Second Week Learning Experinces in Cameroon

The week of January 13-19 in Cameroon included a variety learning experiences.

New Parent Run School Co-op staff; Carolyn-itinerant teacher;
Kay-librarian; Marnie-Kdg.; Naomi-Gr, 3-4

Lunch on downtown Yaounde

Buying first Cameroon dress. With limited supply of long dresses and skirts,
I knew from experience, best to purchase in Africa. Love the bright colors
beautiful designs.

On Sunday came informal learning hosted by high school teacher Carrie Edwards and accompanied by H.S. librarian Kirsty Taylor. First Cameroon bus ride to International Fellowship church in downtown Yaounde, viewing the city from top of the Hilton, lunch, shopping downtown boutiques, trying new foods, and first taxi ride (four women in back seat…think sardines!)

Monday more structured learning began with CAMBO WEEK 1. This five-week orientation course helps missionaries new to Cameroon not just survive, but to thrive living in this country. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to take this course. Week 1 included: 

Welcome and Introductions; Cameroon Training Center Tour; Clothing and Greetings; Branch Finances; Preparing Food in Cameroon; Cameroonian Foods and Nutrition; Household Technologies; Spiritual Disciplines; Taxis (two students take turns hailing a taxi, with instructor); Administration and Personnel; Building and Maintaining Relationships; African Traditional Religion and Visit Museum; FROG (Fully Relying on God) Branch Worship.

Humprey, Mary and Silas Nfor learned the turtle balloon sculpture way faster
than I did years ago. Humprey and Silas hold some of the puppets used by
Vision Victory Ministries.

Saturday I was able to share learning. I have been asked to serve as a consultant  with Vision Victory Ministries that uses puppets, balloon sculpture, chalk art, etc. for programs in churches, public schools, and community. They are permitted to share the Bible freely even in pubic schools. I was invited to attend late afternoon rehearsal, stay for supper in home of Silas and Mary Nfor, and discuss programs expansion potential. It was fun to teach Silas, Mary, and Humprey how to make a small balloon turtle. Turtles in any form can be used to visualize the saying, "Behold the turtle makes progress only when he sticks out his neck," to encourage to folks to stick out neck in witnessing to others, to progress in skills such as athletics, scholastics, art, music, etc. (2 Timothy 1:7).

First Week THANKS-LIVING

This first partial week from Tuesday 1/8-12/13, I THANK God:

-for a safe trip from Orlando FL to Washington DC to Brussels, Belgium, to Daoula, Cameroon, to my new home city of Yaounde, Cameroon, and for all my luggage arriving with me. 

-that new colleague, Kindergarten teacher Marnie Rekman was seated immediately in front of me on the stint from DC to Brussels, for opportunity to chat on that stretch. I had prayed that we would locate each other and have a chance to get acquainted.

-for going away gift wooden foot massage roller that helped improve leg circulation. It works! My two seatmates found it helpful also.

-for meeting and having breakfast with veteran missionaries at the Brussels airport on the way to Cameroon… surgeon Dr. Steve Sparks who heads Mbingo Baptist Hospital and wife Suzanne and sons; young couple (she a pediatrician & he an internist) working  at same hospital via Samaritan’s Purse, and Jane Schmitz, Baptist Church planter missionary. Fun to meet and learn from others serving in the country.

-that Jane stuck with me through checkpoints/customs knowing I had forgotten to bring my yellow immunizations card. I had a copy of the immunizations card pulled up on my desktop but not acceptable, had to buy a yellow fever shot on the spot. Jane’s fluent French, presence, knowledge of this airport were much appreciated.

-for French vocabulary learning game on individual passenger TV on long flight from Washington to Brussels. Fun way to practice!

-for familiar faces and welcomes the night of arrival from friends/fellow trainees from International Childhood Education Orientation in Dallas -  Carrie Edwards and Kirsty Taylor

    

-for start-up grocery kit waiting in my kitchen, thanks to my school principal Mary Santos

    

getting intro to library computer system from Deanna Anderson (L) following tour from principal Mary Santos (R)

-for Field Education System orientation Thursday and Friday, including tour of Educational Resource Center that I will manage, overview of  library computer system, and an FES/Co-op staff meeting 

-for six meals provided in homes, one brought in after arrival, and one in the city after church Sunday by veteran missionaries/families – wonderful fellowship and delicious food.

-for inspiring stories of how God led folks from various countries, diverse talents, church and career backgrounds to involvement in the process of bringing God’s Word to  those who don’t have it in their mother tongue. Seeing awesome teamwork.

-for three ceiling fans in my apartment

-for finding a French version of Nutello this past weekend…yum! 

Commissioning Service & Surprise Reception

Dr. Greg Wiens, FL Church of God State Minister

Circle prayer of missionary commissioning

Sunday, January 6^th was a very special day. First was the church missionary commissioning by my Orlando home church for the last 18+ years – New Beginnings Church (formerly First Church of God) Semoran Boulevard.

Farewell Recption Host Family:  Nathan, Wayne, Bonita Slaymaker

That afternoon what I expected to be a quiet little dinner with long-time friends Wayne, Bonita  and a few ladies who worked with Bonita and I on the Orlando Union Rescue Mission library project turned out to be F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God) Farewell Reception Luncheon. THANK YOU Bonita and Wayne and to all who contributed edible goodies and/or to the “Blessing Tree.” Many more photos are available on my Facebook wall, “Wanda Kay Watts”