September 11th in a Muslim country.

My thoughts turn to the multiple conversations with various aunts, uncles, and professors concerning the American definitions of 'terrorist', 'taliban', and 'muslim'. (No I don't equate them... yes, there are probably some Americans who do.) As the sole US citizen in the household, and for that matter the neighborhood, I find myself often in a position of speaking for the US as a whole. I'm not yet comfortable in this role ... not in English, and certainly not in French. How does one explain in simple terms (I'm guessing I speak at about a 5th grade level right now) that citezens of the US do not ascribe to a single path of thought? How does one express love and pride for one's homeland while simultaneously expressing a distaste for certain dogma, ideology, and practices? How can I possibly say to a family of devout Muslims that: yes, there are a good number of people in middle america who would just as soon believe that anyone reading a koran might as well be an enemy of state? (A sweeping generalization? Hopefully. Grounded in some semblance of truth? ...Probably.)
Yes, I'm a christian.
No, I'm not afraid of Muslims.
Yes, September 11th bewildered and angered me.
No, I don't believe you are to blame.
As a child I often listed 'ambassador' as a possible career choice; I believe I'm getting a taste of that right now.

Life at home changes, expands, and improves daily. Visitors come and go constantly, as family members mill between the three floors. I may experience many things in this household, but boredom will never be one of them.

• I did finally meet my mother, who is indeed the minister of industry for the country of Senegal. Elegant, intelligent, funny. I am a very lucky girl. She has decided that I am only to speak Wolof in her presence. I have decided that I shall sound like an idiot around her for the next month and a half. In time I'll improve, Inchalla! (God willing)
• I really do love this family. Yesterday I was party to the Great Baby Powder War of 05. 1st floor terrace. The Samb children and one friend (2 years old) + sugar high, compliments of jus de bisap (afore-mentioned hibiscus juice) + one bottle baby powder (used to ward of heat blisters on the childrens' backs) = closest thing to a snow shower that these children have ever seen. Laughter. Faces and arms smeared white. An amused mother. A foreign exchange student in hysterics (these kids were FUNNY).
• I tend to spend days with the children and aunts, and evenings with the uncles: studying and taking part in Senegalese tea ceremonies. Lamine is my favorite "uncle" thusfar (quotations because, in theory, he is not actually an uncle. But with the Senegalese's loose definitions of family and my odd situation, I have decided to take this whole family tree business into my own hands. He is therefore my uncle, because I say so). Lamine is fantastic. New expressions tumble across his face constantly as he takes in every detail of conversation in the room. He'll ask all the tough questions and then help me find my way to the answers. He excitedly talks to me about his job at the printing press (a REAL printing press. Thank god I watched Newsies as a child, as that allows me to actually picture the machines he describes), and every night he makes sure to invite me up to the uncles' quarters for tea. Last night we watched reruns of "Dallas" and I learned how much sugar to use per pot of tradtional tea (answer: a lot.) Tala, another uncle, is an up and coming business man of the family, having studied in both Dakar and France. He now finds himself overqualified for the majority of job openings in Senegal, and therefore unemployed. He hopes to move to the US by the end of the year to start a company selling African art. Bocar is a neighbor and friend of the family who I think may of notions of courting me. I've explained that I'm very studious and have no interest whatsoever in men right now, Senegalese or otherwise. Also, my Dad is very strong and protective. ;)

Spoke to Dad today for the first time - so good to hear his voice! Loving it here, but absolutely missing the comfort of home. Love to you and peace to you all.

Jamm ak jamm...

(from peace to peace)