Sunday, May 20, 2012

The Atlantic, Really?

When you live in land locked Iowa it's hard to imagine working on your computer as you listen to the Atlantic Ocean roll in and back out. But that is exactly what I am doing as I sit here lost in thought about these past two weeks.
Senegal has had it's moments of challenges as we tried to adjust to a new culture as well as sweltering heat. However, all along the way the people of Senegal made it easier for us as they tried to make us comfortable. Ataya, the time consuming but delicious tea, was served to us, homes we visited brought their only fan to our rooms so we might stay cool, and large platters of food were offered to us. Intense pleasure registered on t faces when we greeted the Senegalese with our very limited understanding of the Wolof language. No matter that we made a lot of silly mistakes; they showered gracious hospitality on us wherever we went.
Salaamalle Kum! (Peace be upon you!) While Senegal is predominately Muslim, some say as much as 95% the greeting Salaamalle Kum includes wishes of peace as do many other common greetings here. While U.S. news reports enjoy sensationalizing religious disagreements, conflicts, and injustice the truth is that diverse religious people coexist peacefully here. Perhaps U.S. reporters should spend a month and Senegal and report to our citizens what they will discover here. Jamm rekk, alxamdulilaay! (Peace only, Praise be to God!) Kathy Traetow

No comments:

Post a Comment