Senegal, in My Heart

I would say that I’m pretty naïve. What I know about Senegal is limited to my perceptions of them during the 2002 world cup soccer tournament. I remember in 2002, during the tournament, I’d sneak over to my neighbour’s house to watch a match at 4 o’clock in the morning. The team I would find myself backing and rallying for was Senegal. I wouldn’t miss one game. While everyone else cheered for Spain, Germany, England or Korea, there I was, stating proudly “My favourite team is Senegal”.
So, I ask myself: why Senegal? I remember watching them play. They were serious, they played with their hearts and they played for honour and respect. I knew that their tactics were legitimate, they played hard, and they worked together as a team. When they stumbled, they’d always get back up. They were graceful, and motivated. Their story, in my head, was that strength by working together would ultimately ensure a goal. They were genuine. They have a story. And to me, they deserved to win.
All of that from a game of soccer?! I hope to find that my understanding of their representation of their country in the world cup is true. My goal is to identify those things I saw of them while they played. I plan to find it within the villages we visit, in the people we meet, and in the hearts of the individuals who are considered leaders. By hearing their stories and involving myself in their projects, I hope to have my expectations first satisfied, and secondly exceeded.
No pressure, of course…