I finally have information on my village where I will be living for two years. Madina AKA Guinguineo is 30 km south from Tambacounda and approximately 10 km west from the main road. Approximately 500 people live in the village. There is no electricity or running water but about 15 concrete lined wells. My family has 32 people since the two brothers both have two wives (or so I hear). If I didnt mention it before, men can legally have up to four wives. The main issues are malaria, yellow fever, diarrhea, and maternal health. Medical facilities include a midwife and a traditional healer. I'm happy about my site, especially because it is not too far from a major city and bikeable. But I'm nervous and a bit upset that the main languages are Bambara and Pulafuta, not Mandinka, which I have been learning. Bambara is apparently in the same language group, but obviously not exactly the same. I'll have some catching up to do once I get there!
On another note, we had our first weekend away from training last weekend so a few of us spent the night at a house in Popenguine at the beach. It was really incredible and SO nice to get away. For awhile I even actually forgot where I was. We had running water and showers and a kitchen with a stove! No rice or fish for about 24 hours! I guess I need to get used to my new life!
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Hey Miss Jamie - We're very excited to hear about your post. The kids and I have already looked it up on the map. It looks like you'll be very close to The Gambia, right? When we were in Paris there was a long TV commercial promoting tourism to the Gambia and it looked beautiful. Did you get our package yet? We also sent you a postcard from London. Our love to you!
Hi Jamie,
Deron here in SF. Just stopping by to see how you are and say hello. Sounds exciting so far! :) Take care!
Deron
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