Day 75 & 76

Monday & Tuesday, December 19 & 20, 2011

Back to work, too bad. Today was super busy, we saw lots of patients as usual on Mondays. Tuesday as I recall was busy in the morning, but once afternoon rolled around it was much slower. We had an interesting guy come into the clinic to get checked up, he was quite the character. He looked really young but he was actually in his 40’s. Anyways he was really funny, and awkward. Besides that there wasn’t anything too exciting that I can remember, so it wasn’t that interesting in the clinic the past couple days. We took Lizzy to get a spaghetti omelet on Tuesday and I think she seemed to enjoy it.

During the evening we all went to the church. We listened to Bill talk about Trusting in God and then after he spoke, we all went up to Clerk’s Quarters and enjoyed beans and puff puff. It was amazing, such a good meal, I get full for 200 francs, about 40 cents. If I could say so myself, I think it’s a pretty good deal.  On Tuesday night, Trixy quizzed everyone at the church in regards to what we talked about for the past week. When we finished Lizzy and I packed for the mountain, which we will be climbing on Wednesday and Thursday. I talked with my parents and then we headed to bed because it’s going to be an early morning.

Day 73 & 74 - Weekend in Kribi

Sabbath, December 18, 2011

Lizzy is here!! I am so happy to have her here!

 Today we woke up early and headed out to the beach. We grabbed a bite to eat at the bakery and then left for Kribi. When we finally arrived in Kribi we moved into our small little room and then got dressed to hit the beach. We walked down the beach to the falls, it was so beautiful and it was a nice walk. We hung out down there for a bit and took pictures. When we got back to our hotel we ate a little something and then went back out to the catch some more rays.

We got ready for dinner, took a shower in our lovely shower that was basically wide open in the room and then we took pictures on the beach with all of us girls. After we took pictures we headed to town to get some dinner. We had pizza again for dinner, but it was quite delicious. After dinner we stopped by the bakery, and Andrea, Rosisn and Lizzy and I decided to stay out in the town for a bit longer. (I guess on the way home Bill and Trixy got hit by a moto in their car and it took off their mirror, it was crazy I guess, but we missed it).

The four of us girls hung out and relaxed and then we decided it was time to head back so we got two motos to take us back to the hotel. But first they took us to the wrong spot and then the other moto driver had to stop and get some credit on his phone. We then finally headed back to the hotel. It was my first moto ride and it was awesome! I felt so free! This was Lizzy’s first moto ride as well and I am so glad that she got to experience it while here in Cameroon!

Rosisn was riding with me because she spoke French, so we told the driver we were married, but we also got them to take us back to the hotel for 1000 francs because we said “but were pretty”. Oh Africa.  When we got back to the hotel, they came out and yelled at the guys that brought us back because I guess they weren’t suppose to. It was kind of scary.

Everyone was out on the patio when we got back so we visited. We then were going to call it a night, but the 7 of us girls decided to go for a dip in the ocean! What a great night, we took showers after we got back. One of the girls had ants all over her, so she ran to the shower, it was an experience, but a good one! Oh yes one more thing, their were bioluminescence’s in the water, they were really neat, it was a night well spent in Kribi.

 A little taste of Africa

Lizzy at the falls! So cute :)

 The falls about a 30 minute walk on the beach from our hotel

 Local putting his boat in the water to go fishing

 All of us girls in Kribi on the beach, it was beautiful!

 Lizzy and I on the beach in Kribi! This girl is the best!

 My first moto ride...I'm in love...

 Lizzy on her first moto ride in AFRICA!

Day 74 - Sunday, December 18, 2011

Woke up pretty early again, we were going to walk to the Ilomba hotel to eat some breakfast, but we decided to drive instead. On our way there we saw a moto accident. I’m not sure what happen, but there were 4 people on the moto, two stayed on top of the bridge, the other two were barely hanging onto the side of the bridge and the bike was long gone in the water at the bottom of the bridge. It was very scary and we pray they everyone made it out with no major injuries, everyone seemed to be fine however.

After we ate a huge breakfast, we headed back to the hotel, packed up and left for home. We got back around 3 or so and it felt so good to be home; never thought it would feel so good to call this place home, but it actually feels like home now. When we got back, we slept for a long time. We then made some dinner and went down to Bill and Trixy’s. We had spaghetti and the works and then watched a movie. We called it a night after the movie and headed to bed! Ahh it’s so nice to have Lizzy here, she’s a great addition! Also Mom and Dad, thank you so much for the bag of goodies you sent to me, I love love love them! Love you all and miss you every much!

Our lovely hotel room that was a million degrees.

Day 72 - Lizzy is here!!!! :)

Friday, December 16, 2011

Lizzy is coming in today! I am so excited. Today again was super busy at work with nurse consultations. I got to hear a gallop today, which was pretty neat. Anyways we left work early and I worked on finishing packing. We were on the road to Douala by 1 or so. When we arrived we went to the bakery got a snack then headed to the hotel. We hung out at the hotel until it was time for dinner, then we went to dinner at the Mediterranean restaurant. Enjoying an iced coffee along with some pizza and ice cream. We then went back to the hotel, played apples to apples and waited for Lizzy to land.

We went to the airport and waited, but no Lizzy, we then checked the board and her plane had been delayed, so they finally landed around 9:40 and we didn’t see her until about 11. Before then I had some guy asking me for my number and then luckily she came so I just walked away, however, he was a pretty nice guy.  We got back, and headed to bed. I am so happy that Lizzy is here, I am so thankful that she is here with me!

 

Our hotel room in Douala! Aww it is so nice to have Lizzy here, finally, I've been waiting for forever it seems!

Day 70 & 71

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wow, I’m sorry, I am so far behind.

So to give you an update! Today we went out to Kingston School and watched the Christmas Program that they put on! When we got there we took a tour inside the school and the kids just came and surrounded us and hugged us and told me how much they like my blonde hair. During the program, which was slightly unorganized and started an hour late, the kids were dancing and singing, it was adorable. The parents would go to the stage and throw money at the kids dancing up there. The kids there were out of control, it is so much different than in America, but it was an amazing experience! The kids were adorable, the people were so sweet, and the program was wonderful and just like I said before, an AMAZING experience.

When we got back to the clinic we basically did nothing in the clinic, but that’s alright. We went up to the church for the evening program where Mary spoke of the importance of exercise. When came back, hung out and went to bed.

The Christmas Program out at Kingston School, it was absolutely amazing!

Cutest albino that was dancing during the program!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Not a whole lot happen today, Sarah and Tabby worked on baking somethings for Trixy’s birthday. We saw a ton of patients in the nurse clinic today and we were super busy. I then worked on preparing my talk for the evening speaking of the importance of sunshine. I practiced it a little bit, while everyone worked on making tortillas along with decorating the cake and making props.

I was a sun for my presentation this evening. It was a relief to get it over with. After the program, we walked back. Visited with Surreal a sweet girl that we met and then when we got back we celebrated Trixy’s birthday with chilly, tortillas and cake. We relaxed and then went to bed. Happy Birthday Trixy!

P.S. Lizzy comes tomorrow and I am so excited!!!!

Trixy's birthday cake

Day 69

December 13, 2011

Today was interesting. We couldn’t stop laughing this morning while singing. We were full of laughter. Anyways today was super slow in the clinic for us. We have very few patients and four of us nurses, there isn’t very much for us to do. After work we went to Elizabeth’s house to pick up Tabby’s skirt and we were going to have her make us pants, but she said the fabric wouldn’t work. When then went straight to market.

When then came back ate, and headed up to the church for our Health presentations.  On the way up to the Church, Mary and I were making pretty good time and we had two people ask us “are you people making sport?’ We were both dressed up, and I was wearing a skirt. The second person that asked literally laughed “hehehehehehe” when she asked. After that we slowed down the pace just a bit. Tonight’s topic was on water presented by Tabby.  After the presentation, which started 15 minutes late, we headed back down to the clinic.  On our way back, they saw Sarah and instead of calling here white man, they said “Chinese”. It was hilarious.

When we got back we had s’mores thanks to Trixy. They were so delicious. We roasted them over tea candles and put them on graham crackers from the Heartland store. After s’mores we watched a little something and then called it a night. Goodnight.

Day 68 - God is Amazing!

December 12, 2011

Worship this morning was so touching. There was one lady who had lost her husband and she was “sick”, but she just wanted to thank God for allowing her to be alive and thank Him for showing her that she does have a purpose here. Then the girl that came on Friday was there this morning at worship and she told everyone her story in which she lost her mom when she was little and he father was never around and that she lives with her aunt and uncle and her aunt basically hates her. Mom Regina had prayer, and by the time prayer was over, there were about 3 people crying and everyone else was really moved by it, you could tell by all of the “amen’s”. I placed my arm around the lady sitting next to me to comfort her because she was one of the people crying during prayer. It was very moving prayer.

Trixy didn’t work today, so it was just a nurse clinic for the day. We saw a few people, but we weren’t super busy. However, a very good-looking German came in to the clinic today and Mary and I did the consultation. He was so cute!

After work we went and got some “corn” and then came back and made some popcorn. I worked on the Christmas letter for my mom. Spoke with my mom. Made my first online purchase in Africa and then got ready to head to church. Also Sharon the girl who came on Friday came to stop by and say thank you. She was so grateful; we helped pay for her schooling so that she could write her exams. When she came by we gave her food because she hadn’t really eaten all week long. Thanks to mom Regina, she took Sharon to the school today to help pay for it because we didn’t want to just give her the money, but mom took her and got most of it taken care of, however, mom got tired so she came back, which by then most of it was taken care of.

We went to the church for the health presentation; there were about 9 of us all together. Sarah did a nice job for being the first to present. She talked about rest. We sang some songs, and talked with everyone. I love all of the people in the church; they are all so sweet. After church we walked up the hill to Clerk’s quarters and got some beans and puff puff along with some soda. I made good use out of my flip flops tonight and opened one of the bottles with it. Once we were finished we had some man come and stand next to our table, but the waiter told him to leave and not to be in his shop, it was very nice of him.

When we got back to the compound, we went and got some frozen bananas, visited with Bill and then had lots of giggles. Today has just been full of giggles, I’m not sure why, but I guess it’s good to laugh every once in a while :). Came back to the room and was brushing my teeth we a cockroach ran along the sink. I definitely screamed. I had no were to spit, but I was not getting anywhere near that roach. I spit in the shower and Sarah helped with the destruction of the roach. SO GROSS! I then visited with my brother and Jamie and then called it a night.

Wow, there are so many things to be thankful for today! Sharon was grateful to get the help to allow for her to write her exams. We are grateful for mom Regina in taking the time to go to the school with Sharon. Thankful for our church family and friends. And thankful for rest. Today was just a good day! God is so good!

A Night Under the Stars

Day 64 - 67

December 8 - 11, 2011

This past week was pretty rough. When I had to work in the pharmacy, I realized I’m not as tough as I thought I was. I tried to let it go, but I couldn’t. But the one thing I did realize is that Africans have a very different way of expressing themselves. The culture here is much different than in the States. I love them all to death, but this week was hard for me to see through the sternness.

We also had another girl that came in who wanted money from us because she couldn’t pay for school to take her exams, but how were we to know whether or not she was truthful or not. We talked with her and got to know her and we felt as if she really did need help and that she had a rough life. Please pray for her.

I am so thankful for church family, a little girl this weekend was telling me to “come” by waving her hands so that we could pray together, so I wrapped my arms around her and she wrapped hers back and around my legs as much as we could while we prayed.  I am also very thankful for my family and friends back home. I got to talk to my parents and best friend Lizzy who will be coming in 5 days. I am so excited and every time I get to talk to my parents I am just so grateful for them and I love them so much! I miss them so much!

So last night we thought that we were going to be able to view a lunar eclipse, only to find out that it actually happened the night before. That was a bummer, but look on the bright side we got to spend the night under the stars and a full moon while in Africa. What a great way to spend the night, sleeping under the stars in Africa, it was so beautiful. The three of us girls and an African cat to keep the lizards and whatever other animals might come along; and then to top if off waking up to a stunning sunrise, it was a great way to the start of a new week.

This is going to be a good week. Woke up to an amazing sunrise. Enjoyed some ICED COFFEE. Spent the evening with great friends. Played Dutch Blitz. Talking with Mary and Tabby about our mission here. And I get to see my best friend in 5 days!

 Mary, Tabby and Myself sleeping under the stars and a full moon, it was awesome!

 Sunday morning sunrise, what an amazing sight to wake up to!

Day 63 - Injection

December 7, 2011

Started out working in the pharmacy for a bit this morning, did some consultations with Trixy, but we were so busy that I started taking some of the patients in the other room and did the history and physical myself. I did that on 3 or 4 patients today; an old man with knee pains, kid that had malaria and anemia, another man with toe fungus. 

I did another knee injection today; I love giving them because it just glides right in. I also did a few antenatal consultations and then had Trixy check the cervix for me. Anyways it was a good day, and I had a ton of experience, because I did a lot of it on my own and then Trixy double-checked my work.

This afternoon, it slowed down a bit, but then we ended up working until about 4:30. After work I was tired, so I came and relaxed. It was a long day, but a very good day!

Went and ate some frozen bananas, visited for a bit and then decided it was time for me to call it a night!

So far along the journey I have had some amazing experiences and wonderful encounters with people! God is so amazing and I thank Him everyday for all that He has done for me and I pray that He continues to work in the lives of those around me along with continuing to work in mine. God is so good!

Day 62 - New life

December 6, 2011

Today was super slow in the clinic. We saw a few patients and then spent some time writing letters to my family when we didn’t have patients in the clinic. We had one of our antenatal patients come in with her baby that she delivered last Friday at a weight of 2.2kg. The baby was so little, but so is the mother. The baby was adorable and the mother is just the sweetest thing ever!

Tabby made us some lunch today, so we all went over to Bill and Trixy’s to enjoy it. We visited for a while because it was slow then headed back to the clinic.

After work we hung out, made popcorn, ate watermelon in DECEMBER and enjoyed some guacamole. We watched Rodolfo and Home Alone 2. It was a relaxing night. Slow day, but it was a good day.

 She is so precious!

 I was so excited for her, she is such a sweet person!

Day 61

Monday, December 5, 2011

Today was so stressful! I was the only one working in the pharmacy because Teclaire was busy working on other things. And seeing that Monday is our busiest day of the week, well yeah I must say it was very busy and very stressful! Some of the drugs I couldn’t find, or I had a hard time finding, and then some of them I didn’t know how much to give or how often because it wasn’t written in the book. And then I would have a long line of people and it was just very stressful. I made it through the day, but it was long and stressful. I think I left for about 5 minutes all day so I could use the bathroom and grab a bite to eat.

Even though there were a few down times throughout the day, when it was busy, it was very busy!

After work I was ready to just relax, we made some popcorn and then we started the process of making vegetables and tortillas, it was a lot of work, but it was delicious and totally worth it! After we ate we just hung out relaxed and then called it a night. I was ready for bed, because today was so stressful, but it was a relief to me when Trixy complimented me and told me I did a good job today working in the pharmacy.

Goodnight everyone! I miss you and love you all!

Day 60

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Well we have been here for 8 weeks now, wow where has the time gone?

 Today wasn’t too exciting on my end. Woke up early did a ton of laundry; my forearms are going to be quite strong by the time I get home with doing all this laundry by hand. Minus the laundry it was a relaxing day.

We went to get spaghetti omelets and it was a different guy than usual, well just say not as experienced so I got scrambled spaghetti omelet because it stuck to the pan. It was still good.  Nat joined us as well, and then we went and had coffee at Bill and Trixy’s.

Well I wasn’t feeling going to market today, but we went anyways, and Trixy drove us down there. After market we stopped in at Andrea’s place. When we got back, they did yoga and I went for a walk with Bill and Jordan. It was refreshing and not too hot.

I got to visit with Lizzy and my parents today! It is always so good to hear their voices, I miss them very much and I am thankful to have them in my life along with all of you people reading this (I think I have been in Cameroon for too long…I just wrote “all of you people”). Anyways as I was talking to my parents, Darius one of the younger church members came to our room. I told him I was talking with my parents so he said hello, he then went to my wall and looked at the picture and said, “Dad, I love the hair up on your face (as he pointed to my upper lip),” he then says and “Mom, I love your hair do, it’s very nice.” I thought that was very sweet of him to say hello to my parents and compliment them. 

It’s very interesting here because they call their elders either “mom or dad” or they call them “auntie and uncle”. I thought it was very nice of Darius to call my parents “mom and dad”, however that is their culture here.

After talking with my parents we went down and had dinner with everyone then we played a round of Apples to Apples, it was a lot of fun. We then called it a night. Goodnight everyone. It was so good to talk to you! I love you and miss you!

 Dad, you are very handsome, and mom you are oh so beautiful! I miss you both very much and love you lots!

Day 57, 58 & 59

Thursday, December 1, 2011 - Rabbit Rabbit

Well Thursday was pretty slow, we saw a few patients in the morning, but since Trixy had a meeting to go to we were turning lots of people away. It’s very slow without Trixy in the clinic.  We made it through the day. We went and hung out with Trixy Thursday evening, and then Bill came home and was there to keep her company. We left, hung out relaxed and called it a night.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Today Trixy was busy, so she didn’t see any patients; we did a lot of turning patients away today again. It was a pretty lazy day, we didn’t do a whole lot, and I worked in the pharmacy, worked on checking people in at the front desk and took vitals. This afternoon after work, I took a short nap, however one of our patients was so thankful for all that we had done, he brought us food. The food was so delicious, we all ate so much, I definitely ate way too much, but it was all so good! After we ate we went to the post office. We saw Nat there so we all went to the Heartland store since they had gotten their shipment in, that place was packed, it felt like I was in America…well not quite. Everything is twice the price there as it is in America. We then left, came back visited, prayed and then decided to go to bed.

Sabbath, December 3, 2011

Happy Sabbath everyone! Went to church today, walked up there, and let me tell you it was hot today, I was sweating like crazy, the only bad thing about walking to church. The one thing I really love about church is all of the people there. Everyone is so sweet! Same with all of the little kids, they love to laugh and giggle with you and come play with you. They are such a blessing, they are so much fun and really know how to make me smile! I love them all! After church we came back made some lunch.  After lunch came back relaxed. We took Jordan for a walk this evening, which was still hot out. We took out Mary’s hair tonight, didn’t take as long as mine. Then we watched the Grinch this evening eating popcorn. It was a good way to start off Christmas.

Some of the little kids at church that are involved in Pathfinders!