Corner shops

The corner shop, or boutique is a staple of any Gambian neighborhood. I am still trying to find the best shop in my new neighborhood. Recently, as I waited for my car to be washed I was able to watch the comings and goings of a shop. It was breakfast time, so dozens came to buy breakfast sandwiches or fresh bread baked and delivered early this morning. Cooking oil, laundry soap, tea, sugar, and other household essentials were also regular purchases. And, our electricity and cell phones here are pre-paid so many were adding a little money for cash power or phone credit. We are still primarily a cash based society, but recently a money transfer service (think venmo) has become a payment option. You go to the corner store with cash and they deposit the money to your account, then you can send it to others and they go to their corner store to get the cash. This service has been a huge blessing as I manage our rural property from afar. The Gambia has come a long way. Pray for relationships in my new neighborhood and at the corner shop.