Well I think this will be my last post before I head back to the United States. I have 1 week left and my work here is pretty much complete although I will continue talking with the NGO I worked with and other wonderful contacts in the field when I return to the States in order to continue my work back home.
I was asked to speak at the American Embassy on a panel this past Wednesday which was a good experience. I also had a meeting with a woman in the cultural division section of the Embassy working with human trafficking in and out of the country. She was very informative and I was able to get some information for GLOWA regarding possible funding from the Embassy which is rare. We will see if GLOWA is able to meet the strict standards.
It has been stereotypically hot here the past couple weeks and I selfishly look forward to AC and fans when I return. It is amazing how long it can take for your body to adapt to climates.
It’s my birthday on the 28th and I’ll be the big 24. For those of you that know me, I love cake and just because I’m in Africa and don’t have an oven or a place to buy cake doesn’t mean I can’t attempt to make one from scratch over a fire! I’ll let you know how it turns out. Cameroon has made me much more creative and has forced me to rely on my own abilities versus machines and technology which I am truly grateful for.
I fly out on the 31st and will arrive home in the afternoon on the 1st. Please wish me safe travels as the scary part for me is flying even though I do it all the time :)
Love and eagerness for home from West Africa.
P.s. I repeatedly tried to upload photos on this blog but the page would always expire before it was possible. For those of you that don’t have facebook and want to see my photos let me know and I will be happy to share them with you when I return.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
3 mice in my kitchen, 2 are dead, where is the other one??
Hello friends and family,
I have spent about a week and a half here in Yaoundé with about two and a half weeks to go. Work has been pretty straining, and for those of you who have conducted research or worked abroad in semi-peripheral or tertiary countries know that organizations/government officials are not always honest with the work they perform. I went to the Peace Corps headquarters and talked with several volunteers who have given me some great contacts and information within their individual work at their posts which has helped my efforts with GLOWA. A great friend of mine is in the Peace Corps here in Cameroon and she was able to come to Yaoundé and spend some time with me which was a breath of fresh air. She has been here for a year and a half working in a northern region called Adamawa in Mayo Darle. Although she works in the community health sector she leads several women’s groups in the Muslim community and has taught a large group of women how to quilt successfully. These intricate quilts have begun to be sold and are hopefully going to be a viable job for these women.
I have probably mentioned several times that my body has not agreed with the meds I am taking therefore against everyone’s advice I have gone off the Malaria Doxy pills. Unfortunately they conflict with my migraine medication. Hopefully I can spend two and a half weeks malaria/typhoid free.
I apologize for the short post, the longer I am here the less I have to say. I hope you all are well and enjoying your summers (winters for those of you in Aus).
Xxoo
I have spent about a week and a half here in Yaoundé with about two and a half weeks to go. Work has been pretty straining, and for those of you who have conducted research or worked abroad in semi-peripheral or tertiary countries know that organizations/government officials are not always honest with the work they perform. I went to the Peace Corps headquarters and talked with several volunteers who have given me some great contacts and information within their individual work at their posts which has helped my efforts with GLOWA. A great friend of mine is in the Peace Corps here in Cameroon and she was able to come to Yaoundé and spend some time with me which was a breath of fresh air. She has been here for a year and a half working in a northern region called Adamawa in Mayo Darle. Although she works in the community health sector she leads several women’s groups in the Muslim community and has taught a large group of women how to quilt successfully. These intricate quilts have begun to be sold and are hopefully going to be a viable job for these women.
I have probably mentioned several times that my body has not agreed with the meds I am taking therefore against everyone’s advice I have gone off the Malaria Doxy pills. Unfortunately they conflict with my migraine medication. Hopefully I can spend two and a half weeks malaria/typhoid free.
I apologize for the short post, the longer I am here the less I have to say. I hope you all are well and enjoying your summers (winters for those of you in Aus).
Xxoo
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
First Week in Yaounde
Hey family and friends,
I have been in Yaounde for the past 3 days enjoying some time with one of my best friends, Abba who is a peace corps volunteer in the north. I am continuing working for my NGO via Yaounde getting additional research on NGO development and discussing rehabilitation with an NGO here who has a psychologist working with trafficked victims. It is pretty difficult getting people to meet with you here in Cameroon and usually you need to make at least 3 appointments before you will actually be seen. I have a bit over 3 weeks left and I know I will be able to get enough information for my research and for my NGO.
Yesterday we were caught in some crazy flooding. It is the rainy season and the rain is so intense and heavy, I have never seen anything like it. The rain builds up so quickly due to the lack of proper sewer systems. We were in an underground market and it started filling up so we had to go up. I get a little scared of flooding for those of you that know me well and so I was high-tailing it out of there.
Anway, that is about all the exciting information I have to relay. I am craving a snickers blizzard, so if someone could have one for me I would appreciate it.
I have been in Yaounde for the past 3 days enjoying some time with one of my best friends, Abba who is a peace corps volunteer in the north. I am continuing working for my NGO via Yaounde getting additional research on NGO development and discussing rehabilitation with an NGO here who has a psychologist working with trafficked victims. It is pretty difficult getting people to meet with you here in Cameroon and usually you need to make at least 3 appointments before you will actually be seen. I have a bit over 3 weeks left and I know I will be able to get enough information for my research and for my NGO.
Yesterday we were caught in some crazy flooding. It is the rainy season and the rain is so intense and heavy, I have never seen anything like it. The rain builds up so quickly due to the lack of proper sewer systems. We were in an underground market and it started filling up so we had to go up. I get a little scared of flooding for those of you that know me well and so I was high-tailing it out of there.
Anway, that is about all the exciting information I have to relay. I am craving a snickers blizzard, so if someone could have one for me I would appreciate it.
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