A Prayerful People

One thing that some people were scared about when I told them about Gambia is that this is a primarily Muslim country. I wasn't nearly as worried as I have several friends that are Muslim that are all wonderful people. However, often in the States we get ideas that all Muslims are extremist or blindly follow terrorist ways. A little less extreme, would be to say that women are trampled upon and have no rights at all. It may not be "patriotic" or "politically correct" to write a post about my observations about the Gambian's faith, but I think travel is an incredible way to educate yourself on a host of topics and life here revolves around their faith.

I am pleased to tell you that I am getting a completely different picture of Islam here. People are so peaceful, wonderful and happy to share their faith, but never forceful. They pray constantly, 5 times a day. And everything they do is to glorify God. They wash constantly which is a symbol of purification so they can pray to God. Even the cell phones have alarms that remind us of prayers. The mosques have loud speakers to remind them as well~like church bells. People carry their mats and pray anywhere and everywhere~on the streets outside of supermarkets, in the office, in any alley way are solitary crack or crevas you can find someone praying. When they are not kneeling they are carrying beads (it looks a lot like a rosary) and praying.

I never feel, as a woman, that I am looked down upon or have fewer rights here. (Sometimes I do regret being a woman simply because the men are much more vocal about professing their love for passerbys than women are.) Men do have more rights in things like divorce, are more likely to go to school, more likely to eat etc., but women are treated equally and are free to wear and do whatever they want. I must point out, that in many countries, Christian countries included, when families must choose which child get to go to school or eat a meal, they often favor sons because they have greater economic promise. But I must say, my office is full of Gambian women with their masters and PhDs.

Often in 3rd world countries, people's faith is amazing. They have nothing and realize that every little thing they get is from God. They have faith that what they don't have, He will provide it if He wants them to have it. I think often, in the States, we get used to relying on ourselves, thinking that our hard work or money can get us through any situation. There's just no job opportunities here, and certainly not many paying enough to pull oneself out of poverty! They look forward to heaven, because they know that life will be so much better. It's such a testimony of the Christians, as well as the Muslims here. I always thought the "Bible Belt" was the most religious place in the world-I think we've found a rival!