My African Mother

I originally wrote this story for Gambia International Women Club , a new wonderful project by Ursa Faal, our volunteer coordinator living in the Gambia. It's about a woman who became very dear to me in the month a was staying there, one of the teachers named Anna. We had amazing conversations every day, full of wisdom and sharing of life experiences. She quickly accepted me as one of her own and became my African mother. I only have deep respect and admiration for this woman who has remained strong in the face of so many difficulties.

MEET THE SMILING ANNA
Her name is Anna and she is a teacher at Mo-beta Nursery and Primary School. Everyone's immediate comparison,upon meeting her for the first time, is Whoopi Goldberg. Her contagious laughter and singing echo throughout the school. I've never seen her in a bad mood so far. A smile is ever present on her lips. In my mind, she is the image of Mother Africa.

Those who don't know her well, would never guess the story behind the happy face. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, though. Anna is the mother of five children and she is also looking after a sixth one. They live in Latrikunda, a part of big town Serekunda. Home is just one room in a house. She shares the bed with her daugther while the rest sleep on the floor and her oldest son is living with a friend nearby as there is sadly not enough space for him left. Her husband went to Senegal in search of a job with which he could better provide for his family. Anna was left alone to take care of everything. 

As a teacher she barely makes enough to cover the cost of one bag of rice to feed her family for a month. After a busy day at school with a class of about 25 small children, there are six waiting for her at home together with all the housework. Despite this hardship, she is not one to give in to pessimism: “Happy thoughts attract happy things and vice versa.” For her, there is always a silver lining for every cloud that passes her way. She is always happy to help and is genuinely interested in the lives of those around her. Her smiles, hugs and good mood are a freely given treasure. She sings, she dances and she tries to play the guitar, although she doesn't actually know how to play. But she will learn, one day.

Anna still has dreams and wishes for the future: learn how to play the guitar and rent a bigger place, so she will be able to have all her children with her once more. She will never stop fighting, with a smile on her face, of course.

Anna is an inspiration for all of us. When I look at her it makes everything that I worry about so pathetic.