When a fourth grader told me “The Gambia is a big country,” I knew I had to do something. Since I can’t take Gambians around the world, I decided to bring the world to Gambians! Using a Peace Corps manual, we created a giant world map in our library.
Cuchesak is sorrel made from leaves, oil and okra. It is typically served on white benechin, but my Jola family eats it on just about…
I desperately needed a pedicure. I mean desperately! I should have taken a “before” picture, but it truly was too embarrassing. My feet have taken a beating since coming to The Gambia because I am always in sandals, or worse, barefoot. Now that the dry season has come, the calluses on my heels hit an all new-level of gross. But, silly me, didn’t bring a pumice stone! So, Gambian pedicures it was for one girl weekend in my friend Mish’s village.
When I started a pen pals program between my elementary school in The Gambia and various classes in the States, I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into. I thought a letter exchange could be a simple first project for me to start. What I forgot, however, is that nothing is simple in West Africa.
Video: Several kids from the neighborhood, along with my brothers and sisters, crowded in around me with so much anticipation that I couldn’t even open the box. When I finally was able to light one of the sparklers, they were so amazed it was as if I had actually brought Las Vegas fireworks to Sibanor.
