Sadness & Prayers

Anita relaxing on the way back from Bansang overland in March 2012

Last night we received the news that both Glenis and I had been dreading, a reminder once more, if it were needed of how our futures hang by a single silken thread, blown by the winds of fate/God/Allah or whatever. Anita had an appointment at Kettering General Hospital yesterday to receive the results of last weeks breast biopsy;  the results were positive and she is now due for an operation to remove the cancerous tumours on the 5^th December followed by 2 weeks of radio therapy. I know in my heart that Anita has strength, courage and determination to say nothing of downright stubbornness and will beat this terrible disease and I also know that she will have the prayers of countless thousands of people not only at home in the Uk and of course in her second home, Gambia, but also worldwide such is the  universal love for Anita. Somehow today Glenis and I will continue with the tasks Anita has asked us to carry out for her at the Hospital, and rest assured that we will do our damnedest to complete them all , even though at this moment in time, all we both want to do is to jump on a plane home to be with our dearest friend as she faces her life’s toughest test.

Yesterday was another long, tiring day with a long ride out into the bush, north of the river Gambia, almost up to the Senegalese border to take the mattress and rice we had bought to Eddrissa and his family. This involved not just a ferry crossing on a hand pulled boat but also over an hours drive on some of the worst dirt roads I have encountered in Gambia and then a drive on sandy tracks to end up at Eddrissa’s village where we received a wonderful welcome from everyone and a spectacular send off from the children.  Eddrissa, who suffers from severe hydrocephylis is wonderfully cared for by his loving parents and inspite of his terrible condition which prevents development and leaves him unable to control most of his normal functions, remains alert and turned to see what was happening when our photo flashes went off. He also seemed to recognise Sulayman who visits him regularly to monitor his condition and deliver his much needed drugs. We arrived back at the ferry just as darkness fell after a spectacular dash to try to beat the sunset due to the vehicles poor lights. We then all where we spent an uncomfortable hour being feasted upon by the myriad of Mosquitos on the river bank… neither Glenis nor I had thought to pick up our Mosi deterrent sprays although we had both applied them liberally in the morning.

Eddrissa's father with new mattress and bag of rice

 Today I must try once more to get hold of the illusive Dembo. Head of maintenance ,for an inspection of the children’s ward and to get prices for painting some of the staff accommodation blocks… I knew full well when I first looked at Anita’s email that this was going to be my most difficult task. Meanwhile, Glenis will be visiting Isatou, the accountant, to try to obtain the pile of receipts we need to bring back with us for the BHA accountant Richard. We also have to try to visit Boy Bah and Ismalia to hand over the sponsorship money, and visit a few staff in their compounds. Then this evening I am off to visit Sulayman at his home to chat about the Scoots and a few ideas I have. Although in the light of last night’s news, that as well as my other imminent travel plans, may well have to go on the back burner for a while as I think I may well be heading back here at the end of January to try once more to sort various jobs for Anita… a poor substitute for the hospital I know, but unless someone else steps up to the mark, I might just  be the only option!!!