Thanksgiving in Africa

Thanksgiving in Africa. Definitely a different experience than what I’m used to in the States. Obviously, the biggest different is that of the climate. Over 80°, not a hint of snow anywhere in the near future—November in Cameroon does not even resemble November in Michigan! Despite the differences, I had a great Thanksgiving. The food was bountiful (and included some Thanksgiving favorites from home). The fellowship was great—I think up to 50 people were at the get-together! And the time of praise and worship to God for all He’s done was encouraging. After our meal, we had a special Thanksgiving program with over twenty speaking and music specials. What a blessing it was to hear so many voices raised in Thanksgiving to God!

And making this particular Thanksgiving even more memorable, Sam ended up taking a valium for some pain she was having. The older girls and I had a great time laughing at Sam as she skipped and spun around the room. She even said all kinds of crazy things. The best part was that she didn’t remember any of it later that night. I definitely enjoyed sharing all of her antics with her.

To top it off, last night I got to Skype with my entire family (minus Brandon) while they were at Grandma’s for Thanksgiving. I haven’t been able to call home in a while, so it was amazing to talk with all of them and to see them as well. I’m thankful for all that God is doing in my life and for what he will continue to do!

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness!” Psalm 115:1

Dry Season

(written November 22, 2011)

Dry season has begun. A cloud of dust has settled in the air, making the mountains difficult to see in the distance and blocking the stars from clearly shining in the night sky. With dry season comes the burning of fields and tall grasses. Fires aren’t as closely supervised here in Cameroon as they are in the States. Basically, someone starts a brush fire, and then everyone fends for his own home. According to the experienced missionaries, the fires can be a little nerve-wracking. Actually, as I write this, there is a small fire burning just down the hill from our house. I can hear it crackling and popping as it feeds on dry grass. If I stand on a stool, I can just barely see the fire from my bedroom window.

With dry season also comes the heat, a decreased supply of water, and an increased amount of power outages. I figure if the heat gets to be too much, we can go and visit the missionaries in Bandjoun, a city just over an hour from here. Bandjoun is higher up in the mountains, so it is significantly cooler there. This week, more often than not the power has been out when I wake up in the morning. Of course, it is much nicer to be without power during the day as opposed to not having it at night. The only downfall to a lack of power during the day is when it affects us at school. My girls do three out of four subjects on the computer, so a lack of power significantly affects us. However, in the three months I have been here, we have always been able to do some semblance of school. And we’ve not yet been without power the entire day.

Although dry season may sound depressing, I’m actually excited that dry season has begun. This is a side to Africa that I’ve not yet experienced. I’m so thankful that God has led me here to Cameroon for this year!

The Big City

November 15, 2011

Sam and I are in Yaounde with the Barillas. Sam and Mark both had things to take care of at the immigration office here, so I’ve been experiencing African government—from the car. Rachel, Kelsey, and I have been waiting out in the car while Mark and Sam tackle the immigration officers. Let’s just say Kelsey and I have had a lot of bonding time. I also had a few audio books on my Kindle, so I’ve been listening to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. (Which, by the way, is a great book!) Kelsey has been enjoying my camera. There are about 50 random pictures of cars outside the window and of miscellaneous items in the car. While I may keep a few of those pics, probably most of them will be deleted.

We’ve been doing an exorbitant amount of shopping while we’re here in Yaounde. We stopped first at the American store—a store that sells all kinds of random items it receives from a container from America. Here we can find American food, candles, and any other American type things. And then today we stopped at Orca, a 4-story Walmart/Hobby Lobby type store. It was incredible!!!! I felt like I was in the States. We also stopped at the artisan market for souvenirs and such. And I definitely felt like I was in Africa.

Tomorrow we’re heading back to Foumban, without having fully accomplished either task at the immigration office. But, that’s life in Africa. On Friday, Sam and I head out again with the Loescher family.

Vacation!

Next week is shaping up to be a most exciting and relaxing week, at least for me and the other homeschool teacher. The Barillas are heading to Yaounde, the capitol of Cameroon, and invited me and Sam to tag along. Of course, part of the trip will be business—Sam needs to apply for a visa extension. But, I fully intend to enjoy myself. The Barillas were talking about the food they’re planning on eating during the trip: chicken, pizza, Chinese. I wouldn’t even be ashamed to say that I’m going mostly for the food!

We will be gone with the Barillas through Wednesday. On Thursday, Sam and I will teach our only day of the week, and then we’re off again on a mini-vacation with the Loescher family Friday through Sunday. I’m definitely ready for a break! And I’m quite enjoying the benefits of being a teacher here in Cameroon.

Last night Sam and I cooked our first chicken since we’ve been here in Cameroon. (Of course, Sam did most of the cooking; I simply helped.) We knew we had a whole chicken, so it would have to be cleared, but Sam was up to the task. She started working on the chicken, but before long, she came into my room: “Rachelle—the chicken has a tail! I need your help.” I headed into the kitchen to help her. Thankfully C decided to come help us too. The tail turned out to be a head … and claws. And the chicken still had some of its innards.

C bravely cut off the head and legs. She said it really wasn’t that difficult, considering she had previously had to chop of the head of a live chicken. I was really grossed out. Then C insisted on taking a picture of the process; in particular, a picture of Sam and me holding the chicken parts. They forced me to hold up with head. I had to put a plastic bag on my hand before I would dare touch it, and even then I was really creeped out. Sam enjoyed tormenting me with the claws. I was so traumatized by the chicken experience that I actually dreamed about the chicken last night. Despite the psychological damage the chicken imposed upon me, I enjoyed eating it. It was delicious!!

Favorite Things

Life continues to zoom by here in Cameroon. I cannot believe it’s already November! Fall is just not the same without the colors, smells, and sights that usually come with fall. I’m sure Christmas will be even weirder since the temperature will get hotter as opposed to cooler.

Despite the many differences between Cameroon and the States, the positive things definitely outweigh the negative. I’m working on a list of favorite things here in Cameroon.

(1)   Driving home at night with the sun roof open. The stars are incredible here! I love to look up and see the Milky Way. And to think that God knows the name of every single one of those stars—even of the ones I can’t see. What an amazing God!

(2)   The light switch hanging on my bed post. Hands-down, this is my favorite invention ever. At night, we have to sleep with mosquito nets. When I was at the Loescher’s, I would tuck my mosquito net in, toss a flashlight in my bed, go to turn out the light, and then climb back in bed. Now, my bed at Ellen’s house has a remote light switch. Once I tuck in my mosquito net, I can climb in bed with the lights on and turn off the lights whenever I want without getting out of bed!

(3)   Fresh produce for dirt-cheap prices. A few Saturdays ago, I went to the market to pick up a few things. I bought carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, pineapple, celery, cabbage, peanuts, lemons, and bananas for under $10. I told Sam that I think I will definitely experience reverse culture shock the first time I walk into Kroger’s in the States.

(4)   Thunderstorms from the balcony. I especially enjoyed this while I was living with the Loeschers. Unfortunately, the house I’m in now does not have the same balcony view. The other night, we were all over at the Loeschers. The lights went out during a storm, so Eddie, Josh, Sam, and I decided to go out on the balcony and enjoy the view of the storm. We actually got to see lighting strike the ground in the distance. The thunder was so loud, I’m pretty sure all four of us screamed.

(5)    The battery powered light on my kindle. I love my mother for suggesting I get the kindle cover that comes with a built-in light. I have something to occupy me when we lose electricity at night (which happens quite frequently).

That’s my list for now. It definitely grows as I experience life more and more in Africa.