Day 48 – December 31st

It’s the end of the year as we know it, and I feel fine…
Today was a GREAT day! I hiked my first forest hike to our….baptism site! And then, we celebrated the baptism of 21 Baka believers, and one of the kids of our team! It was a historic event – and we look forward to all that God continues to do here.



HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Day 47 - December 30th

It was a good Friday - we got our school responsibilities done early in the day, and then the kids could play! It was a beautiful, breezy day, perfect for hanging out the wash. "Hanging out the wash, you say?" Why yes, no dryers here...

And we harvested some pineapples today - forget Delaware! We grow 'em bigger in Cameroon! [reference to a shirt from the website randomshirts.com, see it here]

Day 23 – December 6th

Lots of cool stuff from that day!
I finished making a plastic canvas bell Christmas ornament, getting the design from memory! It looked pretty good! I also finished my email update for December and sent it! I will make sure to make them shorter and more frequent, because uploading pictures and such took a week!
Laurel and I went on a nice, long walk, and later, I shucked home grown corn (grown by the Abbotts).
We had more fun Christmas time, lighting the next Advent candle.
Finally, a personal victory... I have been teaching myself how to play guitar while here. I can read tab, and I have a music background, but much of my skills are rusty. But they must be better than I thought... because that night, I transposed songs, both by writing it out, and in my head as I played! I felt so accomplished to be able to play a song in tempo, transposing all the while! Too cool! God is good!

Day 46 - December 29th

I've enjoyed just hanging out with the kids the last few days, and doing crafts/sewing. I will be finished where I can post pictures soon! Here are some of the other craft projects I have been occupying myself with these last few weeks:

Day 22 - December 5th

Julie, our house help, had mentioned to Nathan that she knew how to make soymilk. So, that day, she showed up with the ground soybeans, and by the afternoon, I had soymilk! She made both plain and vanilla! How cool is that?!?
Also, I gave Brianna, who is about to be eight, the book Ramona Quimby, Age 8 to read. She was SO EXCITED. :-)

Day 21 - December 4th

That day, Annabella, Jenn's baby, was trying to crawl, and was starting to succeed. It was cool to see her start to get it!
Later, someone pulled out a laser pointer, and shined it near Annabella, and then on her hand. She tried so hard to figure it out - it was TOO FUNNY!

Day 20 - December 3rd

That day I meandered over to where all the kids were, at the Abbott house. They were thumbing though a book of The King and I, and I offered to read it to them. They all gathered around, and were totally engaged and focused on the story - really good listeners.
Also, we had our first recorder lesson for the Conrod kiddos, and it went pretty well!
Later, the Conrods got crafty, and I enjoyed helping the kids with their various projects.

Day 19 - December 2nd

First off, that day I finally got to have a good chat with Desma Abbott about, well, lots of things. Mainly about the future - both here in Cameroon, and the longer-term future. I really enjoyed talking with her. She has much wisdom to offer. She has been here serving for some years, and was here with the Baka even before she met her husband. She has an excellent understanding of the language and the culture, and it is evident from talking to her that she loves the Baka people dearly.
We also trimmed the Conrod tree that day, and I was included as one of the family. We even took family pictures. It was a lot of fun, especially with the kids!

Day 18 - December 1st

When talking about the Advent candle lighting, I was referred to as "the newest member of the family," which really touched my heart. God is so faithful, and truly "places the lonely in families."
I also broke down that day and opened a package of Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses! I was so excited about them, and quickly ate too many!

Day 17 - November 30th

That day I ate fried plantains, papaya, and avocado, all in the same day! And Laurel found a soy smoothie in Bertoua, and the Abbotts found soy milk in Younde, too! I can eat cereal! Oh happy day!
And I was able to share the stroop wafels (Dutch dessert) with the Abbotts tonight (the Conrods had them previously). They liked them.
Nandry and Boaz split one, in a generous, unselfish gesture, so that the Abbott parents could try it, since the kids had previously had their own whole one. :-)

Day 16 - November 29th

That day I figured out, with the tip of a friend, that I can download books using wi-fi! I got a new one by John Wesley, called The Holy Spirit and Fire. It is good stuff! It came highly recommended. Also I had quality reading time, and devoured a chunk of Louisa May Alcott's Jo's Boys, and it was delightful!

Day 15 - November 28th

School went as smooth as butter! Asher was focused, Boaz was persistent in his work, and Nandry kept a positive attitude! And I got all my grading done early! And then we had a genuine Cameroonian lunch! Njama njama and fufu. Yum!

Day 14 - November 27th

I walked about a mile that afternoon, down in our beautiful orchard (where we climbed trees as I posted about previously). I was really taking in all the beauty, down there, and all around here. It is so amazing to be so close to God's creation.

Day 13 – November 26th

I'm realizing just how much of an introvert I am. So the most enjoyable part of that Saturday was being by myself in my room for the whole morning, just hanging out and working on getting my room settled, and reading for fun. A close second was using Skype to call a friend - hearing a friendly voice from home cheered my soul.

Day 12 – November 25th

Late on that afternoon, I was tense, and had a lot of stressful things on my mind from the week. So Laurel and I went walking on the road (the dirt road that leads to the main paved road), and I ran for the first time since I've been here. It felt so good to run - I felt God's pleasure. And Laurel and I had good "getting to know you" time.

Day 11 - November 24th (Thanksgiving)

We hosted Thanksgiving over here at the Conrod's, and Jenn, Heidi, and Annabella joined us. We all had yummy food that everyone made and brought. We had turkey sandwiches, salad, dip (like spinach dip), potato salad, and fruit salad (both tropical and fresh – nothing out of a can – can’t beat that!). We all ate too much. Then we all gathered and shared what we were thankful for. No TV, no football. Just time with families and friends, and kids for entertainment. And it was awesome. :-)

Day 45 - December 28th

Today was the Conrod's anniversary, so they went to a nearby city for the day, and the kids and I did school stuff, and then they got to play. Highlights of the day: The different households made lunch and dinner for us. And for after lunch, Jenn made scones and tea. They are some of the BEST scones I have ever had! You should be jealous!
;-)
I've also been working on some craft projects... I will post on those specifically soon.

Day 44 – December 27th

We are enjoying the slow after Christmas time. We are doing less school, so both the kids and I are getting a break. I’ve been doing craft projects and catching up on emails and such. I’ve also been getting quality reading time. I’m loving embracing my inner bookworm!
Since there is not much to report today, I will tell you about food here.
We eat authentic Cameroonian dishes regularly, though we eat plenty of “American” food, too. Most Cameroonian meals have some starch, like cassava, plantain, or fufu (made from corn flour).

Fufu,is usually served with greens that look like spinach, called njama jama. (pic to come). Another meal we have had is Eguise (a seed ground up and cooked in meat bullion) and koko yam.


And we had soymilk made from scratch! Learning the process was cool, and it tastes good! We also make many other things from scratch, like bread, yogurt, granola, and many sauces. We also have to grind meat, but you buy it in market in large cuts. And we get grains ground for flour.
Laurel has also canned, which I wrote about in an earlier email update - she canned chili, meat, corn, pizza sauce, and has canned mangoes in the past. Yum yum!

Day 43 - December 26th

Ah, the day after Christmas...
It was pretty slow, which was nice. We did science experiments where the kids built and compared circuits. Then we read about Eric Liddell, the guy from the movie "Chariots of Fire."
We had guests from Bertoua in the afternoon, who are originally from Germany. They were very interesting, and I learned more about our ministry here as they asked questions.
Tonight we watched the Jackie Chan kid-pleaser "The Spy Next Door." Boaz immediately tried spy/ninja moves when the movie was over and it was bedtime. Too funny...

Day 42 - Christmas Day

How did you spend your Christmas Sunday morning?

Our whole team, and many of our Baka neighbors, went to the nearby village of Mayos this morning. We had church, and we filled the nbanjo (shelter). We even had to get more seating! I will try to post video later, but I enjoyed celebrating Christmas with my African brothers and sisters (there were other tribes represented, too!).
So, from Cameroon, Merry Christmas!

Day 41 - Christmas Eve

Last night we had our family Christmas here at the Conrod house. I enjoyed our time together, as we lit the last Advent candle, shared dinner by candlelight, and then had the family gift exchange.
The kids were fun to watch as they opened their presents, and, heck, the grown-ups were too. :-)
I took lots of pictures...stay tuned and I will try to post some tonight!

Day 40 - December 23rd

This morning I went to market at Dimako with Heidi and Jenn (and Annabella). We had fun, other than being heckled by a few guys who had clearly started their Bonne Annee celebrations early. Meh.

This afternoon, the I accompanied the Conrods to Nkolbikon, a Baka camp about 30 minutes from ours. We took them new clothes, including a sweet collection of CUTE pillowcase dresses (google it to see the possibilities) for many of the young girls. So so cute! Asher and Boaz played soccer with the boys for a while, too, and I joined in, even though I have no soccer skills. Later we had Likano with them, where we sang songs, and then heard the Christmas story (a recording they could all listen to). Then we played more with the kids, until it was getting dark, and time to go. Then we bumped, bumped, bumped all the way home! :-)

Day 10 - November 23rd

Later in the afternoon of that Wednesday, the temperature cooled off just enough that it felt good, and I wanted to get outside during our last half hour before dark and get some exercise! I invited the kids along, and we traipsed down to walk briskly in the orchard. They convinced me to climb a tree with them, and I did.

Day 39 - December 22nd

Today I tried egusi pudding. It looks like a loaf (think the British definition of pudding, not the Jello cold dessert). It was yummy!
Highlight of the day - it is 2:45pm and we are DONE with school for the day, and the week - Christmas break is here! (for a few days...)
Time to get busy making presents!

Day 9 - November 22nd

The evening of the 22nd we worshiped with the Baka. The service is called "Likano," which loosely translates as "story telling." It is also what they call their traditional stories. They sang songs (I was able to pick up the harmonies on one and sing along), prayed, and then we listened to a recording of the Bible story about the Tower of Babel. The leader used me as an example as they talked about the story afterwards - how I couldn't understand (as I found out later). It was cool to worship in the dark, too, not worried about the others as we all just focused on God in the dim firelight.

Day 38 - December 21st

So today was a good day overall. The highlight of my day, if I had to pick one (since it was a good day), was that I had a delightful lunch with the Abbott family. I enjoyed visiting with Desma, the kids, and a little with Barry near the end (he was outside finishing a project). And I enjoyed wooing their cat...she did not want to even get out of my lap when I needed to stop petting her to go to the table. Just call me cat whisperer. :-)

Day 8 - November 21st

The highlight of this Monday was two fold. I took over the school (see my earlier post about that here: http://geriinafrica.blogspot.com/2011/11/from-teachers-desk-in-cameroon.html)
Later that day, I got some quality (both in time and speed) online time. I was able to get a lot done, and got to visit with people from home online. I had a little chat with my mom, and chatted or got messages from several of my closest friends. It was good to feel connected.

Day 7 - Nov 20th

On that lovely Sunday, I played the piano (weighted keys keyboard) that Jenn and Heidi have at their house. It felt good to apply myself to practicing and sight reading after so long. I made myself play scales with both hands (which was always a struggle for me in all piano playing). Then we had a lovely "grazing" dinner (lots of fun choices with many finger foods) and watched the 2010 Russell Crowe "Robin Hood." It was really good! I thoroughly enjoyed the company, food, and the movie!

Day 37 - December 20th

Today was a good day, even though I keep staying up too late planning stuff for school... but I want to work ahead! The kids finished school early, and we had art with all the kids on the team. We made hand wreaths... and I have some talented kiddos!


And I checked on the coffee that we harvested on Saturday. Still drying!

Day 36 - December 19th

Today was a good, productive day - I did LOTS of lesson planning! The highlight of my day is very simple, but was a Super Happy! I got mail - My first package from Home! I have no idea when they sent it, but I know that it got here in UNDER 4 WEEKS! CRAZY and AWESOME!
I totally needed a journal, because mine will not be enough for the whole trip. And it is so nice! And the book light is awesome! So glad to have hands free now, and not have to use my flashlight! I'm excited about all the other contents, too!
And just today, our french press got broken, so the via was timely. God is so good!
Another super awesome thing today was making plans to visit my friends over in Uganda, who are working with sixty feet! I am excited to see Kels and Kirby in action early next year!

Day 6 - November 19th

I visited the Dimako market with Jenn (the nurse on our team and mom to the cute Annabella, who accompanied us). They conduct market in French, so I was able to follow most of her interactions with the context. It was really cool to see all the many things you can buy; it may not all be high quality, but there definitely is variety!

Day 35 - December 18th

Today was a full day, but a good day. I worked on a craft project gift that I have designed for one of the kids, did wash (realize that this takes some time, with hanging things out on the line and taking them in), we had church as a team, I did lesson planning, and we lit our fourth advent candle. I enjoyed my time with people today. I am blessed to be on this team here in the bush. :-)

Day 5 - November 18

Asher (7) managed to find an ant-infested patch of grass to lay in. Laurel was unaware of what was going on, as she was working on something in the house, and I was available, so as he threw off his shirt, trying to get the ants off, I was able to grab my comb and get them out of his hair. I was glad that I was able to help, and that he trusted me to help him, even though it was my first week here.

Day 34 - December 17th

Yesterday was one child team member's eighth birthday. She had a medieval themed party and was dressed as a princess. They wanted to have all the children dress up, and I love costuming, so I got to do what I love, and it helped the children dress up for the party! And the grown-ups dressed up too....not bad for a curtain, huh?



Also, earlier in the day, I harvested coffee beans! I wore some loose clothes to try to stay cool, but also protect against the crazy ants that swarm on the coffee trees. I didn't get bit hardly, but only because I was vigilant to get them off of me quickly.
Afterwards, I helped shell the coffee for a bit. Heidi, our agriforestry team member, is working on processing them. Some of them are being dried, and some have to be fermented first. After a while, we will have our own coffee! Talk about free trade... you know it is not exploiting people if you harvested it yourself!

Day 4 - November 17

My first full day in the bush. I remember that I woke up early in the morning, like as sunrise (here, that is before 6 am). Jet lag, I guess. I just laid there for a while taking in the new sounds and enjoying the sunrise. It felt like being in one of those nature white noise soundtracks, only it was the real thing! I journaled some, and then fell back asleep (jet lag again). Everything was so different from my life in the states, and it was exhausting trying to learn an entirely new way of life at first. But Nathan and Laurel were so patient and helped me adjust little by little, giving me much grace through the process and my many questions.
And I remember the rain (possibly hail) woke me up at like 3am! It was SO LOUD! That is the only time it has rained since I have been here. Being from FL, that is so strange to me.... but we're not in Florida anymore!

Day 33 – Dec 16th

It is FRIDAY! We finished school in record time today, and did music – The Instruments of the Orchestra! Fun stuff! We also worked on projects for our China unit in History – Boaz wrote in Chinese characters, and Nandry composed a Chinese song. I love that I can help them with these extension activities!
Later I helped the kids get costume ideas for a themed birthday party we are all attending for another of the children on the team. She is having a medieval themed party, so we were draping fabric and trying to find things that could be like chain mail (netting). I had a blast basically playing dress up with the kids.
Now, time to make a present… I am LOVING all the opportunities to be creative here!

Day 3 – November 16th

Younde. I stayed at the Cameroon Training Center (CTC) where there are apartments that missionaries will stay in when they are in the city. I was so thankful to sleep in a bed, and not on an airplane. Nathan (the husband of the family I am living with/teaching) had picked me up at the airport the night before. I got to sleep in (which I had no trouble doing in spite of the jet lag). Then we packed the truck with food and supplies to take back out to the bush. We made several stops as well, and I made my first transaction paying for our fuel at the service station. They are not exact on change here…
My first impressions of the CTC reminded me sooooooo much of Haiti. It made the initial shock of change not so jarring. Haiti was a great reference point I could jump off from. And my time I have spent there makes some things here a non-issue, which is nice. Late in the evening, just after dark, we arrived out in the bush! From where the truck is parked, there is a little hill down to the house, and I slid down and bruised my knee as we unloaded. Oops! Now I bound up and down it. Ha.

Day 32 - December 15th

Pizza night. Mellow Mushroom, you have competition. Her name is Laurel Conrod. You better watch your back. ;-)

Day 2

Day 2 – November 15th
I was in Brussels in the morning, and then arrived in AFRICA! From the time I landed in Brussels, I was clearly far from home. We rode a shuttle to a remote gate to catch the Africa flights. The waiting area for the shuttle was not heated – I was thankful I had worn long sleeves to fly! We had to board and deboard the shuttle completely outside. Did I mention we had seen the sunrise as we landed, and it was a balmy 32 degrees F….I was NOT dressed for freezing weather! I was okay, though the others headed to our terminal were chuckling at my shivering a little. I was a good sport about it.
On the flight, the flight attendants were all cordial, but the main ones who helped me were not English speakers. In trying to be careful to not eat milk products, I ended up forgoing one of my entrees. Oops, thank you language barrier!

Day 31 – December 14th

Day 31 – December 14th
So, it has actually been 28 days since I arrived in the village. It takes 28 days to form a habit. The real highlight of today (because I REALLY enjoyed my bacon, egg, and cheese croissant for breakfast, Selenese rice for dinner, and a really awesome hot shower (I usually opt for cold on purpose)) is that I have formed some GREAT habits in the 28 days I have been here. I am reading a good amount of scripture everyday, I have been faithful in prayer, and I have been reading a lot of devotionals (and reading more in general). I don't tell you this to brag. I tell you this because I have seen fruit in my own life as a result of these good habits.
Yes, I read my Bible and prayed before I came. But things were not as consistent as I desired and longed for.
I pray that these habits stick stong, long after I depart from Cameroon. I pray that I can say of my time here that "My season in Cameroon grew me so much closer to Jesus." Please join me in praying that it is so.

A month ago today...

Day 1
So technically, I was not in Africa yet on November 14th. I was in two places, and in the air, over the ocean. I was expectant and unsure. And I was stepping out on faith. Already, what an adventure! And God has already shown Himself faithful, again and again.

The New Premise

So, you can read the basic idea above. But here is my motivation.
I don't have a ton of time online to write and post, and you probably don't have a ton of time to read either. :-)
Conveniently (for both of us) I have actually been journaling, and I have a camera to use here as well. So, it is not unreasonable for me to have the time to share a thought, picture, or some highlight of each day with you all. And then you won't have to budget large amounts of time to read the blog, either. Yay for everyone! :-)
So, I will backpost first, and I will be able to start that by the first of next week. I've got a few little projects to finish up this weekend. But I'm looking forward to sharing more of my experiences with all of you!
Blessings,
Geri

Christmastime is coming!

Hi friends!
So, I am working on a larger email update, but we are preparing here to celebrate the birth of Jesus!
We lit our first advent candle a few nights ago, and Laurel played some Christmas songs on her flute, I shared some former choir Christmas songs with everyone, and we sang some carols a cappella.
Yesterday, we decorated our Christmas tree. I was able to use my ability to fluff an artificial tree, since I enjoy it, and not everyone enjoys that job. It looks good, especially with all of the pretty ornaments the family adorned it with. Pics soon!
Then we took family pictures.
I really have been welcomed in as one of the Conrod family. And that means so much to me. They are really awesome, and it is cool for me, being the only child of a single mom, to see a nuclear family from the inside out, who is doing it right. And these kids are so funny and full of personality...there is never a dull moment while they are awake. I often have to choke back laughter, or, more often, I just laugh loud and appreciably. I enjoy talking with them, too - they are very smart, and in many ways that kids in the States might miss out on.
I am enjoying getting to know them, and trying to pin down the areas where I can help them to grow.
It is going to be a fun five months...

From the Teacher’s Desk – in Cameroon!

The First Day of School – For Me!
Today was my first day teaching school, from 8:30 to 12! It went pretty smoothly, and the kids handled the transition pretty well. I am not taking on all of the subjects quite yet, but I will take over more soon. For now, I covered everything except for History and Science. My next subject to integrate will probably be Science. Here are some pictures of my students.
We aren’t starting Art and Music just yet, though I got a chance to practice piano at a team mate’s house yesterday…boy am I rusty! But it was fun to apply myself to that for some time.

I’m seeing lots of crazy critters, other than our normal pets, like Tiger the cat, who likes to hang out in the school with us.
Here is a giant beetle we got pictures of, the pet snakes the kids have, and a duiker, which can jump so high they call it a hare, and it is basically a small antelope.
I got to visit a nearby (walking distance) village late this afternoon, with our teammates Jenn and Heidi. Jenn is a nurse, and Heidi does agriforestry. We just sat for a bit, Jenn and Heidi talked with the family we visited, and hung out. The Baka do a lot of just hanging out.

Update! (from the bush)

God is good! And if you've been following facebook, you already know that I made it! I finally got all the way out to "the bush" last night just after dark. I've been very welcomed, and it has been the smoothest of transitions. Cameroon was very Haiti-like initially, so that also made it seem familiar. On the way out to Dimako, we went to a market... it was cool. I never had the opportunity to visit the markets and purchase things in Haiti, so it was something new! It was an uneven area, so unfortunately I couldn't look around as much as I wanted because I was watching my footing. But it was still neat. I could feel people's eyes on me...it was a little unnerving, but, as I experienced in Haiti, it was "Welcome to the fishbowl!" They even have the same word for us, calling out, "blan!"


...I'm journaling and videoing, so more to come!

Waiting for the plane...

Captured this video as I began on my still-much-to-go journey.

BTW, I will have a mailing address, though things take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.

Let me know if you want it. :-)

Love,

Geri

And away we go!

Well folks, here I sit, waiting on the plane... should be lifting off in about 30 mins. Lots of emotions, through the gentle filter of tiredness. As I keep experiencing in this season, again, my heart is full. God is good. I know where my strength comes from, and so while I am unsure, I know where my strength comes from.

Please pray for:

- safe travels over the next 2 and 1/2 days (I should arrive in the village mid-dayish on Wednesday)

- complete yieldedness in this season

- peace, guidance, and direction

- a teachable heart

Love you all,

Thank you so much for all of your support along the journey.

-Geri

A week from today...

A week from now, well, hopefully I'll be sleeping... but, a week from today, I will be on a jet plane!

Closing one chapter, leaving people I care very much for, saying many heartfelt good-byes. And I will open a new, full of questions, uncertainties, and unknowns chapter. I will be beginning new friendships with many new faces. Learning new names (gotta get better at that). Learning new languages. Learning to adapt to new circumstances.

That is my next six months:

Not only will I be "teacher," but in countless ways, I will be "student." Good thing I love to learn so much! May God teach me, and may I pay attention! Please pray that this happens. :-)

For now, I have my one week. The preparations are hard in some ways, but in my heart I am ready. I am looking forward, dear friends, to making more memories this week to take with me. :-)

And then....

The journey.

Bring it.

Two Weeks

I can't believe it is true. Tomorrow I will have to say I am moving to Africa.... THIS MONTH!

But this is true, and happening, and I will be on a plane in two weeks and 9 hours. Crazy! :-)

I am excited, nervous, you name it. My emotions run the gambit. That is why I can't really rely on my feelings much these days. Not the worst development, since I should be relying on God, right? Right. :-)

The "Lasts" are starting to happen.

Worked my "last" day at Kumon on Saturday.

Had my "last" tutoring sessions with my private students.

Had several "last" lunches with dear people. (And more of those to come...)

"Last" Sunday in the Resource Center.

And more...

But I am looking forward to the "firsts," too.

"First" time in Belgium (as I connect flights)

"First" time in Africa!

"First" time in a rainforest.

"First" holidays in Cameroon!

"First" time teaching the kids there...really looking forward to all that entails.

Tonight, I was restless, and I went for a walk over to the beach. The wind matched my inner tumult. But God was in the wind, in the waves, in me.

As I walked briskly in the edge of the surf, contemplating all that I do when by the ocean, reminding God that I am still "all in" for this adventure, all of a sudden, I stopped dead and turned to face the ocean's horizon.

I realized I was looking at my new home. I was looking where, if I could see forever, I would see Africa. And I got excited. I was reminded that, like the ocean eventually touches my dear Haiti, it also touches Cameroon, my new home. And then it didn't seem so very far away, just for a moment.

God is good.

Thanks for praying, all! Keep it up- lots going on, and lots of people who help me on this journey who are facing a lot. So pray for my network of people, too, please!

Blessings,

Geri