A Post-Ramadan Post

Hello everyone,

As I write this message training continues to move forward in a positive way.  Yesterday we celebrated Koriteh, which occurs each year at the close of Ramadan.  The pictures below are from the prayer attended by each member of the community.  This upcoming week we will be headed to Model School to work with Gambian counterparts and gain a better perspective of education within The Gambian.  The following week I will have the opportunity to visit my permanent site, Seno Bajonki, where I will spend my two years of service following my swear-in as a Peace Corps Volunteer on August 12.  Wishing you all the best wherever you may be!!

27 Days In

Hello all!!  Seda Seda (slowly slowly) I continue to grow in confidence in learning Pulaar.  My relationships with my host family continue to deepen.  I know that when training ends I will miss them dearly, particularly my mineraawo (little brother) Abdulie whom I am named after.  Today we had our public transportation training which led through Soma, the closest town to my training village of Sare Musa, to the ferry terminal along the Gambia River.  Yesterday I played the two songs I have written in Pulaar at the bantaba (resting area) of the village elders which went extremely well.  We are currently in the month of Ramadan in which most of The Gambia is fasting daily from dawn until dusk. Next week we will find out where our permanent sites will be after our swear-in on August 12 as Peace Corps Volunteers.  I wish you all the best wherever you are reading this from.

Haa yesso (until later),

Stephen

Jam Walli (Good Morning) from The Gambia

The past 14 days in The Gambia have seen challenges, obstacles, and have been highly rewarding.  I am learning Pulaar in my training village of Sare Musa which is in the Lower River Region of The Gambia about 12 kilometers from Soma.  My fellow trainees Nic, John, and Ally have been an amazing support and we continue to grow daily in our village.  I have received my Gambian name which is Abdulie Bah, after my younger host brother.  My language and culture facilitator Babucarr is taking amazing care of us.  I could not imagine what my first two weeks in country would be without him. The picture below are from our naming ceremony. I hope that this message greets you well.  I'll be sure to post again as time permits.

Haa yesso (until next time),

Stephen

Last Minute Preparations

A whirlwind of emotions continue to surround me as the realization that a week from today I will have arrived in The Gambia.  If you are reading this I want to thank you for the impact you have had on my life that has led me to this journey I am about to embark on.  I will attempt to update this once a month on average to share my experiences within The Gambia. If you want to send physical mail, my address in The Gambia is:

Stephen Weiland, PCV
U.S. Peace Corps
P.O. Box 582
Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa

Stay amazing friends!!