Say what?

“Hello, hello to all of you. As you know, we’ve all been here since the morning and we are so glad you could be here with us. Now, as you can see, there is a table set before you so I cordially invite you to come and choose a plate and we will serve you. Eat until you’re full, so if the plates aren’t big enough, let us know and we’ll find you a bigger one. Again, welcome, and bon appetit!”

As I heard this elaborate speech in French, I looked around at those sitting near me:
 – Jen, the new bride – she speaks English, French, and Jula.
 – her parents, who speak English and French
 – her sisters, who speak English
 – a friend from Senegal, who speaks French and Jola (which is not related to Jula)
 – a friend from Central African Republic who lives in West Africa, who speaks French and at at least one other language from Africa
 – my host mom from the village, who speaks Jula and My Language.

Since my role for the wedding weekend was translator, I started translating from French into English. And Jula. That way everyone could understand. So around and around it went – 
    Giver of the speech: French
    Susie: English
    Susie: Jula.
    Giver of the speech: French
    Susie: English
    Susie: Jula.
So. Much. Fun. (It’s true, I didn’t feel up to translating into English and My Language at the same time.  In My Language I could just have said, “Hello. There is a table. Come and eat.”)

Yes, I had a wonderful month back in My Country – discourse training, wedding, visiting old friends, and getting together with My People who either lived in the city or came in to see me.  All in all, I think I know of more than a dozen courtyards where My People live in the city, the closest being my new next-door neighbor!

Sadly, my month there came to an end last week. I’m now back in Senegal, at least for the moment. So what am I doing while I’m here?  Well, a bit of rest after a very full month where sleep was a lower priority than seeing friends I hadn’t seen in years.  🙂  Then I want to listen to My Language recordings, help another team with their verbs, another with their letters, and a third with their discourse. And if I have more time, I’ll try to get farther along the list of “sometime” things. Thanks for your prayers!