It was finally the day when we would be picked up by our host families to be taken to the place where we would call “home” for the next few months. Many of us were too excited to stay inside the hotel so we lined up outside to watch the already loving exchange between students and host parents and siblings as one-by-one we were taken home. When I arrived at my house in Sacré Coeur 3, I was greeted by my Tata (aunt), and Papa, who gave me a quick “Ca va?” as he was very engaged in the Gabon v. Morocco soccer game that was playing on the television. My mother, who I call “Yaay”, then gave me a big hug and assured me that I am already considered a member of the family. When the soccer game ended, Papa also told me that I am to consider him and Yaay to be my second set of parents.
I am truly experiencing first-hand what the Senegalese call “Teranga”, a value that surpasses hospitality to mean a genuine welcoming into not only one’s house, but also into the lives of every member of the family.
As I get situated in my new home, there are many things that I will have to get used to: being given the Senegalese name “Oumy Paye” because Becca is too difficult to say, the screeches of our two parakeets right outside my bedroom window, sleeping under the protection of a mosquito net, and not being allowed to stop eating until Yaay is absolutely sure that I will explode with one more bite.
I continue to be fascinated by all that this culture is teaching me about Senegalese traditions and values.
Ba Beneen! (Until next time.)
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