Holiday Cheer

I have now survived two holiday seasons on the "Smiling Coast".  Last year I was fresh from America and learning to adjust to life in the subtropical African bush.  This year I feel a little more Gambian, but I have definitely been celebrating American-style!  Holiday cheer has been plentiful nonetheless.

Although there are some Gambians that are Christian, you won't exactly find them celebrating in the ways that are nostalgic of your childhood.  But luckily (because of the large Expatriate and Peace Corps community that exists), I have had the opportunity to experience things like decorations, music, and various activities that have put the spirit in my stride.  

I helped my friend's son make his first gingerbread house...it was an African-style compound, complete with a hippo basking in a pool of chocolate...

I attended the Christmas Program at the U.S. Embassy School.  The children's singing was accompanied by a band that consisted of drums, electric bass, and keys.  It was a fabulous production and the kiddos did a great job!

And I've been blessed with the opportunity to spend time with friends...

Christmas Day was fantastic!!  The day included lots of relaxation and feasting on great food with great company!  We even made *real* eggnog!

I wish that I could have shared the holidays with ALL of the special people in my life!  But hopefully you felt my cheer from where you are :)  Happy Holidays and Much LOVE!!

The Times They Are A-Changin'

As the end of the year approaches, life in the motherland has been peaceful and moving at a slower pace.  The "cold season" is officially here, which means that daytime temperatures are in the low 90's and you can sleep without sweating at night.  Many of the Senegalese fishermen went home to Senegal for the Tobaski holiday in November, and have just returned to The Gambia, after the coming of the Islamic New Year. The Islamic calendar is based on revolutions of the moon, and the new year is celebrated on the 1st day of Muharram, which is the 1st calendar month.  New Year's Day is a remembrance of the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, and is celebrated in mosques with special prayers and readings from the Koran.  

Barbara from URI came for a quick visit at the beginning of December.  We attended a fisheries conference about sanitation and trade.  Various stakeholders presented material about current challenges and conditions, and ofcourse the ban on export (due to poor sanitation, lack of ice, and threats from benzopyrenes).  I had the opportunity to meet and chat with the Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources as well!

During Barbara's visit, we also managed to create some organizational order in the office.  It was a lot of hard work, but the results are amazing!  (lack of organization is seemingly prevalent in this country...)  It was really nice to have her assistance and ofcourse I always enjoy the peanut M&Ms from America that accompany the visit.

As you might know, the volunteer life entails responsibilities and obligations to local communities, host families, and ofcourse representing the American people, on a 24/7 basis.  Thus, it is important to take a time out here and there and have some fun.   Because work has been slow the past couple of months, I have been able to do just that.  Recently some friends gathered at a local beachside establishment in my village for a little weekend r&r.  We had a bonfire on the beach and enjoyed the surf.

Another exciting recent occurrence was the wedding of my fellow Peace Corps Volunteer and friend, Jessi.  There was a traditional African celebration at the compound of her husband's family, that included local dishes, dancers, and drumming!

The bride with her mother and friend from America!

Before the ceremony

Plenty of babies to hold in The Gambia!

Within a matter of days, I will have begun and ended 2010 in Africa! What a spectacular year of change!