Chivalry Lives in Senegal

So, I found chivalry in the kind and gracious person of Amadou. Amadou is the man that "the boys" (the 2 male teaching fellows) are staying with. He is the nicest person one can meet and has a true heart for service. One can learn alot from him besides Wolof, just by watching his actions.

Take Sunday afternoon for example. Amadou came over to the Kanes' residence for a quick visit. Because Camille and I had heard the wonderful tales the boys have of hanging out with Amadou, we decided we wanted to come along with him back to his home. So we set out on a very hot walk to Ouakam which is probably about a 15-20 min walk from Almadies. At first it was pleasant and carefree. Amadou offered to carry Camille's purse if it got to heavy for her shoulder. Then he proceeded to teach us Wolof words.

(Excuse the Spelling) "Nan ga tu do" means "What is your name?" "Fungajugi-" "Where do you come from?" "Howma-" "I don't know." "Sawaju" is "Family."

As we walked we came across a very intense argument across the street. They were speaking Wolof quickly and angrily so I didn't understand the conversation, but the body language gave the scene away. Two women--one older and one younger were arguing with a man and an empty taxi cab was parked nearby. The man had the younger woman's purple scarf and refused to give it back to her, keeping her at arm's length.

"Hold on," Amadou said and quickly crossed the street.

He approached the angry group and separated the younger woman from the man. He then began to talk to both of them and after a moment took out his wallet and handed the man some money. The man then obligingly gave the scarf back to the woman. But almost as soon as he did he reached a hand and looked as if he were about to hit the older woman. Amadou pulled him back again and the angry women walked away and called another cab. Amadou then opened the doors to the cab and made sure the women got in safely and watched as they pulled away.

He had completely diffused the situation. But what I didn't understand was that at no point during the altercation did I sense a "thank you." I can't speak Wolof but there did not seem to be any gratitude in their appearance.

To me that was one of the most amazing and kindest things I've ever seen. When Camille and I were walking down the same street with the boys two days before, they laughed when a car almost hit me. Here was Amadou, walking on the outside of the sidewalk to protect us from cars and fixing the problems of strangers. It makes me smile even now.

We had Ndougou at his house with one of the boys. He made us feel extra special and bought a watermelon. The he fried fish and made sure we had as much fruit and Bissap as we could possibly want.

--Just a quick FYI, mangos in Senegal are extra delicious and Bissap is a drink made with the flowers of some plant. It's GREAT!--

It was a memorable Ndougu and a happy day to say the least.