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.
Despite the challenges Habbie has faced in life, I have never seen her without a smile. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders in the work I do although she does not work at the school; she has a genuine desire to see her community and country grow. She recently made the brave decision to start sharing her story at Peace Corps leadership camps so she can encourage girls to “never give up.”
Habbie is my host country hero.
I bought live chickens to cook for dinner. It was the best and worst idea I’ve ever had. Let me explain. My best friend, Nora,…
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.
