January 22, 2008

Things are starting to fall into a routine, or anything I can make of a routine here. Most days begin around 6 am, whether I want them to or not. This is all in thanks to the neighborhood roosters. Just the things you get used to here I suppose. Though each day is always vastly different from the next, no real “9 to 5 here”. The past few weeks have been spent attending community group meetings and trying to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of the community, and how to help. Meetings here are quite different from ones in the states. The biggest difference I have found so far is the concept of TIME, or the lack thereof. If someone tells you the meeting starts at 10 AM, it probably won’t start till 11 or 11:15 AM. My latest record of waiting: a meeting that started 2 hours late.

Though sometimes, while I am waiting for meetings it allows me to chat with folks and learn more. What is important now is to sit back, listen, observe and learn. I have been making nutrition presentations at the health clinic about once a week, which has been good. The beginning stages of things here are slow going, though I hope it will pick up soon. In the meantime I am enjoying Africa Cup! It kicked off on Sunday evening and I’m hooked! Every night here at 6pm feels like Super bowl, aside from the Nachos and the halftime show….dang. Literally every house and bar is filled with folks watching the game. Watching it at the convent with the Sisters is a hoot! Those ladies really get into the game, lots of banter and yelling. It’s great! They also have the nicest TV in town, who knew the nuns would have a flat screen?

I have also begun working in Bamenda counseling diabetic patients. The pharmacist Dr. N, whom graduated from OSU has graciously taken me under his wing. This past weekend he invited Cate P. (my post mate) and I to his family’s Thanksgiving. This is much different from the one we are all used to, no turkey and pumpkin pies. A Thanksgiving in Africa is when a family or a large group of people donates money or things (for auction) to the church. It is quite the event. This particular Thanksgiving was in remembrance of his late father-in-law who served as a Reverend. The church service is dedicated to that particular person and the family is blessed and prayed for. It was a beautiful service with African drumming and dancing. Afterwards we went to the family’s compound where the Reverend is buried, literally in the backyard. Many foods and drinks were served while people told thoughtful stories about the Reverend. He passed 4 years ago to the day, though his family is doing their best to remember him. Seeing relatives come together and reminisce about someone was eye opening. I am amazed at times that amidst struggle and difficulty people have the ability to be positive and pass that along to others.

Quote that made my day:
“When you go back home you’ll be an African American”
–Eunice.