Coming to America

A lot has happened since the last blog post. Namely, we saw baby sea turtles, traveled around Senegal, returned to Cape Verde and treated Scott for a second bout of pneumonia. Life seldom goes according to plan, and thus our plans have changed and we are currently en route to the US to get Scott checked out and fully recuperated.

Senegal was an adventure. Armed with a French lexicon garnered solely from song lyrics (“voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir” and “Les poisson, les poissons, how I love les poissons!”) we stumbled our way across the country visiting hospitable Peace Corps Volunteers and their host communities. Unsurprisingly, we spent much of our time lost, biking in circles repeating the words “bridge” and “river.” Although sometimes frustrating, the trip was a refreshing break from routine. It was our first time outside of Cape Verde in two years and a healthy reminder that there is more to the world beyond the limits of our 484 square mile island. It was interesting to compare the cultures of the two neighboring countries and fulfilling to discover that our rural living skills were transferable to another place. Apparently, once you’ve mastered bucket bathing in one place, you’re bound to be a pro in another. The same goes for picking beans and beating things with a pole. (For this final task I was awarded the designation “a good women; her husband should be watching with pride.”)

When our journey came to a close, we were happy to be back in Santo Antão with our friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, about a week after our return, Scott spiked a high fever and had to be taken to the hospital. A nurse charged with the task of setting up an IV took one look at Scott, who in a fit of feverish delirium had stripped down to his boxers, and she proclaimed “But he’s so hairy!” So Scott’s left hand is now bald. The whole hospitalization ordeal was unpleasant, but Scott is now feeling fine… eager for a jog, in fact. Doctors strongly urged him to get to America for further medical care, which brings us to today.

Since we’re unsure of whether or not we’ll be returning to Cape Verde shortly, we had to clear out our home and say our preliminary goodbyes. We were glad that the day prior to our departure from our island fell on Halloween so that we could go reverse trick-or-treating one last time. Despite the numerous ways in which we’ve attempted to affect positive change in our community, there is little doubt that we will best be remembered for our annual October 31st escapades bearing candy and goofy costumes. This year, dressed as a burro, my saddle buffered the hugs from friends and kept our send-off from becoming the emotional mess that it would have been otherwise. Scott’s fake plastic tourist nose elicited giggles from the recipients of his parting kisses.

And so we’re Indianapolis bound, set to arrive on the third of November.

Take it easy on us, America.

When we circled the village asking for the bridge, we hadn't exactly pictured this.

My Peace Corps experience has equipped me with transferable skills: like the ability to carry various types of cargo on my head.

Scott, disguised as a French tourist, poses with our friend Danilson.

These girls are carrying water on their heads.  As a burro, my load is strapped to my back.  Twick-a-twick.