Highlights from our first trip to Senegal

Tricia and I were, admittedly, a little worried about our first trip to Sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to leaving, a serious round of vaccines were required along with anti malarial medication, but this proved to be the most difficult part of the trip.

We found a direct flight to Dakar on South African airlines, a trip no longer than a flight to Europe. We managed, with relative ease, to find our contact at the chaotic airport and thus began our four hour car ride to Santhie Passy. Dawn broke as we headed out of the capital city, slowly revealing the largest gathering of goats imaginable.

I wish I had taken pictures of the scene as words simply do not do it justice. A few days after our arrival these noble beasts would be sacrificing their lives in honour of Tabaski, the biggest celebration of the year. It commemorates Abraham's obediance to God; he was ordered to sacrifice his only son but, just before the act, God intervened and substituted a ram for the young boy.

In the early morning of Tabaski, each family sacrifices and prepares the goat for a day of celebration and prayer.