Family
So my husband Niankoro Yeah Samake, has decided to run to be President of his country. In a country that is 90% Muslim and that holds the title of the third poorest country, Yeah hopes to bring principle based leadership and also give his people a hand up, not a hand out.
So where do I fit into all this? My name is Marissa Samake. Used to be a manager at Convergys in the US, I am now full-time mom, caregiver, nurse,teacher and bug swatter to my two kids: Keanen who is 5 yrs and Carmen who will be 3 soon. We have all come here so that Yeah can focus on his campaign for the next year. Here, I hope to capture my thoughts and experiences over the next year not only on our personal experiences but our encounters on the campaign trail. Where political candidates are raising billions of dollars in the US, Yeah hopes to use grassroots organizations and efforts to speed his victory. He will also need to raise atleast $200000 to launch his campaign next month and $10 million dollars by the end of the year. The first round of elections is in February and the second run off is April.
One day at a time……a journey has begun for the Samake family
Moving Mali Forward 
Trudy Palmer
June 21, 2011 at 18:19
Marissa, this is great. It’s very interesting to hear of your days in Mali. Love, Trudy
Marissa Coutinho-Samake
June 21, 2011 at 23:48
Trudy, great to hear from you. Hope all is well and hope to see you soon in Mali. Give my best to Dr. Palmer
Idi02
June 25, 2011 at 21:18
Hello Marissa Congratulation,It is Idi from Boston. your blog is the best. It’s very interesting and a great pleasur for me to hear of your days in Mali beeing in US. I fell Mali and the family now. Sory I used the replay to write you, I don’t know how to creat an account. Enjoy your stay in Mali with children.
Drissa
Shelby Stewart Arrington
June 21, 2011 at 18:28
Yay! We are behind you all the way. I only wish we were gazillionaires so that we might help more in the financial department. I am so glad you are doing this blog. Then it won’t feel like you guys are so far away. It’s also fun to hear about your experience there. So different! I hope you keep it up and we will keep reading. God bless, friend.
Marissa Coutinho-Samake
June 21, 2011 at 23:47
Shelby
So awesome to hear some enthusiasm and support. Keep it coming. It would be so nice to not worry about the finances, but I guess that is imp about campaigning. Keep reading ..there will be more to come..especially about our “safari” 🙂
Susan
June 24, 2011 at 22:38
Thank you for starting this blog and letting us travel your journey with you. I will be sharing the link to your blog with others, as well.
Best wishes to you, beautiful hopeful First Lady and to your family.
Love,
Susan
Marissa Coutinho-Samake
June 24, 2011 at 22:42
Thank you susan for being such a great supporter 🙂
Ober Delgado
June 25, 2011 at 02:18
This is awesome,..!!! wish the best to you guys.!
Marissa Coutinho-Samake
June 26, 2011 at 00:11
Thank you Obie. Keep reading
Alzira Fernandes
June 25, 2011 at 15:25
Marissa, you are doing a great job – your experience in Mali You are such a great support to Yeah.
Marissa Coutinho-Samake
June 26, 2011 at 00:11
Thank you Azu. You are a support to me 🙂
Gretchen Winston
July 4, 2011 at 20:30
Marissa – your writing is wonderful. I can imagine everything you write about. Yeah is so blessed that you are his wife and are by his side on this incredible journey. Let’s hope the US economy continues to improve and the supports starts coming in. I hope you keep up your entries on your blog. Love to you, Kennan, Cameron and Yeah. Gretchlen
Lisa Rippy
July 6, 2011 at 23:59
Marissa, This is awesome!!! I am excited to hear of your adventures!!! You are and amazing lady to leave the comfort of your home to do this! Yeah is a lucky man and so is Mali!!!\
Marissa Coutinho-Samake
July 12, 2011 at 11:46
Thank you Lisa for your kind words. I miss seeing you and hearing of your cooking adventures( and tasting them). Take care and keep reading 🙂
Paul Sidibé
July 30, 2013 at 12:55
Very nice picture