Where Did all the Sheep Go?

Sheep, Sheep and more Sheep

Then on the 31st of December

Tabaski!

Jean Baptiste invited Tim and I to participate in Tabaski with his Muslim family. We arrived just in time to participate in the "early meal preparation". We sheepishly tried to lend a hand, but were quickly replaced by more experienced youth. Within an hour after the process below, we sat down for a delicious breakfast meal. Mr. Fall served heaping plates of fresh sheep liver, onions, ribs and french bread. A New Years breakfast I will never forget.

This is Where all the Sheep Went (Below)

Tim is posing. I am helping

Tabaski is a Muslim Holiday celebrated on the 31st of December. Tabaski is the Wolof name for Sacrifice. According to the Qur'an, Allah asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Before Abraham made the sacrifice, Allah told him to sacrifice a sheep instead. This holiday is held in remembrance of Abraham's offering. A sheep is killed by each family, after morning prayers. Everyone wears new clothes. The day is spent eating with family and sharing the meat with others (in this case - us)

After breakfast we felt we should return home. Our hosts insisted that we return with our wives in the afternoon. Mr. Fall picked us up and brought us to his home where we met all of his family including his 5 day old newborn son. Mr. and Mrs. Fall served us a meal of sheep, potatoes, carrots, french bread and a refreshing smoothie type drink.

Pictured above are our gracious hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Fall along with Jean Baptiste (left), our class interpreter. Mrs. Fall is Jean Baptiste's niece. Mr. Fall is a retired Senegalese Military Officer who served in Desert Storm for the U.N.. He is currently involved in Senegalese politics, working for one the presidential candidates for the upcoming National elections. Senegalese people are known for their hospitality. We agree!