Dear tree in my yard,
Thank you for providing shade from the blistering hot days.
In this shade I have been able to bond with my family.
In this shade I have been able to speak broken Wolof.
In this shade I have seen the care children have for each other, as well as the angst.
In this shade I have learned to deeply admire the women around me.
It is in this shade that I have begun to immerse myself in something bigger than myself: Senegal
In this shade I have laughed.
In this shade I have danced.
And thank you sun for shining down on us because I have begun to look forward to the shade of the tree in my yard.
