To all who read this- many thanks and greetings to the students at Arcadia school, I hope you read the letter/email I sent your teacher. I hope all your questions were answered, if not please ask more. To the rest of America, I figured out how to write blogs on my internet phone. I just want to write a small small note while I am thinking of you all, as the holiday season is coming now now. This, inshallah, will be my last christmas in Africa, or for at least a while. (forgive my english, I've been gone far too long and have adapted Gambian english). I know Thanksgiving was the time of giving. We, as people living and working in Western societies, would like to give to others who are in need. But how to give and what to give is often the problem, am I right? (As i type this, I have a young man asking me for lunch, which is kinda funny.) Where to send the money or what organization to give to to assure your hard earned money goes to the actual people in need? Do I give domestically or abroad? All good questions to ponder, which leaves some of us not giving at all, because of the many questions to ponder prior to the act is even made. Well, Ill give you my opinion. I have seen where aid goes, if it is UNDP or World Food Program or USAID, here in The Gambia. This Christmas season, if you want to give, give to the UN or Peace Corps. From what I gather these two major organizations will utilize your donations more effectively then others. So enough talk about money. How are you all doing back home? I am well, hanging in there. Holidays are not fun when you are hot and away from people who love you. Still trying to get my work in a position that is stable so when I leave it will continue. Also I am still trucking along planning out my future after pc. Anybody out there want to offer me a full-time job in April til end of summer?? Almost every night now I must use a blanket to stay warm enough to be able to sleep. It is nice to have that option to alter the temp of my surrounding, if only just a little. Ill make this short so I am able to up-load this via my phone. With much peace and love. Trav