PEACING CAMEROON TO THE CORPS

COS....!

2011-08-27T20:35:00.002+01:00

COS Conference in Yaounde has come and gone! My COS (Close of Service) date is November 18th...and I will hopefully find out my exact itinerary for flying home, in the next few weeks (Peace Corps is making my reservation).

The few day conference was a bit more anti-climactic than I may have anticipated, but being altogether again (the 29 of us who remain in Cameroon from our original 32), for the last time, was well worth it!

Apathy has taken over me a bit and a mixture of "how is this transition going to be for me?" and "how long will the glory of being 'home' actually last?" and "how do I plan my next steps knowing that I will have a lot of free time and freedom?"

Don't get me wrong, I CANNOT wait to walk around (inside and outside) barefoot for hours on end, relish in the luxury and ease that we call normal life in the United States, eat and drink phenomenal things, and reconnect with all of you! But for any of you who've been/lived abroad for extended periods of time, you can understand why all of that may no longer (for this moment in time) be sending me infinite good vibes and comfort.

These are my POTENTIAL (and I stress that nothing is set in stone and no specific dates have been chosen) PLANS upon returning to the US:

~ Flying to Pittsburgh for about a week

~ Flying with my brother to San Francisco for Thanksgiving

~ Spending some time in California seeing family

~ A cousin's Bat Mitzvah in CT on December 17th which will lead me to the NY/NJ area for the holidays and New Year period

~ JANUARY is unknown/unplanned

~ A cousin's Bat Mitzvah in Northern CA at the beginning of February and then Hawaii for my Mom's 60th birthday

~ Possibly Australia towards the end of February (for a revisit and to help nanny my nephews while my sister attends a conference)

~ From March, I'm thinking of becoming a Peace Corps Recruiter in San Francisco before transferring that job to Chicago and beginning graduate school in the Fall of 2012 for a Masters in Adolescent or Health Psychology.

I'll keep you posted as life plans become more concrete!

Thanks for keeping up with my blog, hope this entry finds you well, especially you East Coasters dealing with Hurricane Irene!

Stef

Kom Traditional Marriage

2011-08-02T11:22:00.001+01:00

Just thought I'd give you a brief description of the traditional marriage that I attended this weekend! It was the last traditional event for "my people" that I think I had yet to witness. Some other PCV friends joined me, which made it that much more fun. I had a connection to the marriage since it was the sister of two of my NGO members, Simon's wife Rose and her sister Olga (my good friend)-it was their sister who now lives with her husband in the London environs:

The marriage was a great experience. They are different in every ethnic group (keep in mind there are over 200 in this country)! The funny thing was that it wasn't the actual bride and groom-just stand ins (brother of the groom and sister of the bride)-since the bride and groom are in the UK. They sent money so that the family could celebrate and the community as well.

We carried firewood and then threw it on the ground, as an "offering" to the bride. BIG loaves of fufu were prepared by the bride's family and then later eaten with njama njama (with red palm oil, but without salt-as it was prepared in the old days) by the wedding party. Traditional fabric was chosen and worn, both by the family of those getting married and then separate for the bridal party. The bride was adorned with beads and she and the bridal party were covered in what seemed to be red palm oil powder. There was a comedian/MC whom also conducted the marriage ceremony and had his cell phone go off a few times and yes, he answered it. The stand in groom had to "ease himself" halfway through and there was a sudden eruption of singing to
fill time. There was much food and drink---and lucky for the flow of the afternoon, the eaten and drinking started off the event, instead of after 5+ hours, which is typical at funerals, meetings, and most occasions around here. I had helped prepare the "chewables" as they call snacks/hors d'oeuvres --- chin chin (fried dough), fried peanuts (flour and nutmeg covered) and small doughnuts. And yes, we all were
Jewish grandmothers and figured out ways to take it all home in our purses! :)

Endless Summer

2011-07-06T08:29:00.005+01:00

I use that title because of the surfing movie (which I've never seen) by that name which was filmed in parts of Dakar that we trampled upon. Now I've got to put it on my list of movies to watch. It's just too bad that it's not a typical one floating around Cameroon PCV hard drives.

Anyways, CA VA? That is a common French greeting, but was ULTRA common throughout Senegal (and of course Lauren got it down pat), meaning the equivalent of "how are things/things are good?" It was so frequently used that before telling a taxi driver where you wanted to go, first you had to greet with ca va?. Can you imagine asking your taxi driver, in the US, how he was doing...all of the time?

Lauren Weinstein and I continued our international travel ensemble, this time to a MUCH different part of the world - Senegal and The Gambia. It had been her first time in "real Africa" and I think was quite eye opening for her, both as an individual who loves seeing new places and understanding other cultures but also as someone who works in development!

For me, there were definite similarities to the life I know in Cameroon and other countries I've visited on this continent, even though Africa is so varied (which I kept reminding Lauren so as not to have her generalize the difficulties and be totally turned off to them for future possible travel on the continent).

Even though we had a wonderful time together, had crazy encounters, saw new terrain and tried to meet locals, I would say that I was not all that impressed with either country. My opinion is probably skewed as a result of being used to things in Cameroon - people and prices, most specifically. There is probably more to see and do in Senegal and The Gambia, but interactions with the locals were quite difficult because everyone seemed to only be concerned with knowing our names, where we came from, and how they can rip us off with the white man tax to the nth degree. Supposedly Senegalese are known for "terranga", meaning hospitality, but unfortunately we never really felt that. Granted, our experiences were in Dakar (a LARGE city) and then for a short time in Cap Skirring, in the Cassamance region (south Senegal, below The Gambia), which is a touristy village, though not TOO built up, except for the Club Med, haha.

I would say that part of the difficulties were as a result of limited time to explore both countries, long distances to travel (which is why we decided to fly to the Cassamance Region, instead of spending 26 hours on the road), it being low season and places being closed down no longer in existence, Senegal being a French speaking country and Lauren not being able to communicate (though she damn well tried in a melange of Spanish, French, Portuguese with an Italian accent), and the constant feeling of being ripped off.

Alright, enough reflection, here's what we did!

We lucked out in Dakar and were able to stay at the apartment (on the beach!) of an RPCV (great network to have) who was in the US at the time. That was our home base for our first 3 nights and 2 nights at the end, before spending our last day at Le Meridien Dakar (well worth it, though the hotel was lacking in customer service, as was most of Dakar). Lauren did some surfing with ex-pat youth who were taking lessons, we began to realize how big and spread out Dakar is, and how expensive it is. My biggest comparison: to go the same distance in Dakar as you would in a city in Cameroon, you pay 2000 FCFA (~4 dollars) vs. 200 FCFA (~40 cents), respectively.

We ate good international food (Thai, Italian, Spanish Tapas & Sangria, Magnum Ice Cream Bars), heard some Brazilian music, played with the neighborhood kids, and covered ourselves in Deet, for all of the mosquitoes!

We visited Ile de Goree, a colonial island (off the coast of Dakar), kept as is, from the days of the slave trade. In the Maison des Esclaves (Slave House), we joined a group with UNICEF to hear a bit about the history - definitely didn't know that the local chiefs joined in with the idea of keeping slaves, once the Spanish and Dutch began the trading process! Lauren began her search and practice for a traditional drum called a Djembe, which she finally purchased in The Gambia. We got our hair braided, which lasted until our last day on vacation, and chatted with the women who worked on the island and commuted daily on the ferry from Dakar.

The following morning we flew to Ziguinchor (in the Cassamance Region), again 45 minute flight as compared with 26 hours in a cramped taxi on BAD roads! From there we went to Cap Skirring and settled on an empty hotel on the beach (which we never did learn the name of). We tried to enjoy laying out on the beach and Lauren tried to surf with what looked like a surf board but was actually a HEAVY sign for a restaurant, but we were constantly hassled by people selling things. We participated in some drumming and dancing on the beach and chatted with the hotel workers and other locals.

We ventured into town and met a phenomenal local artisan named YAYA, whom we ended up spending a lot time with. We watched him create his tshirts, make his sand paintings, drank much Cafe Touba, learned the term BEGUE (essentially meaning life is good and continued drumming (well Lauren did and I videoed). A restaurant, which turned out to be just a woman's house, came recommended by one of Lauren's friends and we spent 2 hours playing with her grandchildren while she prepared our private meal! We went on a pirogue (canoe) to various islands in the area to walk through daily life and much inactivity because of low season) and got very ripped off by our taxi driver. Lots of grilled fish for just about all meals but breakfast!

After our time in Cap Skirring, we traveled with public transport (similar to the prison buses I described when I traveled to the North of Cameroon) into the Gambia and settled into the Sandele Resort (the leader in Eco Tourism in the area), another connection Lauren had through a coworker. Just our luck, it was filled to capacity, but we enjoyed Baobab juice (more calcium than cow's milk) and Bisap Juice (high in vitamin C, made from hibiscus flowers). They hooked us up with an abandoned bungalow on the beach; we could see the stars, hear the waves and were camping in comfort!

Our next step in the Gambia was to the Sheraton in the Serrakunda region (thanks to Lauren's Starwood Points). We enjoyed VERY relaxing days of reading by the pool and by the beach (at the same time), swimming, walking to find fish and chips on the beach, avoiding hawkers on the beach, chatting with the hotel employees, and NICE acommodations! We had all intentions to explore a culture forest, watch a meal being prepared after visiting a local farm, going hiking, but none of that seemed to actual exist, at least not during the low season.

We then continued to Banjul, the capital of The Gambia (PS...we never quite figured out why it's THE Gambia, but the best explanation we received was that it makes it more "official" with that article) and enjoyed a day there in the market, drinking fresh squeezed juice that we had searched for throughout the country, and eating falafel sandwiches.

We continued back to Dakar via public transport in a sept-place (7 passenger) station wagon, cramped beyond belief even after buying the 3rd seat in the back. It took us about 9.5 hours, including the ferry and various modes of transport back to Dakar. The highlight of our last bit of time in Dakar was seeing a famous Senegalese artist in concert at the French Cultural Center. Daara J Family is a great performer of Rap, Reggae, and World Sounds. Check him out!

This entry is way too long, I'm tired from writing it, so I understand if you never make it to this point!

All I can say is that 3rd world travel is NOT easy...ask questions if you want to know more details about the whole experience.

Lots of love with 4 months remaining in Cameroon and figuring out what the hell I'm going to do to fill my time.

Be in touch,

Stef

UP and DOWN Mount Cameroon

2011-04-29T08:46:00.001+01:00

Since descending the mountain yesterday in the early afternoon, this is the first opportunity I have had to sit down and elevate my legs! You should see my legs and feet---SWOLLEN beyond belief. If anyone ever thought I had cankles before, you should see them now! Unfortunately I am still waiting on my USB camera cord in order to upload photos. Have no fear; I will attach photos of this adventure as soon as possible.

Climbing Mount Cameroon was intensely difficult and I am pretty sure that my body is quite angry with what I have put it through over the past three days. When you think of the largest mountain in West Africa or the 3rd largest on the African continent, you cannot imagine how insanely steep and treacherous the trek was, both up and down! I heard stories from other PCVs but could not quite fathom the reality until I was trudging along, right there on the mountain.

Five of us made the trek together, along with six porters and one fantastic guide, Hans. He and I became quite “close” since I was always at the back of our line and he was there to push me along and save my ass from falling down more often.

In just about 15 hours, over the course of three days, we climbed from the base of the mountain (~800 m) to the windy summit (~4000 m) [where we of course popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate] and back down through old lava flow areas, 26 craters from the last eruption in 1999, Ireland-esque rolling green hills, and dense rainforest!

Taking the night bus yesterday was probably the stupidest idea I have ever had, but needless to say, I and my unbendable knees have made it home in one piece. In fact, our group of five had no injuries, some small sunburn and collectively only three small blisters! We had heard of people losing toenails, developing blisters the size of their entire heel, and even turning around after the first resting hut. Not us! Even though it was far from easy, we succeeded with a great pace!
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Better late than never-Sunday will be Passover Seder, Cameroonian style! Hana (my post mate, friend and fellow Jew) and I have coordinated to have a Seder for us and other PCVs in our stage and who live in the Northwest-most of them have no idea what Passover is all about and so we decided to add some culture into their lives! I found a 2 minute Haggadah and an average-length one and we’ll be preparing as much of the Seder plate and traditional foods as are possible!
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Some random tidbits that often come to my mind on long bus rides to Yaoundé or Douala:

~ Taxis in Cameroon (also known as bush taxis or clandos) run on an “I think I can” basis

~ When mango season is approaching, much excitement fills the air (well at least PCV’s air) and it falls towards the end of pear (avocado) season! MANGO SALSA & GUAC! Additionally, it is also the start of plum (French word is prune) season; purple, sphere shaped “food” that tastes like a lemony-artichoke and is high in protein and fat. Delicious when paired with grilled corn or roasted plantains!

~ It is quite rare to find a Cameroonian man who approaches you and will not ultimately (usually in less than a minute of interaction) tell you he loves you and/or wants your number.

~ Cameroonians are very fond of using the statement, “we are managing/ we are trying” in response to “how are you”. Sometimes they are and sometimes they are hoping for a miracle that will make their day to day lives less difficult.

~ It is believed that lager beers = weight gain and stouts = fertility and increased sex drive.

~ Cameroon is a bilingual country, but more Anglophones (2 Regions in Cameroon) know French than Francophones (8 Regions in Cameroon) know Grammar, aka English.

~ In rural schools, the headmaster and teachers prefer that the children come barefoot instead of wearing “slippers” (house shoes-flip flops), since they are for home and not formal enough for school!
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Work Highlights at Post (because isn’t that what I am supposed to be focusing on):

~ Computer Training for the members of my NGO who are taking advantage of it
I’m not doing the teaching, but helped make the arrangements and contributed to make it fiscally possible.

~ Choose A Future
Just 4 sessions this time around for about 30 girls, at the Government Bilingual High School in Fundong, before they head off on “holiday” (summer vacation as we know it)

~ Sex Education Course
Helping to supervise my NGO to conduct another round of this course, at our office, again before the three month holiday break from school

~ Diabetes/Hypertension Manual for Health Care Practitioners and PCVs
This is something that I have wanted to assemble since I attended the local Diabetes clinic, more than a year ago. My postmate (Hana) and I have chosen twelve topics (for the 12 times a year – 1x per month) for which we will create simple lessons that anyone (no matter whether they have a lick of knowledge about Diabetes) can read ahead of time and present to a local clinic or support group. It now seems that PC Cameroon wants to have this available for all PCVs, since Diabetes and Hypertension are seriously beginning to plague this country!
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I only have about 6-7 months left as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon! Holy Shit! Time sure does fly when you are having fun, being bored, helping others, living in a new world, adjusting and changing daily!

I will know towards the end of August when my official COS (Close of Service) date will be…

Take care; be in touch, and all that jazz!

Love, Stef

Recent Frustration Mixed with Good Travels to Gabon and the Grand North of Cameroon

2011-02-05T12:02:00.002+01:00

I'll begin this posting with a comment from my counterpart, Simon, after a meeting we had with Heifer International yesterday:

"Stef, I want you to have more experiences like this because isn't Peace Corps also a cultural exchange? If you don't have difficult interactions, you won't accurately be able to report on the way things work in Cameroon."

...as if all I do is report that Cameroon is "coming up roses"!

Simon and I had met with the Heifer International Cameroon's Country Director and the Gender Project Specialist (I'll refer to him as GPS) many months ago and got the go ahead to write up a Project Proposal for a continuation of the Plight of Orphans and Widows Workshop that Better Family Foundation conducted in Fundong, last July. We followed through and wrote up the proposal (which would allow us to have the backing of Heifer's name and have them help us find funding from their donors) and have been waiting to have another meeting with the GPS, with the intent of taking the next steps.

The GPS called us in for a meeting - I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I imagine some substantial direction or assistance in carrying out the next step. When we arrived, he acted quite aloof; he told us that now we had to write up a full spectrum proposal to be submitted to donors, but it couldn't be the format of Heifer International...

When I asked him for some guidance as to what to include and many other details, he instead was chatting online and texting on his phone. When I asked again he acted as if I was stupid and didn't understand that we couldn't copy their format and I began developing a "professional" attitude at his evasiveness, "I understand, but can you at the very least show us some samples?" He did once he finished sending some personal emails.

When I asked what Heifer's role would be after we write up the project, he stated that they will send it out to potential donors. When I asked if there's a chance that a donor would not be interested in the project, he wouldn't answer the question and just kept repeating the next step. Again, I got a bit of attitude and said, "Is there a chance that the project will not get funded?", he said, "well yes, it's 50/50 but I didn't want to give a negative response to you." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I said, "well it's important to be realistic...in life and not avoid telling people what to expect."

I think you guys are getting the point of this "productive [okay, in the end it was a bit helpful, though initially I felt like he could've saved us a trip and just sent us this basic information over email] meeting"---though the frustration continued. We were reviewing a chart template for reporting our objectives and activities and risks involved, etc. When I asked if he could give us an example of certain column entries he said, "well that's impossible without an objective". COME ON DUDE...and he ended up being able to explain further, without an objective...even though I did offer one. GRR!

After the meeting I apologized to Simon for my "bitchiness" [which he said wasn't evident...wow!] and explained what he has heard about Heifer and other NGOs project planning under them. Supposedly in Cameroon (this shouldn't come as a shock, knowing the corruption that encircles this "world") there are Heifer employees who are not honest people and who take ideas in order to establish their own credibility! NAUSEATING...both that a world renowned organization allows this and keeps these people as employees!

Deep breath...

Gabon with my Mom and Harry was a wonderful experience over New Years! Their visit was fantastic---a whirlwind in Fundong (once they finally arrived, without all of their luggage---remember that horrible winter in the US and Europe---oh wait, it continues), Xmas in a very small village in the SW Region with my neighbors, Peter & Carine, everything that is Cameroon [corruption, bad roads, new and different foods--not their favorites], and then onto Gabon.

In summary, Gabon and Cameroon are like NIGHT AND DAY! One would never imagine that they share a border. In general, the Gabonese hold themselves and go about life as if they have a PURPOSE---completely the opposite of most Cameroonians! There is infrastructure, development, lines defining parking spaces in parking lots, a flow and rhythm to how to get things accomplished!

It's definitely a country I would recommend visiting; there is definitely a tourism industry---on the rise! They do still have work to do in that regard, and probably need to get English speaking natives working in the industry, but it's a beautiful country---on the coast, 75% of land set aside for national parks, wildlife [we watched monkeys and mandrills grub on bananas just meters away from us and turtles laying eggs on the beach], friendly people, and wood fired pizza!

After my Midservice (medical and dental checkups) conference in Yaounde [Can we believe that I have just about 10 months left??????], I traveled with some friends up to the Grand North of Cameroon - Adamawa, North, Extreme North regions! I now have been to all 10 regions of this country, 90% more than what most Cameroonians have ever seen. It's a whole other world up there; it is dry [riverbeds that must be dug for meters before water is found], little vegetation, and peaceful. We mainly stayed with other PCVs and tried to see as much as we could in our short time up there. We enjoyed the snacks [chai tea, tofu, dates, sesame seed balls, dried meat encrusted with pepe and peanuts], observing the polygamous Fulani (Muslim) culture, and not being bothered as much as Francophones and even some Anglophones do...because we're white!

I'm back at post, quasi preparing for the GRE next weekend and jumping back into "work". My goal with Better Family Foundation (in as much as they want to be helped and guided) is to get them standing on their own two feet before I leave, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function without the constant help of a PCV...I'll keep you posted...

Happy 2011, wishing you less snow and ice over time (if you're in those parts of the country), hoping that you're rooting for the Steelers tomorrow, and more!

Until next time!

Stef

Rainy Season turns to Dry Season

2010-11-14T10:30:00.003+01:00

As you've all set back your clocks and our ground is drying up for the next few months, I figure it's time to give you a bit of an update.

I've been reluctant to blog within the past couple of months because my life has been so hectic, but more so relating to my work with Peace Corps Cameroon Admin "things."
I'm finally back in Fundong (and staying put) for [only] a week and a half, before the various Turkey Day activities begin. Then, with other things here and there at the start of December, before I know know it my Mom and Harry will be visiting! We're going to do a whirlwind tour of Fundong, spend Xmas in the Southwest region with my neighbor Peter and his family, see the beaches of Limbe, and then spend a little under a week in GABON!

Instead of writing paragraph upon paragraph in this entry, I'll just list things I've been doing, been wanting to do, and been thinking about recently. If you want more details/information, don't hesitate to ask me.

1) I really enjoyed helping out with the training of the new health/agro group - felt like an experienced volunteer and a therapist all at the same time

2) Having a year under your belt (as a PCV) feels very positive, especially seeing and hearing the anxiety of those just starting out

3) I love my community (here in Fundong) and miss them when I'm away too long. I enjoy continuing to learn the local dialect, Kom, and know that the locals appreciate it as well. As for Pidgin English, it's sort of like my inability to drive a stick shift, just not able to pick it up as easily!

4) I've caught up on the first 5 episodes of Glee, Season 2 --- not as great as Season 1.

5) I've decided to take the GRE in February, here in Yaounde. Hoping that the 2nd time around I perform better, this will help me figure out "what's next", after Peace Corps.

6) I recently acquired whole wheat flour (!) and made whole wheat tortillas this morning --- I can just feel the fiber having a hay day in my body, after so long!

7) My work as a PCV has taken a hiatus over these past few months and I feel is only going to continue that way until March (?). Don't get me wrong, it's not as if I've been sitting on my butt doing nothing. I've been continuing capacity building efforts with my NGO, Better Family Foundation, as much as is possible since I haven't consistently been around. I feel that a lot of my efforts have been towards preparing and executing training sessions for the new health/agro trainees. In addition to that, traveling within this country is an event in and of itself and takes time to accomplish and from which to recuperate!

8) I'm craving the ability to implement secondary projects (such as monthly Diabetes Awareness/Prevention sessions and more Choose A Future type activities) but lacking the consistency of being here to follow through.

9) I think I've decided that I prefer rainy season to dry season--a little mud is nothing compared with a lot of dust!

10) I have plans to travel, in mid-January, with a few friends from my training group to the East and Grand North regions of Cameroon! It's supposed to be a very different world around those parts.

11) I'm pleased to say that a small handful of Cameroonians (in and around Fundong) are thinking about making chocolate chip cookies for Xmas, instead of the traditional Chin-Chin (fried dough) - cross-cultural exchange is a success!

12) Pictures have been lacking from my more recent blog updates and I'm hoping that will change once my Mom arrives and bring the USB that I forgot while home in the States.

13) A Pencil for Pikins update is in the works, keep waiting patiently and I'll let you know when the new link is up! Thanks again for your personal interest in this project and to those connected to you who participated.

That's all for now.
Waka Fine Yah (You Be Well)!

Stef

Making the Most of It

2010-09-15T16:02:00.003+01:00

The title of this post is the last thing that my dad said to me as he left me at SFO with my 75 lb duffel filled with school supplies. I think nothing more perfect and timely could’ve been appropriate as his parting words. The reason I say this is because during my three week (incredible) whirlwind back in the US, I did a lot of reflecting on my Peace Corps experience, thus far. A lot of this was due to the questions I received about my experience, from genuinely interested people. Basically, I often question the impact of Peace Corps (at least in Cameroon), even though I know I’m not going to change the country, let alone an entire community. Also, I’m unsure how fulfilling the experience truly is, and I may not fully realize this until long after I have finished my service. I don’t at all regret becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer and truly feel this is where I belong right now, it just was difficult to leave my Cameroonian bubble and have a QUICK taste of the other reality that is my life in the United States. So…I’m planning to make the most of it, for the remaining 14 or so months of my service!

Before I go with my neighbors, Peter and Carine, to deliver the abundance of school supplies that so many of you (and your coworkers, friends and family) donated, I just wanted to personally thank you for your support and commitment to helping those less fortunate! As I said above, the school supplies donated were MANY and I began accepting monetary donations towards the end, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to carry more. Those donations ended up going towards the cost of shlepping the duffel from Pittsburgh to San Francisco and then from San Francisco to Douala, Cameroon – so thank you, they came in handy! After I come back from GHS Aduk, I will be sure to give you all an update, with pictures included.

Ever since returning from the States at the end of August, I’ve been quite busy away from Fundong. I almost immediately turned around and headed to Yaounde because I, and four others from my training group, was accepted to help out with the design of the upcoming training for the Community Health Volunteers who will be arriving this week! (I can’t believe I’ve just about been in this country for one entire year) I spent close to two weeks there both designing the training and determining which sessions I would be co-facilitating throughout their training. Here they are:

• Role as a Facilitator/Training of Trainers Approaches
• NGO Development/Capacity Building
• Action Planning
• Nutrition & Nutrition Applications for both Health & Agroforestry Trainees
• Cameroonian Education System

I’ll also be one of the representatives presenting on the Peer Support Network (one of the committees I was selected for in April) and also a new session on Resiliency Training. As a result of this, I’m busy brainstorming and preparing these sessions and will be going to Bafia, the location of the new training site, a couple of times in the upcoming months. I’m very excited about this; it just means that my ability to get work done at post will not be as easy.

As I get a grasp on my other work in Fundong, I’ll be sure to update you.

I’m hoping that this blog update is finding all of you happy, healthy and successful!

Take care, be in touch!

Until next time,

Stef

NJ, Pgh, San Fran...OH MY!

2010-07-27T16:22:00.003+01:00

As I begin packing for my three weeks in the States, I figured I would check in with all of you (as I'm shortly going to be doing for a ton of flights).

I'm very excited for this "vacation" since I've been quite busy with work and could use a breather...say, in another country, on an entirely different continent!

I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as is humanly possible, given timing and location and all of those other logistics.

I will begin my travels on Thursday from Fundong to Bamenda and then to Douala, arriving Friday EARLY morning. I will, luckily, get to hang out with another volunteer returning from the US that evening, before I head off on my flight sequence from Douala to Paris to Amsterdam to NEWARK, arriving on Saturday late afternoon (around 4:30 pm).

I will not have my old cell phone number, or any cell phone of my own actually.
Below are "contact numbers" if you are wanting to reach me.

Sat, July 31 - Sun, Aug 1
732-310-1638 (Angela)
Sun, Aug 1 - Fri, Aug 6
973-687-3501 (Stef - the beautiful bride TO BE)
Sat, Aug 7 - Fri, Aug 13
412-681-6685 (Mom Home) or 412-779-9732 (Mom Cell)
Fri, Aug 13 - Fri, Aug 20 (I leave SF in the late morning)
202-669-5196 (Dad Cell) or 415-725-2497 (Jolie Cell)

Try not to abuse the numbers (for the sake of the owners), but I look forward to talking to whomever would like to be in touch!

Au Revoir Cameroon!
Bonjour Etats Unis!

Fundong - In All Of Its Glory

2010-07-06T15:03:00.004+01:00

Bonjour!
Since I'm in Yaounde for a meeting, I figured I should greet you in French. It's been great over the past few days to be praciticing my French, full on.

I hope the 4th of July was great for all of you. Here in Yaounde we were invited to the US Embassy for an afternoon of "Americanness." The Embassy is equipped with a nice-sized pool (only for Embassy employees) and there's a golf course for the neighborhood, directly behind---a surreal neighborhood of WEALTH, only minutes away from the typical, somewhat downtrodden surroundings of this country. We sang the national anthem (interestingly a bit of nostalgia washed over me) and ate cheeseburgers, Doritos, and Oreos, OH MY!

Slowly but surely I'm trying to introduce you to my life in Fundong. You have seen pictures of people I live/work with, my house, and now some sights in Fundong town:

This is the center of town, hence the grandstand (painted in Cameroon's colors) on the left. On the right is the sculpture dedicated to the recent celebration of 50 years of independence.

Just wanted to add this in to show you the keen sense of income generation: many women selling the EXACT same items, side by side. Competition much?

Some more sights and stores in Fundong. I think I took this picture to help give a sense of the beautiful scenery that surrounds me on a daily basis.

The MC2 on the right is the Micro Credit Institution, but in the far distance is the Fundong District Hospital and this is the direction heading out of Fundong, towards Bamenda.

This is a crossroads in the center of Fundong. Up this road is my NGO and another village called Fujua. If you were to continue up this road and then turn right, you'd begin heading to my house.

Our Bread Store that doesn't really sell that nice of a variety of bread products. Baguette (mmm) is nonexistent in Fundong, it's only square white bread that's nothing to call home about.

"The Road" on Market Day. In my division, market days are every 8 days. Luckily though, in Fundong there is a nice variety of food stuffs everyday - market days just make for larger quantities of the same items and MASS CHAOS!

More of "the road". Slightly beyond here is called "the end of tar" - meaning that the paved road ends. Paved roads make for MUCH easier travel in this country.

Right behind the "benskin" (the local word for moto) is Simon's wife's blanket store. Usually she has many of them hanging out front on display, but since it was raining, she had previously brought them inside.

This is the road to Ngwainkuma, Simon's village. Three steep hills later, you arrive at his house.

I'm heading back to post tomorrow, after my meeting, and will be as productive as possible before LEAVING FOR THE UNITED STATES on July 30th!

Hope all is well with you and you're enjoying these summer months!

Until next time,

Stef

My Cameroonian Digs

2010-05-25T10:00:00.000+01:00

I haven't decided if I'm going to just continue with the picture fest that I began last blog update or whether I will also culture you a bit...

For starters, welcome to my home in Teacher's Quarter within Chaikain's compound. The first two photos are a sampling of the intensity of the rains during rainy season, a view from the front door and a view from the back door.

The next series of photos are the interior of my house!

The last two photos are my section of house from the driveway and then the entire structure with my Francophone neighbors' digs on the right.

Is it what you thought? It's no mud hut in the middle of nowhere, I'll tell you that, and you've seen for yourself. There is electricity (locally known as "current") and running water 95% of the time. It's more than I deem necessary for this experience, but am at least glad that I had more of a "village experience" during my training. Although I'm loving having internet and being able to watch tv shows or movies at night, I think I'd prefer running water to electricity. Then again, not having running water really allows for water conservation more than anything. I've learned, now that's it is rainy season, to use the rain water to clean my floors, my clothes, and occasionally my dishes and have been a conservationist when it comes to taking my showers. I only allow the water to run to wet my hair and my body and then to wash the soap off.

In closing, work has been a bit frustrating lately, the first time over the past almost 6 months at post. I was trying to secure the following "projects" until leaving for the US (some of them continuing once I return, as well):

~ Monthly Diabetes Clinic (slowly I am working with the involved parties to help it run more efficiently)

~ Assisting BFF with various projects that they want to carry out in the community, surrounding family planning and orphans' and widows' rights

~ A 1 week camp (in mid-June) with the other Northwest volunteers at an orphanage, touching upon health topics, sports, dance, arts & crafts, computer science, and agroforestry/farming topics

~ Weekly nutrition office hours (10 am - 2pm on Tuesdays) at the Fundong District Hospital which has not caught on so well and feels like a waste of my time (but I keep telling myself...patience, patience and how else can I go about making this better)

~ Choose A Future course for adolescent girls aged 12-20 years, which will be both leadership and empowerment focused, that I am hoping to begin this Thursday, for each Monday and Thursday until I leave for the US. Unfortunately though, the principals of whom I've asked to select the students and write them recommendations have failed to budge and I'm frustrated as to how to proceed...

I'm hoping this is only a fleeting period of feeling frustrated and that things fall into place.

Hoping all is well with you! Keep in touch, give me an update, and take care!

Until next time,

Stef

You Want to See Pictures, Do You?

2010-05-01T09:50:00.010+01:00

Happy May Day, well actually Labor Day here in Cameroon - seemingly a much grander celebration than our Labor Day in the U.S.

This blog update is going to be more pictures and less words - a big change as compared with all of my past postings (sorry they're so wordy).

Firstly, I wanted to let you know that I have booked my trip home to the U.S. this summer and my itinerary is as follows:

July 30th - Leave Douala, Cameroon
July 31st - Arrive in Newark, New Jersey
August 7th - Drive to Pittsburgh
August 13th - Fly to San Francisco
August 20th - Fly back to Douala, Cameroon

I will be a part of two weddings, one in New Jersey and one in Pittsburgh :) and am looking forward to spending time with as many people as possible in my three destinations!

Secondly, I have created a website (thanks to my cousin Mitch) to announce the collection of school supplies for a high school in my area. I hope you will check it out and decide to participate! Please spread the word to your friends and family as well, the more people who can help, the better! After my trip to the US, I will be bringing the collected items back with me to Cameroon to be distributed at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.

http://www.pencilsforpikins.com

Okay, onto the pictures so that you can more easily picture my life here!

Meet some of my neighbors, within the compound in which I live:

Niya and Petra were dancing to Christina Aguilera in my parlor. They're good hip shakers!

Joyce and Nine are busy making Chin Chin (fried semi-sweet dough), a process that I often help them with. The Chin Chin is sold all throughout Fundong-it's delicious!

My Fulani neighbors, Sadatu, Bassi, Mikailu, and Amena eating sugarcane as all the locals do so well!

My francophone neighbors who I share a common wall with: Francois and Peggy and their children Cabrille ("Cabi" - about the same age as Chasin) and Joeskin ("Joe")

My wonderful neighbors, Carine (French teacher at GHS Aduk) and Peter (Principal of GHS Aduk) on our 17 km trek to Aduk!

Simon (my counterpart), me, and Rose (Simon's wife) at Lake Nyos, on a weekend trip to Wum.

My dad's visit to Fundong was wonderful, even though there were not enough meals in a day with which to welcome him. These are the members of Better Family Foundation after a welcome dinner for my dad, at my house.

On another note, for your understanding with regards to work and projects here in the Peace Corps, when we replace volunteers it is our decision as to whether or not to continue the work they had been doing. I believe it is very important for volunteers to be working on sustainability of projects towards the end of their service since often times the next volunteer has other interests and does not end up continuing their efforts. I have included this side note because I have received questions from some of you about this notion and I wanted to (hopefully) clarify "how things work" in Peace Corps.

And lastly, I will leave you with this disturbing remark made by a Fundong community member. Recently I have been helping the members of Better Family Foundation (http://wwww.betterfamilyfoundation.org) to seek funding from elites, local community members and local organizations within Boyo Division. One of the individuals who was approached for support in cash or in kind retorted, "organizations like BFF are supposed to help the community and thus members of the community should not help these organizations." That was difficult to hear but then I found out what he was also pointing out was that a "white man" (since all "white people" are rich) was already helping BFF's cause so why would anyone locally see a reason to assist. Clearly he was showing his ignorance towards my reason for being here as well as towards helping out his own community! At the same time, I found out that Tangui water bottles are referred to as the "White Man's Drink," meaning that "we" are too weak to drink local water and can only be served bottled water. Interesting perspectives...

I will leave you with the following sunset when I was in training in Bamena.
The next post will have pictures of my house, inside and out as well as scenes around Fundong!

Take care until next time!

Stef

6 Months in Cameroon, Exactly

2010-03-19T10:33:00.003+01:00

It has been close to two months since I last wrote, my apologies for keeping you in suspense, haha!!

I now officially have wireless internet and have found a comfy spot on my bamboo "couch" out on my veranda to do my "interneting"-this way I can still be soaking up the Fundong atmosphere while being in touch with the rest of my life and the world at large.

This posting is going to be a melange (French for mixture) of thoughts, observations & experiences since I last wrote.

1) While I'm mixing in another language, let me give you a sampling in Pidgin English and Kom (the dialect and name of the people in Boyo Division-the area that I'm in):

Kom- (the capitalized letters are where the emphasis in pronunciation lies)
too LIE mah = good morning
Response: too LIE may = good morning to you
why EE cee ma = good afternoon
Response: why EE cee may = good afternoon to you

Pidgin-
Ma belay don flop. = I am full.
Ha fo skin? = How is your health?
A komot fo Amerika. = I come from America.

2) Here is some familial news: my Dad is coming to visit from March 28th - April 4th and I can't wait to show him my life here in Fundong. My sister and Brian are engaged, pregnant, and house owners-exciting time in their lives!!

3) I would just like to thank Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing for being in existence. I am working on training the members of my NGO to have computer awareness within the next six months (computer literacy to come in the future) and initially was trying to draw upon techniques from my typing 101 classes in middle school - obviously not as productive as a computer program that measures progress!

4) Spiders, flies, and crickets have become my enemies! Though I think spiders always have been, I've never shared an apartment with them and their webs. Flies are plain old annoying and don't hesitate to disturb you here, nonstop. Crickets you may think are harmless, except when they hop into your living space and their chirping echoes all throughout. I have come to greatly appreciate the sealant that is found on our doors and windows in America!

5) There is no single look for Cameroonians. I look around daily and all I see are different features and complexions of varying hues. I haven't yet met people from all of the ten regions of Cameroon, but I suspect that there is not one unified "look." I have watched portions of Nigerian movies (VERY BAD acting) and I can't distinguish a Cameroonian from a Nigerian because of the variety that is here. Additionally, there are many Muslims, called Fulanis, who obviously have their own look - a very beautiful one. The Fulani people speak Fulfulde and tend to live in the Extreme North of the country but they are also interspersed throughout the rest of it.

6) I have developed a guilty pleasure: taking in deep breaths when soil is being burned-I have grown to love the smell! It's a guilty pleasure because it is a little strange and also because it's a bad act that farmers do here, claiming that it helps the growth of crops (they do it during dry season in preparation for the planting in rainy season). It is illegal, but doesn't stop them.

7) Watching Cameroonians brush their teeth is pretty hilarious to me. They suck on their toothbrushes FOREVER, never seeming to BRUSH them. As for toothpaste, I'm unsure whether it is always used-no foam seems to build up as they suck endlessly on the brush, conversing at the same time. [Please note that not all Cameroonians a) brush their teeth b) do it this way]

8) Rainy season has begun...and when it rains, it pours! Granted, the first couple of months of rainy season are SUPPOSEDLY not as bad as June, July and August. I will have to see which season I prefer - I became VERY tired of all of the dust of dry season but I can't imagine "enjoying" all of the mud of rainy season.

9) Speaking of rainy season, I am having a small plot of land behind my house prepared for me, to become my garden. My mom & Nana have sent me seeds (carrots, peppers, tomatoes, basil, etc) and I will get advised as to how to plant and take care of the soil - my green thumb has never been in existence before this point, so I need much help! Having a garden here seems important to me, haven't quite figured out why, but it has something to do with the ease of growing things in this climate and the fact that I'm going to the market every other day to get fresh produce and would love to be able to walk behind my house to obtain some of the items!

10) While we're on the topic of food, I have to say that what I think I miss the most is cold milk and cereal to start my day! I add powdered milk to things, it's true, but it's not cold and it's just not the same. They have Corn Flakes in this country, but boy are they unsatisfying!

11) You can't imagine how incredible it is to be walking down a road or standing in someone's compound and have po-po (papayas), pears (avocados), and mango trees bearing so much fruit. Being that I love fruit so much (right Brian??), I'm just in awe and jealous that the climates I've lived in in the US do not allow for this growth.

12) Place I've visited over the past two months:

~ Wum (north of Fundong): to see Lake Nyos, Lake Wum and Menchum Falls - there was a gas explosion in this area in 1986 that killed ~2000 people.

~ Ndawara Tea Estate: beautiful scenery, first time seeing a tea plantation, largest employer in the NW Region of Cameroon, watched the tea leaf production process, proprieter wants to make it the largest tea estate in the world-currently is the largest in Africa.

~ Aduk: a remote village I trekked 34 km to with my neighbors who teach there, am setting up a pen-pal exchange with Stefanie's classroom in NJ to help give both ends exposure to the other.

~ Banso: a village on the way to Kumbo (east of Fundong) where the road was HORRIBLE. It was a hot day, we were packed in the car unable to put the windows down because the road was deep trenches of DUST, so much dust that the trees were no longer green but orange. I attended a memorial celebration with my 2nd family here in Cameroon (they live in Bambili, where I spent Christmas).
___________________________________
I've got some travel coming up but will tell you about it the next time!

Happy Easter, Passover and Spring.

Until next time,

All of my love - Stef

"Work"

2010-01-28T13:23:00.009+01:00

Fundong District Hospital

Laboratory on Monday (4 hours)
o While I felt that my exposure to the lab at the hospital was an eye opening experience (comparing what I know of the efficiency and technology of labs in the US), I felt that I was passing the time waiting for the Chief Medical Doctor to arrive, and he only did as I was leaving for the day. I was happy to be of assistance to Eunice (BFF member) who was handling a large case load all alone on a Monday morning, but it made it clear to me that the need for her to have an assistant is VITAL! Testing hemoglobin levels, retrieving blood from patients and then preparing slides to look for malaria parasites and white blood cell counts under a microscope, and recording all of the information in their patient handbooks (among other tasks) takes a lot of time and thus slows down the process of diagnosis and determining the level of care necessary, by the doctor. As a result of the lack of updated technology and sufficient number of staff in the lab, the process of coming to the hospital here for a consultation can take all day and this really affects the efficiency of the various triage areas of the hospital as well as the patient’s ability to go to school or work that day.

Maternity Ward on Tuesday and part of Wednesday (3 hours over 2 days)
o I was hoping to spend my time in maternity with Beatrice (another BFF member who is the RN in charge of the ward) but she was out because of a burial. I did get to spend a short time with her when she came back to work and found out about her daily routine at work. She has much responsibility taking care of the patients (hands-on), carrying out prenatal exams/consultations & deliveries, and discharging them (and all the paperwork that comes along with that process). There are antenatal and child welfare clinics (for new moms) each week and she, along with her assistant, Madame Achu have a list of about 15 topics that they cover over the course of a few months-very organized it seems. I was unable to observe a clinic at this site but hopefully will be able to in the future. I spent most of my time with Madame Achu, asking her questions, waiting for patients to arrive for prenatal consultations, and reading my own book during down times. No specific appointments are made and so the ability to plan the day accordingly does not seem to occur. Not only that but after doing a consultation, the patient has to go to the lab and get various blood tests done, wait for the results and then come back for a discussion with the results-again too long of a process and too much waiting for both parties. Through observation of a couple of prenatal consultations it was clear that family planning is a theme that the staff has to impart on patients as well as my realization of the need for discussion and a take home handout surrounding iron rich and calcium rich foods for their pregnancy eating plan. This is something I plan to create after truly grasping foods that are easily available and affordable.

Discussion with Chief Medical Doctor & Tour of Hospital Grounds on Tuesday (2 hours)
o Overall, I have to say that Dr Ntongsi is a very motivated Chief Medical Doctor and seems to have the hospital’s best interest in mind, at all times. He himself is a dental surgeon, trained in Russia, but came into this position three years ago, while also maintaining a private dental practice in Bamenda. He discussed with me the various ideas that he proposed to the Cameroonian Government upon taking this position and observing the then current state of the hospital. He had a separate building constructed for the laboratory; he extended the maternity ward, added running water faucets within each room/ward of the hospital, and currently wants to construct toilets and showers for more hygienic practices than the horrific pit latrines that are currently in existence and use. One of the ten additions that he proposed was a demonstration kitchen on the hospital grounds, that which was not given funding or approval. We spent a lot of time talking about this matter after introducing myself and telling him that I am a dietitian (I say nutritionist because it is a more well known term here) in the US. See below for my main project idea where I would like to focus my efforts during my Peace Corps service.

Diabetes Clinic on Thursday (3 hours)
o The first Thursday of each month, Eunice holds a Diabetes clinic which consists of some education, weighing, and the taking of blood pressure and fasting blood sugar. I was very impressed by the turnout, all Type 2 Diabetics ranging in age from late 30s to 70s (side note: average life span for men is 60 and women is 70 in Cameroon). My first observation was that the structure of the clinic could benefit from a slight change. Since I assume these patients have been awake for a few hours prior to coming to the clinic at 8 am and some of them have had to trek a bit of a distance to arrive, the blood sugar and other measurements should be taken prior to education so as to allow them to eat before the end of the clinic, around 10:30 am. Not only will this be healthier for stabilizing their blood sugar levels, but it will also allow for better concentration and retention during the education portion of the clinic. Through some basic counseling with a few men who’s blood sugars were well above normal, even for a diabetic (<200), I came to realize the following areas of INTERACTIVE education that would be necessary in the future, as listed below.
HIV/AIDS/TB Unit on Friday (1 hour)
o Again I was the one asking questions to find out information about how this “unit” functions. I do not really feel that I have a great grasp on HIV or TB statistics (numbers, causes, ages, etc) in the division, but did find it impressive that the hospital has an isolation area where TB patients stay for up to two months, free of charge, for treatment. HIV education seems to only go on in the communities during the week of World AIDS Day as a result of insufficient funds for travel. Margaret does pre and post counseling with couples who come to find out their status and unfortunately I had just missed her doing pre counseling with a couple wanting to get married, but not before knowing their status. Post counseling is confidential, as it should be, whereas pre counseling is something I could have witnessed.

Urban Integrated Health Center

Child Welfare Clinic on Monday (1 ½ hours, 1 hour spent waiting)
o Unfortunately I was only able to observe this clinic for a short amount of time because I was told earlier that morning that I would need to attend a meeting around 10 am elsewhere and because, although the clinic should begin around 8:30 am, it begins when the patients show up. I did some small orienting with Anna (the Chief Nurse) and by that I mean asking her questions because I did not feel she really knew how to orient me to the center and the goings on there. As for the clinic, many mothers and babies finally arrived and the portion of the clinic that I witnessed was baby weighing. It was incredible to see babies hanging in corduroy sacks from a hook that then determines the weight in kilograms above. Some of the children peed while waiting for their weight to be taken (as much clothing and cloth diapers as possible were taken off) and others freaked out at the realization that they were essentially hanging in mid air! The weighing took a long time and wasn’t half finished when I was called to my meeting. Supposedly some education is done after the weighing, but these mothers and babies have to wait a long time, especially if they arrived “on time”.

Antenatal Clinic on Tuesday (3 hours)
o Before the clinic began I was able to observe two circumcisions and had just missed a woman giving birth by about 3 hours. Again, this clinic began after a majority of the woman arrived, but this happened much quicker than the previous day. The women were weighed and one by one were called into the examination room to check if they had edema, to measure the size of the belly, check the position of the baby and to hear the baby’s heartbeat (through a metal, funnel device-I listened and heard a few heartbeats-very different from the technology I am aware of in the US). Anna, the chief nurse, did some small counseling and questioning when necessary and seemed to have a very good rapport with the patients, even if it was the first time meeting them. Each week a different education topic is presented as well. I was very impressed with the simplicity of the checkup, due to a lack of technology, but also how thorough it seemed at the same time. One issue I became aware of while observing the weighing-in was a) whether or not any counseling/discussion is done if they are not gaining sufficiently and b) the amount of unmarried 18 year olds who were attending with their 1st child. Even checking through records, women who were now 25 years old had already given birth to 2 children, the first one being at age 18. This poses quite a problem in this society because girls are still going to school for at least 1 or 2 more years before they take their exam to be ready for university. That means that either the girl is no longer attending school after giving birth or it is asking the mother to take care of the baby and may then prevent the mother from owning a business, going to the farm, etc. As a result, I feel that a teen pregnancy sensitization program is necessary in the surrounding communities, as mentioned below.

Delegation of Women’s Empowerment
(Total time: 5 hours over 2 days, 1 ½ hours spent waiting)

Overall, the two day experience with this delegation was quite a bit frustrating. My first day began after waiting almost an hour and a half for the delegate to arrive. Once he arrived, I initiated questions as to the duties and responsibilities of this delegation to which the questions were well answered. I was told that there were no cases that day and so it would be a day of “rest”. This shocked me, being that this delegation is responsible for many international theme days (i.e. International Women’s Day on March 8th) and in my opinion could be doing some preparation work by looking at the past years events and brainstorming on how to improve for this year’s events, once the theme comes through Yaoundé. Luckily a case came to pass that day and I was able to observe how the Delegate and his colleague carry out counseling. The most striking observation was that the door was kept wide open and that the Delegate sat behind his desk and put in a few words while most of the session was conducted by the other social worker. After the session was finished, I clarified a few points and then sensed that the Delegate had nothing more to offer me and I excused myself.
The following day the Delegate and another member of the delegation were doing a home visit in the early morning. I arrived at 9 am and looked at photos of past events related to this delegation with the secretary. The Delegate arrived after the home visit and stated that he was going home to bathe and I had to ask him if I could look through some cases, as he had mentioned was possible the day before. While the other social worker was off at the market and he was off bathing, I read through some cases and sensed that there was not much else that they were going to offer to me, in terms of information or experience, and I decided to leave. I felt that I received a small amount of exposure to the Delegation but feel that they have much responsibility that may not be time managed for completion and could benefit from more motivation!

Delegation of Social Affairs & Social Centre
(Total time: 4 hours over 2 days, 45 minutes spent waiting)

I spent my first day with this delegation at the Social Centre. Filo and Pola welcomed me warmly. I spent a few hours with Pola, discussing the goings on and responsibilities of this leg of the delegation. She oriented me to the fact that they work to assist people with disabilities or children of a parent with disabilities, orphans and vulnerable children and the elderly. I told her that I have a special interest in the fact that they work with people with disabilities because of my brother’s own disabilities. I was happy to find out that community sensitization is done by the Social Centre to educate about people with disabilities, being that a person in this “category” might be deaf, blind, learning disabled or developmentally delayed. She showed me a disability card and explained that a person who has this card is able to receive education for free and often reduced healthcare costs. Additionally some of her work involves giving monetary assistance to any citizen in the division that applies for the following areas of need: education, medical, those who have given birth to twins or triplets (or more), etc. My second day with this delegation was spent waiting for the Delegate to be available for about 45 minutes and then sitting and discussing with him for about 15 minutes. He essentially told me similar information that I had learned the day prior, including the point that even though the Delegation of Social Affairs is more administrative and the Social Centre is more technical, the Delegation also handles some of the technical work. When I told him that I am a nutritionist, we spent a short time discussing the nutritional needs of the elderly in this division and this helped me to include educating the elderly as part of the demonstration kitchen below.

Ideas for Projects/Work From These Experiences

• Demonstration Kitchen @ Fundong District Hospital
o Cooking Demonstrations
VARIETY
Appropriate intake for condition/age group
Alterations to typically prepared foods
o Taste Testing
o Education
Mothers with Young Children
Diabetics
Hypertensives
PLWHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS)
Elderly
• Diabetes Clinic – 1st Thursday of Each Month
o Education Topics
Food & Drink That Raise & Don’t Raise Blood Sugar
Portion Sizes
Exercise
Meal Variety on A Budget
• Teen Pregnancy Sensitization (and HIV/AIDS Prevention)
o With Help from Anna (@ Health Centre) & Pola (@ Social Centre)
• Handouts for Maternity Ward
(to be discussed with & given to patients during antenatal counseling sessions)
o Iron Rich Foods
o Calcium Rich Foods

Making Cookies in Africa

2009-12-31T09:30:00.000+01:00

Before I join Simon to meet the Fon/Chef/King of the Kom people, I just had to tell you about my experience yesterday night trying to make cookies for my neighbors and friends in the Fundong area.

Firstly, I find working in my kitchen to be difficult because there is VERY little "counter space" but nonetheless I made the dough, with a little tweaking from the recipe provided in the Peace Corps cookbook. I wanted to make Chocolate Chip Cookies but being that there are no chips, I put a piece of Mambo Bar (the Hershey Bar of Cameroon-haha) on each ball of dough, similar to Peanut Butter Thumbprint cookies. I was hoping to use my neighbor's stove, and then thought I would put them in a pot on top of my gas stove, but then my neighbor, Odette, told me I should do it over their fire. I thought that meant, directly placing my "cookie sheet" (tin roof piece borrowed from another neighbor-so resourceful these Cameroonians) on the hot fire. Any smart person would know THAT WOULDN'T WORK! Then we made a type of convection oven by putting sand inside a pot and I placed the cookies around in two bundt pans stacked one on top of the other and covered it with a lid. It worked, but took much longer than 9-11 minutes! I shared the first batch with those in the fire pit and then was attempting to take all of my belongings (my four dinner plates, spatula, cookies, butter container-too much for me to handle, but I insisted) to my house and decided to offer Stephen, our night watchman, a cookie and it all came crashing down to the ground! I lost cookies, 3 of my 4 plates broke, and everyone came rushing out to see what happened and offered me an "Ashia" (meaning: sorry, good luck, courage, and the like)!

Oh well, they enjoyed what they had. Hopefully today with Carine, the making of Snickerdoodles (am introducing cinnamon to Cameroonians!) in her oven and possibly another batch of "chocolate chip" will be more of a success!

I'm off, but not before again wishing you a happy new year with much prosperity and happiness!

Culturally Cameroon

2009-12-21T15:19:00.003+01:00

I hope that you were able to read my November posting because it has not been showing itself on the main blog page, but if you go into the archives on the right hand side, you should see it listed there. Also, if you haven’t already, please take note of my new address here in Fundong!

Let me see how I can sum up the remainder of training in the West region...

We finished up technical training, wrapped up our work with our community groups (my group was working with a “youth group” that was really men of a wide variety of ages, to help them gain knowledge and the tools to be community agents for malaria prevention), and I began learning small small (a little bit of) Pidgin – I am not very good at it and will have to get a tutor in order to more effectively work in the various communities around here.

The last few weeks of PST (Pre-Service Training) were bittersweet because we were all excited to move on, have some freedom again, and begin our new adventures but at the same time had all grown to enjoy each other’s company and the routine we were in together. Needless to say we all put on a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, more traditional than was imagined with local ingredients, and unfortunately a few suffered from what we think was food poisoning (me included, but only one short bout out of both ends).

Our swearing in ceremony took place on December 2^nd in downtown Bangangte, after we had packed up our home-stay rooms and got all of our belongings ready for the big trip to post! It was a very nice day; the US Ambassador (Janet Garvey) was present among other officials from Bangangte/Bamena, important chiefs from the area, the Country Director for Peace Corps, and press from the regional capital (Bafoussam). A few volunteers made speeches (Paul in French, Anaїs in Fulfulde, and KK in Pidgin) and the Ambassador swore us in as official VOLUNTEERS with the same oath that President Obama took (among other important people in our history). I decided not to repeat the ending of “so help me God.”

Two members from each of our host families were invited to attend and I had extended those to both of my host sisters (Carole & Sabine), but only Sabine came (with their aunt), which was unfortunate that the both of them weren’t there to spend some final time together, in celebration. I am hoping/planning to visit them again over the course of my time here – it’s not that far from where I am posted and there are other volunteers in that area that I will be visiting over time! There was a celebratory luncheon, which felt like a BAD family reunion, there wasn’t much conversation at the individual tables, they were playing Lady in Red, but the food was good (and of course my sister and her aunt slipped some extra in their napkins to take home) and it was greatly appreciated!

After spending a wonderful final afternoon and evening together (we stayed at a hotel in Bangangte that night) we bid adieu to each other the following morning. Peace Corps arranged for buses/vans to take groups of us to various parts of the country, depending on our posts, and it felt like the end of summer, saying goodbye at sleepover camp! I spent a day and night in Bamenda (Northwest regional capital) doing banking and a bit of shopping and then had an extraordinarily easy trip with all of my belongings to Fundong – renting out an entire taxi – with my bike sticking out of the trunk and my other bags in the backseat with me. I was told it was going to be the worst experience of my Peace Corps service – it’s going to be smooth sailing for the next two years if that’s the case!

Now onto Fundong, my home for the next two years!!!

The title of this posting is because in the less than two and half weeks that I’ve been here, I have attended a part of a funeral, an entire burial and funeral, and a traditional wedding! That’s also not mentioning all of the time I have had to observe, interact, eat and spend time with locals since arriving here. This first month is basically for settling in (which I’d definitely say I’ve been doing) and I will begin official Peace Corps work after the Christmas weekend. Now when I say “official work” I mean that I will start spending time in the BFF (Better Family Foundation – the NGO I’ll be working with) office, observing the goings on at the District Hospital and Urban Health Centre, various community groups already in existence, and more. All of this observation is for me to decide what projects/groups I will want to continue working on/with and gaining insight for other needs in other areas. That information will probably be in the next posting, once that period of work is underway.

Before I get to the traditional Kom (the ethnic group and language of the people in this area) events that I have thus far attended, I just want to say how welcomed I have been here (again, a lot of greetings of, “you are welcome!”) and how happy I feel to be posted here and living here. I live in a compound with VERY friendly, warm and welcoming people. My neighbors who share my duplex are Francois and Peggy (Francophone, so I practice my French with them), he works for the light company and she owns a boutique in town. They have two children, Joe and Cabrelle, 3 and 1 ½ years, respectively. Peter and Carine live in the compound as well, sharing the duplex with my landlord (Everestus and his wife, Marta). Peter and Carine are teachers in a village 17 km from here and thus are away for a good portion of the week, but are very sweet, giving and speak French as well. My landlord has six children, only one who still lives at home, the others are away at University or at boarding school (but everyone is home now for the holidays) and there are relatives of them who also live in the compound, many of them, I’ll spare you their relations and names (plus I don’t quite yet know how they are all connected). Needless to say, there a plenty of children and they sure enjoy when I am home and reading on my veranda and they get to color, play cards, play Kooshball and use whatever I have in a basket for them. Some are not so good at sharing, others want me to “dash” them one thing or another (dash in Pidgin means to give a gift), but on the whole it gives me pleasure to see them having fun. At times it gets to be too much and I say that I am going inside and have them clean up and leave my premises, but it’s typically nice to have the company.

I have been spending a lot of my daytime with Simon and Rose (my counterpart and his wife, they also have three children who typically spend some time at the store after school), typically at Rose’s blanket/shoe/sock/curtains store on the main drag in Fundong. Actually, I told Rose that I would help her out this past week by working in the store for her while she rested and got things done (after working hard and lovingly for her sister’s husband’s funeral last weekend). Business hasn’t been so good, I think because people are spending their money elsewhere at this time, but Rose also just told me that it could be because cocoa in the Southwest Region hasn’t been so successful this year and thus people have less money. Being at her store has given me a great opportunity to be visible, greet many people, and have some key observation time of the goings on in Fundong from 8 am through until the early evening. I also have gotten a lot of reading accomplished (!a huge feat for me – 2 books in a week!) since business has been slow!

I continue to shake A LOT of hands, am saying the one greeting I know in Kom (tu-LIE-mah --- good morning) and hardly speaking Pidgin. I really need to get on that! Simon and Rose think that I will pick it up and they say they will only speak to me in Pidgin, but then we end up conversing in Grammar (English). After the New Year, I’m going to find someone to teach me.

This posting has become long enough without even going into some details about the funerals and wedding. Therefore, I will post after Christmas (which I am spending with my French teacher from high school, Dr Ghogomu and his family) and really describe some traditional ceremonies!

Happy Chanukah/Christmas/New Year to all of you!

Be in touch because internet exists here in Fundong and I’d love to regularly hear from you. Take care and I’m sending all of my love!

Many Handshakes in Fundong

2009-11-06T21:24:00.000+01:00

Here I sit, more than a month later, in Bamenda (provincial capital of the Northwest Region, one and half hours from where I will be living and working for the next two years). I am finishing up with site visit and will be heading back to Bamena tomorrow, squeezing into a run down bus with 19 people, which in the States might comfortably fit 13 people...try to imagine.

Post announcements were announced last week after much anticipation! I am in 1 of the 2 Anglophone regions, where they speak English, Pidgin (faux-English/special English), and local languages of course, being that there are over 250 spoken in the entire country. Once I return to Bamena, I will be beginning Pidgin classes and will be able to give you a dose of it! The local language in Fundong is Kom, and I'm sure I'll be learning a bit of it over the course of my two years.

I will be working in conjunction with an NGO in Fundong called Better Family Foundation (BFF) and they will soon be launching a website. Their vision and mission is to help families have healthier relationships and lifestyles, through counseling and education. Additionally, the NGO does community outreach in the health arena...basically, my options for community development and health work will be endless, as I experienced during my few days of site visit. My counterpart's name is Simon Mbeng, though in Cameroon the last name always is written and often spoken first. He's a wildly energetic, motivated, educated and generous man and I am looking forward to working with him and the rest of the BFF team, who welcomed me so nicely.

I am replacing a fantastic volunteer named Kim Wilson who was a wonderful host and provided good insight and support regarding living and working in Fundong and just being a Peace Corps Volunteer in general. Let's begin with my house to be: 1 MASTER bedroom with a connected bathroom and water heater, 2 guest bedrooms, 1 guest bathroom, a large living area and a decent sized kitchen. Electricity and running water are very consistent and my house is situated in a compound consisting of a night watchman and other educated folks---a social worker, the landlord, and a high school principal. Pictures will come when I get situated in December.

I met SO many people during my site visit, multiple times and was greeted just as much with the phrase, "You are welcome." This greeting didn't come without multiple handshakes initially and as we said goodbye. Keep in mind that in Cameroon handshaking and most other actions using your hands (ie: eating) must be done with your right hand, using the left hand is considered to be dirty and a sign of disrespect. It's been difficult to get used to since I am a lefty!

Funny story that occurred one evening in Fundong that I think defines the friendliness of the people:

Kim and I had just finished great conversation and a delicious dinner of grilled whole fish, babaloa (NW equivalent to Baton de Manioc) and much pepe (spicy pepper sauce served throughout the country) thanks to Simon and his wife Rose. Just as we decided to leave around 7 pm, the electricity in the town went out. It had been a big market day (every 8 days) and thus it was very busy with many people still remaining in the streets and in town. As we crossed the street I all of a sudden felt what I thought was a branch next to my big toe in my Reefs. Turns out it was a thick metal piece that went through my sandals all of the way, just missing my big toe! Ironically enough, there had been the start of a vaccination campain in the area against TETANUS going on that day! So, thanks to a car's headlights ahead, I was trying to push the piece out without much success. Out of nowhere, a random Cameroonian who was selling mini flashlights comes up to help shine a light and when I continued to struggle, he put the sandal into his mouth in order to yank the metal piece out with his mouth. After successfully getting the piece out, he walked off without a word and just a smile!

So...there will be plenty more to write once I arrive at post and spend the first few months feeling out the population and seeing where there is need, so I will save that for a later date. There will definitely be opportunities to use my nutrition knowledge and build on that foundation that I already have, in addition to dabbling in other areas of health as well.

Swearing in is on December 2nd, meaning that there are only about 3 more weeks of "Stage" (training) left. After that point, I should have more regular access to internet as it is pretty efficient in Fundong.

I hope all is well with everyone and I always appreciate hearing what's happening with you stateside via letters, email, texts, calls, etc. Happy almost Thanksgiving and belated Halloween.

All of my love.
A Bientot.

Two Weeks In Cameroon...

2009-10-03T15:33:00.000+01:00

...and boy do I feel like it has been closer to two months (because I have already experienced so much and not because it has been going slowly or is dreadful).

There is so much to write and I will attempt to paint you as much of a picture as is possible with a limited amount of internet time. We have left Yaounde and the Agroforestry volunteers are in a medium sized town called Bangangte and we, Health volunteers, are in a SMALL village (and I mean that, though it turns out there are actually 10,000 people)! We come and go between the two places both for training courses and personally for my own sanity and freedom. Last Sunday, another health volunteer, Kim and I jumped in a "bush taxi" [a station wagon with 4 of us in the back and 2 in front next to the driver---imagine me leaning up against a grandma's breasts while she eats corn on the cob in my ear]and came to Bangangte to get our favorite food (omelette de spaghetti, which is 1 or 2 eggs mixed with spaghetti noodles and a tiny bit of tomato and onion and MAGGI [MSG] and piment, yummy spicy pepper sauce) and to cruise around the market and hang out with some of the Agro volunteers.

Let me tell you about my home stay family, which I will say is not an ideal family situation, but one that I can definitely cope with for the remaining 8.5 weeks. I live with a grandmother and her two granddaughters who are 16 and 18, Sabine and Carole, respectively. The "father" of the family lives in Yaounde and I haven't met him yet and probably won't, so it's just 4 of us women living ensemble! Well, I take that back, because in Cameroon, many members of the village spend inordinate amounts of time at other people's houses passing time, helping to cook, clean and such. There is a backyard with a smoke house (and I mean SMOKE from all of the cooking over a fire) and 2 other houses behind who seem to eat our food and use our latrine and water. Yeah I said latrine and let me tell you that in addition to the other following "firsts" within my 1st 24 hours, I experienced extreme culture shock:

Diarrhea and peeing in a latrine [a small 3"x3" cutout in the ground...dribble dribble, but luckily my family has the custom of bringing in some water to wash off the area after use]
Cold Bucket Shower [quite exhilarating but I've definitely become accustomed to it]
Trying Rat [Eww...tasted gamey and was tough]
Being locked in my room [because my lock malfunctioned and I thought I'd have to escape out of my screened in window in order to get to training on time]
Living in very small quarters [I haven't taken pictures yet, but imagine a full sized bed with a mosquito net, the bed being unnecessarily big, a wood desk, a trunk and no other room to walk except in a straight line straight ahead after opening my door...but it works]
Not understanding the language and being stared at and laughed at often [since my host family typically speaks the local language, Bamena aka Pattois---when they speak French, it is with a STRONG Cameroonian accent and is very fast]

As I said above, for these reasons and probably more, the culture shock was extreme. I thought that since I had visited and spent some extensive time in 3rd world countries, I would know what to expect...WRONG. Staying in hotels with flush toilets, showers and English while walking through shanty towns and villages is NOT the same as living that life! Being that it's been over a week as of now, it has all definitely become more customary and manageable, so have no fear, I'm surviving and obviously learning a lot about many, many things---that I can't possibly all write down here and now.

My host family is very forceful, telling me to shower 3x/day (I've told them I shower 1x/day and that will be what they should expect) and washing my feet frequently. It's very ironic since handwashing for them (be it with soap or without) is not in their vocabulary and they clean their floors and dishes with dirt/food soiled rags and water, not thinking it necessary to change the water halfway through. Oh well, I still walk on their floors [in my house they are tiled in the main area and cement in the bedrooms] and eat off of their plates. They are also very focused on the notion that I am "RICH" and that they are "POOR" which makes it difficult to want to integrate into their lives and become more familial with them. I'm enjoying speaking French with other volunteer's families and others in the village and finding ways to fill my time with the other volunteers, SPEAKING ENGLISH! Don't get me wrong though, we're plenty busy with health technical training, 3.5 hours of French, and other projects in between.

Great news to end this blog entry, today I was told that I have moved up from Intermediate Mid French to Intermediate High (the level necessary to swear in at the end of training) beginning on Monday!!

I don't know how frequently I'll be able to access the internet during the course of the next 8.5 weeks, so have patience for the next entry.
In the meantime, here is my cell phone number: 01-237-7011-2714
You can call me from Skype by buying Skype Credit from the main website and can TEXT me for free (free for both you and me) from Skype.
And again, snail mail and packages are HIGHLY welcomed!!! Please check the side of the blog for a wish list of food/snack items if your feeling generous.

A bientot!

Nous Sommes Ensemble

2009-09-21T15:59:00.000+01:00

Here we are in Yaounde, Cameroon---the capital city of slightly more than one million people. We really haven't seen too much of the city during these first few days, basically we are being shuttled between our hotel and the Peace Corps office [located directly across from the "Indomitable Lions" stadium for those soccer fans out there]. We did detour last night for a welcome dinner at our Country Director's house in a very secure and upscale portion of the city.

The saying above is a typical Cameroonian phrase that translates to: "We Are Together," which literally is the theme of our time both in Philly and in Yaounde (and how Peace Corps strives to structure the program). Though the 32 of us have only known each other for five days, it definitely feels like much longer, you know how it is when you spend every waking moment with someone and are in a shared, life-changing experience.

We have been having our meals at the hotel, think fried/boiled plantains (my absolute favorite), a good amount of rice, bread, meat, fish, pineapple, and papaya. Coffee was my saving grace the other day to alleviate a few days of constipation, though right after a delicious lunch today, I had my first bout of diarrhea. Hopefully that was the one and only!

Pre-Service Training (PST) has been off to a slow start. Saturday we had language interviews to assess where our knowledge and skills with French conversation stand before training. We received our level today and I was placed in Intermediate Mid, right below Intermediate High which is where we need to be when PST is completed, before venturing to our posts to begin service. Not too shabby, and I am looking forward to some review and refreshing.

Today PST began to pick up as we begin the health, safety and security bulk of training, especially the important topics of appropriate food and water preparation. Those have priority since on Thursday we will be heading to Bangangte for the main 11 weeks of PST while living with host families. We also received our Medical Kits which have a multitude of items in them ranging from bug spray to lip balm and condoms to water purification tablets.

I'm going to end this posting since the electricity and wireless internet connection (at the Peace Corps Office and Volunteer Guest House) are shaky and my computer battery is on its last few minutes. I hope this gives you some initial insights and leaves you knowing that I am beyond satisfied with my choice to become a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Until next time...

Love Stef

T-2 Days

2009-09-15T15:45:00.001+01:00

Has a year really already passed since I first sat down to begin my application to become a Peace Corps volunteer? Have the past four months of family, friends, freedom and adventure come and gone already? I guess time really does fly by when you are having fun!

I made a goal for myself to post my first blog entry before departing for Cameroon, and so with T-2 days ahead, I will sit here and try to get you on the same page as my thought processes. Maybe the delay in posting is because I have been busy saying goodbye to people all across this country, agonizing over packing, or my desires to have the blog details all worked out before posting.

Most certainly the delay is because I am filled with feelings of great excitement, anticipation, intrigue, and readiness that I haven't been sure how to write down in words. Sure there are probably feelings of anxiety, nervousness, fear, and sadness but I feel that I am so ready for this experience to begin that those are not at the forefront. Who knows, they could pop up as soon as I post this, once I arrive in Philly to begin Staging (Peace Corps terminology for Pre-Departure Orientation), as I step off the plane in Yaounde, or a few weeks from now.

Here's what I'm feeling right now:

1) I'm ready for the anticipation of what's to come, what I'm going to experience, and what my role is going to be to happen already. It has been a year of drawing upon written information, other people's experiences, and my imagination. I'm psyched to hit the ground running and see what being (no longer becoming) a Peace Corps volunteer is all about...for me. Everyone's experience is different (for obvious reasons) and I hope I can communicate what it is that I'm thinking, accomplishing and exploring through blog posts, emails, phone calls, and HAND-WRITTEN LETTERS.

2) It saddens me to think that I will not be around for your milestones, other big events, and just to have the ease of picking up the phone or making plans to hang out at the drop of a hat. On the other hand, though two years (well a little bit more) sounds like a long time, in the grand scheme of things, it really isn't. We shall see what communication opportunities exist in Cameroon (ie: consistency of electricity, access to internet, etc.), though that is part of a moral dilemma that I am having as to how modestly I would like to spend my time while in Africa, if given the choice.

Well then, I could probably write more, but I won't, especially since I have to go finish packing to leave New Jersey this afternoon and head into Philadelphia for my last goodbye.

Take care, be in touch, follow my blog, forward this onto anyone whom you think might be interested, and BE WELL!

A BIENTOT ["Until Next Time" in French]

Stef