Greetings from Cameroon,
Yes… we are here – in the house called ‘Pine View’ looking toward the small mountains of the Adamawa.
It seems longer than two weeks since we said our goodbyes to family and friends in Manitoba. Our Thanksgiving Service with the Rite of Confirmation for Lian, Mats and Kaeli was great. Thanksgiving dinner with Lori, Jacqueline and their families – Lori as usual cooked up a superb meal. Jacqueline is doing well – bored but, getting stronger each day. We have much to be thankful for… Family + Friends – we keep you close to our hearts.
The following Sunday had us back in Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Midland, ON – they wanted to hear our mission story of life in Cameroon. The folk there remain dear to us – Wow! Can they put on a good pot luck, as all Lutherans do. The response in interest and support was overwhelming. The church setting is different now but the people remain the same. Thank you ladies...
We said our goodbyes to our son Allan and our little dog, Snooky, the following day – the start of our long trek. After a detour out of Brussels that took us to Douala instead of Yaoundé, the trip went smoothly. The Train was uneventful, rough and ready had us in Ngaounderé in record time, 6:30 a.m. on Thursday October 20th. Friendly Phil and Yerema were there waiting. N’deré hasn’t changed much – its like it was yesterday, we’ve fallen back into pattern – in fact Jack is enjoying his siesta at this moment.
The train ride from Yaoundé to Ngaounderé: http://youtu.be/8FFZ_sgYDgg (Peace Corps)
The biggest problem we’ve had since arrival was getting money… Jack was probably thinking, ‘that’s okay’ – but, ATM finally did come through. I think our larder is getting fuller – even had Phil over for lunch today.
We’ve had so many friends drop in for a visit with welcoming smiles and ‘Bienvenue’s’ .
We did have a very busy Saturday and Sunday; William, Jack and I went shopping for the Kids Helping Kids handout of rice, red beans, oil, milk and savon soap on Saturday. We went back to Fanta’s very small office to pack all up in blue and white striped bags. Fanta was unable to help as her little 7 month old son, David had become very ill Saturday morning. We ended our time with a visit to the Pediatric Ward.
Sunday we attended the Hospital Church (French) at 10 a.m. – it was packed by 10:30 with three choirs and their musical group – a lively service. We were home by 12:30, time for a quick brunch before leaving for the hospital and our get together with the Kids Helping Kids at 2. They meet in a sheltered area at the Hospital (with a roof). There were quite a few missing as the day they regularly meet had been changed so we could be with them – nevertheless they gave us a wonderful welcome, ‘We welcome you, we welcome you’ to music. They sang – danced – performed three sketches (skits), one which had the devil trying to do his nasty deeds – to no avail, he left with flames shooting out of his mouth! What imaginations and talents these children have…somewhat scary at times!
William read them all the cards that had been sent via us from, St. Paul Lutheran in River Hills, MB and Redeemer in Whitemouth, MB. They were enthralled – William did great with Jack’s help to explain what snowmobiling, water skiing and trampoline jumping was. They are excited to reciprocate in these next weeks with writing cards in return. The crayons we brought will come in handy for this.
Following their program we walked through the Hospital grounds to the office and their bags – we had also brought some school items (Hilroy scribblers, pencils, pens, eraser and bon bons). The map on the scribbler of Canada helped show them where we lived and where our ELCIC/MNO Synod is located. Just where the ‘D’ is.
A family photo (as William called it) ended our time together – another long day but first we visited Fanta, Salomon and lil David. He is improving after having had a difficult night on Saturday. He is home with his four siblings and parents.
The evening ended with several friends, two of which were Etienne and Marina Fomgbami drop in - coffee and chats. Bon Soiree…
The dry season is supposedly almost upon us, but, last evening we had the most thunderous and heavy rains I remember from our time back to 1999. It was still raining at 10 a.m. – it looks like more to come for this evening (Tuesday.)
At 7:30 p.m. the Imam delivers his last call to prayer… it echos over roof tops into our mission station – some find this disturbing but, as a chief once told us while on an Evangelism trip into his village:
If You come in Peace –
We Welcome you in Peace.
We Welcome you in Peace.
Until next time, Jack & Val
