Cameroon!!

Well, I'm not sure where to begin. So far this adventure has been exactly that, an adventure. I still feel like we are at the beginning of this story and am anxious to know what we will learn and what we can do to help. But I am also beginning to miss home, friends, and family. However, there is much more to do and experience here for now.

The extreme change in culture began quite quickly, even in the Paris airport, which was definitely the most diverse place I have ever been. I am excited about spending time in Paris in a couple weeks! But the airport in Douala, Cameroon was quite an experience. After going through the somewhat mild customs booths, we arrived at the baggage claim, which was quite intense(probably more for me than the rest of the people that seemed to be quite comfortable with the situation). Laurie and I were 2 of maybe 5 white people in all of the airport, so needless to say we drew some attention. Surrounded by a mass of very loud and seemingly aggressive(this is just part of the culture and not actually threatening once you get used to it. I wasn't used to it yet) strangers in a strange place one's survival and protective instincts come alive in full force. After traveling for two days straight with hardly any sleep you would think there would be no energy left to be aware of what is going on, but I haven't felt that awake or aware of my surroundings in quite awhile. My brotherly protective instincts were at an all time high. I was extremely awake and anxious now. All this was probably unnecessary because we were actually not in any danger, but it was my first full immersion into this new culture.

There were many people that were not actually flying in to Douala, but were there to "help". Everyone speaking French to us and Laurie making sure I just say "no" instead of asking what they are saying because we already (very thankfully) had a man coming to pick us up. Enock, who is one of the hardest working people in Cameroon, it seems, found us among the masses and we were shortly on our way.

This trip is allowing me to view a very different culture(to me) up close, which is, in turn, allowing me to analyze my own culture from a very different perspective. I am very thankful for this opportunity. Those that have helped us and prayed for us so graciously, THANK YOU!

I have been writing down things that have happened on a daily basis, so I will share more soon.