A Week of Celebrations

Life here in The Gambia is starting to cool off a bit (I'm sleeping under a blanket now for the first time since my arrival in June).  This past week the Seno Bajonki Lower Basic School celebrated its 3rd birthday with a program that was well attended by both students and members througout the community (pictures 1-3 below).  I also had the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with my Gambian family (picture 4 below).  We had a feast of benechin, chicken, potatoes, onions, bread, juice, and cookies that was also shared with the teachers at school.  I also learned that a newborn within the community was named Carol, after my mom in the United States!! One of my newly found favorite parts to my day is putting my little siblings to bed in the evening after dinner.  I really am blessed to undergo my Peace Corps journey with my Gambian family at my side.  I hope that this message greets you well.  Thank you so much for all of your support.  It means the world to me!!

Meet Abdulie Quiateh

Two weeks ago a baby boy was born in my neighboring compound.  After the naming ceremony (Pembugal) the little one was named Abdulie, which makes him my second tokara (a person who shares your name) born since I have arrived in Seno Bajonki.  I am enjoying my last couple of full weeks in village before I'll be traveling in country for trainings and workshops.  Next month I will be running for the regional position within the LRR for Peace Corps The Gambia's Volunteer Anti-Malaria task force, which I am excited for that potential opportunity.  My work at the Seno Bajonki Lower Basic School continues to be a delight between classroom observations, data analysis, and collaboration with the village leadership on the development of a Community Library and Learning Center (CLLC).  Within the next couple of weeks we will begin fundraising effort in village and with local business men and women within the greater Soma area.  More details about the CLLC will be in my next post.  I hope that this message greets you well wherever you may be.  Enjoy the pictures of little Abdulie and his family!!