Why'd you have to go-o away from me?

Wow, it's been quite some time since I have updated this baby. A lot of changes have taken place since my last post.

I am now, officially, moved to Kumba. Hooray! I moved here last Monday. Last week, we attended (well, I attended and Shirley planned, organized and helped facilitate) a consultation on HIV/AIDS. Basically, the staff of the PCC who is involved in HIV/AIDS work came together to formulate a long-term plan. It was extremely productive and I felt honored to be a part of it. Everyone was so open and dedicated to their work. It was incredible. And....drum roll please, I actually made some real live friends my age! Haha. I met a girl named Maria who was the representative for CYF (Christian Youth Fellowship) and we hit it off. She told me I'm funny and she enjoys my company, so that's probably a good sign. The beginnings of a beautiful friendship I'm sure. I also got to know my co-worker, Agnus (I will call her Agie), very well. She is the HIV/AIDS coordinator for my region. The conference ended on Thursday which was also my last day with Shirley. So sad. She left me. It was hard to say goodbye. I'm already anxiously awaiting her return. I didn't have much time to be sad though because Friday I started work, well, sort of. I thought I was suppose to start work, but Rev. Abwenzoh (the minister from Kumba Towne, my church) came and got me and took me out to lunch with the chairman of the presbytery and two other ministers. Rev. Abwenzoh has basically taken me under his wing since I got here. He calls and stops by to check in, makes sure I have everything I need and drives me anywhere I need to go. He even sent his daughter here on Saturday to take me to the market so I didn't have to go alone. And, I have been to his house twice for dinner already. He is so sweet. He has really taken on a paternal role with me which is nice.

I was introduced to the congregation on Sunday. It was kind of a big deal. Rev. Abwenzoh gave this whole speech and I had to get up in front of everyone and say hello and then go and greet the chief and the other ministers. I felt so important, haha. Then, I spent the rest of the day with Maryanne Mukete. She is so wonderful! She has been so welcoming, caring and kind. I don't know what I would do without her. We ate lunch (potatoe hot plate, kind of like beef stew, I loved it, favorite meal so far), watched some tv, checked e-mail, and then sat out on the porch all evening and watched it rain. It was so nice.

I actually started work this past Monday. It's going alright so far. I am spending time with Agie, watching her work to get a feel for it before I jump in it on my own. After the first few days I was a little concerned. People here are worried about food, water and shelter and are not too interested in talking about feelings. However, I'm starting to find some areas where I am needed and can be helpful. I just need to keep reminding myself that this is a process. It's a new program, a new idea and is going to take time to implement. I just want to jump in and do everything right away. I'm pretty sure patience is going to be one of my biggest lessons during my time here. So, I am in the process of learning pidgin and starting my program. Judith (the matron) and Agi have really taken me in as their daughter. They feed me and visit me all the time. They really are my mami's away from home. They are too sweet. Agi even taught me how to make pepe (the hot sauce they put on EVERYTHING here) today! In return, I made her egg salad, but I don't think she was as impressed. Haha.

My apartment is nice. It's very cute and it's starting to feel a little like home. I don't really have much time to get everything organized though. The minute I get home from work my bell rings and all the neighborhood kids come in and hang out. I teach them cards, we play on the computer and watch movies. They are so cute. The babies are afraid of me though, haha. They scream and scream when they see me. I feel so bad. Haha. Hopefully they get use to seeing me though. So, yeah. Things are really good. I have internet fairly regularly now so I will be able to update more frequently. Once again, ignore my spelling errors it's late here. Hope everyone is doing well. I miss you all like crazy!