May 1, 2024

(So sorry, I was told the video from my last post showing the children of Takoradi, Ghana was sent in full screen mode. If you go back and adjust the size icon, you will see the children better.)

Upon arrival, the first thing you notice is that the port of Banjul is full of boats in depleting conditions, including one that was beached and few that were slowly sinking.

In 1977, more than half of the US population at the time (that statistic is accurate) watched the TV miniseries “Roots.” I, like many of you, was mesmerized by the story of the young African Kunta Kinte, who was captured and sold into slavery in Virginia. Alex Haley’s book (Roots: The Saga of an American Family, upon which the miniseries was based) follows Kunta Kinte and his ancestors, leading seven generations later to Haley. If you haven’t seen Roots or were too young at the time to view it-watch it-an American classic.

Some famous people whose ancestors come from Gambia, include George Washington Carver and LeBron James.

The Gambian village of Jufureh is said to be where the eighth generation from Kunta Kinte on the African side lives. You take a ferry to get there.

After much searching, Haley years ago identified this village as the home of Kinte, and he met his seventh-generation cousin, the mother of the woman pictured below.

It is also customary to meet the chief of the community. In this case it was the Chieftain.

This area of Africa remains in the grips of poverty. The mechanisms of daily life are basic at best, yet these brothers were joyful while being a little camera shy.

I wondered why our journey was diverted from the Red Sea and I was asked to revisit Africa again. I am certain now that if seeing such profound poverty doesn’t stir a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings in one’s own personal life, then likely nothing ever will. I personally found myself being filled with thanks for having been born in a country, despite many of our own country’s problems, in a land that offers so much to so many and has allowed me the opportunity to help others. I know that I am often looked upon with a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment, but most often fun, as I try to interact, especially with the children, in a way that most “tourists” do not. I don’t think many are used to being hugged by a big white guy, but they readily take my hand and lead me to places where children will lead you. And I always try and leave them with some item of memory. Pens and pads are great because they open a whole area of creativity.

As this journey begins to end, I know that when I am back in the USA I will remember, picture and think of the children I have met and wonder how they are doing. In some small way, it is my prayer, that they may remember the guy who wore his hat backwards and know that there must be someplace different than what they now know.

That’s what dreams are made of.

Thanks for traveling with us.