It was confirmed that when one bought property, you needed to build on it to secure it as your own. That is why you see so many low walls constructed where ever you do.
Over the next two years, she started on construction of the house. I went down for the day to visit prior to my leaving Dakar in June 2012. I house was just partly completed, no water or electricity. On this visit, I went twice to spend the night at her house. Martine stays in Dakar during the week at her sister's apartment, and travels down to Mbour for the weekend. She had asked me if I could bring her some kind of solar lights, as she does not yet have electricity for the house. When I arrive in Dakar, March 2014, I brought a box of solar powered lights, radio, and phone charger.
When she comes into Dakar, she brings Justine (now 8 yo) with her. Justine is her grand nephew that she is raising. Her two older sons, Malik and Yadi, stay in Mbour. Yadi has gotten some work on construction, but Malik has been unemployed and not able to afford school.
These pictures are from my first visit to her house. Yadi was staying down there at a neighbor's house help with construction and to watch the building site. Martine's cousin has a house in the same area and was helping her with advice and support.
Our Easter weekend trip began with a stop at the Bandia animal park (see separate entry) and we spent the night at Martine's house. This is the way the house looks now that it is lived in.
Above are two pictures which I sent Martine--posted on the fridge used for storage, 'cause no electricity. After dinner Malik made tea, Senegalese style.
In the morning, we enjoyed breakfast together before leaving for Joal and visit to Shell Island.
Here is their dog "Lady". Martine told me that she missed Parami so much when I left, that she got one of her own.
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