Posh Corps
December 27, 2008
Sincere apologies to all my devout readers out there! Life somehow caught up with me, and for the first time in so long, I was too busy to write. Last month, I talked about how time was slipping through my fingers, but at least I still had time to write about it. The month of December flew by without me…
Read MoreThe Goodbyes. The Thanks. And The Giving.
November 27, 2008
Happy Turkey Day to all! While I don’t have the fortune to be eating turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallow, etc., I enjoyed a feast of my own last night as I sent off yet another dear friend. The Chinese couple I’ve grown close to has very recently decided to return to China and begin a family.…
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Bonjour, Madame!
October 23, 2008
Time goes by quickly now that I am keeping busy with teaching, spending some time at the bank and continually looking for new work opportunities in the village. Teaching continues to be interesting and challenging. How do I teach these kids to follow the curriculum given to me when they can’t read the alphabet in English and only 4 out…
Read MoreBaby Steps
October 16, 2008
Today, I received my first traditional ovation from the villagers. These past two days, I’ve been attending a development meeting in my cartier (neighborhood). My village is made up of 10 separate neighborhoods and the meeting I participated last Friday was the neighborhood in the center of town, separate from mine. I was really glad to be at these meetings…
Read MoreThe First Night
September 23, 2008
Today marks the end of first month at post and my first night alone. Kate successfully made it to her post long enough to stay the night today and now I am completely alone. It’s a bit strange, but definitely much needed alone time. Not that I minded Kate’s company, but I was not very productive. I’ve done more today…
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The Good Days
September 18, 2008
Some days, things take place so smoothly much to my surprise; today was one of those days. This morning could have gone like this: I could’ve left my house and not able to find a moto into town and have to walk 30 minutes. Once I reach the Carrefour, I could’ve waited another 30 minutes to find a car to…
Read MorePeace Corps China?
September 14, 2008
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! I spent the day with my people celebrating the holiday. I am now officially more Chinese here in Cameroon than I ever was in the U.S. I don’t remember the last time I celebrated this holiday. When it comes to celebrating, the Chinese loves to incorporate eating. The food (食) and drink (酒) cultures are deeply ingrained.…
Read MoreVolunteers for Volunteers
September 9, 2008
Happy Birthday to moi! Last year yesterday, I submitted my application for the Peace Corps, and a year later, here I am. First birthday in Africa, but completely Chinese style. Thanks to my wonderful Chinese friends and Kate, my would’ve-been-lonely-birthday this year turned out to be quite fun! The morning began with Kate buying a variety of goodies from the…
Read MoreThe Things We Do
August 7, 2008
I got two more packages yesterday! Katie and Emma both rock for sending me goodies! Since they both sent the goods in bubbled envelopes, the chocolate bars were rather smashed. In the States, I would never eat a smashed, melted Reese’s Peanut Butter cup, but here; I opened that sucker and licked it clean. It was quite a sight to…
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Christmas in July!
July 31, 2008
Today, I was not a kid left out at summer camp! The package mom had sent me a few weeks ago made it to my hands! Many people got packages today and it was literally Christmas in July. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so much utter excitement permeating throughout one room. The highlight of my package was all those…
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