I have been busy! You will remember my ramblings about worldaidunited and the Gambia Day. Well. It worked. Last weekend we hosted an entire Africa Weekend. At almost the last moment we were surprised by the attendance of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Corporation and Gambians Abroad Dr. Tangara with an entire delegation. It seemed that we sparked some very high placed interest.
This - of course - meant that in the week (where we had planned the making of badges, perfecting plans, etc.) we were on the phone with the Embassy and our own Ministry of Foreign Affairs instead, getting it all arranged. It also meant that we were in danger of changing a very informal meeting of kindred spirits on developmental aid to an official visit. You can find some great pictures of the visit here.
Luckily we managed to keep the informal part safe. Even with the policemen on motorbikes,the obligatory black sedans and the very impressive personal security men it was very much informal. We had dinner together every day, we made sure to enjoy the benefit concert Wiep4Charity (for more on that check www.wiep4charity.nl) and we had loads of time on our very own Africa World Market. The Gambia Day was concluded by the signing of a letter of intent to ensure a good working relationship. In other words: IT WAS A SUCCESS.
The thing we did not count on was the fact that we could not go into hibernation after the events. We have been called, mailed and contacted in any way possible and we now actually have to go to work. Which is wonderful. It just does not leave a lot of time for quilting.
As a complete addict I need to quilt, or patch, or cut fabric..... and I did manage some. Just not enough to show you. So that is why I will show you my very own reward for the weekend. My godchild (almost 14) has not wanted to be touched in public in almost two years (hooray for puberty.....). However, she spent most of the benefit sitting on my lap. I have photographic evidence:
Have a wonderful Easter!
Lots of love,
Heleen
This - of course - meant that in the week (where we had planned the making of badges, perfecting plans, etc.) we were on the phone with the Embassy and our own Ministry of Foreign Affairs instead, getting it all arranged. It also meant that we were in danger of changing a very informal meeting of kindred spirits on developmental aid to an official visit. You can find some great pictures of the visit here.
Luckily we managed to keep the informal part safe. Even with the policemen on motorbikes,the obligatory black sedans and the very impressive personal security men it was very much informal. We had dinner together every day, we made sure to enjoy the benefit concert Wiep4Charity (for more on that check www.wiep4charity.nl) and we had loads of time on our very own Africa World Market. The Gambia Day was concluded by the signing of a letter of intent to ensure a good working relationship. In other words: IT WAS A SUCCESS.
The thing we did not count on was the fact that we could not go into hibernation after the events. We have been called, mailed and contacted in any way possible and we now actually have to go to work. Which is wonderful. It just does not leave a lot of time for quilting.
As a complete addict I need to quilt, or patch, or cut fabric..... and I did manage some. Just not enough to show you. So that is why I will show you my very own reward for the weekend. My godchild (almost 14) has not wanted to be touched in public in almost two years (hooray for puberty.....). However, she spent most of the benefit sitting on my lap. I have photographic evidence:
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| No we were not tilted......I just cannot get the picture in straight. |
Lots of love,
Heleen
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