Happy Spring!

Sannu himbe pat (or hello everybody!) I hope this finds you all healthy and in good spirits! It has been a while, mainly due to being at post and traveling. Similar to in the states, “spring” or the rainy season here is upon us; meaning: hours on end every day rain falls. Within 2 days the dry, torrid landscape became green, the cows became fatter, the roads became more dangerous and women started flocking to the fields to start preparing for the growing season! I also have started baking (not good idea) to pass the rainy time away…they do not have baked goods in village, so my poor baking skills are a hit.It’s amazing how fast seasonal changes go here…2 days and it’s a 180!
Village has its vicissitudes as always. The downs lately have been caused by a plethora of deaths. I have known more people die here in village than my 24 years of existence. About every week or so I hear of another person I know pass away. What is quite disheartening is that a large percentage of these deaths are preventable; i.e. AIDS, typhoid fever or moto accidents. I have so much inner guilt to know that people are dieing by preventable sicknesses, sicknesses that would be attempted to be treated or calmed in the states. I have to remind myself that even in the US there are millions of people that do not receive proper healthcare and that die of preventable illnesses. Funeral ceremonies here are a totally unfamiliar experience. They consist of women and men sitting in separate obscure, windowless rooms. The women especially take part in “crying ceremonies.” It is said that one does not show empathy with a deceased family member if one does not openly cry or wail in front of them. I live in a village of 1,000 people. The family and friend network is intense,nearly everone knows everyone else in village. Thus one can imagine the endless stream of visitors one receives. It goes on for days. So a deceased person close family must sit in a darkened room for nearly a week and greet or cry to everyperson that comes. From an outsiders perspective, this cultural aspect seems monotonous and long-winded. However, it also shows how deep the community is.
Besides this rather dismal subject, my village life has been replete with the continuation of the community center project and various other ordeals. The community center is going well; despite a dearth of ciment in the main town for 3 weeks. I continuously feel so grateful to have had so many generous donators in the states that helped me out with this project. Thank you so much. If only I could easily transcribe how grateful and warm the community is--how much this project means to them. For example, everyday I get countless words of Appreciation. The woman’s group is already having meetings in the half finished building! I cannot wait till it’s finished. I already have a Maternal and Child Health Seminar planned that will take place in the space. The community is already planning to use the space for a large cultural seminar in July. Various women and young adults have already expressed huge interest to do sewing workshops. So, now we’re just waiting.
Outside of the confined bubble of my village, I have made an effort to get out and see other parts of “Africa in Miniature” or Cameroon. A few weeks ago, some friends and I took a trip up to the Extreme North of the country. Up north, there are no rivers or little flora. There are no hills. There is sand, flatness, wind storms and dried earth. One of the highlights of the trip was going to Rhoumsiki; which lies on the border of Nigeria. In Rhoumsiki, one of the most popular tourist destinations lays a “lunar landscape” or jutting, sharp rock formations. It’s quite picturesque. We also spent a day in Waza, the most famous National Park in Cameroon. It was a disappointment. Sure we saw a lot of giraffes, gazelles, birds, and wart hogs; but, the “big honchos” or elephants and lions were no wear in sight. I think I have to wait until East Africa. The safari consisted of riding around on pot-ridden, rocky roads in the blaring, 100+degree sunlight for 7 hours. After that I was ready to get back to my mountainous, tree laden, cooler climate region. I guess I’m just now partial to my post and to my region; which is probably a good sign!
OK, that’s a summation of my life these past few weeks. Easter came and went. No one celebrated it. Once again, I hope this finds whoever may be reading it, in good health and spirits. Eat some good baked goods (because mine do not suffice) and Peanut Butter (I’m out) for me!
Allah hokku en jam—May Peace Be With You
Ali