In the past month, our household population has fluctuated from one person to six people and every combination in between. The Grace Dental Mission team was in Cameroon for the past two weeks and spent most of their time out in the bush. Carol, Ellen, and C (the Foumban Medical team, if you will) also went to the bush during that time so there was both a medical and dental ministry. From what I hear, they had a great trip with a total of around 25 team members. Ellen calculated the total people that the medical side saw, and in two villages, they saw over 600 patients in less than two weeks. That total does not even include the patients the dental team saw. I was helping count the medicine after they returned from the trip. I was amazed at how much medicine was given out (especially ibuprofen), but, of course, 600 people will go through a lot of meds!
On Saturday, seven people from the medical/dental group came over to Foumban to do some dental work in the prison here. Two of the ladies (and Ellen) stayed with us, so we had a total of six people in the house. Sam slept on a mattress on the floor in my room, and to solve the issue of a mosquito net, we decided to set up a tent for her. The Barillas offered us one of their tents. At first, we were going to just take the small one, but then we weren’t sure if the mattress would fit. So we asked the Barillas if we could borrow the large tent. Now, we didn’t realize how large this tent was. The tent fits six people comfortably (or two queen sized mattresses!). Lydia was over on Saturday while Sam and I were trying to set up the tent. Lydia was absolutely convinced we would never be able to fit the tent in my room, and she let us know over and over of that belief. Well, being rather stubborn-natured, when someone tells me that there is no way on earth that something will happen, I naturally find a way to make it happen. Sam finally told Lydia that if it didn’t fit, we would make her a plate of chocolate chip cookies. However, if the tent did fit, Lydia would owe us a batch.
Lydia readily agreed, fully believing that she would win the bet. As the tent began to take shape in the room, however, Lydia got a little nervous. She began trying to make exceptions to the rule—“Well, the tent has to be set up all the way.” Too late, though. The deal was already set in motion. And sure enough, the tent fit in the room—barely, but it fit! So Sam and I are eagerly looking forward to that plate of cookies!
On Saturday, Sam, A, and I attended the Youth Day parade in town. On this day, all of the schools in the area come to Foumban to march in the parade. Rachel dropped us off in the morning as she was headed to market, and the three of us stationed ourselves right next to the dignitary tent. I think we got more stared at than the dignitaries did. The events started off with a very long recorded speech in French. I didn’t pay enough attention to understand what was being said. Then the parade started off with the youngest kids (some possibly even younger than five years). They were adorable and stole the show for me!! A was really hoping to see a friend march in the parade, but by noon, I was wiped and ready to head out. We finally managed to catch a taxi (which is the first time I’ve ever done that—in Cameroon or in the States) and head home. Despite how exhausted I was, I’m glad I went. I had a great time and got a ton of great pictures!
The dental team headed down to Yaounde yesterday. I was able to catch a ride to Bafoussam (a city about an hour away) with Rachel and completed all the paperwork for my two-year residency card. I even got my fingerprints and photo taken while I was there. Unfortunately, the chief that needed to sign my documents was out of the office yesterday. Lord willing, tomorrow one of the men will head back to Bafoussam to get that needed signature and I’ll have my temporary card in hand before my visa expires. We definitely saw God working throughout the process to get my card. I’m so thankful for how smoothly He allowed the process to be!!
On Sunday, the church plant in Foumbot is having their first baptism. Two ladies have come to know Christ and will be giving public testimony of their faith. It’s so encouraging to see God at work in these ladies’ lives and homes. Please pray for Albertine and Celine that they will continue to grow in the Lord and serve Him with their lives.
