Travel is glamorous only in retrospect

           Yesterday we had a power outage that lasted all night and most of the day, which meant that not only were we stumbling around in the dark with no air conditioning but also we had no running water. Kerosene lamps illuminated the dark hallways but there’s no substitute for the comfort of air conditioning, although we had no idea we would have such luxuries! We were pretty bummed that we wouldn’t be showering after a long day in the hot sun however. It really helped us realize how privileged we are to be staying in Ruth’s other home.

Let me explain quickly: it is expected that in Cameroon, if you leave your village and are successful in your career, you will build a house in your village to maintain ties to the community since that is where you will be buried. Mangamba is the village of Ruth’s husband so they have built a home here in addition to the home they live in, in the city. In a way you could say it’s their vacation home- for when they pass away.  Now when we were planning, packing, etc, we had no idea what the house was like. We thought the sixteen of us would be sharing four bedrooms and one bathroom—but it’s more like six bed, three and a half bath... with air conditioning. We were expecting to rough it!!

Anyway, it does not feel like we are roughing it: eating three square meals a day, clean drinking water, sleeping on semi-comfy mattresses and having showers regularly. Between the dirt, heat and humidity I do feel a little more rugged by the end of the day but that’s what it’s all about right?! Getting your hands dirty.

Paula and I took a walk around the village this evening and it’s exactly what my spirit needed. As soon as I pass through the gates of our estate and onto the main road I am overwhelmed by the beauty and simplicity of my surroundings. The juggle surrounding the village looks prehistoric with giant palm trees and wild bushes. I hear a tree filled with a choir of birds singing their chirpy song and cars zooming by on the dirt road through the village. We watched an INTENSE soccer game which looked more like a professional game instead of “shirts vs skins” on a dirt field with makeshift goals. I was very impressed because my soccer  skill level is less than zero.  We continued on down the road for quite a while, made some new friends and even recognized a few faces from our welcome/dance party last week! I really feel at home here. 

I would also like you to know that I have a million-ish pictures that I want to share with you but because of the internet/computer situation it will likely have to wait until I return. Suspense can be fun, right?!