A Day in the Life (11/3/10)

An incredible 2 months have gone by here
in Cameroon (and all over the world, I'm sure). I just can't believe it.
Recently I realized I haven't given you all a schedule of a typical day in
the life of Madame (should be Mademoiselle.) Jessica. So here it is!
5:00-5:45 am-WAKE UP! The days I get to sleep through my alarm are a real
blessing haha. ~6:30-6:45 am-head to the Roses' house up the path for
breakfast. 7:30-8:00 am-go back home/brush my teeth/leave for school! I
should really start leaving closer to 7, but that's hardly ever possible.
8:30-9:00-arrive at school and prep my classroom. My windows don't lock so
each day I have to take all my class stuff back into the main classroom with
the locking windows. 8:45-9:30-Assembly (the starting of it can be anytime
during those times). Then up until 11 am Naphtali and I do ABC & reading
review with my class, bible story, song time (?), short break, and math.
11:00-LONG BREAK! About the 2nd or 3rd week of school, we all decided that
long break should only be 30 minutes so we can go home early on Fridays. We'
ve continued to take 1-hour long breaks since then, though, haha. 12:00-
1:30-Science class, General Knowledge, National Culture, blah blah blah. You
know, school stuff. 1:30-Dismissal!! Then, I pack up my class room, lock the
door, and start on my 2.5-3 mile journey home. My record time so far for the
trip to or from school is 45 minutes. Just thinking about that walk makes my
body hurt physically haha. Once I get home a variety of things could happen
on up until bedtime. I do go over to the Roses' every day to help with
dinner (the preparing and eating of it). I also shower there, charge my
electronics, visit, grade, clean my water filter/pump drinking water, and
pick grain/rice/beans/corn there. Here at our house (Kim, Kat, & I) much of
the same happens minus the grain picking and plus some more fun activities
like an occasional movie or P90x session. Life here is beautiful. I really
should get out of the house! Dry season is on its way, and it is SUCH a nice
day today. With God's help, I am really starting to enjoy teaching my class.
Today, I was very late. I got to school during assembly!! And just
yesterday, Naphtali announced to the class that everyone should start coming
much earlier to school and that whoever arrived early would get a reward. I
just laughed at myself as I walked up during assembly. God's timing is
perfect, and He's the one who kept me ha. Weeks are really flying by.
Physical labor here is getting easier; I'm glad for it, too, because it is
totally necessary for survival haha. Kat and I were practicing our
handstands Saturday night before chowing down on french fries, nibbling
chocolate, and watching most of Shrek III, and I am really getting stronger!
I can almost do a press. Well, maybe I don't remember what that is haha. God
is so good. Thanks for reading! Maybe we'll get internet next week and maybe
not. Still miss you all and am keeping very busy here. Love you!

God Cares About the Little Things, Too 10/8/10

In just over 7 months, I'll be in Atlanta. I kind of hate that to be my
"opening blog statement" but that's the first thing I thought of. I think
that I completed my fifth week of teaching today. Time really has flown when
I think about the past. When I look ahead to the future, though, it seems
like next month will never get here. I'm not dwelling as much on time
anymore, though. Because, let's face it, I'm gonna be here, in Lassin,
Cameroon, for the next 7 months. It's my own attitude that will make or
break my time here. I'd like to make the most of this year. Wow!! I just
realized that 7 is only one more than 6 which means that I'm basically only
going to be here for another half a year! Haha, you can tell I'm a second
grade teacher. Teaching has gotten much better, but it most definitely has
its ups and downs. I've found that the downs conveniently fall on days when
I spend less time talking to Jesus, reading His Word, and spending time with
Him in general. Yeah, I've got it down to where I can basically predict how
my day is going to go; and if I'm thinking about it that much, than
hopefully I'll choose to have a good day, one spent with Him. My students
also play such a huge part in my day. I really am so grateful for them. They
're such cute little people. Even the ones who smell or who have snot
running down their face or who are ALWAYS talking- even while I'm talking!-
or who do not listen ever-even those kids are pretty cute, at least some of
the time haha. (Mom, I am now getting a taste of my own medicine. I'm sorry
for mistreating you as a kid.) And, boy is my class smart! I honestly
believe (the bias I have is NOT speaking here) that I have the smartest
class. They are so smart. Which just reminds me of all the knowledge I had
once that is probably rapidly departing my mind as I am here. I need to read
more. I need to get out those MCAT flashcards. Maybe.. tomorrow. I am typing
slower, texting slower, even talking slower haha. It'll be okay, though.
Some cool things that have happened since I've been here: I've made a few
phone class that have just BRIGHTENED my day like none other- Toya, Jifer,
Lacy, Dad, Kim, Grandma Pat, Grandma Anne, Mom.. I think that's it. I've
been texting people, too. And, man, when you people textback, I just have
to smile and laugh out loud. It's great. The last time I was in Kumbo
(civilization), Steve and I met a girl volunteering from LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN!!
She attends Georgia State. And boy oh boy was it just so good to meet her.
I think her name was Macy. She is volunteering at the Baptist hospital in Kumbo.
During the first few weeks I was here, I mentioned to someone- Kat or Kim or
Adela I think- that it would just be so cool to see a chameleon. I had no idea
they were actually endemic to Cameroon. But let me tell ya now, they are!
Because, about my third Friday here, boom! There was a chameleon.
Of course I hadn't brought me camera to school that day, so I have no proof.
I let it walk all over my arms and shirt, and it was just the cutest thing ever
ever ever. The kids were allfreaking out that I was touching it. They were like-
"Madam!! Madam!! It will bite!" Silly kids. Then I let it go on the school
grounds, kids all around. Carol was the one who found it. She said-
"God heard you!" Haha,yeah, He did. And He does. I've played soccer a
few more times now with the locals. That has its ups and downs too.
I'm trying to learn more Noone (the language), but I need to start writing
things down. That'll happen soon. I'll probably move into our new house on Sunday.
I have mixed feelings about that. I don't think I really like change.
Who does? Obama, okay, but who else? Ha. I'll make the most of it, though.
Our new place is very nice. Charles, our contact here in Cameroon,
visited us last night/this morning and brought pineapples! It was so good to
see him again. Tuesday, October 5 was National Teacher's Day here. We made it a
holiday for the school and all of us teachers went to Nkor for meetings.
That was very interesting. This week has been so, so exhausting. When I think
back on it, there is plenty to write about. Yet it has gone by so fast!
This past Sunday, I didn't do my laundry. I keep putting it off.
Maybe today will be the day? Blah. Our toilet clogged the other night and
that was just hilarious. Oh! Sunday, Kim and I started p90x. That took at
least 4 days to recover from haha. Yeah, life here is good. I keep thinking
that maybe my next blog will be more organized or maybe I'll get to post it
myself. we'll see. Dad & Kim, as you know, I received your card and absolutely
loved it. May that be a sign to you all that I CAN actually receive letters,
not just packages! Looking forward to checking our mail in the next few
months haha. Miss and love you all! I'm ready for Sabbath.

So, I'm a teacher now? (9/14/10)

I cannot believe that it's already my second week teaching here in Lassin, Cameroon. Wow. It's funny how if I have a bad attitude it feels like time is just crawling, but when I have a positive attitude time's not so slow. So far out of 7 days teaching, I've "wung" 2 of them (haven't planned anything 'til I got to school haha). The first day my plan went okay, but the second day, not so much. So this morning, I took some time to write out a plan. And today went much better than yesterday! Yesterday I was quite homesick, so I came home and read the Word and some Steps to Christ. That made things better. So, how's the teaching you ask? I have nothing to really compare it to. I just pray God will use me, walk to school, "teach my class", walk back home, and do the things necessary to survive. For any success I have in my classroom, I give all the glory to Jesus Christ. Today as I walked home from school with my fellow teacher Adela I let her know how I'm not really too good with children (and yes, I do understand than I am much
more critical on myself than others, but still). I told her- "Wow! When I think about what I thought I was able to do before this and what I am really doing now, I just know it's all God. I'm happy to admit that. Yesterday I got a chalkboard, and I'm finding it even easier to teach the kids with little supplies. And I really believe that things can only get better. And with that attitude, I know they will. Last week, we had no school on Friday because it was a public holiday. I was ecstatic; AND I had the grand opportunity to go to Kumbo for the day (which turned into 2 days because our car broke down). It was there that I read all of your facebook comments and messages to me. And even the blog comments, Jessi! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Those have kept me going, they really have. I am beginning to understand more and more that this will not necessarily be "an up and up" experience. Things will not really always get better, and I will most definitely have rough days. Praise God, though, that I will also have good days. The good days will encourage me to continue, and the bad ones will help me to grow. Mom, here's the bit about the kids :) The kids, the kids, the kids. I am really blessed because of them. They are helping me grow more than you or they could ever know. My class is made up of (drumrollplease) Onoria (the teacher's pet- only because her father is actually my assistant), Blessing, Leonard, Kenedy, Neli, Sportla, Ignasius, Mathias, Isaac, Bless, Ophelia, Lucia, Johnboscoe (haha), Melvin, Martina, Peter, Nelson, Nadia. I think that's everyone? Man, who am I missing? I think that's it. Don't let my forgetfulness scare you. I'm a regular Maria Schroder. I am having a good time here- it gets even better every day (that's my positive attitude talking a little bit). Thanks from the bottom of my heart for the prayers and the texts (!!!!! Amy, Paige, Grandma, Mom, Dad thanks!!). To any of my friends reading this, see later posts to see how to text me for free :) Love you all. Oh I remember now! Thaddeus.

Lassin 9/6/2010

Hello from Lassin, Cameroon! At this time last week, I think I was just waking up to get ready to go to the airport in Atlanta. And man, you won't believe everything that has happened since then. We flew from Atlanta to D.C. Then, we flew through Rome to Ethiopia where we spent the night (see previous blog, hopefully.). We finally made it into Cameroon on Tuesday night, I think? We stayed there in Douala (not the capital like I told some of you) at our friend Charles' house. Charles is an angel. We also met up with our Romanian friends at the airport in Douala (who are also angels, I think) who had flown into Yaoundé (the actual capital) a week before. Wednesday was spent going shopping and sorting grain at the house. I also had the privilege of calling home and checking my email/facebook!! That was so great. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that our luggage failed to arrive with us. I had been in much of the same clothes from Sunday morning until Wednesday evening and felt very disgusting. Thankfully, right after my first bucket shower, our luggage arrived. That night we traveled to the bus station in Douala to take the night bus to Bamenda, 6 hours away. That was not a bad experience, but it was definitely not a pleasant one at all. I don't think I got much sleep. We arrived in Bamenda early in the morning at stayed at the bus station for most of the day sleeping on our luggage and trying to find food to eat (we did find it). I got to take a taxi with others to go shopping for some things in the market, too. The change of scenery was very, very nice. I also used my first squat toilet since Korea there! Little did I know what these next 8 months would really entail. Charles finally found us a van to rent so we could make our way to Lassin. The van dropped us off at Kumbo about 2 (or maybe 4?) hours later for a vehicle change. That drive in the daylight was really beautiful. I keep saying this place reminds me of NZ or Ireland or something. It is so green and beautiful. Doula was kind of dirty, but this place seems more pure. The road to Lassin was very treacherous. From Kumbo to Lassin, we (and our luggage) had to pack into 2 little cars. It was intense, but we really just
wanted to make it to our destination.

Well. I really hate reading peoples' itineraries so let me tell you something else. Today was the first day of class. Man. It wasn't too bad, but.. yeah. I am nothing without Jesus. The group here has had its ups and downs aplenty, and they all just keep a'comin'. Thank you so, so, SO much for your prayers! Please continue praying them. There is much, much more I could write, but I'm not sure how much more I can get out of me. This entry alone took me 2 days to compose. Likes: the food- many are the complaints about the food (and frequency of said food) but I am really liking it! We are eating very healthily. The company- it's me and 6 others now along with many kind and warm locals. I couldn't do this without some friends and am so thankful for them, their conversation, opinions, and presence. The environment- it's beautiful, beautiful, beautiful here. The weather, too, is great (it does rain a little much, though). The locals- those strangers who I don't even know. They are incredibly kind and loving to me. The guava- just thought I'd give these forgotten fruit (at least here in Cameroon) a shout out. I really love them. My mosquito net- love it! The endless chores: I really like that there's always something to do, something to help with, something to get your mind off things. All of the animals: even though nobody gives two about the chickens (and chicks!), ducks (and ducklings!), the goats (and kids!), the pigs (eh, maybe not so much), the cockroaches and crickets (just kidding), the dogs, and the horses, they really lift my spirits. Popcorn- mmm. The children- wow. I can't describe how good they are to/for me. My non-swollen foot- man, planes can do a number on my extremities!! Mainly my left foot.. it's all better now, though. The presence of the Spirit- whenever I'm down and out, I get lifted up. Thank You, thank You. And it's about time for some dislikes.. to let you know how I am really doing ;):the giant spiders- enough said. The huge flies in the toilet- so gross!! Annoying allergies: not sure what to do about these yet. Current antihistamines aren't doing a whole lot. Stubbed toe: ugh, I would! My lack of preparation: really, in every sense. But I'm meaning it in the teaching sense. It'll get better, though. I think that's it :)

So, family, friends, as far as things that I need, I honestly cannot think of them right now. Maybe send a few allergy meds to try and some Bactriban (that spray stuff that stings like the dickens.. but works. It has like.. a red circle on the bottle). Thanks. I'm sorry I haven't contacted many.. well, I guess it could be a lot worse. It is very easy for me to call from the market here but hearing voices thousands of miles away is too much for me. I like email (and if I am lucky, facebook).

Dad, Kim, and Hannah, thanks for the text message.

I think there's also a free way to text me using some website (I think it's iridium.com? Yes. Find something about sending an SMS [in small boxes at the top]. Text to 8816 316 72129. OR you can also email texts [that we'll get on our satellite phone] to 881631672129@msg.iridium.com.

Just make sure my name [and yours!] is somewhere in the message :)).

Love you all,
Jessica

Ethiopia 8/31/2010

We're in Ethiopia for a long layover. The airline gave us all vouchers to use at a hotel. We didn't realize until it was too late, however, that Kimberly, Kataya, and I were in a separate hotel from Steve and Carol. Steve tried to switch things around but nope. So us three girls rode on a shuttle
by ourselves to De Leopol Hotel International. It seems so far away from the airport. On the drive here (which really only took about 3 or so minutes), I kept imagining the things that were going to happen to us. Haha..

We're fine. I'm in my single room, and Kimberly and Kataya are in their double across the hall. The rooms are nice, I guess. I only say that after thoroughly inspecting mine with my headlamp. And thank goodness for that headlamp because there's no light in the bathroom. So now, instead of wondering if it's possible for strangers to climb up the scaffolding outside my room, onto my balcony, and into my room through the bathroom window or doors, I'm just gonna meditate on some Bible promises. Haha :)

Man. It doesn't really seem like we've been traveling that long yet. But I'm pretty sure leaving on a Sunday and arriving at one's destination on Friday is a pretty long journey. It's Monday night now, and we're staying in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital (or is it capitol??). Tomorrow we fly to Cameroon (yay, finally!). But, then we stay in Douala, the capitol/al for the night Tuesday), take a night bus the next night (Wednesday) to Bamenda, and hopefully get to or near Lassin by Thursday night. What a trip. Then we'll be teaching by Monday. Mercy.

As I sit here, alone, in Ethiopia, it's not too hard to focus on all my blessings. Maybe that's just because I still can't believe that this is happening. Yeah, I can't believe it. But I'm just saying that although I feel there is slight reason to be afraid (but there is NEVER reason!!), I'm focusing on the love of my heavenly Father and those here on earth. Sweet dreams America. Prayers needed here in Africa. Now I'll try to sleep in a weird bed with weird city sounds coming in through the window.

I'm not worrying!

I am feeling oddly creative on this Sunday morning. For the last year... no, for the last.. I don't even remember the last time I felt creative. You know, I really think it's all the cooking I did today! Feeling down and out? Are you lonely or feeling forgotten?

Well, then bake something!! Whiz something up (not just anything, though) in your blender! Explore the pantry, and make yourself a tasty treat! Actually, I think cooking is actually more beneficial when it is done for someone else, for later, not for instant.. gluttony.

Lately, I've become more acutely aware of my dwindling.. supply?.. of.. haha vocabulary. So, please. Forgive me for the times when I just try way too hard. Forgive me, too, for the times that I think I know you, when I think you, like me, have a dwindling vocab and are trying too hard. I'm sorry for thinking so highly of myself.

I think today may have been the first time that I have felt an at-peace-and-looking-forward to feeling about this next year. Today, even with my brain filled with stressful thoughts like- Oh my goodness, how are you going to even control those little kids? And without raising your voice, too? Are all these skirts that I'm buying too short? This one is just at the knee.. I hope that's okay! I hope I don't scare the children. I hope I'll be able to smile and look pleasant without having to consciously think about it. Will my little sister forget who I am? Does my little sister know who I am now? Haha.. Will hopelessness still be written all over that bums face? Will my family be able to live a year (not even) without me? I can't, can't, CAN'T have a horrible experience like some SMs have had. It's all about attitude, attitude, attitude.

Sorry about the sneak-peek into the mind of Jessica. And, let me tell you, that was nothin'. But today, today I thought to myself- you know, Jess. You really did sign up for this. You're going willingly. Because you want to. So, even if your private little self doesn't really know how to act like it now, just act like you like it when it's actually happening.

I'm taking things as they come. Gotta buy supplies and get packed. So I think about those things. Gotta take the MCAT. Wait a minute right there!! What?!? Yeah, that's what I thought. Not thinkin' about that one for at least 6 months. Or maybe just the flashcards until then. Ha!

As someone reminded me of today, I'm letting tomorrow worry about itself! Matthew 6:25-34.

My Cameroonian Address!! .. ish..

How to send mail to the team in Lassin, Cameroon:

(our address)
Pastor N'Dombo Guy Josia
care of Christopher Laikembu
Campost - Kumbo - NSO
N.W. Region, Cameroon
Africa

(postage suggestion)
Use US post office Flat Rate shipping boxes.
They come in two sizes, 20 lb max and something less than 20 lb.
Tape ALL edges of the box once closed.
It will take 1 month to arrive in Kumbo.

Notify us by sat phone of the shipping date.
use Iridium.com, send a free text message to 8816 316 72129 (our phone#)

P.S. These little text messages are great! Send them often. They're nearly as much fun as getting boxes.
Include your name, and the name of the recipient, somewhere in the message.