I saw this video and it made me chuckle. I saw it after arriving in Cameroon, which made it even funnier after experiencing a bit of what this video says. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
World Wise Schools Correspondence
I decided to join the World Wise Schools Correspondence Match Program. Here is the first letter that I wrote to a high school in Harrisburg, PA. For my 2 years here I am partnered with Ms. Larson who is a French teacher. We will write back and forth, with the purpose of these letters is to better explain a Francophone country and culture to the students. I think this letter will better explain what I am doing, a little bit of the reasoning behind why I wanted to join the Peace Corps, and a few interesting cultural notes. Enjoy :)
Hello!
My name is Danielle
Nicolai. I am living in Meiganga, Cameroon as a Small Enterprise Development
Volunteer. But I will explain exactly what that means later on. I am 23 years
old from Tustin, California. I went to The University of Arizona and studied Retailing
and Consumer Sciences. I graduated in May 2010. After, I moved to Portland,
Oregon to work with Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The main reason why I
wanted to move to Oregon was to snowboard. I like to think that I am good, but
I am really not. I find it extremely relaxing. It is nice to get out of the
city and get into nature. In college I played goal keeper for The University of
Arizona Women’s Soccer team.
Soccer in Cameroon is
extremely popular. Apparently there is a women’s soccer club in my village. I
just found out a few days ago, so I have started researching to find out the
validity of this rumor. One of the projects that I want to work on here is
starting a girls soccer club. There is an existing girls scholarship program
here that I would like to incorporate soccer with.
I have been in
Cameroon for exactly 3 months now! The first 11 weeks I was in Bafia, Cameroon.
I was 43 other people from around the United States doing training. We had
lessons on the Cameroonian culture, language classes and technical trainings.
During training, all of us lived with a host family. I think for the first 11
weeks, this was the most important part. This allowed us to practice our
French, learn about Cameroonian culture, but most importantly help us
integrate.
On August 17, with all
of my Friends I was sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV). Why
did I want to join the Peace Corps? Why not is always my response. Not only is
Peace Corps an amazing program, but it will also get me to where I want to go
in the future. I want to get my Master’s and through Fellows Program it is
possible. Before I came here, I did not speak any French. I did not even know
the greetings. By the end of 2 years I know that I will be fluent. My goal by
the end of 2 years is to be able to speak the local dialect, Fulfude, as well.
The people are known as Fulbe.
The reason why I
wanted to join the Peace Corps was to be able to learn about another culture.
It is one thing to study about a country, but it is completely different to live
in the country. Cameroon is very diverse. There are over 300 languages spoken.
French and English are the official languages. I am finding out that a lot of
people do not speak either language. Especially where I am posted, there are a
lot of refugees from the surrounding countries. Fufulde, generally in Northern
Cameroon, the language spoken at the market; therefore it is extremely
necessary to know both languages. People really do appreciate when you can
speak a little bit of the local language. People love teaching you and other
love when you can throw out the salutations and key phrases.
Right now I am working
at a Micro Financial Institution, Credit du Sahel. It is a smaller bank, which
focuses on 3 things: Savings & Credit accounts and loans. There are larger
banks in the regional capitals or larger villages that offer the same services
that we are used to in the States. The difference with MFIs, is that their goal
is to reach the people living in the small villages. People call the smaller
villages the “Bush.”
I do not anticipate
working at Credit du Sahel much after a few months. The nice thing about Peace
Corps is that they give you the freedom to choose the work that you want. I
have already started working with 2 Women’s Groups, one in Meiganga and the
other in a neighboring town, and also a Honey Union. With my counterpart at
Credit du Sahel, we are brainstorming an agriculture project that would teach
the students how to plant and harvest different crops, the nutritional benefits
of their crops as well as the financial benefit of selling a new product.
I have been to a few
villages now in Cameroon and I have noticed that at the market people sell the
exact same thing as their neighbors. It is difficult to even comprehend this
before witnessing it first hand. There are boutiques after boutiques that sell
the same pots and pans, the same rugs, the same type of dry goods. And the
kicker is that everything is the same price! When you go to the market, people
assume if you are a foreigner (they like to call us “La Blanche” or “Nasara”
which means the same thing in Fufulde) that you have money. The shop worker
will then increase the price and you have to haggle your way down to a decent
price. Another thing I have found when shopping here, is if I want to spend any
significant amount of money (more than 5,000 cfa which is equivalent to $10
USD) it is best to bring a Cameroonian. You explain to the Cameroonian exactly
what you want and how much you are willing to spend. I will then hide and let
the person do their thing. Once they have decided on the price, I will swoop in
and pay for it! This is a common practice for foreigners.
Something else that I
have found to be extremely interesting while working here is the identification
cards. A lot of people only know their birth year. So it is written 00/00/1931.
There is a high population of illiterate people in Cameroon. For the signature,
people will write an “X,” “O” or scribble. A lot of times this is the first
time someone has held a pen.
Since I am still new
with French, I will start off writing in English. I will be getting a French
tutor in the coming weeks, so as my French progresses I would love to write
more in French to you!
I wish you all the
best during this school year! I look forward to corresponding with you all and
sharing my experience. I also am looking forward to hearing about how things
are back in your hometown! (Please eat a pizza for me and let me know how it
is!)
Du Courage!
Danielle
Monday, September 19, 2011
African Success!
Uploading pictures is an absolute feat here in Africa. 4 hours and 2 failed attempts later, the photos are now ready for your viewing pleasure. Thank yous can be send in forms of mac & cheese cheese packets. Only slightly kidding, and by slightly I mean not at all.
This is my favorite picture. I took a walk with my post mate, Andrew, and we turned around once we couldn't pass the river in the middle of the path.
This was the last of 7 school that I visited with UNICEF and UNHCR to see the progress of the projects at the schools around Meiganga. Hopefully I will have more information later on about these projects.
Oh rainy season! This was the traffic jam with over a hundred trucks waiting to get through this section of road. The passengers in my bus had to get out and walk this section while the men push our bus.
On a field trip during stage (before I officially became a volunteer). I forget the name of the village, but I just thought that this village was beautiful! The houses all have the pyramid roofs because the people believe that they are descendants from one of the 12 Tribes of Israel that came down through Egypt.
And I will end with entry with a video that everyone sings here...including myself.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
3 Months of being an Ex-Pat
I have officially been an “Ex-Pat” (people like to refer to us as this) for over 3 months! I have been in Meiganga for a month now and I have been working at Credit du Sahel for 3 weeks now. It is frustrating now because I am still in the beginning stages of speaking French. But this is the best thing for me. I sit in an office with 2 other employees. Clients come in and out all day. I am greeted by each person, which intern means I get to practice my French all day! Come 2 hours into my day, I am exhausted, but like a said before this is the best thing for me!
I have been meeting tons of GIC members, which means work opportunities!
My coworker has lots of great ideas of what I can do and what would be good for Meiganga. I have been introduced to many people in my first week that are doing great and innovative things! Dairy is a thing of the past for me. Powdered milk is my new staple for my calcium intake. I have learned how to make a basic ricotta and yogurt from powdered milk and a mean Alfredo sauce! (Don’t gawk, it is surprisingly fantastic) But my life is about to change dramatically. I met this GIC who makes cheese from, get this, REAL MILK!!! I am anticipating my taste buds to go bonkers.
When talking with people from back home I have been asked a lot of similar questions. The most popular being are you happy? Yes, I am beyond happy! I know that I have not experience the lows that inevitably all Volunteers will face, but right now I am happy. I have great post mates, an amazing Community Host, and a wonderful Host Organization (Credit du Sahel).
Background information: When getting to post you are partnered with a member of the community whose role it is to introduce you to as many people as possible, help you integrate, and be the family that you need in your new home. You are also partnered with a Host Organization. Some are partnered with the Mayor’s office, others NGOs. I am working for a micro financial institution. It provides 3 services, Checking & Savings accounts and loans.
The other common question I am asked is about my safety. Am I safe? Yes I am safe. This questions ties directly to my community host and host organization. Getting to know people is essential to my safety. They will look out for me. The community wants me to be here and they want me to be safe. I live in a gated concession with 3 other families. Someone is always around. And every time I come home I am greeted by one of the neighborhood kids asking for a gift.
I have been handing out letters to important members of the community. (ie. Mayor, Police Chief, Traditional Authority, ect.) I exchanged numbers with each person and each person told me that if I were to need anything I should call. The Head Gendarme in particular seems like an awesome guy. (He worked in Darfur for 14 months with the UN. He is new to Meiganga and to this position.) When we exchanged numbers he told me that he will be checking up on me often. He also said that next week he is going to see my house to make sure it is safe and meet my neighbors. When this happens, my post mates will come and I think I will bake cookies!
My coworker has lots of great ideas of what I can do and what would be good for Meiganga. I have been introduced to many people in my first week that are doing great and innovative things! Dairy is a thing of the past for me. Powdered milk is my new staple for my calcium intake. I have learned how to make a basic ricotta and yogurt from powdered milk and a mean Alfredo sauce! (Don’t gawk, it is surprisingly fantastic) But my life is about to change dramatically. I met this GIC who makes cheese from, get this, REAL MILK!!! I am anticipating my taste buds to go bonkers.
When talking with people from back home I have been asked a lot of similar questions. The most popular being are you happy? Yes, I am beyond happy! I know that I have not experience the lows that inevitably all Volunteers will face, but right now I am happy. I have great post mates, an amazing Community Host, and a wonderful Host Organization (Credit du Sahel).
Background information: When getting to post you are partnered with a member of the community whose role it is to introduce you to as many people as possible, help you integrate, and be the family that you need in your new home. You are also partnered with a Host Organization. Some are partnered with the Mayor’s office, others NGOs. I am working for a micro financial institution. It provides 3 services, Checking & Savings accounts and loans.
The other common question I am asked is about my safety. Am I safe? Yes I am safe. This questions ties directly to my community host and host organization. Getting to know people is essential to my safety. They will look out for me. The community wants me to be here and they want me to be safe. I live in a gated concession with 3 other families. Someone is always around. And every time I come home I am greeted by one of the neighborhood kids asking for a gift.
I have been handing out letters to important members of the community. (ie. Mayor, Police Chief, Traditional Authority, ect.) I exchanged numbers with each person and each person told me that if I were to need anything I should call. The Head Gendarme in particular seems like an awesome guy. (He worked in Darfur for 14 months with the UN. He is new to Meiganga and to this position.) When we exchanged numbers he told me that he will be checking up on me often. He also said that next week he is going to see my house to make sure it is safe and meet my neighbors. When this happens, my post mates will come and I think I will bake cookies!
My neighbors in Bafia, Cameroon. The little boy standing next to me is named Ferrel. He was my buddy! He would greet me every morning and night by screaming my name and giving me a big running hug.
Crazy picture of the sky!
While having to walk 5km because the roads were so bad, I was snapping some photos and the Cameroonian I was with wanted to take one of me
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Welcome! Bienvenue! Jabbaama!
Welcome to Meiganga! I am sitting on my hay couch that resembles more of a bed in my living room with socks, sweat pants, jacket and a scarf on. The power is out so I am typing by candle light. It is rainy season in Cameroon, meaning it is cold and wet. Power goes out frequently during this season. When that happens the water is soon to follow.
I arrived in Meiganga Sunday and I was greeted with a beautiful rainbow! I was also warmly welcomed with no electricity and no water. I will have to postpone my deep cleaning of my house until that changes. But until then I have done work in my house: My bags are unpacked. My bookshelf is organized and decorated with a framed family photo. And most importantly my kitchen is organized, my bed is made and the mosquito net is hung!
The night I arrived I was talking with my post mates, Andrew and Carlos, about their projects and brainstorming for mine. I know that I will be working with bee keepers and a micro financial institution. For a Small Enterprise Development Volunteers (which is what I am) there is not a structured work schedule. We were told for the first 3 months my job is to go to as many meetings as possible and get to know your community. The thing that I have found in my short amount of time here is that there is no way that I will be able to have any impact without knowing the community. I need to meet as many people as possible, network as much as possible, and build the trust of the community. The beauty of my job is that I am given almost free range to do whatever I want to do. This is exciting but also daunting for a Type A personality. But I need to remember; when again in my life will I be given this opportunity? I hope again, but I am betting that it might not be the case.
I have ideas of what I might want to do for work. For my main project somehow I want to figure out a way to incorporate teaching classes to girls with soccer. I would want the classes to include girls’ empowerment, HIV/AIDs education, basic personal hygiene, safe food preparation, and VSLA (Village Savings and Loans: Google “VSLA”, it was said that this is one of the top ways to get people out of poverty).
This is just an idea I have. There are many projects that I could do. I do not want to get set on one idea and not see other opportunities that may arise; hence the Peace Corps emphasis on not working for 3 months. This allows you to meet community members who have ideas but may not have the resources to execute their ideas. I do have a few goals, one of the more important goals would be to partner with as many other volunteers as possible, not just Small Enterprise Development volunteers. In Cameroon now, there are 185 volunteers working in 4 categories: Small Enterprise Development, Education, Health and Agro-Forestry. In September there is a new program starting: Youth Development. In Meiganga specifically, there is SED, health and education.
As I start to get settled in my new home for the next 2 years, I have some new contact information. I have a new Post Office Box and number. My email is the same, but I will give that to you as well.
Danielle Nicolai
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 89
Meiganga
Cameroon
daniellenicolai@gmail.com
Shoot me an email if you want my number!
People have been asking what I need or want and I have compiled a list of ideas. But I love letters just as much :)
Personal
• Magazines
• Mild scented candles
• Hand sanitizer
• Pictures or post cards so I can decorate my house
• Mixed CDs (put your favorite music on it…it will remind me of you when I listen to it)
• Nail polish/nail polish remover
• Degree Deodorant...you can find most things here, apparently this is not one of them
• Travel games
• Cards/card games
Food
• Seasoning packets
• Crunchy Peanut butter
• Cholula Hot sauce
• Ranch Dressing
• Parmesan cheese
• Brown sugar
• Cake or brownie Mixes
• Crystal Light/Gatorade packets
• Hard candies
• Luna bars or any type of bar for that matter
• Mac & cheese sauce packets
• instant soup mixes
• pesto sauce mixes
• beef jerky/pepperoni
• soup mixes & Lipton's pasta / sauce pkts.
• falafel mix
• pudding mixes
• dried fruits, apricots, apples, etc.
• jell-o mixes
• salad dressing packet
• bullion cubes…chicken & beef
Entertainment for the neighborhood kids
• Crayons/markers/colored pencils
• Coloring books (unisex)
• Art project material
• Colored/construction paper
• Stickers
• Legos or toys that they can continually play with
• Balloon…they love them!
• Memory games
• Honestly they would love anything
I arrived in Meiganga Sunday and I was greeted with a beautiful rainbow! I was also warmly welcomed with no electricity and no water. I will have to postpone my deep cleaning of my house until that changes. But until then I have done work in my house: My bags are unpacked. My bookshelf is organized and decorated with a framed family photo. And most importantly my kitchen is organized, my bed is made and the mosquito net is hung!
The night I arrived I was talking with my post mates, Andrew and Carlos, about their projects and brainstorming for mine. I know that I will be working with bee keepers and a micro financial institution. For a Small Enterprise Development Volunteers (which is what I am) there is not a structured work schedule. We were told for the first 3 months my job is to go to as many meetings as possible and get to know your community. The thing that I have found in my short amount of time here is that there is no way that I will be able to have any impact without knowing the community. I need to meet as many people as possible, network as much as possible, and build the trust of the community. The beauty of my job is that I am given almost free range to do whatever I want to do. This is exciting but also daunting for a Type A personality. But I need to remember; when again in my life will I be given this opportunity? I hope again, but I am betting that it might not be the case.
I have ideas of what I might want to do for work. For my main project somehow I want to figure out a way to incorporate teaching classes to girls with soccer. I would want the classes to include girls’ empowerment, HIV/AIDs education, basic personal hygiene, safe food preparation, and VSLA (Village Savings and Loans: Google “VSLA”, it was said that this is one of the top ways to get people out of poverty).
This is just an idea I have. There are many projects that I could do. I do not want to get set on one idea and not see other opportunities that may arise; hence the Peace Corps emphasis on not working for 3 months. This allows you to meet community members who have ideas but may not have the resources to execute their ideas. I do have a few goals, one of the more important goals would be to partner with as many other volunteers as possible, not just Small Enterprise Development volunteers. In Cameroon now, there are 185 volunteers working in 4 categories: Small Enterprise Development, Education, Health and Agro-Forestry. In September there is a new program starting: Youth Development. In Meiganga specifically, there is SED, health and education.
As I start to get settled in my new home for the next 2 years, I have some new contact information. I have a new Post Office Box and number. My email is the same, but I will give that to you as well.
Danielle Nicolai
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 89
Meiganga
Cameroon
daniellenicolai@gmail.com
Shoot me an email if you want my number!
People have been asking what I need or want and I have compiled a list of ideas. But I love letters just as much :)
Personal
• Magazines
• Mild scented candles
• Hand sanitizer
• Pictures or post cards so I can decorate my house
• Mixed CDs (put your favorite music on it…it will remind me of you when I listen to it)
• Nail polish/nail polish remover
• Degree Deodorant...you can find most things here, apparently this is not one of them
• Travel games
• Cards/card games
Food
• Seasoning packets
• Crunchy Peanut butter
• Cholula Hot sauce
• Ranch Dressing
• Parmesan cheese
• Brown sugar
• Cake or brownie Mixes
• Crystal Light/Gatorade packets
• Hard candies
• Luna bars or any type of bar for that matter
• Mac & cheese sauce packets
• instant soup mixes
• pesto sauce mixes
• beef jerky/pepperoni
• soup mixes & Lipton's pasta / sauce pkts.
• falafel mix
• pudding mixes
• dried fruits, apricots, apples, etc.
• jell-o mixes
• salad dressing packet
• bullion cubes…chicken & beef
Entertainment for the neighborhood kids
• Crayons/markers/colored pencils
• Coloring books (unisex)
• Art project material
• Colored/construction paper
• Stickers
• Legos or toys that they can continually play with
• Balloon…they love them!
• Memory games
• Honestly they would love anything
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Changes
I have been in Cameroon for a little over 11 weeks now. As I get ready to be sworn in as a Volunteer on August 17th, I am reflecting a lot on my journey thus far. If you would have asked me before I left the states what my biggest fear was, I would have said hands down getting Malaria. Well, 11 weeks into my journey, I have Malaria and I am ok. Actually, I am glad that it is Malaria, because I can take 24 pills and in 3 days I will feel better.
I keep shocking myself. Things that should phase me, don’t. Watching a moto driver pull over and pee on the side of the road is now normal. Driving past a bush taxi with a goat strapped to the roof, not a big deal. While at the hospital seeing a mouse run around, interesting, but not really a huge deal either.
I will be at my new home soon, Meiganga. I am looking forward to doing what I came here to do. Work. I am ready for my new life to start. These past 11 weeks have been challenging, but I have had great friends along the way to keep me sane. (Maybe a beer or two helped a little…and James, beer here are cold!)
I compiled a list of things that I have experienced and things that I have surprised myself with.
• A battle to the death with a cockroach no longer phases me, I will win even if it takes an hour
• A mouse on the other hand, running through my room will never be ok. Duct tape on holes on the walls works wonders!
• Washing clothes by hand; I fully support child labor here! I know that I can wash my own clothes by hand, do I want to? No.
• I realized that I am allergic to Maggie, or known in the states as MSG. Maggie is in everything here, so I cannot wait to cook for myself at post. But slowing I am becoming accustomed to it.
• I couldn’t speak any French before I got here…now I am surprising myself with the conversations I am able to have!
• My new goal is to speak Fulfolde, French, and English without any hesitation
• I never ate fish in the states, now I eat fish 3 times a week!
• I prefer antelope over hedgehog or even a fish head.
• Dany, will be my name in Meiganga. Danielle sounds too much like a guys name, and I am not a fan of the confused looks. So I am Dany. Sorry Mom!
• I could never squat…now I am a pro! Latrines don’t even phase me!
• My passion for soccer has been sparked again.
• I never read in the states, In a month I read 5 books. I had to hide my kindle. (I would love book suggestions)
There are 3 Goals of Peace Corps:
1. To help the people of interested countries meet their needs for trained manpower
2. To promote a better understand of the American people on the part of peoples served.
3. To promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of the American people.
Since being here, I have changed my goals for my service. I came in with this grandiose idea that I was going to make massive changes. As much as I would love for that to happen, I would rather make an impact on an individual level. I am eager to get to know people; hear their stores; understand their beliefs. Goals 2 and 3 will be the most impactful.
I am looking forward to the African success stories. I am looking forward to the next 2 years. I am looking forward to the person I will be in 2 years and seeing the changes that not only in my life but those around me. My loved ones back in the States, you are all included.
I keep shocking myself. Things that should phase me, don’t. Watching a moto driver pull over and pee on the side of the road is now normal. Driving past a bush taxi with a goat strapped to the roof, not a big deal. While at the hospital seeing a mouse run around, interesting, but not really a huge deal either.
I will be at my new home soon, Meiganga. I am looking forward to doing what I came here to do. Work. I am ready for my new life to start. These past 11 weeks have been challenging, but I have had great friends along the way to keep me sane. (Maybe a beer or two helped a little…and James, beer here are cold!)
I compiled a list of things that I have experienced and things that I have surprised myself with.
• A battle to the death with a cockroach no longer phases me, I will win even if it takes an hour
• A mouse on the other hand, running through my room will never be ok. Duct tape on holes on the walls works wonders!
• Washing clothes by hand; I fully support child labor here! I know that I can wash my own clothes by hand, do I want to? No.
• I realized that I am allergic to Maggie, or known in the states as MSG. Maggie is in everything here, so I cannot wait to cook for myself at post. But slowing I am becoming accustomed to it.
• I couldn’t speak any French before I got here…now I am surprising myself with the conversations I am able to have!
• My new goal is to speak Fulfolde, French, and English without any hesitation
• I never ate fish in the states, now I eat fish 3 times a week!
• I prefer antelope over hedgehog or even a fish head.
• Dany, will be my name in Meiganga. Danielle sounds too much like a guys name, and I am not a fan of the confused looks. So I am Dany. Sorry Mom!
• I could never squat…now I am a pro! Latrines don’t even phase me!
• My passion for soccer has been sparked again.
• I never read in the states, In a month I read 5 books. I had to hide my kindle. (I would love book suggestions)
There are 3 Goals of Peace Corps:
1. To help the people of interested countries meet their needs for trained manpower
2. To promote a better understand of the American people on the part of peoples served.
3. To promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of the American people.
Since being here, I have changed my goals for my service. I came in with this grandiose idea that I was going to make massive changes. As much as I would love for that to happen, I would rather make an impact on an individual level. I am eager to get to know people; hear their stores; understand their beliefs. Goals 2 and 3 will be the most impactful.
I am looking forward to the African success stories. I am looking forward to the next 2 years. I am looking forward to the person I will be in 2 years and seeing the changes that not only in my life but those around me. My loved ones back in the States, you are all included.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Chinese Special Medicine
Do you know what is scarier than visiting an African Hospital? Riding a bike and having to pass 20 bulls on the road! Or even having to stop your soccer game so that the same herd of bulls can walk across the field.
I weary to tell this story because I do not want to jinx myself. I have been in country over a month now, up until this point I have not experienced being sick. I got a sinus infection while visiting post. I got back to Bafia and I slept for almost 12 hours. I woke up the next morning and I felt awful. My host Dad found out, went into his room and comes out with this odd concoction. He gave me something like Tiger Balm and told me to rub it on my chest, neck, back of neck and forehead. If that was not odd enough he then proceeded to pour this red liquid from a really small glass bottle onto a sugar cube and told me to swallow it. The red sugar cube was like fire going down your esophagus.
I am not sure what I exactly what was poured on that red sugar cube. I was too tired, too sick and somehow I could not get any French out, so I complied. I did manage to ask to see the bottle. Maybe looking at the label might answer the question as to why my chest was now burning. False. The label was all in Chinese! All my Father would say was, “Ca bon?” with a great big smile and two thumbs up. That translates to: Its good, isn’t it?
Well, that didn’t seem to work as well as I would have hoped. So I got the joy of experiencing an African Hospital. On a cultural note, doctors are only at hospitals so its not a huge deal. The doctor has to rule out tropical diseases, so I had blood drawn. The experience wasn’t as bad as I would have thought, but I am praying that I don’t need to go back ever again. I was given antibiotics and I am starting to feel better!
I have been reflecting and observing more and more since I have been in Cameroon. You can tell a lot about a person just by looking into their eyes. I have found through my travels that kids are same around the world. But there is a major difference about the kids here. It is as if you are looking into the eyes of someone much older who has experienced life. It is difficult to put into words exactly what I mean, unless you have witnessed it. For example, Simon is a boy in Bafia who runs the family’s boutique. The boutique sells everything from coffee, rice, sandwiches, beer, to laundry detergent. Simon is always there working, taking orders and cleaning tables. He cannot be much older than 13, but there is something about him that he is much older than he actually is.
The other day, Simon wanted to catch one of his roosters. He started chasing it, and my friends started to help. About 10 volunteers helped 5 Cameroonian kids catch this rooster. The chase lasted almost 30 minutes and took us all through the corn field, around the house, on the roof, and at one point almost to the street. We all cheered when a boy, who had been helping out with the chase for no more than 5 minutes, caught the rooster. This adventure was beyond comical, but what stuck out for me was Simon. The smile on his face during this chase was priceless. We were all reminded that Simon is actually a child.
The time here is pretty slow day to day, but I cannot believe that I have been in Cameroon for 7 weeks now! When I visited my post, Meiganga, I was able to see what I may be doing. I will start off working with Credit du Sahel, which is a small bank. That will be my primary work, but Volunteers can also have secondary projects. I was able to speak with the major about a project of getting Coffee Honey to be produced. (Coffee Honey is made my putting hives near coffee plants. It tastes like you are eating creme brule.)I also visited a Village, Savings and Loans Group in the neighboring town. I presume that I will be facilitating these groups because it is an easier way to make a bigger impact.
On August 17th I get sworn in as a Volunteer. The next day I move to Meiganga. I will have a new address and I will post it as soon as I figure out what it is. But I wanted to leave you with this thought/saying. It is posted everywhere in our training building; yes it is important for volunteers to remember, but it is a life lesson that I think that so often we forget:
"An outsider who comes with a ready made solution and advise is worse than useless. He/she must first understand from us what our questions are, help us to articulate the questions better and then help us find solutions."
I weary to tell this story because I do not want to jinx myself. I have been in country over a month now, up until this point I have not experienced being sick. I got a sinus infection while visiting post. I got back to Bafia and I slept for almost 12 hours. I woke up the next morning and I felt awful. My host Dad found out, went into his room and comes out with this odd concoction. He gave me something like Tiger Balm and told me to rub it on my chest, neck, back of neck and forehead. If that was not odd enough he then proceeded to pour this red liquid from a really small glass bottle onto a sugar cube and told me to swallow it. The red sugar cube was like fire going down your esophagus.
I am not sure what I exactly what was poured on that red sugar cube. I was too tired, too sick and somehow I could not get any French out, so I complied. I did manage to ask to see the bottle. Maybe looking at the label might answer the question as to why my chest was now burning. False. The label was all in Chinese! All my Father would say was, “Ca bon?” with a great big smile and two thumbs up. That translates to: Its good, isn’t it?
Well, that didn’t seem to work as well as I would have hoped. So I got the joy of experiencing an African Hospital. On a cultural note, doctors are only at hospitals so its not a huge deal. The doctor has to rule out tropical diseases, so I had blood drawn. The experience wasn’t as bad as I would have thought, but I am praying that I don’t need to go back ever again. I was given antibiotics and I am starting to feel better!
I have been reflecting and observing more and more since I have been in Cameroon. You can tell a lot about a person just by looking into their eyes. I have found through my travels that kids are same around the world. But there is a major difference about the kids here. It is as if you are looking into the eyes of someone much older who has experienced life. It is difficult to put into words exactly what I mean, unless you have witnessed it. For example, Simon is a boy in Bafia who runs the family’s boutique. The boutique sells everything from coffee, rice, sandwiches, beer, to laundry detergent. Simon is always there working, taking orders and cleaning tables. He cannot be much older than 13, but there is something about him that he is much older than he actually is.
The other day, Simon wanted to catch one of his roosters. He started chasing it, and my friends started to help. About 10 volunteers helped 5 Cameroonian kids catch this rooster. The chase lasted almost 30 minutes and took us all through the corn field, around the house, on the roof, and at one point almost to the street. We all cheered when a boy, who had been helping out with the chase for no more than 5 minutes, caught the rooster. This adventure was beyond comical, but what stuck out for me was Simon. The smile on his face during this chase was priceless. We were all reminded that Simon is actually a child.
The time here is pretty slow day to day, but I cannot believe that I have been in Cameroon for 7 weeks now! When I visited my post, Meiganga, I was able to see what I may be doing. I will start off working with Credit du Sahel, which is a small bank. That will be my primary work, but Volunteers can also have secondary projects. I was able to speak with the major about a project of getting Coffee Honey to be produced. (Coffee Honey is made my putting hives near coffee plants. It tastes like you are eating creme brule.)I also visited a Village, Savings and Loans Group in the neighboring town. I presume that I will be facilitating these groups because it is an easier way to make a bigger impact.
On August 17th I get sworn in as a Volunteer. The next day I move to Meiganga. I will have a new address and I will post it as soon as I figure out what it is. But I wanted to leave you with this thought/saying. It is posted everywhere in our training building; yes it is important for volunteers to remember, but it is a life lesson that I think that so often we forget:
"An outsider who comes with a ready made solution and advise is worse than useless. He/she must first understand from us what our questions are, help us to articulate the questions better and then help us find solutions."
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