My Nokia Torch

In 2008, I purchased this cell phone in Mauritania.

It's been with me ever since.

I dedicate this entry to this phone, which accompanied me to many toilets, to 7 countries, and inside my mosquito net. It's guided me through blackouts, sandstorms, camping adventures, and empty streets. It was the only light source (after my rechargeable flashlight broke) for my first host family. Many meals were prepared and a baby named after me was even given birth by this light. It has probably been the closest thing to me these past three years (is that sad?). Here are some stats:

Messages sent on it=4905
Messages received=9998
Duration of all calls sent=6 hours, 50 minutes, 45 seconds
Duration of all calls received=90 hours, 11 minutes, 43 seconds
(*This counter actually reached 99:59:59 in 2009 and reset itself to 0, so I really received +190 hours of phone calls)

And, I'd like to thank all my loved ones and fellow PCVs for making these stats possible. May Allah reward your parents.