fencing Project

Just wanted to share with you all one last project I hope to work on before my return to the U.S. this summer. I have funding in place to dig the village a new well and also conduct a training in hand crank sewing machines and purchase a few machines for the village before I leave. However I would still like to reinforce and expand the fence on the villages garden to ensure that this garden will thrive long after my departure, we are just begining to see the first fruits of our small banana plot. If you would be willing to help financially and contribute to this project, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all of your interest and support in the lives of these people I have come to know as my family away from home.

wash day

I took vacation in Dakar and traveled south a bit along the coast near Mboar. It was nice, beautiful and quite refreshing at times but I am glad to be heading back to my home in the village. We stayed in a nice big house an American family opened up to me and a few friends. It was luxary in comparison to many things I have become acustom to. They gave us a bed to sleep in, they let us use their computer, eat their food and they washed our cloths in a machine. The mother of the house asked me what my house was like in Mauritania. I told her it was a small but comfortable little place made of mud and sticks. She asked if I had electricity or running water and then surprisingly asked 'How do you wash your clothes?'

The Canoe

Just wanted to share a photo of the canoe we purchased in September for the village to use in their fishing and crossing of the river. It is very heavy duty hand carved wooden vessel that should last the community for 30 years. The village was so happy when it arrived that they all started singing and dancing.

Another New Year

Another New Year's spent in the modern metropolis of St. Louis Senegal. All refreshed from my fill of espresso, hamburgers, and pastries. I have enjoyed the chance to once again become reacquainted with the many joys of the western world. The other day I had to ask some how to send an email after I was done writing it! It all becomes so foreign so quickly. I will be heading back to the village after a few days to get started on digging the new village well. Wishing you all the best Holiday Season!

Home Sweet Home

This is home for now, I 've been away for a few weeks now and sort of miss the place.

A Match

In the late afternoons I like playing football with the boys in the village, lately even a few young men come and join in. We even have real goal posts with a cross bar made of eucolytus wood from the gardens old windbreak.