Ain't no mountain high enough

Thought I would write a quick update while internet is readily accessible at the synod office. By readily accessible I mean that I waited for this page to load for 45 minutes. So, I hope you all appreciate this. haha. Things are going great in Buea so far. Having Shirley here has been such a blessing. My normal daily routine is waking up at 6:15, showering (I am actually starting to enjoy my bucket showers, makes the mornings a little more interesting), attending a brief worship service at the Synod office, working, making dinner and having "orientation" (long, intelligent, wonderful chats) with Shirley. Working consists of me meeting everyone and starting to plan the program I am going to be implementing in Kumba. I'm excited, but getting really nervous. It's kind of a big deal planning a program, but I think I can handle it. It's only the beginning.

Buea is really, really beautiful and actually really cold! I have been wearing a sweater and a scarf everyday since getting here. I'm told to enjoy it now because the weather is much hotter in Kumba. I wake up every morning to Mt. Cameroon which is absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, a camera just can't capture it, so it looks like you will have to come visit if you want to see this beautiful place. I attended my first Cameroonian church service yesterday at Shirley's home congregation. It was great, an incredible mix of liturgy and African traditions. Very cool. I was introduced as a guest and then everyone sang this welcome song to me and the other guests who were present. The verses were something like:

"We welcome you in the name of the Lord."
"We thank you in the name of the Lord."
"We love you in the name of the Lord."

I definitely felt welcome after that. Church was extremely energetic and it was really special to see so many people excited about worship. Ohhh, the food has been good so far. Shirley is trying to let me get use to it slowly. So, I have been eating home made yogurt that Shirley makes, spaghetti, chicken and chips (fries), and other delicious foods. Haven't been sick once which is a good sign. We are making homemade pizza tonight. Did I mention that I love her? I should probably be on my way because Shirley actually has some work to do and I am using the internet cord.

Oh by the way, I have decided to make the title of each of my posts either lyrics or the title of a song. Here is my little challenge to entice you to come back and read my updates. If you can give me the name of the singer/band of every post title I will give you $100. PSYCH. I will be really impressed though. These first three were easy so get ready. And another side note, the first time I heard "Ain't no mountain high enough" I was watching my mom work out to Richard Simmons' aerobics tape in our living room. Hilarious. I love you all and can't wait to hear from you!

Hello I love you won't you tell me your name.

Well, I'm here. After a long car ride on some scary roads, Jeff Boyd and I made it safely to Shirley's. So, far I'm pretty much in love but I'm sure there will be many difficulties to come. I don't have much time and the internet is spotty. So, know that I am here, safe, and thinking of you all back home. Write if you get time. I will try to update more later this week.

Oh my cell phone number, 011-237-7705-9808, I think? I will check and change it later if that is incorrect.

Love to you all!

Megan

PS Took my first bath with a bucket and a cup today. Nice.

I'm leaving on a jet plane.

Hello all!

My bags are packed (almost) and I'm ready to go, I think. So, as you know, I am heading to Kumba, Cameroon for ten months to do psychosocial support work with HIV/AIDS patients. I will be using this blog to keep my family, church family, and friends updated on the challenges and joys I experience while abroad. I leave this Wednesday at 2:00pm from the Twin Cities and should arrive in Douala, Cameroon at 5:00pm on Thursday. After that, I will be spending some time getting acquainted and traveling with Shirley Hill, a woman who has been doing work with HIV/AIDS in Cameroon who is from Westminster. At the end of September, Shirley and I will arrive in Kumba. She will help me get settled and then I will be on my own with the support of the staff at the Presbyterian Health Center, the members of Westminster's partner church in Kumba, and any other friends I make along the way. I wish you all well. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm not sure how often I will be able to update, but I will try to keep you informed. Keep me in your prayers.

Peace and Love,
Megan