Dear Meiganga,

This is my letter to you. Thank you for these wonderful 2 years. They have come and gone, far too fast. Thank you for changing me; you have taught me patience, how to laugh loud, dance with no inhibitions, be a better friend and live in the moment. You introduced me to some of my closest friends; I am having a hard time even imagining not being able to go to Hadidja and Fanta's houses. You allowed me join a wonderful family. I am their only daughter; I am a Doko, a Gbaya at heart.

Thank you for everything; the good times, the bad times, the tears, the laughs, the bad dance moves, the music, the food, the good company. My words are not sufficient enough to express my gratitude.

Until we meet again,
Danielle

Here are some pictures of my last week in Meiganga:

One of my students made me a house as a going away present; it was pretty impressive! And another friend hand dyed the fabric I am wearing.

My bestfriend, Hadidja, and I in her living room. This is one of my favorite pictures! She was doing naylee on my feet.

Dieudonne and Mowgli are going to miss me. As I was packing up my house they would be at my door together.

At my going away party I gave a speech to say thank you to my friends.

All of the food at my party!

Thank you to everyone who came out to show their support. I am going to miss my Meiganga family!

This is Fanta, my community host. She was my first friend in Meiganga. She is my mom here and I am going to miss her more than I can even imagine.

This was at my last dinner at Hadidja's house. Muslim women cover themselves like this here. I LOVE all of the color that they wear. Look at her beautiful smile...she is amazing.

Haididja knew Mexican food was my favorite food and she prepared a Mexican feast for us!