What was I saying!

Silly of me to grumble a while ago about communication problems in The Gambia. Home 'phone here was down for five days, then after that was restored our ISP (Pipex) had a hissy fit. First refused to let us in for two days, then opened with all our emails lost and then the next day opened (slowly, how slowly!) with ALL our emails - deleted, blacklisted - almost a thousand altogether from the last six months. Tried to contact Pipex without success. I've managed to delete all but the most needed but we have also lost all our address book. The drafts of important emails have also vanished. Drat, bother and trudget!

"The boy with the leg - again!"

This letter from Alhagie's brother arrived yesterday. When we first met Ousman he spoke English fluently but had great difficulty writing it ( he is also fluent in Arabic and is something of a gifted calligrapher in that language). I'm posting this letter for two reasons; first, to show how he has improved and second, to bring you up to date with Alhagie's progress. As you see, he is recovering well. I had been concerned that his operation may have been spoiled by later re-infection but thankfully this has not happened. He still has to attended the clinic for after-care, and he still needs medication to ward off re-infection. However, thanks to the wonderful support many of you have given he is a healthy teenage lad with a future.
He has missed a lot of schooling but is anxious (at least his parents are anxious!) to return to school and complete his education. If anyone is able to contribute to this please remember it's a long term commitment, and please get in touch with me for more information.
Thanks again to all of you, and best wishes for the rest of 2008.

Good news week!

Two items of good news this week, both by the same post. First, the above certificate from Ousman, the brother of Alhagie. It's taken a while to arrive but it was sent to show that our sponsorship of Ous has bourne fruit - he is now a qualified Early Years teacher! We're very happy for him and hope it will lead to employment. Teachers don't receive a large salary but hopefully he'll be able to support his family. Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this work. I'm hoping to be able to start travelling again but because of my recent health condition travel insurance is a problem. If you happen to know any insurance companies that have a soft spot for decrepit oldies please let me know!

Back again!

Sorry to have been out of touch for a while - old age and dodgy health to blame. Back in working order again and as soon as I've checked a few things out I'll be publishing again!
Best wishes,
Tom