Any dedicated person such as a doctor, nurse, artist, teacher, etc can express how much effort, sacrifice, and patience is required to find their true passion in life.
Today's learning moment was while we were riding in the van for a few hours on our way to visit Camp Berdine, a rural area outside of Dakar. Driving outside of the busy city we discussed what we thought Camp Berdine would look like. Each of us had different perspectives. Some thought it would look like a barn, others an empty lot with animals running around. Today helped remind me that we all have our own thoughts and perspectives and it is good to talk openly about how we see things differently or the same.
Passing the different communities throughout the Dakar community, Diam Niadio to Keur Guilaye we saw similarities between the communities. Picturesque scenery, buses, small fruit stands, and beautiful land. Despite the local differences in religious beliefs (95% muslim - 5% Christians) they are all hard working men and women that live together in unity. They use skills such as languages (the majority speak a second or third language besides their native Wolof), creativity, trading, and phenomenal musical talent. Christians and Muslims living peacefully together, they are equally empowered to be successful. By adding their strong family values a strong community can be built with support and education.
We have already shared so many meaningful memories, opinions, and definitely plenty of jokes with each other. This trip has brought us closer together as friends, and reminded me that even when we face challenges or personal struggles in circumstances that are out of our hands, we must nurture our patience. By having humility and better understanding of each other we realize that we cannot do anything without the help of others no matter what our passion may be.
by Vanessa LePino
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| Visiting a local village |
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| Planting lemon and orange trees at YMCA Camp Berdine |
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| View of the Senegal YMCA school campus |
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