20 February 2009

WAIST 2009

Mike and I spent the past week visiting Dakar, Senegal for the West African Invitational Softball Tournament (WAIST). Neither Mike or I actually played softball this year, but we had a great time cheering on our teams from Peace Corps Mauritania and relaxing in this beautiful city.

Peace Corps Mauritania took three teams to the tournament this year. There are apparently two divisions: competitive and social. All three of our teams were in the social division, meaning that teams must be co-ed (and have to follow some other rules too, but I'm not sure what they are).

Our A-team was very impressive, especially considering that there are very few opportunities for them to practice together as a team throughout the year. Peace Corps Mauritania has won the WAIST social division frequently over the past few years, but were beat in 2008 by a local team from Senegal. This year, we played the same team in the final game and WON! Yeah! It was very exciting!

For pictures of our team playing (and winning), check out our pictures on Picasa. For many Mauritanian PCVs, WAIST is a time for crazy haircuts and outfits...so don't be surprised by the silliness you're about to see.

4 comments:

regina said...

Haha - love those uniform pants! And Mike, your "Poopdeck Seaman" pose is EXACTLY the same as your "Deleware" pose.

Unknown said...

Hello Mike and Katie!Sounds like you are having great fun as well as working. That's good that you can relax some. We miss you and are praying for you. Love you both. Tom and Cheryll

Sonny Days said...

All that was missing was a pep band...

karen yunghans said...

I wondered what Regina meant when she said you had that "Deleware" pose. I did not realize that was you Mike, in the Poop-deck shirt and YES it looks just like you in that picture at Mt. Rushmore many years ago. I really enjoyed the pictures and I LOVE the comments.
Love Mom