Happy Independence Day Senegal

Yesterday was Independence Day here in Senegal. 

So in honor of the occasion, I asked my class to list some of the reasons they love Senegal. 

What I heard their responses, I knew I wanted to share some of them here...

Question 1 - What do you love most about Senegal?

"There is really good food here. I like spicy food. So it's super yummy."

"Have you seen the lizards here?! They're awesome!"

"Dakar Academy is the best school I've ever been to! And it's in Senegal. So yeah."

"Everyone in Senegal isn't a believer. So we can tell people about Jesus. I think that's cool!"

Question 2 - What should you bring with you when you first move to Senegal?

One child said...

 "Bring a jacket and scarves and cold weather clothes. It's super cold right now."

Then the others disagreed...

"No. It's hot here. You need sunscreen and hats and sunglasses and warm weather clothes."

But my two favorite answers were...

"Don't spend all your allowance on toys. Maybe bring some of your money to the store and help your mom buy fruit or something to help the poor people who don't have a lot of money like you."

"Bring your Bible. God is most important. And you should read and study your Bible. Oh and bring some other books, too, because reading helps you get smarter."

Question 3 - What is your favorite Senegalese food?

Everyone had a different favorite Senegalese dish. But everyone agreed on the same thing...

"The Senegalese people really know how to cook. They put tasty foods in the dishes and they make sure there is enough food for everybody. And everybody eats out of the same bowl."

One of my kids then said...

"And you know what's cool Ms. Nichols? Sometimes you even eat with your hands! It's awesome!"

Question 4 - What are warnings for Senegal?

"Take your medicine. Malaria's no joke, man."

"Traffic is everywhere. Just buckle up and be patient."

"Be polite to the policemen. They keep you safe."

"If you go to someone's house, always eat the food. ...even if it looks different than the way your mom makes it. It's rude to not eat the food because that lady was nice enough to cook for you."

Question 5 - What is tough about living in Senegal?

"It's hard how the weather changes. It's super hot. Then it's super rainy. Then it's cold."

"There is sand EVERYWHERE! And dust storms... Don't even get me started!"

"You miss your family in your passport country. Goodbyes are very sad because of this."

Question 6 - What is one last thing you think people should know about Senegal?

"Always greet people. Shake hands. Say hello. Ask how they are."

"Casino doesn't mean the same thing here as in America." FYI - Casino is a chain of grocery stores.

"The number of Christians in Senegal is very small. So we need more missionaries to come here to tell people about Jesus."