Five of us have just returned from a flying visit, it was a very busy week and much got packed in.

Our first day was a busy one starting with Sifoe nursery school where we were well entertained by the young pupils. They were very pleased to receive crayons, pencils and lollipops!! We had good conversations with James and the teacher, Kadi, who felt the nursery was working very well and was really enjoying her involvement.  A big 'thank you' to those who help to support her.

From there we visited Sifoe secondary school and talked to the Headmaster. He was keen to be 'joined' in a pen pal sort of situation to a school in Britain. There are one or two possibilities for this that need looking into. They have just a few sponsor children there at the moment, but have many more on a waiting list who also need financial help... they are extremely grateful for all the folk that take this on.

Walking around the schools in the dry African heat was very debilitating so we were glad to fit in a quick swim to cool off after this! We met up with Ebrima and Fatou Sowe later for supper and got updates on all the schools and sponsorships. Fatou is very grateful for the sponsorship she is receiving for the advanced community care course she is taking. Ebrima now has a job in a bank, which is thanks to the HFA sponsorship over the past four years.

Next morning was an early start in the land rover heading for Sabi. We went across on the ferry to the north bank where the drive was long but very good with the new quiet tarmac road (not my experience before!!)

As we reached the Sabi compound it was wonderful to see the joy on the children's faces at our arrival – Jan, of course, being the main attraction. We were given a warm welcome. No rest now as everyone wanted to meet all the visitors. The mud huts were far too hot for sleeping in so arrangements were made to sleep under the stars on the korah, which is a cement platform – every compound has several so that people can sleep outside when the weather is hot.

We were fed on different compounds; every visit we made people seemed to want to feed us – hospitality is very important to the people here, and they feel honoured if visitors will eat their food. They in turn were delighted with gifts of clothing, stationary for school children and sweets and lollipops for the rest. It was good to see some of the sponsor children and to be able to converse with some in English.

Next day we were up bright and early to visit the Sabi schools, both Lower Basic (primary) and Upper Basic (similar to our Middle schools but the pupils often much older). We took stationary items that we had bought from the UK for which the teachers were very grateful. Hannah & Jan needed to sort out new uniforms for some of the pupils; these had already been measured and made so was a case of fitting children out. Hannah was not too happy as the tailor had charged far too much and the quality of the uniforms left much to be desired!!! Still, the children were overjoyed and did not care at all about these minor details – some girls had dresses dragging on the floor and some of the boys' shorts were so big round the waist you could have fit two of them in there!

A visit to the library was a bit disappointing as many books had gone missing and it was obviously in a state of disrepair – gutting for Jan who put so much effort into getting it off the ground a few years ago... but the Headmaster assured us that he would see that things were improved on and the library used to its full advantage.

More visits to neighbouring compounds to be fed yet again, Claire (our youngest member) seemed to really enjoy the food. Temperatures were rising so we needed to rest where we could find a shady spot.

Next morning we had to say our good byes to Sabi which was no mean task as all the children from everywhere around seemed unhappy for us to go. We headed down country, Hannah and Fatou Sowe joined us, and we experienced a much bumpier ride than the upward journey. We did stop halfway overnight where we were able to swim and relax in the swimming pool and have birthday celebrations next morning for our oldest member!

We were unable to start the remainder of the journey until after midday as it was cleaning Saturday in The Gambia when no cars are allowed on the road. We stopped at Fatou Sowe's parents home, and enjoyed yet more food!! They were all so kind and pleased to see us. Fatou's mother gave Claire a bracelet and in true African style Claire returned the compliment by giving Fatou one of hers (How did Claire know that was the thing to do – Well done).

We arrived back at the coast tired and dusty but managed to have supper in a nice spot overlooking the sea. Sunday – a taste of African church. Very loud, very welcoming, very long, (why do we complain about 30min. sermons). A good experience for us all.

Next morning (home day) a visit to one of the women from Sabi who has been staying at the coast. It was so good to see her and she was also obviously pleased to see us. We spent an hour or so sitting in their up market home! And playing with the children, the older children were able to converse in English, which was great to experience. Now last minute packing, lunch and off to airport to have, of course, the inevitable delay. Oh well time to reflect.