In the time since we’ve been home, I think I’ve looked through pictures of our journey every single day! Now that it’s cold and snowing constantly, I am desperate for some sun! I think I must have taken around million photos, so it is difficult for me to pick only two of my favorites. However, these two photos make me very happy and I am proud of how they turned out.
On the roof of Ibrahim’s house, he had a little studio that was used for his glass painting business. Our class spent a lot of time up there working on our glass paintings and it was one of my favorite spots. It was very relaxing and you could see our whole section of Guinaw Rail and Waranka. Next to the studio was a chicken coop that a lot of young boys liked to hang out at and play with the chickens. I loved the image of all of them hanging out on the roof, playing with birds, and messing around. When I saw them at this point, they were so perfectly posed, just hanging out. I knew I needed a photo, so I asked them if it was alright. With their consent, I snapped a few photos and I’m really proud of how they turned out. To others, the photo may not seem like anything special, but it was a scene I had wanted to capture for a while. To me, it felt like a glimpse into the life of a young Senegalese boy and it made me happy.
On our last day of doing service in Waranka, the school had a huge party to celebrate our time together. There was loads of dancing, but it was mostly just us toubabs and the teachers. In the corner where I was sitting there were a bunch of very hyper little boys. I had not spent time with them during the week and I think they were very excited to sit with me. They desperately wanted to show off their dance moves and join in with all the adults. The teachers kept telling them to calm down and behave, but these two boys in particular could not help themselves. Everytime the teachers turned away, they were up and dancing for me. I snapped this picture during one of those times. I love the colors and that you can see all the different people at the celebration in the background. There are all the students, trying to keep their excitement in, the teacher trying to keep things under control, the press, and the griots singing.
I loved taking photos throughout Senegal because everything was so colorful, vibrant, and full of life. I hope these photos depict those emotions and give a peak into our journey.
Senegal: Culture and Service 