October 26

Today is one of the best days I have been here in Cameroon. Kim, the APCD (Associated Peace Corps Director) for the heath program met with each volunteer. This is in lieu of our post announcements this week. She is basically our supervisor in PC when it comes directly to our posting and work in the future. It was great to check in with her, update information and preferences for posting. It is exciting to hear about possible places where PCT will be heading in about a month or so.

Since I have arrived in country I have been really interested in working in water and sanitation interventions. Getting a clean, fresh drink of water in the states is routine for most people. Though here the situation here is much different. Most water that comes from the faucet is untreated, though even if it has been treated the infrastructure of pipes ruins the clean water. There are many techniques for purifying water here in Cameroon and I hope to implement those once in community. I figure this is a topic that is very specific to a developing country and I may not have this same PH opportunity in the states.

Take a break, go ahead and Google the phrase: “Blister beetle”, head to images. I’m assuming a nice picture of a good sized blister will show up, or maybe an example of the critter that got me this week. While in Cameroon my health has been great, thankfully. Though I have found I’m pretty much a “bon-bon”or candy for the insects here. Currently I have 3 good-sized blister/bites on my ankle, hot – I know. Tao, one of the instructors insisted I head to the doctor at the hospital yesterday. Don’t worry Momma it’s nothing serious. Mostly uncomfortable from the swelling/itching. Though I found the doctor was more interested in talking to Americans than worrying about my leg. Aba, my good friend accompanied me along with one of the PC drivers. Aba is an all-star French speaker and was the key ingredient for translation. We also stopped into the bakery and snagged some goodies after visiting the pharmacy.

Another highlight of my day was when Marian one of my host sisters offered to help clean my room. I have learned that if anyone offers to help, you accept because it’s really just his or her way of telling you to do something. I asked her to pick some music from my iPOD, she decided to blast Shania Twain. Here I am, in Africa listening to Shania Twain. Goodness. Sonja, one of my language trainers who live in the Otis family compound came over to join in. Then we switched it over to Britney Spears and had a dance party. Fantastic. Life is good today in Cameroon. I have my language interview tomorrow morning, which determine how much French I have obtained in 5 weeks.

I spoke with both my Mom and Dad on Sunday night, which was pretty great. Mom and Bill just retured from a trip to Ireland – yea world travelers! Way to use that passport Bill! It was great to check in and hear about their trip across the pond. Dad and Carol are in Las Vegas now – fun! When my host family asked about them I couldn’t have sounded more like a stereotypical rich American. “Oh my Mom just got home from Europe and my Dad is vacationing in Vegas” – ha! It is SO, SO wonderful to have updates from the states and hear happy voices. The time difference is tricky sometimes – 8 hours now…soon to be 9 once Oregon “falls back”.

PS: One more highlight. A volunteer who is about to COS (close of service) is giving me a whole box of new Frisbees along with cones!! Apparently someone from the states sent them over but she never had a chance to use them. Fantastic!! Tossing a disc a few times in a week has been keeping me sane. Tomorrow after classes I’m having a
mini-throwing clinic at the stade – sweet!!

October 12

October 12, 2007

After watching “One fine day” with a group of girls Erica and I trotted home in the dark. I boiled a pot of water and was ushered out of the “modern” kitchen (consisting of a stove/sink/freezer) by Mariann to the “traditional kitchen”, which basically is a room where they cook over a fire. Dinner time. Each time the lid of a giant pot is lifted I hold my breath. She revealed many bananas in peanut sauce along with giggly looking meat. I dish up some, wondering what it may be….make the mistake of asking…the answer: cow skin. Awesome.

I also got rocked by my host brothers earlier in UNO. I’m thankful for universal card games, which I can play with them. Our TV is on the fritz, so we can take a break from the French dubbed Spanish soap opera which my host mom can’t seem function without.

Today we took a well-needed field trip to Bassoufam. Our main focus of training this week has been HIV/AIDS (in Francais: VIH/SIDA) so it was fitting to visit a testing clinic. Medical confidentiality is an issue that is taken quite seriously in the states. Though it’s a bit different here. All those whom wish to be tested are put into a large room where they watch a 30 min VIH/SIDA video and receive pre-testing counseling as a group. So much for confidentiality, eh? After going through the counseling each person is called back by number to either receive results or have their blood taken. It was unsetting and terrifying to sit among people whom may receive news that could very well change their lives forever. The statistics for VIH/SIDA in Cameroon exclusively is 1 in 9 persons, though not as rampant as some African countries, the stats are staggering. The government has made strides to improve knowledge of the citizens, which is apparent. The children and teens I have spoken with are quite well informed though it’s the implementation of that knowledge which is the difficult area.

Things are starting to come together. It has helped that we’ve all sort of adopted a bit of routine after classes each day…at least till we have to go home before curfew. I failed to mention that, we all have to be at home, safe and sound by 6pm. Excellent. So this is how the week has shaped up thus far:

Monday: Ultimate at the stade, a AUPA (African ultimate players association) is in the works.

Tuesday: Cyber café, find out the Al Gore won a Nobel Peace Prize. Call Grandpa to wish him a Happy 85^th birthday! Decide that I miss Grandpa very much and am homesick for eating ice cream with him, talking politics, and everything else about him. Get a bit weepy about the birthday bash I missed out on.

Wednesday: An evening that is becoming one of my favorites. Gather at the PC house and make a big dinner, everyone pitches in 1000 CFA and eats fantastic food. Last week was Mexican, this week was spaghetti, and there are Thai rumors for next week.

Thursday: School gets out early and everyone including language trainers joins in for a soccer match. Nura and I walk laps instead of getting kicked in the shins. Learn that Nura is chummy with Al Gores son and went to school with him. Decide that the 10 degrees separation thing is actually true, and that Nura is pretty fantasic friend to have.

Friday (Today): After classes retire among many others at Chez Pierre, a shack/bar/hut and have a “33” (pronounced trente-trois) brew and plan Ambers surprise birthday soiree for this weekend. Hotly debate whether or not to buy a goat for my post.

Halloween is just around the corner, please send costume suggestions as you wish. Also, in upcoming news: On the 1^st of November is the day for post announcements. This is when I’ll find out where I will be working/living in Cameroon post training.

PS: I have a cell phone here – yea! Texting is pretty great. I left my cell phone with everyone’s #’s in the PC safe in Yaounde so if you don’t get a call from me that’s why. Anywho, here’s my African digits: 001 237 74 83 02 31

Much love from Cameroon. KT

Tuesday October 9, 2007

Our recent training motto: the days go slow but the weeks fly by. It’s true. It’s been roughly 3 weeks since I left for my PC adventures. It seems like we’ve been gone much longer than that for some reason though. Over the past few things I’ve realized a few things….French is rough. I’m slowly getting the hang of it though. Due to the patience of trainers Djanabo and Sonja things are looking up. I may have been the first PCT to cry in French class due to utter confusion/frustration – awesome! Thankfully Cameroonians as a whole are very forgiving when it comes to language.

Weekdays here consist of classes from 7:30 am till 4:30 pm. I walk to school with Nina, Marian, and Toman (host siblings). Marian and Toman catch a motortaxi to school, basically they just hop on the back of a guys motorcycle. During lunch I have French tutoring. After class I normally go running with Ali, go to the stade, attempt to check my email @ the cyber café, or practice French. Monday has turned into Frisbee day. I meet up with friends at the stadium, or as it’s called here, the stade. Futbol is normally played there but we throw together a game of ultimate once a week. It’s been really great tossing around a disc for a bit. Watching Cameroonian kiddies catch a Diva disc is quite fantastic as well.

I spend Saturday morning at school till about noon. Afterwards we head down to the market, which is always an experience. I bargained my hangers down 400 CFA last time, and I was pretty soaked. Afterwards I head home to do laundry. In the states all it takes is a push of a button and some soap. Here? Not so much. Want clean clothes in Cameroon? Just follow these easy steps:

1) Gather 2.5 week old laundry from room

2) Ask sister Nina how to wash it, note her expression her horrified look of quantity of dirty clothes

3) Fill bucket of cold soapy water

4) Scrub clothes for about 1 hour or so (make sure to keep you’re undies of sight – it’s awfully taboo)

5) Rinse, hang to dry….wait 3 days for them to dry

6) Iron them so the mango flies that may be embedded in the clothes don’t borough into your skin – yea!

Sundays consist of an early 6AM 5 mile run with my host Dad and Nina. We meet up with a futbol team at the tennis court for more exercises. My Sunday afternoons have turned into field trips with my host Dad Toukham. Last week it was out to meet his Mom in a small village, and to greet the kin of the village (who had about 6 cheetah furs hung in his hut – oh my!). This Sunday we drove out to Bazou, where he is the mayor. A group of 15 women decided to rush the car yelling his name…he then shelled about 10,000 CFA to them. Apparently it’s customary for Mayors to give out the big bucks.

It is the end of the rainy season, which means in a few weeks it’s going to get hot and sunnier! I also hear it brings dust, which I’d rather have than the current muddy situation. Cameroonians eat a lot of carbs, if you intend on following the Adkin’s diet stay far, far, away from this African country. Plantains, white bread, potatoes, and rice are in abundance. I cringe at the lack of whole grains in my diet. Luckily the West Province is relatively close to the ocean so fish is eaten quite regularly.

PS: Yah to 3 new entries! It's been busy but I've finally posted. Enjoy. Much love. Kate

Today has been a great day - David one of the leaders went to Basofam and picked up whole wheat bread and peanut butter for me! Ahh just a bit of heaven in Cameroon!

September 29, 2007

Thanks to the invention of batteries, I am able to type in my mag lite lit room. The past few days have been full up, downs, and in betweens. The ride from Yaounde was a hoot. Megan and I had quite the time discussing car crashes, cruises/anticruises, along with determining how to pee alongside the road among 12 other PCV’s. Now I can truly understand why wearing skirts is so handy. It was quite the trip, about 5 hours in a hot, sticky bus of love/Pringles and melted chocolates. Upon arrival we all stood with baggage and tow waiting for our families. I have been adopted by family “Toukam Otis”, consisting of my Maman, Papdre, sister Nina, sister Marian, and 2 brothers…which I am currently determining their names without seeming rude. Language barriers pose quite the evenings. Luckily Marian speaks spots of English aiding in my Francais adventures. During the tour of my new home she showed me the freezer, which is pretty impressive. As she opened the lid I noticed a pair of chicken feet and made the mistake of poking at them. Consequently, Nina grabbed them and pulled out a fully plucked frozen chicken…welcome to Cameroon. The home of Toukam is beautiful, more than I ever expected. Running water, electricity (most of the time), a television and full stove. They are very welcoming, patient, and gracious people.

Our crash course in PCT is busy. Classes begin @ 7:30 AM and we’re home by about 5 pm. Language is pretty much the only thing I care about at this moment. Most of the time I feel like that foreign exchange student from American Pie…remember that scene….”Chester cheeto…would you like to…?” uggghhh well that about where I am. Everyday I find small improvements to build off of though. Today I went to lunch with some friends, came home and filtered h20 (yea!), and went to the boutique. My family owns the store downtown in a pretty hoppin’ area. The Saturday market is nearby where you can find almost everything you’ll need in Bangete. The town is situated in a lush green area, which allows for awesome thunderstorms that brings buckets of water from the sky. I was never a fan of cold Oregon rain but there’s something I enjoy about short bouts of warm Cameroonian rainshowers. I’m looking forward to getting thru training and finding out where I may be posted. Though in the meantime I’ll continue to enjoy avacado/laughing cow cheese/eggs sandwiches (400 Franks/CFA…roughly $1), walking to school among beautiful Cameroonian children as they stare at me, learning more essential verbs, and the application of bug spray.

Too good too be true moment: After dinner and “chatting” (mostly one word babbles from me in French/English) to my Cameroonian parents my host Papa offers me wine. I accept. He pulls out a new bottle of vin rouge from the cabinet opens it and we enjoy a glass over photos of his election as mayor of a neighboring village. As I stand to go to bed he tells me to take the bottle Spanish wine, keep it in my room as a gift. Cameroon is that awesome. Abiento, or as a one from Bangante would say: Aleonda!

24 September 2007

I spent my last days in Oregon playing Frisbee and not packing enough. After a going away party in Eugene with many family and friends I flew out of Eugene early Tuesday morning Philly treated us well. Good food and good people. After days filled of chatter we’d all go out in the city for dinner. Most of our time was spent in the hotel conference room though. I ran past the Liberty Bell, US Mint, but I’ll have to go back another time to run up the famous Rocky steps.

Our journey took us from Philly by way of JFK, luckily our trip up to NY took us thru the city, by way of Bryant Park, near Time Square and past the Chrysler building. On to Paris we went and 26 hours later we arrived in Yaounde, Cameroon. It was quite the trip, but we made it safe and sound. 10 PC employees/current volunteers met us @ the airport, we passed customs thru the diplomat aisle – yea! After settling into our hotel we had a good nights rest and a Sunday of card games and Cameroonian brews. In the evening we headed to the County Directors home, James Ham where we had a meal with the US Ambassador. Yaounde is a lush city for the most part, very green with quick bursts of rain. It hasn’t been too hot, tolerable as we begin to acclimate. I am quite sure I may begin scouting for Americans Next Top Model because Cameroonians are beautiful.

There are a total of 42 volunteers, about half are health volunteers and the other Agro-Forestry. Average age around 25 for the most part. The Pacific Northwest is represented for sure. I’m not the tallest girl in the group – sweet!! Monday was spent in class sessions which involved language interview, medical intake…along with becoming “human pincushions” yaow! Differences so far: The water isn’t always on…case and point…take a shower when its on….even if it’s 1 in the morning. Power goes on and off, though its nothing to worry about. Oranges are green unlike in the states. The list may go on and on.

We are spending our last days in Yaounde finishing up medical things and paperwork. Today was pretty low key. We went to the police station to get our ID cards, had some safety training, and more shots. Luckily, I didn’t need the ones given out today – yea! Last night in the hotel a local band played for us, it was pretty awesome…. especially with the thunderstorms in the background…and the power flickering on and off.

We took a bit of a tour today, drove by the 54 millon dollar US embassy. Apparently the US Marines stationed there play ultimate there every Thursday and PCV are welcome to join…this means I’m hoping to be posted near the capital. Marines have nothing on Diva Disc alum, right? By Thursday we’ll be with our host families and moved to the town of Bangante, a mid sized city. We’re still all really jet lagged, resulting in staying up most of the evening playing numerous card games.

This blog is dedicated to the VanLues, whom with their support I was able to write this from my hotel room on my NEW laptop. Thank you thank you to Will and Lea. I’m already missing our Thursday Dream nights.

Lesson learned: The ability to sleeping in random spots (hotel lobby, Peace Corps headquarters office, airplane, van, table) and at any free moment is key to survival and general well being.

It’s wonderful finally being here. Cameroon is beautiful and the people are very welcoming. Time for bed, we start early here in Yaounde: breakfast is served @ 6:45 AM. Much love. Aurevior!