Final Post of Cameroon

Most people take it easy at the end just heading to the beach for a relaxation before they take the long plane ride home. Not Rev and I! We went to Mutengene and Mboppi so I had a chance to work with the social workers there. Rev also took me to see my former babysitter Sarah Evande whom I had not seen since I was 6. It was wonderful to see her and go to see her husband preaching and having a baptistim. Sarah and I just kept hugging and saying how good it was to see each other. There were no words, but it was specialness none the less! I also had another one of my final wishes come true. Bee Westerman, who had helped me get ready for my trip, her one request what that I go visit her school she started. We made friends with the chaplain's wife at Mutengene and so they gave us a grand tour. (she was really impressed by my pidgin.) What a beautiful place and then because of a mishap,one of the student's ride left without her, so I graciously allowed her to stay with me as there would be a ride the next day. After a long treking adventure, we had her off. I also got to go to 2 graduation parties out of more than 6,000 graduating from Buea. It struck me strange how similar they are to American ones. What a wonderful end to a fabulous internship! I was just inspired how God fulfilled three of my dreams even right at the end. There was also this unexplainable peace around me as I was left on my own to fly back. Because of the prayers of his people, he brought people to surround and encourage me just when I need it which included people from Mboppi, all over Africa, Sweden, Beligium and so on. God has a way of providing even through the snow storm in Chicago and on the road home form Minnepolis. I found my parents and Chris easily and it was just wonderful to embrace them! I am safe at last though considerably frozen with this subzero temps. It now truly feels like Christmas!! Merry Christmas to all thank you for your incredible prayers and taking the time to read about my adventure!! Let me here about your own adventure soon! ;-D Amber

God's Finishing Touches

In Cameroon the 3 A's are very important: Authority, Age, and Academics. I do not have the first two but people seemed to still enjoy. This was a busy week of parties, hugs and goodbyes. I started out playing volleyball with the team for the last time. This was a big event as the next day was my disability day. This meant for one day, I had to wear a cast on my left arm (writing, eating fufu, even bathing with the right hand). I told everyone I fell down during volleyball. Everyone believed me and felt awful for me. I felt a super guilty. They even tried feeding me ingine (fried grasshoppers). Wed. was another big day as I was giving blood for the first time, being tested for HIV (among other things). The blood donation was pretty painless except for me standing up and getting yelled at to lie down again. They even took my picture for the World AIDS Day pamplets. In the afternoon, I got to get created as I figured out how to fill waterballoons and explain games to the deaf kids. We had a load of fun getting wet and everyone was jumping to help me. That night I treked to a friend's house as he had killed a katikati (chicken) in my honor. Thursday was my last official day, so I spent it going around saying goodbyes and attending my own farewell party. Friday morning I sang with the choir and even directed one number (video footages to come soon) aka jingle bells and totally rocked the house. They then gave me a certificate for my internship and I had to make my big speech goodbye which because of God's strength, I made it through without crying! We took off afterward (well, after they pulled every well wisher away) and took off to Mutengene. I experienced university graduations today (people galore) and worked with the social worker in the Muengene Hospital. To much fun and it is all coming to an end as I say final goodbyes and head out on Monday. Please pray as I meet some old friends I haven't seen in 16 years tomorrow, as I work with the staff at Nboppi Monday and as I fly home on Monday night. Seems so wild that in a few days this place with the beautiful palm trees, God adoring people, and juicy fruits will be miles and miles away. May God's peace be with us all!

Seeking the Source

Hi one all, These are remembrances of my 5 mi march which of course includes dancing and singing for World AIDS day. Yes I am wearing a weave or better known hear as a cap. People thought I was a new person and were wondering who this Chinese women was! I had a terrific time marching (the truck had a load speaker and microphone) and singing all the songs we could thinking of being remotely close to HIV/AIDS. Everyone bought shirts and we held a forum in the next town on HIV education we were also there to answer any questions people might have.
Wed. the day started out at 4 a.m. The midwife (right picture) called me to see the birth of twins another mother who was having her first baby girl. It was an incredible experience to be part. Now the mothers are asking me to pick out some names for them.
This week it really hit me that I only have 2 weeks. I am already starting my last time to do certain things and it is so sad. Many people are inviting me to their house and then again and again which I cannot do. A well, it is fun being loved!
God is challenging me as I gave away my pidgin Bible and saw kids reciting every verse they know. I am trying to dig into the word and find out what God has in store for me. Please pray as I finish up my last week, traveling, and the hardest of all, saying goodbyes

Taking the time to grow in Christ

Hey Friends and Family,

You know the feeling of getting all your plans in order and getting all excited about something and then everything suddenly changes. No know worries, I did not have a motorcycle accident and I am still well intact. I am just saying this week turned out way different than I imagined but it was a stretching experience.
I had my bag all packed to go to Bible Conference from Wed to Sat, but due to the illness of one of the social workers and vacation time for the other, I quickly found myself as the only social worker at the hospital. It did not seem wise for me to leave with such a huge gapping hole, so I was the relieve duty.
As I was booked to be in surgery on Tues, I decided to still go and they could call me out if their were any social cases. Surgery was impressive as I watched an Orthopedist explain to his wife each procedure after 40 years of surgery this was her first opportunity to be in the operating room with him. So precious! I was amazed as I watched different part of the body come out that I had just seen in pictures or know about but now I was actually seeing. I was able to see a tourist from Holland get his leg pieced back together, hysterectomy, ruptured intestine, eye surgery and so much more. I was called out for some social cases that proved to be in French and so hadto get creative. It was week of big pressures on my shoulders, but my supervisor came on Wed., so that help a huge amount.
Chris' package also arrived on Thursday and what an encouragement. I got to explain how to pop popcorn in a jiffytin popper and was impressed that what I saw as trash turned into a tennis racket for kids to play. God works in ways that are a mysterious to us. How can people not stop and praise him. No matter what the loss or cost, there is a reason to hope. God continues to prove this over and over to me through the people I encounter here! Please pray for the stamina for my last two weeks and following where God wants me to place my energy and honor him! God's speed! (Pictures of me on an Mbingo Hill hike and my day in surgery)

Almost Dec???

With temps still some days in the 90s this ND girl finds it hard that Nov. is coming to an end. I started playing Christmas music to get myself in the mood. The music is great but it isn't really working.
I had another wonderful week. Rev got back on Wed so I was still alone Monday and Tues. Wed. I had to debrief Rev. on all my clients. Sister Comfort, my real social work supervisor came Thurs. and then Fri we went to a home and school for handicap children and adults. I was quite impressed with their physiotherapy and how clean everything was kept. We were shown many before and after pictures of children with bowed legs, amputations, and mental disorders. It was just so impressive to me how concerned the caretakers were and how much passion they had in their job. One could tell it was a real calling.
I stayed Friday night in Bamenda with one of my Cameroonian friends. It was my first time staying just like with one person. We slept in her big bed and feasted on french fries and eggs. We had a delightful time and she said I was welcome anytime. Sat. I wanted to come back for my first Cameroonian wedding and it was my roommates last day. Rev. found me a ride as he didn't want me to take public transport. Because of car trouble we didn't leave for 2 hours. The wedding was to start at 10 a.m. and I didn't arrive until 1 p.m. where the church was overflowing and the sermon was still going on. I realized I hadn't missed much and saw that it was just God's way of helping me. Sunday was tough as I had gone around with Jen to say goodbye but then had to say one of my own to her. She was a God given gift to have here. Where she was brave, I wasn't and vice versa. We were a great pair. She is off climbing Mt. Cameroon now because she heads out on Thursday.
Right now, I am the only Social Worker at the hospital as my colleagues are on leave. I was suppose to be leaving on Wed for a Bible Conference and going to Theatre to observe surgery tomorrow, but now God only knows. Please be in pray as I try to discern my place.
Love you all! See ya in 3 weeks, can you believe it!?!

Amber

Calling me Closer

I know for some of you the count down has already begun. As of yesterday, I only have one month left. Sometimes that seems insane and other times I feel like I've been here a long time. Today is a big conference for Contact Tracing (Following the HIV trail with sexual partners or family members). A bunch of the social workers came and they just couldn't believe that I was still here. They thought I was long gone. A well, they were still happy to see me!
Yesterday, I had the chance to go back to the church where my Gateway Team from my last trip in 2006 helped build the church roof. They were so excited to see me again and have me in their midst. Auntie Else (another missionary) and another friend went with me. It was so nice to be with others for a pastor's ordination. Not many pastors are ordained because of the cost to the church. I was so excited that "my" church had seen the blessing and not the burden of ordaining their pastor (pictures of the church and some of my "old" friends from church). On the way back to the Baptist Center, we ran into Dennis Palmer another missionary that was headed back to Mbingo, so I hitched a ride with him no problem. God just has his fun ways of working together.
It was another week in the office where I got to listen to people's pains and burdens. I had my first OPD (Out Patient Department) pediatric therapy session and also a session in country talk which was translated into French and again for me in English. Sometimes I get frustrated that I do not understand the culture and French better but I am working on it. Rev and Mildred are still not back so I will be in the office again for Monday and Tuesday.
This is also the last full week that my roommate Jennifer has. Boy am I going to miss her. We decided to go on on last adventure this week to the nearby caves. On of the missionary kids is going to be our official tour guide. Should be wonderful!
Thanks for all your prayers! I saw a butterfly yesterday and it was just God's way of saying lighten up. I instantly relaxed. I even got to eat some garden strawberries that were amazing. God provides even when you least expect it!
Please continue to pray:

1) Me in the office alone
2) Strength as Jen leaves and travel mercies for the many missionaries leaving.
3) New energy as I enter the final month and goodbyes begin.

Thank you for your wisdom, love and prayers!

Hearts beating one for Christ~Amber

What is under my control?-God gives you the wings!

Allo my pipul! Our memory verse yesterday in church was, how can we say we do not love our brother or sister when we see them but we love God when we cannot see him. (1 John 4:20) Sometimes it is easier to love something or someone you cannot see as they become almost like a fantasy. Don't worry, I still miss you all terribly at home. I am just thinking about leaving this place and the people here that I have grown so fond of seeing even if I get annoyed at times. I seem to still pursue God when I am frustrated! I am learning what kind of missionary I do and do not want to be, and realize I cannot judge the ones that are here as they each have their own unique ministry and work together as a team despite many differences. This week, I had the chance to eat at 3 of the chaplain's houses including Rev. Godlove who was celebrating his 19th wedding anniversary. I gladly covered him in the office as this was the first day he had taken off in 6 years and his wife was on leave too. I was proud of him. One of the chaplains had planned to feed us chicken but as all four of his chickens were stolen the night before we didn't have meat. Jen and I didn't mind. We enjoyed his church services as his style reminds me of dad, making jokes, using illustrations, and shaking hands at the door. I feel at home. Some of the missionaries also treated us to dinner where we were spoiled with fajitas, barbecue, and ice cream among many others things.
This was a fascinating week for us with the election. We've been congratulated so often and heard all the jokes from slavery to president, black man in white house, and "Amber, you are going to be my campaign manager as I'm running for next term!" My roommate Jen and I anxiously waited to hear the result only to find the station in French and we couldn't even make out Obama or McCain. Finally the BBC came on. What a time in history! Even my grandpa said he didn't think he would see the day and being in Africa during it all only lends to the excitement.
This week I am in the office alone again, so prayers as it is always an adventure to see what kind of clients will walk in the door. Thank you!!

I pray God is giving you direction as you follow his path!

Love in Christ,

Amber

P.S. This week we took so many pictures but I finally decided on Laura doing my hair as we had just went to the salon to shave hers for school. The other is a picture of Mami Veronica as she is the last remaining member of the original people who came to the leprosy village. The other man, the chief, just passed away, so we greeted a new chief. She was so generous at giving Jen and I four eggs! I have so much to learn from their willing hearts! Godspeed!

Breath of Heaven

Hey Concerned troopers!

Another week under my belt and many smiles of appreciation for your prayers! I was officially initiated into the Cameroon society today as I helped lead worship with the other social workers and chaplains. They told me I was one of the best dancers (not even in jest) and it was amazing how many people joined in today which doesn't always happen. Man, I sure worked up a sweat but it was all for God's glory! Next time I am going to lead the singing and response.
This week I prayed that God would use me for his benefit and any capacity he wants to use me! Boy did he take me up on that offer. Monday I worked until 9:30 p.m. (when I usually finish at 3 p.m.) and Tuesday I was working with the family who lost a loved one. The mother was so distraught that she asked if I could keep her daughter for the night. I think the girl thought God had sent her to heaven sleeping for the first time in her own bed, using a shower and toliet. I went through a little culture shock too explaining everything including white man oil. She wasn't too sure about white man food but she still loved us anyway.
Halloween is not celebrated here and April (another missionary) told us to be careful as they believe in juju and evil spirits. Jen and I couldn't help ourselves after some Cameroonians told us it would be all right. I got out my grocho mark's glasses and base ball hats. Though some people thought we got into an accident, most thought the glasses were hilarious and wanted to try them on too. You never know how something is going to come across, but God used it to encourage others and think light thoughts too.
Dry season is almost here, so many people are coming in for malaria. They are also hunting up big buckets of grasshoppers and termites to roast. I haven't been offered them yet but it is only a matter of time! ;-D I was doing my devotions and reading Isaiah 30 which talked about being like grasshoppers and I just had to laugh!
It was a hard beginning to the week, I had one mental break down, but am relying on God for strength and he is giving an abundance of ideas to help clients. I know it is not from me. Please pray this next week as we have several new people arriving. I will be in maternity ward this week and am super excited to hold babies especially lots of twins! May God continue to bless your dancing steps as you follow him.

Whoa!

Ok ok ok! It is Wed. and I haven't written you people yet! I miss you so much! Thank you for all the encouragement you are giving to me. I love hear what is happening in your lives and in American in general...I sent off my absent t ballot. This is the 2nd time I have voted absent of 2x I have voted for a national election. Sure is funny how that works! ;-D

I arrived in Bamenda last Monday just in time for my German friend Neele's birthday! We had a great celebration including crazy games with potatoes and hitting pans. I think the Camerooneans that came thought we were strange but that didn't keep them from joining in on all the fun!

I went back to the clinic from Monday-Thursday working with my supervisor in our 3 support groups of Commercial Sex Workers. (we took pictures but I don't feel comfortable putting them on the web ask me when I'm home.) We now have 7 in school and 7 to start their apprenticeship this week. They are all motivated and quite eager to learn which is encouraging more people to come. I brought 3 extra Bible to give out so I thought these 3 groups were a perfect fit. They were oh so grateful and you should have heard our worship in the clinic! (i hope other clients where enjoying the praises too! ;-) ) Wednesday, my supervisor Comfort (picture of her and her family) invited me for supper and to learn how to make some traditional food. Man it was tons of work and I didn't get home til 8:30 p.m. Usually in the city I don't go out after 6 p.m., but God took good care of me. On Thursday I came back to work in the counseling office alone and then I went to the village with Dr. Anna on Friday. (other pic) We had a wonderful time and I got see another side of life and enjoy meeting many new friends. The biggest stick of sugar cane (8ft) was given to me for the thanksgiving in church, they loved having me. They have invited me back for this weekend, and they told me that if I don't come, then they are going to all come stay in my room! ;-D My help comes from the Lord! Where can I run where he will not find me??? Thanks for keeping up with me!!

Majesty of God's Whispers

I was just thinking last night before I went to bed and this morning before I got up, how much I love getting up in the morning because I just can't wait to see what God will bring my way.  Sure sometimes it is difficult and I get a big massive headache, but God still has never given me anything I can't handle.  Guess he just loves us too much and this week as been no exception...

Tues:  Rev. and Mildred got a serious client couple and told me to get lost, so I went to the primary school here and got a tour.  They also changed class from math to french so I could learn something.  Then I went on rounds in children's ward, practised my French and gave out stickers. (don't worry I still need tons more practice with french!)  Then I went to the HIV clinic to greet my friends.  The Dr. told me that he was starting to take applications for good Christian men that don't yell or beat in order to find a good husband for me (this is huge as he was just going to trade my roommate Jen to the Fulani men for 50 horses).  The head nurse asked to see me and we did co-discipleship to a boy that had just became a Christian!  So cool!

Wed:  Fewuf!  I travelled to Bamenda in order to see the juvenile detention center (all under 18 in prison are sent to school which is a huge perk for them because school is expensive!) and the holding area for people who were waiting to go to court, and finally we went to see the men in the more responsible part.  I was pretty scared but no one hurt me just flashed me.  They sleep in big rooms and a free to play football and basketball when they are behaving. There are no bars and they are always free to be outside in their little village sealing baskets, popcorn, or what other goodies they get.  Next we went to the general hospital to talk with some more social workers.  Both of these places were governmentally run and I was unable to take pictures.  Right when I came back it was time to go to support group.  I had seen a few of these guys as they came for testing in Mbingo and told them I  probably couldn't come for group, so they were super excited to see me!  Because we go many of them into school again, we had many new comers.   We were able to test many as well for HIV.  I was super tired by now and ready to go back to Mbingo, but the day still had many more visitors in store!

Thur/Fri:  I was as I say "BIG man for Counselling Office."  Rev. wife said I should say big women but somehow that just doesn't sound as good.  Anyway, I was in charge of the office for 2 days which is pre-test for a week when I'll be alone for a whole week.  I saw my first client all alone yesterday where the session was in pigeon.  It went so well and I was super encouraged.  Then I went to do a presentation for the secondary school with another social worker.  The kids thought it hilarious that an American would want to come to Africa when they all wanna come to America.  I gave the illustration about soccer and everybody was right with me.  It was a blast!  I wasn't even that nervous!  (i'm getting better at giving presentation in front of huge crowds!)  Today I saw a client for 4 hours which was tiring and now I am off for a diner engagement.  God is paving the way and I can't wait to see what comes next!!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!!

Hey lovely blog viewers!

I hope you are enjoy walking this journey along with me! This week was full of greetings and re-connections as I was meeting up with "old" friends I hadn't seen in over 2 weeks. Everyone seemed to have realized I had been gone and now Mami's daughter as they call me had returned. (my name is still hard to say even though the butter has the same name and there is a song a well).

Canadian Thanksgiving is TOMORROW, so this means I have to work here BUT I did get to celebrate throwing a party on Sat. All the "white" people came early (i think it was the aroma of pizza that brought them), even ones I didn't invite but it was ok. Christy, who is my fellow Canadian here brought some delicious pizza and pop and then I order pizza, veggies, fufu and jamajama for the Cameroonians, cake, and popcorn. The Cameroonians also finally came all but 3 that I invited, but they love pizza too so I had tons of fufu left over. Go figure! My Cameroonian "mother" suggested that we could take them to one of the bill penders that didn't have any food. So we spread the cheer!

Cameroonians are celebrating Thanksgiving all month of Oct. Each Sunday one quarter brings the fruits of their farms. As you can see from the picture there was tons that they all paraded in the church and then took outside to be auctioned where all the money went back to the church. We got caught in the rain but still had a great time! My roommate Jennifer (the one in the picture with me eating sugarcane which someone gave us from the fruits) came with me and we had a blast. She has now been here a week and is adjusting well. We get along great and talk for hours at night. God is keeping me safe and way from strange germs. Thank you for your prayers and love! Miss you all!

NO Worries! I am back again...

Sunnew!! This is a greeting in Fulani, but I am trying to pick up a few words. Sorry it has been forever. We have been struggling with electricity for the last 2 weeks, so are loving flashlight dinners and reading by candle light. After spending a week at the Banso hospital, going to a funeral and palliative care launching on my birthday, spending a week in Bamenda I am not where I call home in Mbingo. Though my birthday was my first Saturday I had to work, everyone has been super sweet at calling me, writing me messages, and throwing little parties. Thanks to each of you who made my first birthday in Africa extra special!!
My time in Banso was made terrific as I had a chance to work with two medical students from England and join in their worship and fellowship. In Bamenda I quickly made friends with 4 super sweet girls from German. Of course they wanted to practice English and I wanted to speak German. My mind was going crazy trying to keep Pigeon English, German, and English all straight. I am getting some of the other missionaries in trouble as I have been trying to speak English and am way ahead of them. Now they want lessons from me which I think is hilarious! I truly enjoyed my time in Bamenda working with my supervisor Comfort and with her New Life Groups which are support groups for Commercial Sex Workers. After being in Bangkok, I am a little more comfortable and wonder if God may not have a future calling for me in this direction. Only time will tell. This week I am one of the main speakers for a social work conference the next 3 days, so today is a big preparation. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated as I have new served in such a capacity before. It is good to be "home" at least for this week. It is amazing to me all the people that noticed that I was gone and missed. No one knows the full impression they leave behind. Stay warm hearted and share the love! Eph 1:18-19.

3rd Week Surviver

I am having a delightful time and I am so sorry that I can't post pictures this week as my internet is so slow. You'll have to just make beautiful pictures in your minds from my stories. This week I worked with PMTCT (Prevention Mother to Child Transmission). I worked with a delightful team that even let me do a field visit to a near by town so that I could understand the meaning of clinical visits. We have been counseling many clients and I also have been able to practice my pigeon to inform clients about their HIV stasis. It is hard work but I feel like everyone enjoys teaching me and I am willing to learn. I also participated in COPE Exercies (Client Orientated Provider Effiency). This allowed me to watch first hand how Cameroonians interact in a group and what they see as vital changes for the hospital. My supervisor Comfort also came for Thursday and Friday. She had to spend the night and asked if she could stay with me rather than with a stranger. I gladly agreed and she received her own education on hot showers, white man chub of hamburgers and brownies. She was quite impressed I might add. The weekend was full of visits and fun. Sunday I must have had 20 people in my room. Just an early birthday celebration. One girl even used the toilet (in my bathroom) for the first time ever, so I had to teach her how to flush. I will be away for my birthday on Sat as I leave tomorrow for Banso and then for another week to Bamenda. But I think celebrations are in order when I return. Lots of love and warm air hugs from Mbingo!!

Cameroon,

Hey y'll,

Hope you are not yet bored of reading my tales that at least I find amusing! *grins* This was exhausting but invigorating week. I did some of my first consultations at the HIV/AIDS pregnancy as well as keep busy with many Dr. rounds. The patients believe me to be a doctor, so even if the doctor is busy, they seem to believe a touch from me brings healing. Though I might not understand what is wrong medically, I am so excited I can be relief in such a small way, and I have made great friends with the nurses. On Wed. I went to the New Hope Village and today I helped the chaplain do a worship service at the Hope Village. Both are places for leprosy patients after they have been released from the hospital. They may have deformed fingers and toes but their is nothing wrong with their hearts. One women took me to her house and said when she has some money, she will teach me to cook Cameroonian style! So tender!
I also had a sudden surprise as one of the missionary families went to see their daughters at bordering school. They asked me to dog sit for them and to make myself at home complete with using their pantry. It is like a little piece of heaven. From having milk, cheese, toaster, microwave, ice cream, chocolate, and so much more. Cameroonians have been inviting me out as well as they know the hostel is closed for meals on the weekend. Last night after a yummy dinner of fufu and jamajama were the mother Eunis took my fishtail back from me (that her husband had given me) as she knew from before that I don't care for fish. I wasn't trying to be rude but I was relieved. After supper we looked at my Israel pictures they had been asking to see. Olivia kept commenting on how she thought the places in the Bible were just stories and how seeing these places was just confirming her faith for her. Another boy Nelson took me to a waterfall were I couldn't swim but at least got soaked. He touched my heart when he asked to hear another bible story from me soon! God is grand and blessing me to pieces! One prayer request I have is that Cal Hoen, our new field director is at the hospital with great back pain. Please be in prayer for him. Most of the missionaries were gone for the weekend, but they always have a Cameroonian friend staying with him. Pretty special as they see him as family! Air kisses from Africa!!

A WEEK WINDUP

3 common things people ask me: 1) What do you think of the climate? 2)When do you leave? and 3) This is your first time in Cameroon right? Even if I start to get annoyed, I am just happy people want to communicate with me. I survived my week or orientation. My supervisor is fabulous and so concerned that I get enough to eat and a hot shower (which I had my first today!! yippee!!). She is also wonderful at stretching me and getting me comfortable (as her name is Comfort) with the new system and how it works. I am also getting acquainted with local visiting. Saturday I sat outside to read and take in some fresh air, 4 hours later I realized I was burnt to a crisp having not read a word but chatting it up. That night I went exploring to my Cameroon parents house and had a fun time playing with their twin daughters. On the way home I didn't fall in the pitch dark but I definitely couldn't have carried the sacks of flour on my head like the people I met on the way.
Yesterday was also spent in the sun but this time smartly under an umbrella watching a soccer team. I loved watching the Mamas win against the young girls. One nurse on the mama team thanked me today for coming. There is just something so homey and comfortable about going to this village. I've been invited to come back tomorrow.
Today was my first day of actually work. My french friends (by the way I am learning pigeon and french simultaneously!) ask me if it was good or bad. I just could only say ok as I didn't know the word for strenuous. We saw 3 clients today all in vastly different scenarios and 3 separate languages. My head is spinning but I am hoping to get better as I practice. We are giving advice to pregnant women who have tested positive to HIV and how do you tell your partner and parents. I am enjoying the work and quickly tiring out. God is good at continuing to give me strength and carry me through. I don tired and go now for rest!! Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. I am quickly finding another home away from home. Love you all!

Cameroon, West Africa ready or not!

Wow everyone! What a trip! I am safe and sound all tucked into my dormroom in Mbingo complete with my own bathroom. I feel a little spoiled, but i'll tell you how I got here

The journey:

Leaving Germany was exciting. First off the airlines didn't want to let me bring both of my suitcases within the EU unless I paid 250 euros. Matze (my host brother) and I tried to find a way around but it wasn't until my deutschpapa came that the ball got rolling. Because they had checked my suitcases in when I was in Belgium without an additional fee, they must do it once again. God is a miracle worker. My deutschpapa said "Der Herr sei Preis" the Lord be praised exactly what a 500 euro gift!

Belgium: after a little cafufal(sp?) finding my driver, things were worked out and my stress disappeared. I was to be the only guest at their home for the night. They are missionaries from South Africa and their ministry is providing a place of rest for teams and missionaries. They had family visiting but were oh so kind and considerate. Though I had been warned about the crime, I was not afraid being with them. They knew some of the other American Baptist missionaries so we had an instant kinship. I'd love to go to South Africa now, maybe for the world cup, who knows! ;-D

Next leg: of course I beeped going through the scanner, so they had to empty all my bags and pat me down only to find nothing. I well better safe than sorry! ;-D I soon entered French world. (Liberty, you have to teach me.) I need to learn french, I can sorta follow along but answering, yuck, so awful. Sorry Canadian heritage, I am letting you down! Anyway I survived though my seat partner only spoke french so we were incredibly quiet until he realized that he should probably let me out to use the bathroom. He ran ahead and saved me one and gave me some space. So great! I arrived in Douala without the huge crowd of people grabbing for my bags that I imagined (I later found out that more people turn up for AIRFRANCE then other flights). What a relief as I was incredibly worried about getting everything together. Vic was there to pick me up and the few guys bothering us quickly took off, except for some children asking for candy. We had a delicious supper of plantains and chicken (which I was so delighted for) and went to bed.

Final journey to Mbingo:

Next morning, I hope that I had the time change right but got up early as to go swimming before we left. It is the rainy season hear so practically everything is always swimming but it felt wonderful to really stretch! We took off around 8 a.m., pick up a yummy apple crisp and were off. We made a few stops on the 6 hour journey to Bamenda to pick up fruit or for Vic to fix my window as it didn't shut right and I was getting soaked! Thanks again to God, we arrived safetly in Bamenda between rain showers and I got to see the Hones in their new headquarters. They were under a bit of construction, but were happy to see me and gave me a quick lunch. As we were not sure of what I was suppose to do there, we didn't stay long but continued on to Mbingo. There was more confusion African style as to where I was suppose to go. We finally got my room, place my stuff inside, and head directly to Rev. Godlove D. house to greet his family and him. We were to have pizza but as the cheese they had asked me to bring had spoiled, we changed the meal to rice and chicken and banana bread (which was fine by me!). They gave me a grand tour of the hospital after supper and I went right to bed at 8 p.m. Wild, my parents would be proud as that was my bedtime when I was little but never really worked. That meant I was super perky at 5:30 when I had to get up and start the day. Crazy 'cus normally that would be torture! God be praised!! Well, hope you survived this monster of a beast blog. I haven't written in a while and my schedule the next few days looks insane! I'd love to hear from you all. Know you are loved and being prayed for even across the sea in Africa! Love, joy, and peace!!

Love, gotta give it!

Eph 5:1-2 Ovserve how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Development Set

I just thought this poem hit at the heart of it all with what I was going in preparing for Cameroon. Enjoy!

Excuse me, friends, I must catch my jet
I'm off to join the development set;
My bags are packed, and I've had all my shots,
I have travellers' cheques and pills for the trots.

The development set is bright and noble.
Our thoughts are deep and our vision global;
Although we move with the better classes
Our thought are always with the masses.

In Sheraton hotels in scattered nations
we damn multinational corporations;
Injustice seems so easy to protest.
In such seething hotbeds of social rest.

We discuss multi-nutrition over steaks
And plan hunger talks during coffee breaks
wheter Asian floods or African drought
we face each issue with an open mouth.

We bring in consultants whose circumlocation
Raises different for every solution.
Thus guaranteeing continued good eating
By showing the need for another meeting.

The language of the Development Set
Stretches the English alphabet.
We use swell words like 'epigenetic'
'Micro', 'Macro' and 'logarithmetic.'

Development Set homes are extremely chic,
Full of carving, curios, and draped with batik
Eye-level photographs subtly assure
That your host is at home with the rich and the poor.

Enough of these verses-on with the mission!
Our task is as broad as the human condition
Just pray to God the biblical promise is true.
The poor ye shall always have with you.

Ross Coggins