Embracing Culture and Connection: A Journey Through St. Louis and Gueumbeul

Days 7 and 8

The sun beats down relentlessly as we embark on our cultural adventure, yet amidst the heat, we discover a soothing solitude. Each of us finds a little piece of this journey to cherish—a pet we wish we could bring home, a memory to hold onto. I can envision myself resting beneath the national Baobab tree, finding stillness and the inspiration to write once again.

The desert winds swirl around us, painting the sky in hues of pink as we venture into the vast landscape. The interconnectedness of nature becomes evident; the desert winds nourish the Amazon, sustaining life in ways we often overlook. As we reflect on this Easter, I find myself missing my children, tears welling up in my eyes. My new family surrounds me, providing comfort and support as I compose myself, embodying the core values of Senegalese hospitality and care. We visit St. Louis and Park of Gueumbeul,

Our last stop is the Louga Cultural Center, where we are treated to an electrifying performance showcasing the best drummers in the area. The passion in their music is palpable, and the intonations resonate deeply within us. During the event, we participate in a spelling bee, tackling words like "ephemeral" and "elicit." Our presence is acknowledged, and we’re invited to the front row, where we are warmly introduced to the crowd. In a delightful twist, we find ourselves on stage, showcasing a dance before the program begins.

The auditorium, packed to the brim, feels like a fire hazard back home, but here, the heat reaches a sweltering 111 degrees, and nobody utters a complaint. Instead, the shouts of encouragement grow louder, filling the space with a sense of community. After a spirited debate, we are called back on stage to pin American flags on the captains of each team and hand out stickers. This simple gesture evokes immense gratitude, reminding us that gifts of appreciation don’t need to be extravagant—just meaningful.

As the sun sets, we embrace the rhythm of African time. Dinner doesn’t start until 9:00 P.M., and there’s no rush; the focus is on community and connection. After an exhausting 12-hour day, we stroll through the still-bustling streets, where the community enjoys the simple pleasures of life. What should take only 10 minutes to reach our cab and hotel stretches into over an hour as Monsour stops to greet everyone he knows, giving each person his undivided attention without a hint of impatience.

Amid power outages, masks are handed out to help us navigate the swirling sands. With no AC and dimming lights, we take a walk to fetch ice cream and water, relishing the stillness of the evening. The sounds of goats bleating and children laughing as they play soccer fill the air—a stark contrast to the virtual worlds many children inhabit back home. Here, relationships are built through direct connection and shared experiences.

Later, as we sit on the upstairs patio, one of our group members plays music from his phone, creating a calming atmosphere that deepens our bonds. I notice my heart rate has steadied, a rarity in the hustle and bustle of my life back in the U.S. What initially seemed like a challenging week in our humble abode has transformed into a comforting experience, one that I look forward to returning to after each long day.

In this whirlwind of cultural experiences, I find myself pondering how to retain this sense of calm and peace when I inevitably return to "real life." It’s easy to fall back into the fast-paced rhythm of daily life, but here, I’ve learned the value of slowing down and simply being present. The serenity I’ve found in Senegal has forever imprinted itself on my heart, and I am determined to carry this feeling with me, no matter where I go.