-----Original Message-----
From: dwdebs <dwdebs@aol.com>
To: neiljshaw <neiljshaw@blogger.com>
Sent: Wed, Jul 27, 2011 12:12 pm
Subject: Guest Blogger Holley Najera
I'd like to introduce Holley Najera from Buckinghamshire, UK, who is volunteering with us for 2 months. She'd like to offer an insight into her experiences over her first two weeks in The Gambia.
"I'm here alive and kicking, currently not in the mud hut obviously because there is no electricity there. I have been here literally just over two weeks and I can safely say that I've had more experiences within that time then I have had in my entire life. When I booked my ticket with 'Gambia Experience' let me say now I was not expecting to have so many! I've really seen it all first hand, from the poverty, love and friendliness of the village in which I'm staying to the grandness and luxuries of the 5* resorts. Coming off the plane and being greeted by Debbie and 3 vip kids from the school made me lose all of the inhibitions which I gained over the 5 hour flight. Jumping in what I'd describe as a 'safari barbie' white jeep and on the road, we then headed to Madiana. Heading to the village where I'd be living for the next 2 months, I felt like I was with the queen, little herds of kids ran from all directions of the car shouting 'Debbie Debbie' made me think how hard life must be for a famous actor attentding a premiere. Arriving at a mud hut in the middle of the african 'bush' with no expectations, mainly because of the little time I had to think about what I was going to do between finishing my PGCE and jumping on a plane to Africa which looking back now I think is the best way and potentially only way because honestly I may not have done it otherwise.
The change from using a hair dryer, ghds, make up and fake tan on a daily basis with either my phone in one hand or lappy to no electricity and having packed no make up, showering under a mango tree and the local toy being a long drop you'd imagine to be quite hard but for me it was almost natural but then again my pals always said I was a dirt queen, the proof is in the pudding that's all I'm saying. I could write an essay and have as my diary is full to the brim but my highlights have to be firstly a boy's life being saved. in fact probably a highlight of my lifetime, and going into the underground abode of an African marabout (who is known to mutate into a snake) whilst a wedding was happening - need I say more that was a trip in itself without any substance involved."
Holley just finished her PGCE at Plymouth's Marjohn and decided to get a bit of life experience before she commences her career. She has thrown herself into local life 100% and the children appreciate her lively, positive, approach. She is facing up to unexpected situations and experiences with braveness and tolerance and will teach the children here a lot while picking up useful life-skills herself; all in all her stay here will be life-changing and we are really grateful to her for choosing to come out to The Gambia to share her skills with us. We hope you have a great stay, Holley, and take back lots of wonderful memories and experiences to recount to others back in the comfort of the UK.
Until next time
Debbie, July 2011
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