Lessons from Senegal

Senegal's history goes back a long way. I figured if I took the time to listen, watch, and absorb, I could learn something. That had happened on my trip to Senegal last year, and it played a large part in my decision to return.

One example of this came my way during the weekend in Podor. On Friday night, during the opening ceremonies, I wrenched my back. One minute I was happily photographing the festivities, the next moment I was in terrible pain. No jokes about age catching up to me -- I'm not that old yet. My friends helped me to a chair and I took some pain killers.

Saturday morning found me a bit better -- thanks to the help of caring friends -- but I was still in considerable pain. I applied and/or ingested whatever medicines I could find in my suitcase, and was able to hobble around town and photograph.

So after we visited Max's family, Massamba took me to a healer he knew. We walked through her front yard (see photo above), passing several goats before I gingerly eased myself up her single cement front step. The front door, actually a piece of fabric hung over an opening, lead into a small square room with a couch, a plastic lawn chair, and a rug. The cement block walls were decorated with decades-old awards and grade-school diplomas.

After a few moments, the healer arrived. Her slim five-foot frame seemed smaller, since advanced age caused her to walk hunched over. She leaned heavily on a dark wooden walking stick, taller than she, and dragged one foot behind. Max was there to interpret, but there was no mistaking the international sign for "have a seat in the lawn chair." I did, and she sat on the floor. After Max relayed to her my issue, she began applying some kind of ointment to the affected area, poking her fingers through the slats of the back of the lawn chair.

After ten minutes she was done, and I slowly got up. Much to my surprise, I felt MUCH better! I was truly shocked. I thanked her profusely, of course, and gladly paid her for her services. At the healer's insistence, I promised to return for a second treatment later that day. I walked out the door and down her front step with no trouble, and a big smile.

It is true that Senegal does have a lot to offer. The profound wisdom, embedded in a culture over centuries, runs deep. I was lucky enough to benefit from it that day.