He said that it hasn’t come yet. He said there is a long road ahead. But I truly believe that last night, we won back the respect of the global community. We are serious about change, and we chose the man who can bring us there. And I know I will return to an America in two year that is better than the one I left. Yes we can.
Last night because of the time difference, we did not start watching the election coverage until 10pm. Our first stop was the home of UNICEF’s medical director. Our peace corps director told us that she was having a party and man was it amazing. The house was incredible, and we watched the votes come in on a big screan projector under the Malian starry sky.
At about 1:30 we went to an American bar near the Peace Corps office. Because it looked like we weren’t going to hear any results for a while. I went back to my hotel with a teammate to take a quick nap at about 3am. We set our alarms for 4:30, roamed the halls of the hotel looking for the small bar in its ground floor. One of the Malian janitors looked at us like we were crazy and asked us where we were going. Tired and groggy, he understood none of our Bambara- we want to watch the election in the bar… nothing. It wasn’t until my teammate uttered the name “Barak Obama” that the janitor grew a huge smile on his face, motioned us to come with him, and showed us the little television in the lobby. We saw Chicago, and a large text banner on the bottom “Barak Obama est la 44eme president de les Etas-Unis”! And we cheered with the Malians.
Going back down to the American bar a little before 5, we arrived just in time to hear the historic speech. Americans from all over the country, some Malians, were all sitting eyes glued to the television- people were sitting on each other’s laps, holding hands, embracing, some shedding tears, as we listened to the words of the next president.
This morning, I walk out of my hotel to the office, and a Malian man yells at me down the street- “BARAK OBAMA!” and I turn to throw my fist in the air in victory along with him. Yes we can.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
From the minute I woke up this morning I have had one thought in my head. How absolutely proud I am of both you and Katie.
I love that you both have passion for our world and country. I love that you care. I love the fact you see we need change. I love that your heart and soul has been affected by this election and that you both will forever be grateful for what lies ahead.
I am so proud of you two....
mom
Amazing posts, Em! I love that Obama spoke about people huddled together in forgotten corners of the world...You are making sure that the people of Mali are not forgotten! Keep up the great work. We're incredibly proud! Love, Aunt Meredith
Hey Wonderful!!!
We are living in a different world and your generation to making sure it is better :) I tried to call you a few times this week but, can not get thru .... I will keeping trying ... I want to hear your voice :)
I love and miss you!!! xoxoxxo Uncle Jeff
Hey Emily!
I JUST found out that you had a blog, I saw Karen this weekend and she gave me the web address. I just finished reading all your posts, and I don't know what to say. You probably already know this, but you're getting the experience of a lifetime! I know at times it is probably really tough out there, but I am positive that it will get better and you'll feel a little more at home in Mali. I love reading all your stories... I feel privileged that I get to experience a little part of what you're doing! There's so much more I'd like to say, but I can't find the words. Keep it up. I will be thinking of you, and I wish you the best!!!!
-Kelly Ludovici
Emily! I am so proud to call you my cousin, what you are doing is absolutely amazing and I know you are making a huge difference there! I miss you so much and I love you!
Love, Colleen
Post a Comment