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A few weeks ago I was attacked my my guard/gardener and had to go home for safety and health reasons. I no longer felt safe in Senegal and had to leave to ensure no further damage would happen to me. This is my last official Senegal blog.

In reflection, I have mixed feelings about my journey to Senegal. I met some terrific people and also met some definite weirdos. I am glad to be back in the USA and feel a ton safer. People always said to me "these kinds of things happen in America". I disagree. There is a sense of security and calmness here. Perhaps also organization. I know I have rights here. God Bless America!

I do miss my students. I miss eating lunch with my elementary girls, playing banana grams with Selma and Anthea, StuCo and asking Tenimba to say please. I miss my one on one chats with Rhynardt and joking with Jay and Ben. I miss Fraser and his sense of humor. I miss Chiaki's voice because each day it was getting stronger. So, I miss my students.

I also miss my wife. I am so lucky to have her in my life. What a wonderful woman and friend. A true life partner.

I miss some adults too: Desvaux, Stacey, Yeager, Mary, the library staff, Becs, Crystal, J. Smith, Natalie, the Ducharmes, and Andrea. I hope we can keep in touch, if not, that's life. I was glad to know you and share some good times.

The healing process has begun. Thanks to everyone that had followed my blog.

Accro Boabab

Last weekend Gabbie and I took Jay and Amy Yeager to Accro Baobab which is a zip-line/adventure park. We had a great time! After climbing and zipping around we went across the street to Bandia and had lunch. During lunch we got to see monkeys, alligators, and water buffaloes. We had fun and now I am trying to plan a 7th grade trip for June.

7th Grade Field Trip to Sine Saloum 2010

We recently took our 7th graders on the annual trip to Sine Saloum. We had a great time bird watching, swimming, fishing, and performing skits. I was really nice for me to be outside of the classroom with my students. I am seriously considering becoming an outdoor school teacher. I just find that there is a real connection you make with people when you are outdoors and in nature.

Last Days of Spring Break Vacation

We have been back for almost two weeks now and I hadn't been able to upload images onto my blog. We are at full speed now with only a short time left. We have begun making arrangements to sell and ship items, which feels good. Our vacation in Paris has refreshed us and we are both in very good moods. I am excited for this week, we are taking the seventh graders to Sine Saloum. Stay tuned for an update on that. Life is getting better all the time!

Paris: Natural History Museum and Notre Dame

Yesterday we hit the streets again to explore. We first headed the the Natural History Museum which was surrounded by a beautiful garden. The exhibits were well put together and very accessible for children because they were not behind glass. I saw lots of kids go up to a piece and walk around and at times even touch it. No fancy plastic computer generated exhibits, just stuffed animals and plaques. This might help explain France's appreciation for science, they train children how to look at and question objects? My point is that the exhibit was not for entertainment, but for learning.

After that we went to a movie theatre and saw Alice in Wonderland. Tim Burton's version of the two books put together was great! I got sucked into the mall after the movie and Gabbie quickly dragged me out (not without a fight). I am glad she did because close was Notre Dame and when we walked in the Good Friday service was being held. The singing was eerie and the stained glass phenomenal.

On top of that, we found an outdoor market and bought some olives, stumbled upon the Hotel De-Ville, and had a beer in a nice pub. Another great day in Paris!