Youssou

I really like my host family; I think we're a really good fit for each other. The volunteer I visited this weekend (not Jackie, the other one) has 6 younger host brothers ranging from high school to about 2... I could not do that. I like that everyone in my host family is pretty independent and, though they care about me, don't bother me when I'm working or trying to get something done (the few times that happens). Miriam's birthday is later this month (I have to ask about the other 3 kids) and I plan on making an Alyssa-style double boiled/baked cake for her because she's always really nice to me (not to say that everyone isn't nice). But then there's Youssou... I'm sure I'll write about Youssou a million times while I'm here but he's just so great.

Today he saw me as I was walking back from a meeting and yelled his characteristic, "EHHH! FATOOOOOOUUU!" that I get every time he sees me. Then he waited for me to catch up to him before continuing home. Afterwards I sat out front with Ndiaye, Miss, and my hfmom while Youssou and his friends played a game, the rules of which seem to be:
The person with the tennis ball throws it at someone else
Everyone tries to not get hit/catch the ball
Repeat.

Today's lesson of the day: pre-teen boys are apparently the same everywhere... give them a sharp stick and they'll run with it, give them a tennis ball and they'll throw it at each other.

KO