I know that I desperately owe you faithful readers an update. I think I’ve just been so relieved with the end of the wedding that I haven’t wanted to do much of anything. Tomorrow marks a mere three weeks until I leave Cameroon. I cannot believe how long I’ve been here, but even less can I believe how soon I’m leaving. I’m not too sad—I am planning on returning next year. But, there’s so much to do in the next three weeks!
This past weekend, Carolyn headed down to Yaoundé to retake her ACT test. Carol, Rachel, Sam, and I decided to head down with her. (Of course, Carol, her mother, had to go with her. We couldn’t just send Carolyn by herself!) My main interest in going down on this trip was to stop by the artisan market and get my fill of souvenirs. Let me tell you, did I ever get my fill. We actually ended up going to the artisan market twice. After surveying our purchases on Friday night, we realized we hadn’t gotten as much as we wanted. As I’ve mentioned before, Sam is incredible with bartering and with knowing the right prices. I think our greatest find at the market were canvas paintings of African scenes. We found an incredible artist—and ended up buying a total of 20 paintings! (As Carol says, between me and Sam, we have enough to start up our own artisan market that could rival our local Foumban market!) What amazes me the most is how much these vendors manage to get out of tourists. They would tell us, “You’re not a tourist, but this is the price we give for tourist.” And then they would proceed to quote us an absolutely absurd price. The crazy thing—there is no doubt in my mind that certain tourists actually pay those prices (if not even more!).
For instance, Sam wanted to purchase two boxes (big jewelry sized ones). We asked the vendor the price for the first box. He gave of a price of 42,000 Fr (about $84). Sam and I literally laughed in his face. Then he told us the price of the second box: 36,000 Fr (about $72). Once again, we had a good laugh. We knew this man was trying to take us for a ride. But, we are no novices at this game. Sam gave the man a price that was just a small fraction of his initial quotes. She stuck to her guns and got it for that price. The key in bartering is to stick to your price and walk away if they refuse. Typically, the vendor will run after you. However, even if he doesn’t, you can try the same price (for the same objects) at the next vendor. (Often, you can even try a lower price and get what you initially wanted.)
Carol tends to attract attention at the artisan market. Many of the vendors are from the Bamoun tribe, the sultan of which lives in our base town of Foumban. Carol knows Bamoun, so she often speaks to these men in their mother tongue. Leaving the artisan market with Carol in the car is quite an adventure. When we tried to pull out on Friday, our car was bombarded with vendors trying one last time to sell us their merchandise. The good thing about this selling assault is that you get dirt cheap prices since they’re just trying to get something out of you. This is the time to figure out the real prices on certain items. I must say, we benefitted of this opportunity just as much as the vendors themselves did!
As much fun as I had in Yaoundé, I’m thankful to be back in Foumban. Life is slower here (in some senses), and that’s a good things. Today Sam and I had two Bible studies. I have been so encouraged with our Bible studies that past few weeks. Frieda is an English speaking lady that used to go to our church but now goes to the Baptist Convention church. Before Christmas, I was discouraged because I would rather have a ministry to the ladies that are actually in our church. But God knew that Frieda needed the encouragement. She has been so eager to study from God’s Word, and she seems to have a very clear understanding of salvation. I really believe that God is working in her life, and that He will use her to bring her family to salvation. Pray for her, please, that by her testimony, God would draw her husband to himself.
Later this afternoon, we had a Bible study with Clementine, our 13- or 14-year old neighbor. In Clementine’s case as well, I have been so encouraged. A few weeks ago, she brought in a notebook that she had begun with questions she had from the Bible. I also saw her bring that notebook to church to take notes in. There sometimes is a language barrier in Clementine’s case—she’s a French speaker, but she wants the Bible study to be in English so that she can improve her English. Often, she struggles to understand certain words, but Sam can usually explain them pretty well or I can give the French translation of the word. This afternoon, we were studying the second return of Christ, a topic that can get fairly complex. But God gave understanding, and I really feel like she’s growing. In fact, a few weeks ago, her mother mentioned to C that she’s seen quite a change in Clementine. Please pray for Clementine as well, that God would continue to do a work in her, and that she would be a testimony to her Muslim family.
