When I was in Senegal I found out that I could not access my Weebly website. Not having connectivity was very frustrating because I had put forth time and effort to create Sci|Wood and teach my kids to use it. I started a new blog to continue communicating with my students at home.

Teachers, if you plan to use technology to stay in touch with your students, do what you can to make sure that your tech works- and prepare a back-up plan if it doesn't. You might not have electricity, internet access, or the time and space to access it, even if you are assured that you have those conveniences. Above all, be flexible if things don't go as planned. 

Find my Senegal blogs here.

I made sure to take lots of pictures of Patrick Henry to show to the kids in Senegal so they know what school is like in Richmond, Virginia. Here are just a few that I took on Friday before I left. Of course, I'm going to show plenty more. Guess what? I found out something very interesting today about the school I will be at. Not only does it not have internet, it doesn't have electricity at all! Imagine that!

These are the other teachers who are going to Senegal with me. This is a picture of us in Washington D.C. We are planning our research projects. The man sitting next to me is a teacher from Dakar (the capital city of Senegal), and he is helping us understand the culture of the country and what is expected of teachers there. 

We were curious what West African food was like so we went to dinner at Bukom Cafe. I had chicken cooked in greens with rice. It was spicy and delicious! Next time we have African food it will be in Africa!

Friends, I am very excited! I am headed to Senegal next! Senegal is a country in West Africa. ​Africa is a huge continent across the Atlantic Ocean from North America. Africa has over 55 countries on it and has many different cultures, languages, plants, animals, biomes, rocks, landforms, songs, dances and lots of other interesting things and ideas.

Senegal is a country with big cities and small villages. It has deserts and rainforests. Migratory birds like pelicans rest here during their travels. It has beautiful beaches and people like to surf there. It is famous for its music and art. Its capitol city is Dakar.  I will spend one week in Dakar. 

Then I will fly north and spend one week in Saint-Louis. ​I can't wait to go and see what it's like. When I am there, I will take lots of pictures and post them here to share with you. I want you to be part of my adventure. 

​If you have any questions, you can leave them as comments below and I will try to answer them. If I do not know the answer, I will ask an expert.