Rachel H. is embarking on an exciting adventure in the Gambia. By sharing her experiences through her frequent emails, we will learn more about the Gambian culture, language and daily life, plus learn what it's like to volunteer overseas and fulfill a lifelong dream of hers!
Following is an email we received from Rachel.
Merry Christmas! It has been strange to experience Christmas in 30C weather, with the sun shining brightly every day. However, the stores were decorated for Christmas and I have played lots of Christmas music to help make it feel like it really was Christmas! Although the Gambia is 90% Muslim, everyone celebrates both the Muslim and Christian holidays. So with both the Muslim holiday, Tobaski, and with Christmas being in December, not a lot has been happening in the work area for me. However, I thought I'd update you on what has been happening for me in my placement.
I have been placed here as a Cluster Teacher Trainer. Each region (cluster) of schools has appointed a few of their teachers to be trainers. I will be working with those trainers to help identify training needs in the schools and set up training as necessary. I spent most of October and November going around to all the schools I will be working with. That was a great experience and opened my eyes to many of the needs that are here. One phrase I heard from almost every teacher was “it is not easy”. I thought I'd share with you some of their comments:
It is not easy!...
- I am not well
- There is no money
- The work is difficult
- My father is sick
- There are many children in a class (many classes have 50 students….some classes up to 80 or more!)
- There are little resources
- The facilities are not good
- The pay is not good.
However each person would then end by saying, “but I am managing”. What a testimony; however difficult it is, they are still able to continue with what they know they need to do. God has shown me strength in each of the people I have crossed paths with and I am learning just how important it is to rely on Him in everything!
At the end of November I took part in a workshop on an initiative here called Whole School Development. As part of this workshop, participants needed to list things that contribute to a positive school environment for students. They were asked “What makes a child happy and comfortable?” Their answers made me realize once again how much I can sometimes take things for granted. Their responses did not include extra-curricular activities, all the latest resources, or even good friends, but things like food, health, tables, chairs, and security.
I'm looking forward to January when I will be working more directly with the training teams on things they and I have identified as training needs in their schools. God is continuing to teach me many things in my work here!
Aside from the work front, the last couple months has brought both my first visitor and my first trip away! Andrew came to visit in November and I was able to take a short trip to Dakar with a friend a few weekends ago. I am very thankful for both! Also, both showed me how much I really have been adjusting to life here and that this is feeling like home for the time being! I definitely missed being home in Canada for Christmas this year, though!
I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and pray that you will have a blessed New Year! May God bless you in the coming year.
Rachel
 
This is a picture of the Kerewan Compound where Rachel is living (Left). At right is a hut by the beach. | 
