Some Gambians don’t get to go home and see their families for Christmas. Andrew Sambou is one of them. He’s currently in Dakar, Senegal to work for his company. 

He told What’s On-Gambia that this is the first Christmas he is celebrating outside the country. Andrew admitted that it wouldn’t be easy for him. 

“I’m not so excited about Christmas this year. I enjoy spending it with my family. Christmas is all about family,” he explained. 

Andrew, who doesn’t have a choice, has to deal with homesickness. Talking about his family’s Christmas traditions, he said: “ We usually clean the compound, paint the walls and decorate the living room. On Christmas day, my mum would cook with the help of my sisters. I’m always the DJ and sometimes I have friends around.” 

The young devout Catholic is working for RLG Communications, a leading African ICT company. His assignment in Dakar ends on the 27^th December 2013. 

Every Christmas, Andrew sets out to help the church with preparations. He is the Youth Coordinator at St. Kizito’s Parish and the Youth Convener at the Gambian Christian Council. 

“ We, the youths of the church, normally clean the church compound. I always attend the Eve Mass that is the Christmas Midnight Mass.  After the mass then we normally sell food and drinks.  On Christmas day, the mass starts at 09:00AM.” 

Andrew would like to wish his family, friends and Christians in the country a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

“Praying for God’s blessing unto us all. Wishing my RLG family all the best in the New Year,” he finally said.