Ngone is the Senegalese name yaay gave to me yesterday morning. She added my phone number to her mobile so we can reach each other if I need something.
Yesterday, I spent a great deal of time at the Baobab Center becoming acquainted with the staff and meeting several students from different study abroad programs. There are several women here from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.
The women from Lawrence University were incredibly welcoming. They have been here for 10 weeks as part of a study abroad program, including French language, Senegalese literature, and Senegalese music and dance classes.
Last night, the Baobab Center held a going away party for the Lawrence University program, including a showcase of what the women in the program learned over the past 10 weeks. Not only did they memorize songs on the kora (Senegalese guitar) and djembe (drums), they also learned dances and invited us to dance with them.
With their permission, I am sharing some videos of their performances*.
I really appreciated all of the stories and advice these ladies offered yesterday. It was nice to connect with people on my first full day back in Dakar. It made the prospect of the next seven weeks seem much less lonely. I wish them all the best as they all continue their travels and return to the United States over the next few months, and look forward to seeing what they do in the future.
Ba beneen, inshallah, samay xarit. ❤
*as soon as I can get them all to upload on the Senegalese internet
Angela D. Murphy, Ph.D. 
Can't wait to hear it!
LikeLike