Took our first walk in the city today, and it was a really new experience. We first had lunch, which was of course, delicious, (minus my mild heartburn as a side effect of the malaria pills) and learned how amazing chicken taste when not raised in a huge factory. So we then took our walk-which consisted of LOTS of attention, obviously. I felt like i was on one large white american train ride through the city. One man even shook my hand. It is so surprising when everyone refers to us as beautiful, when in our opinions, we aren't the pretty ones, rather, the ugly ducklings amist all these incredibly beautiful people. We finally made it to our destination, something very familiar after Toulouse, the Casino grocery store, and picked up some groceries for dinner with Mr. Teku and everyone else. On return to our apartment, we met our neighbors downstairs--3 of the most adorable children we have ever met in our lives. Elijah, who is 6, Bayl, 5 and their younger brother, name unknown, who is 3. We played with them from our balcony for about 45 minutes--their favorite game was throwing up their teddy bear to eliza, who would...be eliza, and make surprise attacks at my face with the teddy, for LOTS of laughter below. Speaking in english, and in french, is such a huge difference from Toulouse.
The administration here is also just such a wonderful shock for me and doob especially. They keep telling us how much we are going to love this program, love cameroon, laugh so much, learn so much, and to not worry about things too much, just to do our best and work hard. SUCH a nice change from the constant stress of Toulouse.
We also heard from two amazing women here at the center tonight. They are living my dream. They both are working for ngo's here in Cameroon. One of the girls MADE her own, and they are both incredibly successful. We will have the opportunity to volunteer for them whenever we want, which a lot of us definitely want to do.
Anyways, mr. teku ended the night, as he seems to always be doing, with some hilarious quotes. one of which, included..."oh, im just standing because of happiness"
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ReplyDeleteTouts, this brought tears to my eyes. It's just so good to hear how happy you are in Yaounde, though I have to admit it's surreal imagining you anywhere other than Carlisle, Toulouse, or Minnesota (yeah, so I've imagined that haha).
ReplyDeleteI'm incredibly glad you're writing about this, because if those of us up here in Tolosa can't have your real voice, at least we can have it in writing.
Miss you and Doob tons. Keep the blogs coming :)
TEKU QUOTES ARE THE BEST!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're loving it and your reaction (a nice change from the stress of TLSE) is the exact same as the girls my year who were there first! So enjoy, relax, and embrace African Time!! :)
I can't wait to see all the pictures to go with these stories. I'm imagining those kids with huge smiles--such fun.
ReplyDeleteLove and misses
Leslie
It all sounds wonderful and amazing! Re:Malaria med-Nurse at travel clinic said to try changing time of day you take it-supper vs. lunch, etc. as long as it's with a decent size meal + plenty of water (at least 8 ounces)and remain upright. Don't lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it. Experiment, try different times and keep taking for two weeks-see if your body will adjust and tolerate it as long as there is no vomiting or nausea and heartburn remains mild. She said it sometimes takes a bit, but to put your mind at ease--the drug is safe, can be taken for long periods of time and the drug of choice for malaria. Keep us posted and I'll keep her updated. She's "on call" for you!...and asked that I tell you she hopes you are enjoying every minute! Us too! Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteMom-heartburn is gone, and ive found that after lunch is the best time to take it, no nausea or heartburn anymore. Thanks for asking her.
ReplyDeleteMore posts to come, just havent had the time!
Lots of laughter...de-stress...fantastic NGO opportunities...and "standing because of happiness", I don't think it gets much better than that.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that the heartburn has subsided.