Year in Review 2004 and Our Second Christmas
December 20, 2004
Our Second
Christmas
Another Christmas is racing toward us like an oncoming train. Another year is almost over. Where’d the time go? You have traveled through this year with us, through our many travel journals. Here’s a review of the highlights of a full and enriching year.
January:
- Spent a night on Goree Island. Nominated “Couple of the Year” by Florence, a.k.a Mama Africa.
- We traveled to the States. Anne to a 4-week training in DC. Chuck to participate in the final sale of his families beach house in Stone Harbor. Visited folks in Newburyport, Manchester, NH, Saratoga, Binghamton, Rochester, NY. Boy was it cold – minus 16 in Massachusetts without the wind chill – made us thankful for Senegal.
February:
- West African International Softball Tournament (WAIST). Three solid days of softball with teams from 5 countries – lots of fun, hotdogs and beer.
- Son Rowan visits for two weeks. What a joy that was. He loved Senegal and found wonder everywhere.
March:
- Chuck began teaching his first Marketing Course at Suffolk – Dakar. A dream being fulfilled – University teaching.
- A bit of home and past history when Kathy Brownback, Harvey, son Nate and friend Amy Schwartz visit for two weeks.
- Anne traveled most of the month to Cape Verde, Gambia, Burkina Faso.
April:
- Chuck began tutoring English to Amar Niang — the beginning of a great friendship. He and his wife are a lovely Sengalese couple.
- Anne traveled to Malawi in East Africa to facilitate a retreat. A thrill for her.
May:
- We traveled to Tunisia for two weeks, where Anne was a PC Volunteer from 1972-74. Great to share some of that history.
- Son Pete arrived for a two-month stay. He quickly found a group of international friends to hang with and even learned some Wolof.
- Chuck organized a Memorial Day Scramble Golf Tournament, the first of many.
June:
- Chuck played a gay Shakespearean actor in a one-act comedy, the first event of the new play-reading group – DIPS – Dakar International Players.
- Anne traveled to Gambia and Cape Verde, and a conference at Saly, our beach resort
July:
- Chuck worked full-time at the Embassy as his job share partner took a 2 month home-leave.
- Anne traveled to Niger
August:
- Anne stayed home and facilitated several conferences at Saly
- We traveled to Gambia.
- Anne began golf lessons with French friend, Vivianne
September:
- Chill time. Anne worked at home on curriculum.
October:
- Spent two wonderful weeks exploring Portugal, one week with friends Lyndsie and Eric from home
- Chuck joined the Sahel’s Angels softball team as pitcher.
- Anne traveled to Burkina Faso
- Chuck returned to teaching English at Suffolk University
November:
- Anne in Niger then home for a Happy Thanksgiving! In fact two – one at friends’ house, another we gave for some French and Senegalese friends
December:
- Chuck plays Santa for the second year in a row at the International School and the Ambassador’s Residence.
- Anne began writing an Internet based training course for Peace Corps – her first time exploring this technology, and loving it.
In all a full, busy and wonderful year. We continue to feel blessed having the opportunity to live and work in this part of the world. Please send your news!!!
31st
Our New Year’s celebration was peaceful. Twelve of us gathered at our house. Everyone brought something. We noshed, drank, played “Cranium”, danced. At midnight we went up to the roof terrace and watched a 360 degree fireworks show. May your New Year be healthy, loving and prosperous.
Happy Holidays and love and peace to all.
A la prochaine
Chuck
