The FINAL Post (;

Hey Everyone! 

That’s a wrap! On December 4th, I flew into JFK after over two years in Senegal, West Africa (I got there in September 2017!) 

It was an awesome experience and the last few months were a great time to say my goodbyes, finish my projects, and tie up loose ends. 

While I am now back in Chatham, until I start my job in Manhattan in January, I am now able to reflect a little on the entire experience. I was so lucky to have a wonderful host family and be able to meet great work partners and friends. As I told everyone in my village, I will be back to visit in 5 or 10 years, and one of my best friends, Binta, I plan to bring to my wedding!! 

I am also so blessed for all the amazing Americans whom I shared this experience with and a bunch of them came up to Dakar, the capital city, to say goodbye to me before I left. So thankful that Paula, Jackie, Nick and Jenna all hung out with me to say their goodbyes before I flew out!! 

During my last few weeks, I also made a new friend, a cute little puppy we named Barry who my replacement will take care of now that she is installed in her site (a village that I suggested, nearby the one where I lived). 

I was so thrilled to see my parents welcoming myself and one of my best friends from Peace Corps, Johanna, at JFK upon our arrival! We stopped over in Cape Verde and the South of France for vacation before coming back to the States. We were able to explore the beaches and mountains on the Cape Verdean Islands and also see Nice and Marseille in France and visit my family there. 

I’m excited to stay in contact with my Senegalese friends and also see what my replacement is able to do in her new site, Missirah Panjon. I will keep in touch. 

All the best and have a good holiday season! 

Sophie