Meet My Class

Exactly 1 week ago today I landed in Dakar and almost immediately went to the school to meet my class. I've dubbed the squirrel our class mascot, as my friends are quite squirrely (i.e. extremely hyperactive). But the Lord knows... They are super smart and they sure are fun :)

So without further ado, here are the 10 main reasons I came to Senegal...

Ladies first...

This is my lone lady, Miss H. Yep, that's right. 9 boys and 1 girl. She's a tough cookie, though, and doesn't seem to let that bother her. She's super smart, is eager to learn new things, and loves anything to do with art. Her family is American and she loves that they get to live in Senegal and tell people about Jesus.

Next is Z. He's quite the character. He's smart and funny and has the best facial expressions! He loves to read, but is very particular about which books he chooses. He LOVES LOVES LOVES the Bible and I think he would read it all day if I let him. His family is also American and he says it's cool that they're missionaries.

This is J. He's almost as tall as me, smart, and makes me laugh. He is very inquisitive and eager to learn new things. His favorite subject is Math, but he loves to read. He's got a super kind heart, which is nice because he doesn't get annoyed with me asking him how to sign various words. His family is also American and he says its nice that they can work with the Deaf community here. 

Next is I. He is very smart and considers math his favorite subject. He's quite the artist and loves drawing and coloring. His family is American and are missionaries. He said it's cool that his parents can teach the Africans and help them learn both English and about Jesus too. 

Now, there's A. He is a bit shy, but has the biggest sympathetic heart. He wants everyone to get along and can often be seen as the peacemaker. He's a smart student who says his favorite subject is math - of which algebra is the best! His family is from Sierra Leone and he said he loves living in Senegal because it's a new place. 

The next is Y. He is smart and gives his all on every assignment. His favorite subjects are Science and Reading and loves learning new things. He is a talented young artist, who loves to draw and color and create all sorts of things. His family is from Rwanda, but has lived in many other African countries because of his father's job. 

And C. Oh C... He is my most squirrely friend. He's super smart and loves questioning the "why" and "how" of things and not accepting anything at "face value." He says his favorite part of school is seeing his friends, but he also LOVES science - especially doing experiments. And he says he wants to be a marine biologist when he grows up because he wants to conquer his fear of water. C's family is Brazilian and are missionaries who teach people and help them do better in life. He loves that his family lets him come to DA.

L is smart and is very thorough and hardworking. He's meticulous in his work, making sure every little detail falls into place just so. He likes Math and Science the best, but also likes to read and do Art. His family is American. And he says that he likes that they are missionaries because it helps him travel and meet new people and help them to learn about Jesus.

M is a sweet-hearted guy, who wants to be everyone's friend. He loves to talk and often tells me that socialization is good for children, so I should let them talk more. He loves when we work on the computer and helps me when I have tech-related issues in class. He's super smart and can solve a multiplication Fact sheet in no time. His dad is Senegalese and his mom is South African. M said he loves his family and thinks they're the best ever! Senegal is his home and he says it's the best place ever!

W is a sweet and smart guy, who loves to read and write. He tells elaborately detailed stories and thrives on praise. He says Spelling and Reading are his favorite subjects. He says he doesn't know why they're his favorite, but I think it's because of his thirst for learning as much as possible. He loves "public speaking," so oral assignments are right up his alley. His family is Canadian and Lebanese. He loves living in Senegal because there's lots to do outside since it's always warm outside.