Travel Update From Cameroon...

Well, it was a busy week for the "Dream Team"--a name given to us by our new friend, who we now refer to as The Friendly Doctor (mostly because we struggle to pronounce his real name…but also because he has a disposition like rainbows and sunshine). Our painting in the hospital was finished, and the Dispensary looked shiny and new with a fresh coat of paint and a new layer of gravel all around, so we had to find new work to do during our last week in Ngoundere. 

 

Scott and Elias were commissioned to create a mural on the wall of the church office on the station. Over the last few days, the boys, with the help of Catie, worked hard (despite the paint fumes) to create a beautiful scene depicting Matthew chapter 14, verse 27. And boy, is that wall a sight to see!

In that time, Catie and Maria interviewed quite a few of our Cameroonian brothers and sisters in order to determine how the church and its many institutions here work, and how our congregation, from all the way in California, can best be of help. Some of the interviewees include a retired nurse of the Protestant hospital, an educator in the Protestant school, a young student hoping to study in seminary, the Bishop, The Friendly Doctor himself, and more! We won’t give away too much, as we hope to have a video ready soon to show everyone.

 Meanwhile, with the help of the congregation, Pastor Luther was able to distribute scholarships to families, helping more than 60 children to attend school! With all this good work being done--though it never feels like quite enough--it was already time to leave.

On Friday, the Dream Team packed up and said many hard goodbyes before heading to the airport, where we waited for the staff that were late to check us in, and then again for the plane, which was hours late to arrive. But, in the words of a taxi driver who once piled seven additional people into a 5-seated car, “C’est l’Afrique”—that’s Africa. Nothing ever happens quickly, or how you expect it to.

Eventually we got to Yaounde, and enjoyed some rest and hot chocolate at the hotel. And with an artist’s touch, Scott ripped the door handle clean off the door of his room. Literally. He has since vowed to relinquish all door-opening duties to Elias henceforth and forever more--and asked reception to please replace the handle. Other than that, we’re all doing quite well, and looking forward to a relaxing weekend at the Toungou hotel in the bustling city of Yaounde. And maybe to a few more cups of that hot chocolate.