Happiness Before Busyness
“And what are you doing this summer?” I opened my mouth, about to give me oft-used speech on how I was keeping myself busy this summer...
Back in the U.S.A.
Unlike my past posts, this update is not written from a wobbling, dust-covered table at Caesar’s restaurant at the rond-point near the...
Falling in Love All Over Again
I am a great lover of rereading good books. This first time I fall in love with a story I tumble through chapters too quickly. My eyes...


Women's Work
We sat on low stools in the small room, our knees touching whenever someone leaned forward to stir the pot or fan the coals. Mame Darra...
An Open Thank You Letter to My Nioro Family
Note: My ‘Nioro family’ certainly includes my loving host family but it also includes my school family at Adja Penda Ba who have all...
Lekkal, Lekkal: Eating in Senegal
While preparing for my semester in Senegal, in between online searches for maxi skirts and careful readings of bug spray reviews, I...


Every Child is a Student
When we first approached I couldn’t see her face, her body bent over as she fastidiously swept the sandy, outdoor mat. Her skirt swished...


Life Unplugged
I uncrossed my legs as a squirming toddler was flung into my lap. She gave me the classic wide-eyed stare of both fear and intrigue at...


Humans are Humans
I watched Sally pour the vanilla-infused sugar into the teapot, the white crystals dissolving as soon as they mixed with the hot water...