Feeling Needed

So. My Senegal experience has in fact been useful now that I'm home. And to all those people who used to say, "Why would you take French? You'll never use it. Spanish is useful": I'm using my French. In America.

Through some miraculous chain of events (e-mails), I found out about the Freedom House. It is a temporary residence for refugees while they are applying for political asylum in the U.S. And where are these refugees from? Right now, mostly West and Central Africa, where they speak French. And until they learn enough English to conduct their asylum interviews without a translator (not happening!), I am there to advocate for them. And translate their birth certificates and letters. And doctor's appointments. etc, etc. Even if they don't say anything, I know they appreciate what I do for them. And they always say something. I'm already totally broken-hearted at the thought of leaving them when I go back to school in the fall. (Unless someone wants to lend me their car to drive to Detroit...)

So that's what I've been up to. Using my French. The best job I've ever had, depite being the lowest (un)paid.

I've also been up to a little of this (as shown by my *other* blog)


and this (watching my little sister graduate high school!)


and this (playing outside with my "baby" cousin)



SO. More later. Enjoy summer!
xoxo Sarah