One Year!

Today marks my first full year in Senegal. I arrived early on March 7, 2012, and really had no idea how my life would change (though I knew it would be in a big way...). Here I am one year later, unable to believe so much time has passed, yet able to see that I am a different person than she who stepped off that plane. I am different in terms of my daily life and amenities, the people I spend my days with, and the language I converse in. I have expanded my perspective beyond my imagination, and somehow adapted to this life.

It's been an eye-opening year. Some trials and tribulations, some self-reflection, and a lot of growth. I am excited to see where the next year takes me.

I think I've done enough "reflection" blog entries lately, so I'll keep this one short and sweet... with some more pictures to show exactly how my life over here looks:

My room! Which I painted myself.

My clothes storage trunk and mosquito-net covered bed.

My bathroom. Yes, I shower out of a bucket.

My laundry equipment.

Food prep doesn't always happen in a kitchen... And cutting boards are not a thing here.

My "kitchen"... 

My water filter.

Raabi, one of my good friends in village, and her 6 month old son (who is 'named' after my dad).