Friday, January 09, 2009

Where to begin

Today is day three and I feel like I have been in Africa forever. Except that the keyboard is different, so typing is very slow and laborious.

Food- unbelievable.
Bed- Very comfortable.

Africa- I don't know where to begin. Perhaps there is no way to begin. Except that before I came people said that this would be a life changing experience... and I think it would be more accurate to say it is a life expanding experience. And certainly a life giving one.

Every day we study dance with Ladji Diakite. Then Rusty and I study djembe with Makan Kone while Lisa studies dun dun.

I miss my children and husband, but feel such joy at being here, too. Every day I cry for joy. Sidy makes relentless fun of me for it, as he should.

I can't get over how kind everyone is. It moves me deeply that we have become members of Sidy's family. I even have been given an African name: Tinoyé Maiga. I am named after Sidy's grandmother, which is a great honor.

Mali is beautiful...mostly because the people are beautiful.

My French is improving. Next time I come I will work on my Bambara.

Beautiful.

4 comments:

Phil said...

God bless you Rachel on your journey in Mali and your journey within yourself. AND I see its your birthday! What a celebration that is! Many happy returns of the day. I will now play the djembe for your birthday. Tone slap slap...
Phil

Rachel said...

Yea!

Ming said...

Happy Birthday from me too!

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

Oh, wonderful! I'm so glad.