Shop opens in Tanji and Ramadan

We have at last opened the shop in our compound wall. Its main purpose is to sell every day items to local people but we also want to sell some of the 2nd hand stuff we have bought over. We opened on Tuesday, just with the 2nd hand stuff and it was a huge success! At one time there was so many women in the shop they managed to get behind the counter and were opening stuff we had not even put out. Absolute chaos and Sarjo looked as if he had done a day on the battlefield, which in a way I guess he had! The stuff we are selling is donated from various people and places in the UK. A lot of what we are given is donated straight to schools but we are selling some of the clothes, toys etc in the local community as a way of recovering our shipping costs. We are selling the items very cheaply so that the local people can benefit. There is a huge market for 2nd hand goods but often in the bigger markets the prices are still too high for many. Some of the locals even commented on how cheap the items were and what good quality, never heard that in The Gambia where they will generally feign indifference in an attempt to lower the price! The kids come to "help" too and we usually give them a small toy, pencil or something which they are very happy with. Unfortunately so many wanted to "help" that we had to turn some away but most of the children got something on opening day so everyone is happy. Thanks to everyone who has donated items and if you want to donate anything please contact us and we will find a way to collect your items. If you really want the items given away or donated please let us know and we will of course respect that request. However, I hope that most people will understand the need to cover the costs of shipping without taking it out of charity funds.

Yes, its Ramadan now. It started on Wednesday and will last 29 -30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. It is a very different Gambia during Ramadan, people are much more focussed on God and praying. Generally it is quieter although the mosques are heard far more frequently. It is my first year for fasting, last year I was in the UK and cheated by giving out charity as I did not have any support from other Muslims but this year I am doing my best. It is only day 3 and so far it has not been too bad, have been very lethargic though and very thirsty. We get up at 5am to eat and drink before morning prayers just before 6, as do many other people. I, however go back to bed for a few hours sleep if I can. Others stay up and maybe sleep later in the day. The fast is broken around 7 45pm, many break the fast with dates or hot water. The evening is then spent drinking and eating a meal later. Surprisingly I have not felt that hungry and I guess that is the same for many as no one rushes to eat a lot when the fast is broken. Little and often seems to be the key until you eat a full meal later. This of course means no one seems to go to bed very early so the days have a very surreal feel to them.