Uncle Matar!

2.4.2009

This past weekend I took a trip out to Thieneba to visit my family and FINALLY meet my new nephew who was born shortly after Tabaski. I can't tell you how much I enjoy being with my family in Thieneba. Life takes on a whole different kind of pace. I awake in the morning to the sounds of animals and children playing. I step out and enjoy some cafe touba with bread and butter while squatting on the ground. I help my little brother take the sheep out to graze checking on the baby sheep just born the previous night. I sit with a giant calabash in my lap sorting rice for lunch. I visit the neighbors and offer advice on their garden. I lay on a mat in the courtyard drinking attaya and talking to my family for hours. It's a culmination of the little things that makes life so wonderful. 

All the small things aside, getting to finally see my new nephew was quite exciting. I've been here for the whole pregnancy which has actually helped a lot when I realize how sad I am that I have been missing Mackenzie's pregnancy. Being all the way across the world when my first nephew/niece is going to be born has been a little difficult. I've wanted to see what Mackenzie looks like pregnant. I want to be there to see the baby right when it's born! Having a sister here who has been close to the same stage of pregnancy as Mackenzie, in a way, makes me feel like I'm not missing anything. I guess I can consider it practice at being an uncle. 

Seeing Fatou so happy with her new baby was beautiful. They named him Seydina Aliou Diop, Aliou being the name of my host-father who passed away several months ago. The name couldn't be more perfect. Seydina entered the world at the perfect time because it was so nice to see a smile on my host-mother's face again. She has been in mourning for months. 

Here are a few pics from the weekend:

Fatou, Seydina and Me

From My new nephew

Fatou and Seydina

From My new nephew

Sorting Rice

From My new nephew

Binta and I with her "Doll" she made

From My new nephew