Look at the Difference!

My front yard in the dry season


My front yard in the rainy season (corn!)

Moringa Planting

I am currently encouraging people in my district to plant Moringa trees in their compounds and fields. After a cow ate our tree nursery for reforestation this May, my village co-worker, Ibrahima, and I replanted with Moringa. This tree can be found in neighboring Senegal and the Gambia, where they use the leaves to make leaf sauce (usually served with rice). The leaves can be dried and pounded into a powder, which is then added to any sauce to increase the meal's nutritional benefits. The flowers and pods of the tree are also edible. Moringa boasts many medicinal benefits; a tea made from the leaves can be used to treat diabetes and hypertension. We are currently distributing the young saplings among members of our nearby districts and planting them in school courtyards. The real work is just beginning as we embark on an education campaign to acquaint the community with the tree's benefits and uses. Hopefully by the end of my service some members will have incorporated it into their diets!




My co-worker, Ibrahima, and his family plant a Moringa tree in their compound in Kollanghi

Bike Trip to Koyin

Molly, Melanie, and I biked out east 9 hours from Labe to our friend Ryan's village in order to support his Family Planning Festival. The event included foot races, bike races, and a game show about family planning with prizes.


Melanie on the hill into Koyin

Molly after taking a spill

Melanie and Molly

Chutes de Sala

Melanie and me at the overlook

A group of volunteers in our region, the Fouta Djallon, gathered for a group outing to a waterfall not too far from Labe. We heard chimps across the valley!