Moving Mali Forward

So how does Mali celebrate its day of Independence from the French rule? We had the awesome opportunity to witness the festivities of this fun day. On Sep 22^nd Mali celebrated its 51st Independence Day.

As soon as Keanen left school on Wednesday, we headed down to Ouelessebougou towards the promise of great fun and celebration. Keanen had no school on Friday, so we prepared ourselves for a long break. The night of Wednesday Sep 21^st, we witnessed the Malian equivalent of fireworks. The youth of Ouelessebougou gathered with flaming hay in their hands, raised high. They chanted Mali’s freedom accompanied by song. This was an amazing sight to behold as we witnessed this from Yeah’s car that was leading the torch bearers. To any “non-Malian” passerby, it would look as if we were being chased by an angry mob with fire ;0.We were quite safe. Keanen seemed quite concerned for the safety of the torch bearers. The kids, and I must say myself, were amazed at the sight that followed the car. The journey was about 3 miles and  was handled quite peacefully and without problems. For that I am glad.

The next day, the festivities took a more solemn turn similar to speeches that an American president might give. The celebration was slated to start at 9am “sharp” and like all good Malian celebrations started a good hour later. We were accompanied in style by a host of 30 motorcycles that beeped in our welcome. This was a sight to see and even my normally noise sensitive children got into the swing of things.

We were welcomed at the event by a crowd of about 500 people. It was amazing to see so many kids. I loved seeing the scoutmaster direct his young troop into the raising of the flag and the singing of the national anthem. As the crowd stood up in honor of their country, I loved seeing them salute the flag that represented independence for their country. After a few solemn speeches by the dugutigi and Yeah, the party moved on. Yeah talked about the last 51 years of independence in Mali. He also talked about the upcoming presidential elections and how Ouelessebougou needs to mobilize themselves to support the new leader and change.

As with any good Malian party, it would not be complete without a griot singing. Yeah broke protocol and joined the drummers in a dance. As a mayor this is not a common sight but the people of Ouelessebougou loved it!  Then came the major entertainment of the morning. A young bicyclist proved great prowess as he cycled three bicycles (that’s right, I said three), backwards( yes, backwards)!! This trick was followed by multiple balancing tricks that my dear Keanen just loved. Carmen kept hoping he would fall off his bike.:)

As we headed back to the car, the car was besieged by a crowd of young children. I don’t think I have shaken as many children hands. Their excitement seemed pure and I was only too happy to share their joy of this wonderful day. My hope was that their futures would be as bright as their excitement.

The afternoon brought a soccer match between N’Tentou and Ouelessebougou. That was interesting to watch. Soccer is an integral part of Malian lives and how best to celebrate this day than a soccer game. However during the second half, rains came and washed out the hopes of a champion.

Overall it was a wonderful day. I enjoyed experiencing the Independence Day in another country. Each country looks at its past and its present while planning for the future in different ways. In Mali, there seems to be a genuine excitement of the 51 years past. However there also exists a deep hope of more to come in the future. The current president has done much for his country. However the dependence on foreign aid is huge and the unemployment rate anchors Mali as the second poorest country. It is time for leadership to move to a new holder. A leader that can reduce dependency on foreign aid, while utilizing the country’s massive resources to increase internal wealth. Mali is a huge producer of gold and cotton. Hope is what resounds at this year’s celebration. Hope for a good education. Hope for a better healthcare system. Hope for the ability to not worry where your next meal will come from. Hope for a non corrupt fair President. Hope for better days to come. Mali will have its day. However it cannot make it there without strong principled leadership. Vive Mali!! (Long live Mali). May God shine his peace, hope and love on its people.

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So what happens when you run for President of your country? You hold a lot of meetings to gain votes. Not just a lot, but a whole lot. So many that sometimes if you are the candidates wife ( namely me) you are so confused, you just learn to greet everyone and smile. I am sure Michelle Obama did a better job!

Yeah has had a rampage of meetings since he got back from the States. Some of these meetings run till midnight some days. Yeah has been soliciting the aid of Mayors from around the country from Timbuktu to Kayes. The Mayors are an essential tool to his campaign as Yeah believes he can effect these mayors constituents and their own fellow-mayor supporters. It is exciting to see these Mayors come on board and support their fellow mayor. There is no other candidate in the election that is a mayor and that may be Yeah’s winning point. As a mayor he is the least removed from the Malian people and more closely connected to what his peoples needs are and what his fellow-mayor’s struggles are. Things are also busy for Yeah in terms of him continuing to fulfill the role of Mayor. Now situated an hour away in Bamako, he has had to travel extensively back to Ouelessebougou so that he can handle his mayoral duties with integrity continuing to remain accessible to the residents of his commune. Also with the Malian independence day fast approaching on September 22nd, preparations for the celebrations are underway. I am excited as this will be my first time seeing an independence celebration. I have been blessed to see 19 such celebrations in Bahrain and 9 such ones in America. It will be interesting to gauge the differences and yet also the similarities of one’s love and pride for their nation.

Keanen’s school too has been a great experience for him. He starts school at 7:15 am each day and is always excited to get there a little early ( the school is 30 mins away) so that he and I can take a morning walk. He seems to be fitting in and his teacher is always ready to make him feel loved and accepted. He has an English friend at the school too. Hopefully this will not hinder his progress. For now it has added to his comfort. Carm on the other hand is growing fast. Today, I showed her how to sign C and write it as well. She seemed so proud of her accomplishment. To think one day she will spell her name and even write it.

Life moves at a fast pace here. Is it just me or has this year gone by fast. I still remember vividly celebrating the New Year. Before we know it, the next one will be upon us. The coming year spells a huge change for the Samakes. Yeah is so busy that I hope his five jobs of Father, Husband, Mayor, Director of Mali Rising and Presidential candidate will not take its toll. As part of MRF he has a lot of exciting projects like a dental expedition, water projects, school donations and building dedications coming up in November, December and January. I don’t know how he does it. His seemingly endless energy blows my mind and I am privileged to experience the change that can be possible for all Malians if they give Yeah Samake a chance.

Please don’t forget to go to http://www.samake2012.com and “Like” the page. It would help immensely. Please help spread the word. Make the work that Yeah is putting in Mali realize its success.

Capturing older generations too!

Women come to hear the message of change

More meetings

A formal meeting to gain support initiated by a supporter

I am conflicted as to how I feel to see my children grow up so fast. Keanen has been going to school since September 5th. I am so proud of him. It’s a French school and my little man does not speak a word of it. The first day, he was so nervous that I wanted to take him back home. But we both braved it. Now he goes without complaint. He even told me he made a new friend and then slyly added, “It’s a girl, but I don’t know her name”. Every day as I leave him, he goes in shyly and every day as I pick him up his face radiates with happiness. I fool myself by thinking that he is happy to see me. I think it’s because he has had an awesome day.

My brash Carmen, (as I am writing this), comes to me and whispers: “I have a secret. “ Pause. “I love you. Can I give you a hug and a kiss”? At first I can tell something is up. However I’ll take the hug and the kiss as I am sure this stage will not last too long. As soon as we drop Keanen off, Carmen and I color in the activity book Grandma Moser gave her. She is at a stage where the tantrums are now more controlled ( if that makes sense :)). Still loud though. After a brief movie, we then go to pick Keanen up. Yesterday we had to go in a cab. Alone. I am very nervous when I take a cab. I have to navigate in Bambara and then there’s always the struggle to negotiate a price. Let’s just say, we made it home in one piece but poorer than if I had gone with Yeah. : ) Hopefully that money will help that person more than me.

Kids say the darnest things. I am always surprised at Keanen’s knowledge and Carmen’s one liners. Like how Carmen will always say: “Keanen that is a great idea” or how Keanen told me what hallucinating means. It made me step back and appreciate the things that I have missed for so long. Working full time prior to our move, I missed out on huge steps the kids made. My main concern was to make sure that they were bathed, fed, read to, behaved well and were healthy. I missed the fascinating news, and the little things that made their personalities shine. Now I get to see them grow into these interesting human beings. I watch them fight with each other with a vengeance and the next minute after a good minute in time out, I watch them play like best friends till the next time they fight. This poem makes me want to spend every minute I can being a part of their lives. I’m not saying it’s all fun and games. There are days, I just want to sell Carmen off to the next street seller or “lose” Keanen 🙂 but I know their qualities far outweigh the screaming and fighting. My admiration for all stay at home moms has increased. The poem goes like this:

If I had to raise my child all over again,
I’d built self esteem first and the house later.
I’d finger paint more and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I’d take my eyes of the watch and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.
I’d stop playing seriously and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I’d do more hugging and less tugging.
I would be firm less often and affirm much more.
I’d model less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.

My kids haven’t grown up all the way yet. However, this was my wake up call. Cherish your children and your loved ones. The time passes so fast and before you know it they are in school, all grown up and ready to let go. You may not be ready when that happens but if you do the things above you will more willing to let go.

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Soccer is the national pastime for Malians and what better way to campaign than to sponsor a soccer tournament. Yeah’s party PACP was the official sponsor of the kickoff to the soccer tournament in Garantiguibougou. Yeah was represented by the PACP Secretary General Fomba. While this might be a strange setting to talk about politics, it is an opportune setting to target a certain voting group.

The event was attended by 1000s of people and there was an opportunity for Fomba to spread the message of the party and what Yeah hopes to accomplish when in office. The event was attended mainly by the youth. This is Yeah’s main focus as far as the voting constituents go. And who better to benefit if Yeah is elected. Change needs to happen on the forefronts of education, employment, health care and the economy.

Let’s just say this was a hit and something I wish all Yeah’s supporters abroad and at home could have made it to this wonderful event.

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Today as America celebrates its recovery and mourns all lost in the fateful events of that September day 10 years ago; my thoughts go out to all those families that have lost loved ones. I have always had a deep admiration for Americans that stepped up to the plate that day to save their country and countrymen in more ways that can be determined.

I still remember what I was doing that day. I was still in Bahrain and it was about 4pm when my mom called me and told me to check the news. They had received word that a plane had crashed into the first tower. As I watched in horror a second plane hit. Then came the news of the Pennsylvania attack. The one thing that I remember till today is not the bloodshed or the massive outpouring of grief. Rather it is the kindness that spilled over from people that tried to make a difference to their neighbor that was suffering. It is the scene of those firefighters who stayed till the last person was pulled to safety and who till today still suffer medical problems because of their decision. It is the men and women who decided to represent their country abroad, leaving the comfort of their own homes and families.

Today, let us remember those people that stood up while their country was falling and attempted to shoulder some of the burden of their nation in its time of need. May such an incident never again occur. God bless Americans everywhere!!

Yeah held a three day meeting from 6-9pm for his political party members. It was an important meeting that helped mark the accomplishments of the last six months of the campaign kicking off. Now more than ever it is important that Yeah pulls his party and their planned events so no time and money is wasted. The campaign is gaining in its momentum. There is not one day that goes by where a new endorsement is not made.

However, Yeah needs to raise $100,000 immediately to cover his campaign costs till January. These funds will
help achieve the following:

• Pay for a campaign headquarters. At $1,000/month, the total cost is $5,000
• Pay a campaign manager $1,000/month. Total cost $5,000.
• Media:  Newspapers and Television. This will cost $6,000/month. Total cost: $30,000
• Rent three 4X4 vehicles to take campaign leaders to the various surrounding villages
  to spread the word. Each vehicle rents at $100/day. For each month that will be
  $3,000×3=$9,000.
• The gas to run these vehicles is also expensive. Diesel in Mali currently sits at
  $5.00/gallon. Gas will cost at least $11,000 till January.
• Plan trips to six of the nine major electoral districts. This includes regions of
  Timbuktu that sits far North in the desert. These trips will cost about $10,000.
• The launching in December will cost $30,000. This is the event where you will see
  all your hard earned dollars speak volumes of the campaign’s success.

The time has come to support Yeah. This is the hardest thing we have had to face. It has been made easier knowing that there are a lot of good people out there that believe in this message.

Asking people for money is not something that I like or enjoy doing but I truly believe in Yeah and his ability of make major changes for good.Support Yeah today. Go to his web page and make a donation. Please also hit the Like button on his web page.

This probably had to be the most nerve racking day since we left America to embark on this journey. Today, my little boy grew up just little as he attended French school in Mali. Keanen does not speak French and the kids that go to this school don’t speak a word of English. I guess I am just the kind of person that worries about everything. Like Yeah says to me sometimes, “You would worry if there is nothing to worry about”. I was terribly nervous for Keanen as he started Kindergarten today. I guess I would not be so worried if it had been in Utah. Oh who am I kidding? I would probably still worry. Keanen is my shy child and for him making friends is a challenge. I tried to excite him by having him come with me to buy his snack box and water bottle. That got him a little excited 🙂
Keanen’s school runs from 7am to 12:30pm. Already nervous, I woke him up at 5:30am. I felt so bad for him to wake him up that early. As we dropped him off, Keanen kept asking me if Carmen was going to daycare. I told him we still had to find one for Carmen. He kindly offered to come with me today and find one for her. After declining his offer, I tried to comfort him by telling him that I would pick him up for lunch. And then I did something I have dreaded since we came here and left him in the hands of a stranger. The whole morning my stomach felt hollow with anxiety for him. Keanen did better than I did. When I picked him up from school, he was so excited and jumped into his dad’s arms. His teacher was kind to advice us how we could help Keanen and we were also excited to learn that there was an English teacher that would work with Keanen for an hour each day. Keanen confessed to me later that his school had cool puzzles, play dough and blocks. He told me he had fun building a sand castle outside.
All in all, I was more nervous than Keanen. I am glad this day is over. I am sure I will experience it the first day he goes to Junior High and High school. I don’t know if I will ever worry for Carm like I do Keanen. Carm has her dad’s ability to take charge of any situation. I am excited for my little boy. He was very brave today. As a treat I took them swimming later. I am very proud of his accomplishment. Now hopefully, he will go tomorrow without a fuss. If not I will ship him to any takers. Anyone??

Keanen overjoyed at the end of day

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to spend some time with another brother-in-law Drissa and his family. Drissa just returned back from a 2-month stint in Boston but also teaches Chemistry at the University in Mali. He has such an adorable family. He is blessed with 5 beautiful daughters. His oldest is 14 years old while his youngest is just 8 months.

Yeah had meetings so he left the kids and I to visit. It was amazing to watch how Fatou, Drissa’s second oldest daughter charmed my bull headed daughter into playing with her. Even more amazing that Carmen actually went with her to the shop down the street. As Drissa left to do some errands, I observed a women group headed by my sister-in-law Eugene( pronounced Agenee). The meeting was a mixture of socializing and money planning. In Mali, although banks do exist to facilitate the transfer of money, Malians very rarely use them to save money. So this is how this works: a group of people get together and assign a leader that will collect the money. This “pot” of money is given to one person a month. Each person will contribute their share into the pot each month and each month they enjoy the benefit of that lump sum of money. The order of people that get the lump sum is determined by a drawing. They all decide how much is comfortable for them to contribute each month and it has to be the same for everyone. So for example, there may be 5 people in my group (including myself) and we each contribute $25.00/month. So one month, I could enjoy the benefit of $125.00. While money saving is the key behind the meeting, I personally believe that the feeling of community stands out even more. It was fun to watch these women joke loudly and talk about all issues from their husbands to cooking. After an hour and a half of eating, joking and discussing the money, the sum of the money was given to one woman for this month.

So the next time you want to do something fun and responsible with your friends, maybe you can try out the Malian way of saving money. Not only does it strengthen the sensibility of saving money in this tough economy but also a feeling of community. Think about it, saving in a bank means the money is accessible at all times, but with this way, you only have the money the one month that is your turn.So it teaches you to budget effectively and not dig into your savings. This was something new to observe. I definitely enjoyed getting a different perspective on money from a Malian standpoint.

Today had to be the craziest day with the kids. But boy do I love those stinkers. It felt like they were on a perpetual high as they jumped from one game to another. I think part had to do with Carmen whose nap I decided to forgo since her nap from the day before prevented her from going to sleep until 1 in the morning.

After lunch, they started off by playing with their spacecrafts.

Hide and Seek with Carmen

Soon getting tired of this they started imitating the first race in the Disney movie Cars. This was the funniest thing to watch. For twenty minutes, Carmen pretended to be McQueen as she raced around the track (my couch) about 10 times. Keanen all the while pretended he was on a megaphone shouting out Carmen’s progress. It was the craziest thing I have ever seen. If I had not been in charge of them all day, I would have accused someone of drugging them. 🙂

Carmen Racing around the couch_1

Carmen Racing around the couch_2

And the race goes on...

And on....

And on..Seriously this happened atleast 10 times

After this craziness, they decided to do a trick in which Keanen held Carmen’s legs and helped her walk.

Tricks

Some exercise followed the tricks.

Exercise Time

Seriously I don’t know where they got this energy from. After dinner it was time for none other than Limbo. Taking a bottle, Keanen urged Carmen to try to get under the bottle. Carmen was only too happy to return the favor 5 minutes later.

How low can you go??

Limbo Time

Let’s just say, I’m glad the day is over. They were too!!

Peace at Last 🙂

The campaign has picked up as the Eid celebrations marked the end of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan. To kick of his campaigning, Yeah headed to Darsalam to meet with some youth and supporters of his party. The message of change and a promising future for the youth was well received. This is just the start of more to come.

The people in Darsalam

The youth attend!!