Holiday Greetings

Holiday Greetings

Holiday Greetings from The Gambia, West Africa. It is very strange to be living in a tropical location, where most of the population is Muslim, during this holiday season. It certainly doesn’t feel like Christmas here.

I finished my 8 weeks of training and was sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer on December 7, 2017. I have moved to my permanent site near the city of Farafenni on the north bank of the Gambian River, where I will be working at the Agriculture Technical College for the next two years. I am currently at a local internet cafe and wanted to let everyone know I am doing very well and have settled into my new home. I am exploring WiFi options so I can submit posts with photos about this incredible experience I am having. Stay tuned for future updates!

Wishing all my family and friends a wonderful holiday season and happy new year.

14 thoughts on “Holiday Greetings”

  1. I am so glad that you are getting to fulfill your dream! It is fun to read about your experiences. Wishing you the happiest holidays, even if it doesn’t feel like Christmas as we know it. Much love! ❤️

  2. When I was in the Peace Corps in India 1967-69 I too was amazed at Christmas time. No Santa, no snow, no wishes and greetings, no stores trying to get rid of inventory that I should buy, no songs and music on the radio reminding us that this seasonal mood should be shared by all, and no celebration of the Christ child. In a way it was a great relief!
    Enjoy viva la difference

  3. Meg brittonI’m so glad that you posted! I’ve been thinking about you and wondering how it was going. Merry Christmas! says:

    I’m so glad that you posted! I’ve been thinking about you and wondering how it was going. Merry Christmas!

  4. Hello Susan!
    Glad to hear from you and to know you are doing well and settling into your African home. Congratulations on finishing your training and becoming an official Peace Corp Volunteer! Thinking of you and with appreciation and joy, and sending many warm Christmas wishes from here.

  5. Rob and I remember celebrating our first Christmas in Beirut (1967) — the muezzin from a nearby mosque woke us at dawn (along with the roosters). Enjoy every minute of your time there! Love, Donna

  6. Merry Christmas to you from sunny Lake Stevens, WA, where at 10:45 AM it is 28 degrees and overcast. We might have snow tomorrow! Get thee to the internet cafe as much as possible so we can learn what’s happening in The Gambia. Love you, sister!

    Dave and Nancy

  7. Merry Christmas Susan! I miss your smiling face at Indigo. So glad your having a great experience.😍

  9. Hi Susan. Meeey Christmas. Not entirely sure what happened earlier as I sent a long comment that didn’t get to this blog. Anyway, so great to talk to you and glad everything is going well! I’ll send a more personal email! Love you!

  11. Thanks for sharing these great news! It looks like you have fit in well and are having a good time. Congratulations on your permanent assignment! Sending love from Portland.

  12. We are so amazed by you. Great job. Dave and I will departing on our adventures in March. Time is flying by. Happy Holidays and glad to hear things are going well.
    Cheers,
    Dave and Arwen

  13. Merry Christmas Susan! 🎄Pam and I had chicken and french fries (coocoo na chipsi) in Tanzania for Christmas, quite non-traditional. It was a good perspective that traditions are varied around the world. It was great to hear your voice too 🎶

  14. It is so good to hear of all your training and adventures Susan. What an awesome opportunity for you. Stay well.

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