by elainemck » Tue Feb 18, 2014 10:35 pm
Thanks amron, yes, all messages are that they are getting on well, working hard and taking in the experience. Some updates -
16/2 - On Saturday we ran a sports day in Kunkujang Nursery and Primary School. All the children had a brilliant day and were very excited to see us. It has been a very humbling experience seeing the impact we are making on them. All the donated football strips were very much appreciated. Hi Mum's and Dad's we are having a great time and missing you all by Darren and Rachael.
The students are all fantastic, mutually supportive and showing a growing maturity with what we have experienced in the last few days. We have been truly humbled by the welcomes received and the tears have been greatly outweighed by the laughter. A truly wonderful experience for us all making us realise how fortunate we all are. The input from Fiona Nelson of Firstaid4Gambia has been absolutely outstanding. Happy Birthday Fiona!! Heading to Kalagi today for the next stage of our epic adventure!! Agnes, Jim, Matt and Catriona
18/2 - On Sunday our minibus was ambushed 1/2 a mile from our destination kilagi.
The 100 or so locals were armed with drums songs kisses cuddles fiercely firm handshakes and massive massive smiles. They insisted on dancing our way to their compound where the great and the good were waiting to welcome us with speeches and intros. And then the dancing singing drumming and hand clapping began. What a show. The female dancers in their finery , adult and school kids, were magnificently energetic and exhuberent which of course meant a reply was required by the visitors, led by Calum J and Charles, received of course by screams of encouragement by both sides. In no time all were up and all Scottish reserve was lost.
All were giving it laldy. For about an hour we were involved with wee beautiful wains coming over to sit on our knees. An emotional and unbeatable, unforgettable intro to these fantastic people.
Another highlight that day were the Masquerade from the next village where a sinister masked figure slapping two machetes is followed by a by a swirling mass of lads ( and Charles) as he playfully scares the village. I'm informed that it is something to do with circumcision...
We were also taught words and greetings in Mandinka, Wooluff and Fulla as well as being given our Gambian names by which we were to be addressed.
most moving was the fact that these accommodating people without big bucks to hand had without any fanfare built a small block of 3 flushing toilets.
There were a number of bods in tears.
Eventually went to bed when sun went down and we were a tad cold in the tents but it meant we go to know each other a little better and i could deploy the only ski jacket in West Africa.
All good fantastically well including for a very well balanced William
Elaine