After a long and adventurous journey spanning a day and a half, I finally set foot in the serene community of Kosemar Tenda, nestled in Jimara, Upper River Region. It was a Thursday morning, the second of January, 2025, when the journey began. The bus, already carrying several Volunteers, picked me up at Airport Junction along with Mam Jarra and TO Essa Janko at precisely 9:52 AM. From there, we headed to Brikama to gather the rest of the team.
As we traveled deeper into Foni, the reality of our mission began to sink in. One by one, my fellow Volunteers were dropped off at their designated communities. Each goodbye was a mixture of excitement and melancholy, the bittersweet essence of embarking on new beginnings while leaving behind the familiar. Watching some of my colleagues, especially the more emotional ones shed tears, made the experience all the more poignant. These were moments of connection and vulnerability, a testament to the bonds we had forged.
By nightfall, ten Volunteers had been dropped off, leaving just four of us on the bus. As my turn approached, the reality of my new chapter loomed closer. However, it was too late to continue, as my host community was located three kilometers off the South Bank road. Our Volunteer Leader (VL) decided we should spend the night in Basse. We checked into the aptly named Happiness Hotel, where we rested and prepared for the next day’s journey.
The following morning, Friday, at 10 AM, we resumed our travels. The route took us through Tinkinjo, Banni, and Kassi Kunda, where the remaining Volunteers were dropped off. By then, I was the last Volunteer left on the South Bank, and the bus was now heading toward my destination. The journey was both exhausting and exhilarating as I witnessed the diverse landscapes and vibrant communities of my colleagues’ host villages.
Finally, after hours on the road, we arrived at Kosemar Tenda at exactly 1:54 PM. A wave of relief and anticipation washed over me as I stepped off the bus. My anxiety dissolved into a sense of calm as I took in my surroundings. As we approached my host family’s compound, I turned to the VL and asked, “Which house is mine?” He pointed to a modest structure, and I nodded, feeling an odd mixture of curiosity and acceptance.
The moment I alighted, I thought, this is it. I’m finally here. I collected my luggage and was warmly greeted by my host mother, who welcomed me with lunch. My host father was at the mosque for Friday prayers, so we waited for his return. When he arrived, his genuine smile and kind words made me feel instantly at home. “This is your home,” he said warmly. “Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything.”
After a brief conversation, he showed me to my house, where I unpacked and rested. Later that evening, the chill of the night brought everyone together around a crackling fire. It was a beautiful moment of connection as we shared stories and laughter. They asked about my background, and I listened intently to theirs, slowly weaving myself into the fabric of this community.
By 10 PM, I retired to my room, exhausted but content. My journey to Kosemar Tenda marked the beginning of a profound chapter in my life, filled with new experiences and relationships I was eager to nurture.
Here’s to a successful and meaningful service ahead. Thank you for reading.