A three month stint in Mali. From the capital, Bamako, to the village of Fourou and the gold panning hamlets alongside the river Bagoe.
I found it harder to feel at home here in Mali than I had in my previous African home, Uganda. In some part, that was my own situation playing on me. A life in flux, looking for a direction. In part it was that it was only three months, where Uganda was well over a year. In part it was the challenge of being in a place where my language was not understood even a little bit, and the culture was a Islamic compared to Christian. Though I am not religious, this, I am sure, played a part in the challenge.
And while I did not feel quite as at home, or maybe settled is the right word, it was a refreshing, wonderful experience, meeting, and learning from, many strong of will, body and spirit people of Mali. Thank you!