A journey to Goree island: confronting the past

April 26, Day 14

vAn early morning debrief session as we all gather back at Azalai Hotel.  How can I eloquently verbalize the impact this has had on me.  When I try, the tears flow.  Pride, Sadness, Shame, Nervousness, love, joy, being comfortable with being uncomfortable, feeling seen, appreciated, so many emotions course through my veins.  My phone dings and I have messages from students in Louga thanking me for being in their school.  I am the one to thank them for opening themselves to the same discomfort of being willing to be vulnerable enough to communicate and learn. How do I adequately bring what I learned to those at home?  How do I capture all the aspects of good teaching that is taking place and help raise that to the next level for the students?  How can I supply them with the tools needed? 

Our last group excursion takes us for a guided tour to the Island of Goree, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the history and leagacy of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade in West Africa.  The shame bubbles in my soul. How can humans have treated one another this way?  The quietness envelopes us as we each try to gain understanding of this place, while simultaneously the waves can be heard crashing along the rocky shore, the clinking of plates from the cafe around the corner, and the chatter of the market sellers selling their wares. 

Once again back on shore, we head to the hotel.  Overcome by emotions, I forego dinner and instead sit on the patio for the last quiet night amongst friends. Where do I go from here? Africa has changed all that I have known to be true.  It has entered my soul.

When the ocean calls . ..