Happy Father's Day

Family (American, that is)

I'll be really honest with you, the hardest part about being here, is being so far away from friends and family and feeling like you may be missing out on things back home. Especially on a day like today (it's Father's Day, in case you missed the title of this blog post). As I am still in Dakar (ugh!), I was luckily able to speak with my family this morning. Skyped my Mom and Dad in New Jersey and my Grandfather in Florida. It just isn't the same though. Especially since I remember Father's Days in the past with much fondness. Usually it would begin with a brunch (bagels and cream cheese anyone?) and then be followed by an outing in NYC (to a play or museum), followed by a lovely dinner to round out the day. But it's not the activities I miss so much as it is the company. Yes, that's right, you heard it here first, I am an almost 25 year-old that misses her mommy and daddy. But I'm not ashamed to admit that, especially since they have both been my main supporters, not just over the past 4 months, or the application process leading up to getting here, but for as far back as I can remember. So I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you parents, and Happy Father's Day Dad. 

Asalaa maalekum,

Rachel

P.S. I feel like it would be appropriate to take this opportunity to reflect on the different roles a Father plays in Senegal, at least in comparison to America (That's what a really good, informative blog would do, right?). I'll have to get back to you on that one, I've been out of village for a while, and it's kind of hard to remember right now. 
P.P.S. A Peace Corps Father's Day Tribute