Wolof lesson of the day: jamm rekk means "peace only". It is the response to various questions about where/how/if you have peace. It's part of the way you greet someone formally.
Here's my address here, just in case!...
Maggie Oliver
s/c ACI Baobab Center
B.P. 5270
Dakar - Fann
Senegal
"Goodnight Gorilla" update: This well loved book now has no front or back cover, and is also missing the first 6 pages or so.
My oldest host brother, Muhammad, is quickly gaining a lot of my respect. Occasionally, when the youngest boys misbehave and get caught, their mother will hit them or whip them with a cord. It's really hard to sit back and watch, but I'm not really in a place to say anything about it. Well, last night, the two little guys had done something bad, but Muhammad was sitting next to the cord. When my host mom reached for it, he grabbed it and wouldn't let her whip them. They yelled at each other in Wolof a little bit, but then she gave up. It was an awkward situation to be in, made only more awkward when Muhammad looked at me and asked "do you want her to hit the children?" (in broken English). Of course I said no, but again, I'm not hear to change what they do or how they act. I'm hear to learn about their culture and try to fit in. It was a very intense moment, and I'm very happy to know that Muhammad is looking out for the kids.
This is a very intense post, Maggie. I can feel my hackles rising, and can only imagine how difficult that is to witness. You are such a wise young woman -- knowing you are there to observe and learn -- that's a hard thing to learn about. Thank goodness for older brothers (sometimes :)).
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