English is not my first language; French is.

But, having this opportunity, I have to try.

I have come so far to be in Tulsa -- I have journeyed from the end of the world, as Americans say.

I was born in Timbuktu, a small and old city situated in the heart of the desert in the Republic of Mali (west Africa).

Mali once was a French colony. It has only been independent since 1960. A politician took power first. He remained there for eight years before the military overthrew the regime and put the ruler in jail. The military leadership lasted 23 years.

A revolution occurred on March 26, 1991. The military dictator was overthrown and democracy emerged. This also created the opportunity for a free press.

It now is 15 years since I left my native ground to live in Bamako, the capital of Mali.

Why? Simply, the proper conditions do not exist in Timbuktu to create a newspaper -- no printing presses, few people who can read.

At first, I worked for a private newspaper. The publisher became Mali's president, so I left in 1998 to create my own weekly newspaper to make sure there would be an independent voice in the country.

I named my newspaper "26 Mars" for the date of overthrow. A lot of people died in the revolution and I wanted everyone in our country to remember the sacrifices that were made.

Ten people (including me, the publisher) work at 26 Mars. Since we have only one computer, we write longhand and have a person type the stories into the PC.

God is great.

I was given the opportunity to visit Oklahoma by the U.S. Department of State. With the help of Oklahoma State University, I have been here since July 1, along with 13 other Malians. We are studying communications, particularly in the agriculture industry.

I spent two memorable weeks at the Tulsa World.

I forever will remember this big and great newspaper, which has more than 600 workers.

At this newspaper, I never knew who was a boss because the staff behaves like a big family where everyone treats each other with respect and consideration.

I found the Tulsa World's employees to be friendly people. Editors and writers from the Business section and the City desk helped me learn about U.S. journalism, Oklahoma's traditions, and how farmers live and work here.

Also, because of their generosity, I will be returning to Mali with some gifts -- computers, cameras, a CD player, music and many photos.

This was a big surprise. But more important than these material things are the memories of the friends I made here and the things I saw and experienced, which will stay with me forever.

In Tulsa, I met and talked with a sheriff for first time in my life. I also visited the jail. I was impressed with how clean it was, and all the things available there such as medical care and a church. In my country, this is not possible. The jail looked more like a hotel to me.

I have shopped at a farmers' market, eaten locally grown peaches and interviewed friendly farmers.

Also, I was able to see a cattle auction, where I tried hard to understand the auctioneer, who talked so fast. It was very organized, though -- there was no confusion.

And, I even attended the "State of the State" address in Tulsa and was able to meet Gov. Brad Henry.

I did all of this in only 10 days.

Tulsa -- and the Tulsa World -- are great.

So now someone from Timbuktu has visited Tulsa. I will be waiting for Tulsans to visit me . . . at the end of the world.

Boubacar Sankare is editor-in-chief and publisher of 26 Mars, a weekly newspaper in Mali.