“Home is not a place, it’s a feeling.” This quote perfectly encapsulates my experience in Senegal, a country far from my home in Malawi. When I first arrived, I was filled with excitement and curiosity, but little did I know that I would soon be tested in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
I fell sick for the first time shortly after settling in, and it was then that I truly understood the depth of Senegalese hospitality. The people I thought were just strangers my Senegalese roommates, fellow trainees, and exchange trainees from various countries, including those from Malawi rallied around me in a way that made me feel like I was surrounded by family.
“Sometimes, the people closest to you are the ones you least expect.” My room became a gathering place, filled with the laughter and warmth of people who came to check on me, making sure I had eaten enough, taken my medicine, and was generally feeling better. Despite language barriers, they used sign language and repeated themselves just to ensure I understood their concern.
This experience made me realize that I might be far from home, but I had found a second home here in the hearts and minds of the people around me. “The strength of a community is measured by the strength of the connections within it.” These connections helped me fight through each day, adapt to the new culture, embrace the unfamiliar food, and navigate the new environment with a sense of belonging.
The Teranga spirit, the Senegalese tradition of hospitality, was something I had heard about, but it wasn’t until I needed it most that I truly felt its power. It’s a spirit of generosity and warmth that goes beyond words, one that I’m forever grateful to have experienced.
“Friendship isn’t about whom you’ve known the longest, it’s about who walked into your life and said, ‘I’m here for you.'” I know that the bonds I’ve formed here in Senegal will last a lifetime. These new friendships, born out of care and compassion, have become a part of me, reminding me that no matter where I am, I am never truly alone.