Be Beneen Yoon...For Now.
I got home last night from The Gambia after spending 4 months studying abroad there. This was not just your typical study abroad trip. It was a mix of school, work, language and culture, and host families.
The past 4 months have been so wonderful. Obviously, things didn't go perfectly all the time. But through the ups and downs, I am happy to say that I had one of the best semesters of my life in The Gambia.
One of the most important aspects of this program to me was the language and culture class and our host families. We were able to learn and speak Wolof pretty well throughout the semester. They speak English in The Gambia, but they also speak other local languages. It's good to mix both or just speak Wolof.
We didn't live with them, but when we visited our host families they took us in and involved us in their own family. I miss my family SO much. I love all of them so much, and I really hope to see them again.
I miss and thank everyone at Happy Camp who made our stay in The Gambia much smoother. Seeing them everyday is something that I got very used to, so it will be weird not greeting them every morning.
...
Leaving The Gambia was not easy. I knew it would be hard, but I didn't imagine that I would feel all of the emotions that I felt when I was saying goodbye to my host family, my friends, and the people of Happy Camp. We stood around in the airport, waiting for the time that we should have gone through security for almost an hour, trying not to leave so soon and continuing our goodbyes with our friends, Malayn, Naisatou and her kids Musa and Ahmed, and Baboucarr. We were such hot messes. I refused to leave. I had never seen them look so sad until our departure.
The Gambia has made a huge impact on me in my life so far. These past 4 months have been the most incredible months of my life. I learned so much about the culture and myself. I have made the lasting relationships that I was seeking. I tried to never take a single moment for granted while I was there, and that, quite honestly, made it so much better.
I met so many great people and plan on staying in touch with all of these people for a very long time. I WILL come back. I am going to miss everyone so much. I am hoping that we will meet again one day, in'shallah (by God's will).
I don't ever want to forget the impact that The Gambia had on me. I don't want to forget the amazing people I have met. I want these memories from The Gambia to last a lifetime. I will never forget you, Gambia. I love you, Gambia.
Be beneen yoon, for now.
Goodbye photo with some family members
Farewell, Happy Camp
Some of us with Gadiry, the bitik (shop) owner next door
At the airport, trying not to cry for the picture