Alright. Finally, the pictures that you all have been waiting for!! The picture above is my sweaty self, obviously, and henna that has exploded on my hand. This is what we like to call integration here in Kaedi. This intricate, free handed process took three sweaty hours and lasted on both of my hands for over two weeks. It's typical for woman to get henna before weddings or social gatherings. I didn't go to a wedding or anything, the occasion was simply me being in Africa. A friend of the family came into town and dolled up my hand. The picture on the left is the reason why I have been sick-- I cannot leave the kids alone!! Look at them, they are precious! I think that I harass them more than they do the other volunteers. This picture was taken at Daouda Nasty's house, a future education volunteer. The little boy on the right goes by the name Mama Jelly...and you pronounce it exactly how it sounds!! LOVE IT!! I also rocked out that sweet mohawk for a while, but then quickly shaved it off after 2.5 seconds.
I think that I have everyone's home addresses, but please be sure to write your return address on your letters--you all know how organized I am. I also wanted to explain why I have changed my name, it wasn't by choice, believe me I love my name and will always go by chauncey in the states. My Mauritanian family named me after the sister in the family-- please don't freak out and think that I have gone competly insane. All the volunteers have changed their names, no worries.
I also found out that I have next July, August and Sept off! If anyone would like to start planning a trip to Mauritania, please let me know. Christmas break starts in the middle of December and lasts until the beginning of Jan. I know it is early, but those plane tickets get a little ify. Maybe if you are nice Andrea might hook you up...he has been known to be a nice guy.
I hope to hear from you all soon. Life is great. Miss you. mmuuahh.
ps- I killed a scorpion last night.