Hello one and all (perhaps just one or two at this point, but hoping that a fan base will soon form), my name is Matty and I am headed to The Gambia...TOMORROW!!
Yes, I'm off to the tiny West African country for 20 weeks to partake in the wonderful work being done by a partnership of Gambians and Canadians, who use peer education and health promotion as a vehicle for youth empowerment, and ultimately, social change. The Nova Scotia-Gambia Association has been in existence for over 20 years, now operating out of both Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Banjul, The Gambia, providing opportunities for youth, students and professionals in The Gambia to affect positive results for their communities. And, I get to be a part of this!
Exactly what this work looks like...well, I don't know. Exactly what my 20 weeks has in store for me...well, I can't say. Exactly why The Gambia is known as "The" Gambia...well, I'm not sure. But, I'm determined to find out. And, through this medium, I hope to share my experience with friends, family, well-wishers, and others back in Canada.
You know what else, I'm lucky enough to be headed over with a young professional from Prince Edward Island who is sure to keep me in check and grounded while away. I will let her introduce herself to you all soon. But for now I'm off to double-check that I've adequately prepared myself for this...this...adventure.
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FYI - Matty's flight itinerary for tomorrow/Tuesday:
Lunchtime flight - Halifax to Newark -- Overnight flight - Newark to Brussels, Belgium -- Mid-day flight - Brussels to Banjul (with pit-stop in Dakar, Senegal). All in all, we leave 12:45pm Monday from Halifax and arrive 6:30pm Tuesday in The Gambia.
I've got my reads: Bel Canto & The Girl who played with Fire; my new crossword-puzzle book (hard cover); and my IPod stacked with tunes of all assort.
Send me on my way...Will soon touch base once set up and online in Banjul. Until then, Don't Stop Believin.
Best,
Matty
