this is how we party

My village has been partying a lot lately. In fact, this past week we had 4 days in a row of nighttime parties, the first 2 for the young single girls and the other 2 for the married women. Not coincidentally, rainy season is starting for real, which is why I think people are so happy, and partying so much. Anyways, here's a short photo illustration of what happens at a Niasso party...

guys dressed up in their brand new clothes (Nike Airs courtesy of World Vision, who donated pairs to every kid in the secondary school this year)

girls dolled up, new hair all around

dance!! and balafon and drums! my favorite thing about little kids: when the music starts, they can't stop themselves from dancing. It's like their feet just take over..the cutest thing EVER

I'm glad I discovered this uploading video thingy on blogger. I hope these work out for your viewing pleasure.

I'm currently having vivid America dreams every night, making it weird to wake up in my village. It reminds me of the beginning, when I first got here, until the African and Bambara-speaking dreams took over. As far as the countdown goes, it's 2 weeks until I get on the plane! I'll have my same old cell phone number while I'm there, so call me up! No official plans yet, aside from July 4th in South Carolina, riding Erin's new jetski on the lake! yesssssssss