March and So On

It’s been sometime since I last posted. Some things have happened recently that are quite incredible. Firstly, our North Bank football project has received full funding from an entity of the US Government. This entities focus is on HIV/AIDS awareness. We are receiving more than we expected for this project. This money will be used to host the games and at halftime of each game we will have speakers discuss issues in The Gambia. We also want to have a large training of trainers meeting before the tournament starts, as well as a second TOT with the players alone.

Currently, we are searching for a sponsor for the kits, shoes, balls, trophy, and cash prizes. This will become much easier now that we have funds for everything else. I think future sponsors we speak to will take us seriously. Until recently, the discussions with hopeful sponsors have been filled with a lot of “if’s.” I will inform you of more information, when I know something, as of now, this is it.

Secondly, my duck project has gotten of the ground in big way. It started about three weeks ago, when one of our ducks laid 13 ducklings. My host father and were stoked about this, little did we know that was only the start of it, next day another duck; 12 ducklings, two days later another duck; 15 ducklings, A couple days later, another duck; 10 ducklings. Currently, I am being invaded…surrounded by ducklings. The ducks have covered everything outside my hut into a minefield of shit. These cute little creatures are causing havoc with control. I cannot wait until there are hundreds of these little heathens roaming the perimeter of our compound consuming all they can. Don’t get me wrong, ducks are awesome! This is just a new experience for me to witness.

Thirdly, my host family awhile back installed solar panels on their house. It is really crazy to think that I came here to get away from it all and now have a light bulb in my grass hut. I couldn’t say no to the light bulb because I fell that it is there house and should have the right to add a light bulb to the hut if they want. I am not complaining to much it’s nice to be able to read book at night, without a headlamp, but I miss reading by candle light sometimes. Perhaps, you’re asking yourself where this money came from. The answer to that is watermelons. My host father planted 4 hectares of watermelon very late in the season. When the watermelon was ready, no one else had any. He made bank of it and bought solar panels. I thought he was finished after the solar setup. After about two weeks a man came and installed a satellite dish in our compound. I saw several kids watch TV for the first time that night, which was really incredible.

Overall, things are looking up in my compound.