The art of gratefulness.

Recently I've been thinking about how much I have to be grateful for. This past year has presented me with so many opportunities. 

Admittedly I had to be bed bound and very ill to have the time to think about this subject properly. {Feeling better now though after momentarily feeling like death put in a oven.}

Firstly out here in the Gambia I have so many things to admire in my day-to-day life. I love watching the strong women working. Carrying buckets on there heads and babies secured on their back with a scarf. {Too cuttteeee.}

It's great seeing the men at the road side selling the coconuts I adore. I get excited by the busy markets and especially the fish market. The fish market is full of life and colour. The boats are beautifully painted. The kids play and help the adults. Also, i love the doughy balls they sell there. A brilliant snack. {Delicious! I have far too many when I visit...}

I love the kids making toys out of absolutly nothing. Most kids at my school play games with socks and shoes. Some of the older girls sing and make music with old tins. It's really beautiful to watch. The power of play doesn't have a price tag. 

I am proud to be a teacher here. The kids are inspiring in ways I cannot even begin to put into words.

I'm overhelmed by the fact I'm in a home that makes me feel like I belong. I enjoy eating as a family from one big bowl while cross legged on the floor. Learning how to cook african dishes, helping in the garden and looking after the kids. It's fantastic and I am so happy to be here. {Kaddy really is my Gambian mummy}

This past year has been really good. I feel closer to my family than I ever have. Especially my mum, sister, gran sandra and granpa don. I realise how lucky i am to have so many people who love me and look out for me. 

(Please ignore my face in the above photo)

I have a diagnosis for my special hand which was brilliant. {Cheers NHS it took you a year but you finally got there.}

I am grateful for my education. {Like im going to uni in September...crazy!}

I love my friends who stick by me even when I am in a different continent. 

I'm so excited for what the future has to hold. I don't know what is going to happen but no matter what I am going to be forever grateful. 

I want live life to the fullest. No regrets. If I have learned one thing from being in The Gambia is the how important it is to smile. 

Ps, sorry for lack of blogs recently. Been busy and then ill.