The first time I visited The Gambia was in 1991 with my one-year old daughter, Alysha. Her father was Gambian.

Alysha’s father, Matarr Mbye and I had a very short relationship. I raised her alone in Germany, a country where racism still remains a major issue.  

After my 1991 Gambian visit, I lost contact with the family in Fajara. However, I always tried to explain to my daughter about her fatherland and the relatives living there. I promised to take her on a visit anytime I managed to save enough money. Her father was nowhere to be seen.  He passed away seven years ago.

Between 2010 and 2011, I started searching on Facebook to see if I could come across anyone from the Mbye family. There were a lot of Facebook users with the Mbye surname, so it wasn’t easy. I sent messages to different people, but to no avail.

I decided to visit The Gambia again, with no idea if they were all alive. It was more like a gamble!

I continued with my Facebook search shortly before we departed– checking photo albums to see if there was anyone that have almost the same features like Alysha. I sent a message to one Alima Mbye and she replied after a few minutes. Yes! She is one of Alysha’s cousins.

Alima gave us her father’s mobile number. It was one of the best moments in my life. Finally, I succeeded to connect my daughter with her roots in The Gambia.

They were all at the Banjul International Airport to welcome us. Alysha met her half-brother, Edi Mbye for the first. They hugged and were both speechless.

Since then, I started visiting The Gambia regularly. I think I am now a toubab Gambian. I love the country and the people. I have strong faith in humanity.

My other children, grandchildren and friends were also in The Gambia to experience the Smiling Coast. To see the difference. But one thing is clear and that is love is all over the world!