About 3 weeks ago, my little brother was circumcised – he’s about 6 years old…ouch. When visiting him later in the day of his tragic operation, I was relieved to hear the “cut” was made by an official doctor.
Just this past Monday, he had his “going out party” when he was officially released from being on bed-rest at my grandma’s house. I was able to attend this special occasion in the morning. A loud, but soothing murmur of Arabic prayers and reading of the Koran was produced from a group of about 25 men, including my father and the local Maribou. After about 30 minutes of prayer, lax (Senegalese porridge) was served and rapidly eating. My little brother is now back in our compound, causing his usual trouble, but in good and safe health.
And so little Zignior, congratulations and best of luck in this brave new world. May you thrive and flourish among us real men and the jungle of headless snakes…
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Byron Yee
Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Byron’s First Work Project
Finally, after months of meet and greet, I was able to begin my first small work project: Accounting. My friend, Sedou Kounta, owns a small boutique and I have begun teaching him very simple accounting so we can keep track of his sales and therefore adjust his business strategies accordingly.
The Challenge: During our first lesson, I learned that he is literate in Arabic only, NOT French. So his accounting table reads from right to left vs. my table which is the opposite. Not a huge problem; I’ve been taught to be flexible and work in ways that are comfortable for people here. I’m sure the IRS wouldn’t agree to the non-GAAP methods (if you don’t know that acronym, you’re not a business nerd). But it’s a small start towards a very large concept.
Wish me luck as I’ve been praying for legitimate work for quite awhile.
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Byron Yee
Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009
The Challenge: During our first lesson, I learned that he is literate in Arabic only, NOT French. So his accounting table reads from right to left vs. my table which is the opposite. Not a huge problem; I’ve been taught to be flexible and work in ways that are comfortable for people here. I’m sure the IRS wouldn’t agree to the non-GAAP methods (if you don’t know that acronym, you’re not a business nerd). But it’s a small start towards a very large concept.
Wish me luck as I’ve been praying for legitimate work for quite awhile.
--
Byron Yee
Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009
Seereer: Byron’s 4th language
Because 3 languages just isn’t enough, I went to a nearby volunteer’s site for a 3 day crash course in Seereer. It was an intense, overwhelming, but fun experience where I gleaned most of the grammatical structures and a little vocab of this language. In my town, I’m greeted everyday in about 5 different languages. I figured it was only polite to try to learn enough to greet them back properly.
Yes my head is swimming and a bit confused, but when you’re immersed in an environment where multiple languages are present, it’s easier to learn/practice. Every morning I study my notes and I have identified some neighbors who are patient enough to converse with me.
I also have a Seereer friend who wants to learn English. So we agreed that he’ll speak to me in Seereer and I’ll slowly teach him English. My goal is to make sure to speak in Wolof, French, and Seereer a little everyday to keep up with all of them…Wish me luck.
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Byron Yee
Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009
Yes my head is swimming and a bit confused, but when you’re immersed in an environment where multiple languages are present, it’s easier to learn/practice. Every morning I study my notes and I have identified some neighbors who are patient enough to converse with me.
I also have a Seereer friend who wants to learn English. So we agreed that he’ll speak to me in Seereer and I’ll slowly teach him English. My goal is to make sure to speak in Wolof, French, and Seereer a little everyday to keep up with all of them…Wish me luck.
--
Byron Yee
Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009
Monday, January 11, 2010
Happy New Year 2010!
Like everywhere in the world, New Years is a celebration here in Senegal. I and a handful of other volunteers went to a nearby bar for drinks and dinner. 2010 was excitedly brought in with drummers, dancers, and fire eaters. Other than my friend almost getting shot in the face with a firecracker, our evening was fun and free of danger. Our party was fun, the 2.5 hour hungover-bike ride home the next morning was less so…
Happy New Year everyone!
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Byron Yee
Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009
Happy New Year everyone!
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Byron Yee
Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009
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