365 days later...

         One year ago I left on a journey that would challenge, inspire and move me in unimaginable ways. Looking back, I marvel at how much has changed: change in the world, in my life and in how I perceive the world. Now I am a “real nurse”, graduated, working and loving my job. But the people I met in Cameroon hold a special place in my heart and though they may not realize it—each of them has played a significant role in shaping the person (and nurse) that I am today. These are a few of the people and moments that have been Etch-E-Sketched into my heart. 

          The eighty-year-old woman who danced the night away at our welcome celebration taught me that you’re never too old to enjoy life. This may sound like a fairly simple concept—but sometimes joy isn’t as much a circumstance as a decision. When I am eighty years old- I will choose to dance. 

You never realize the impact you may have in someone’s life.  These children were in one of our first classes (when we didn’t really know what we were doing) at the beginning of the trip. You may remember the malaria/mosquito skit we acted out for the kids, which involved me walking around the classroom making buzzzzzzing sounds pretending to be a mosquito (like a total goober). Then after a few intense rounds of Malaria Tag—our teaching was complete and hopefully the kids got something out of our games and silliness. We returned to the school weeks later to deliver mosquito nets and when the kids saw me—this was their response. I will likely be remembered as the Crazy Mosquito Lady—but the point is— they remembered our message.

Another important message that I carry with me is that being human is an amazing gift. We have the ability to love, help and care for each other in remarkable and sometimes unexpected ways. And I’m not saying that I traveled to Cameroon to do these noble things—but rather the people of Cameroon did them in return for me. I had no idea how burdened I had been by school and life (and even the preparation for this trip)—but when I was there, it was all wiped away. I experienced love at every turn and the heavy burdens I had carried for so long were lifted away. I wish I could tell you what I felt—the only world I can think of is JOYFUL. So this is my goal for 2012: To practice opening my heart to the joy that is around me.

And finally—last but not least. My passion for nursing has continued to grow as I embrace the joys and challenges of my job. It is exciting to know that I am a better nurse today than I was yesterday—but we have to start somewhere. And as I continue to grow in my knowledge base and enthusiasm for what I do, I hope that my career will lead me back to Africa one day (if not Cameroon specifically). Sometimes working in acute care, I feel very distant from the preventative messages we worked so hard to promote. Shouldn’t it be easier to promote health in a place that has so many resources available? So I’m making that goal #2 for 2012: to continue promoting health-- not only in my words, but in my actions as well. Besides, history has taught us that that leading by example is one of the best methods for promoting change. So who’s with me?!!

       

From Here- To There- and Back Again

What an amazing journey I have had! I've been home for 48 hours now and when I think about the last month, it all seems like a dream. Did I really spend a month in Africa, caring for people and teaching about health? That's what "other people" do! But then I look at the 1,200+ pictures I took... and I'm in them... in Africa... so it must be true!

This experience has taught me so much about what it means to"give back". My life has been shaped by circumstances outside of my control. Having been born in the United States has provided me with more opportunities than any one person deserves. I've never had to worry about if I would be able to go to school, where my drinking water would come from, or when my next meal would be (or what it would consist of). I've gone to school for the last sixteen years and I've been able to experience the world in the process. I'm healthy and I have an amazingly supportive family (without whom this-- and many other things, wouldn't have been possible).

My time in Cameroon showed me that I love nursing, caring for people and teaching ways to stay healthy. It's very reassuring that I enjoy nursing so much since theoretically, I could be doing it for a while! (So excited to graduate this spring!) Someone once said "People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home.” So this is my own personal challenge-- to continue promoting health education in my community, where ever I am. It's so easy to get wrapped up in what "they" need "over there" but we often overlook our neighbors who are struggling right next to us.  Here's to helping where we're needed, be it near or far. 

**If you are interested in supporting the efforts of WEH please visit www.wehfriends.pbworks.com or find Friends of WEH on Facebook for more information

Ah, Paris

One of my favorite quotes says:

"Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going" -Paul Theroux

If this is true, we were definitely travelers in Cameroon (not knowing where we're going most of the time) but in Paris, we blurred the line a bit. At times we didn't know where we were, where we were headed or where we had come from-- all at the same time. But we had a great time!! Navigating the Metro system took some getting used to (made me miss the simplicity of the Portland Streetcar), but we managed!! Only having two days in the city we didn't get to see everything (obviously) but it was amazing to be surrounded by that much art and history! Everywhere you looked were intricately decorated buildings, statues and bridges- each demonstrating the passion and skill of true craftsmanship.
On Saturday Kelly, Haley, Jenna, Jen and I went for a walk-- to the Eiffel Tower. Well, we it was a lot farther than we realized, but we got most of the way there before we gave in and used the Metro. We walked by the Lourve (which was overwhelming- I can't even imagine what the inside is like). Sunday a bunch of us went to Mass at Notre Dame, then spent some time shopping, and of course eating!! A little later, Natalie, Johnna and I went to the Basilique du Sacre Coeur which overlooks the whole city. By the time we got there it was dusk and the city lights were just beginning to shine. Off in the distance we saw the Eiffel Tower light up and later that evening we made another venture to get a better look. It was absolutely breath taking. Pictures can't even do it justice. I've found that true of so many things though. (But then again, sometimes pictures capture moments that would be lost in the haste of daily living)
In either case, I had a wonderful time-- and the Eiffel Tower is by far my favorite; and if it hadn't been freezing I would have sat admired it all day (and night)

I have a few things I've learned during my short 48 hours in Paris:
        1)   A.  French food is the best
              B.  I need to learn to cook French food- probably with the help of Julia Child
        2) I would like to learn to speak French-- in my free time
        3) A return visit is a must (at some point-- maybe after I complete point 2?)

Out of Africa

We flew out of Douala last night and arrived in Paris early this morning! After dropping our stuff off at the hotel and cleaning up a bit (in a hot shower…with water pressure and everything!) we went to small café nearby. In the spirit of culture we had coffee (or tea) and crepes for breakfast. Yumm.

The first thing that struck me as a “you’re-not-in-Cameroon-anymore” moment was as we drove to our hotel. The cars were all within their respective lanes and moved in an organized fashion through street lights and roundabouts. There is still some debate whether pedestrians should be given right of way, but generally drivers will slow down if you find yourself in the middle of a pickle. Another thing that made me chuckle was an older women walking with her dog to the market and hanging the least on a hook outside the door. Now I also saw other people bring canines into the shops. In Cameroon, you don’t touch the dogs; they’re not friendly, cuddly or domestic and many of them have diseases we’d just prefer not to share. And here’s this older woman taking her boxer with her to buy groceries? It really stands out to me how different the two places are, though both are wonderful and beautiful in their own way.

I’m really enjoying my time in Paris: soaking up the food, fashion and sights! Today four of the girls and I took a walk to the Eiffel Tower. No big deal. (Eeeek!!) Tomorrow a group of us will go to mass at Notre Dame. Also, nothing to get excited about (Eeeek!) As we navigated our way around the city we couldn’t help but laugh at ourselves: five lost American girls, crowded around a map in the middle of the sidewalk trying to figure out what street we’re on and how can we direct ourselves to the Eiffel Tower. (Thankfully we saw it peaking its pointy little head off in the distance and were able to use that as our guide, but for a while there we thought we were in trouble). At one point we decided to be really adventurous and try our hand at navigating the Metro system. I’m happy to report that we were ultimately successful in arriving at our destination in a timely-ish manner but everyone could tell we were  new at this as the ticket gate backed up as we tried to figure out which way the ticket goes in. It’s times like this when it’s so important to laugh at yourself and ask for help. “I realize I look completely ridiculous—but could you help me?” It’s remarkably effective.

We have been trying to fit in through fashion if nothing else. Word to the fashion-wise: 1) boots are a must in any size, shape, color or form, 2) coats must be practical and stylish because it’s pretty darn cold and 3) hats follow the same rule as coats, fashion and function must work together. There are some great little boutiques near our hotel which has proven to be a dangerous (but oh so stylish) combination. Thanks to the sales racks I look like a true Paris girl! …As long as I don’t speak. And the camera permanently attached to my hand may give it away… But other than that, I blend right in!

Time Flies

Where has the time gone?! How can this be our last night in Cameroon?!

We left Mangamba this morning with our bags packed and hearts heavy. Many people from the village came to wish us farewell, asking when we will be back. “Next month? Next year?” they would ask. Hopefully one day. As we drove down the dirt road for the last time I tried to take in every little piece of this beautiful place: the lush green jungle forests, the palm trees, the signs, the people waving as we passed. It’s funny how observant we become when it’s the last? Buildings I hadn’t noticed before jumped out at me from behind the bushes and unseen landmarks become obvious. I do my best to notice the details but the threat of leaving sets your eyes on high gear.

Hopefully the 1,162 photos I have will help me remember what I love about this place and the many people who have impacted my life throughout this journey. It has truly been an adventure of the heart.

To give you a brief update as to what we have accomplished so far:

·      Taught 11 schools (countless children) about malaria, first aid, menstruation and HIV/AIDS

·      Provided 500+ mosquito nets

·      Completed 200+ health assessments

·      Provided mattresses to 16 WEH children

·      Paid for a 14 year old boy’s hernia repair surgery

·      Provided sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses for an albino child

·      Supply the hospital with bags and bags and bags of supplies

·      …and fund acute cases such as dehydration, fever and infection

 We still have a long list of people that we would like to follow up with. Our working partnership with WEH has made it possible to help and support many individuals who’s needs exceed our stay. I would just like to say thank you, again for your love and support. Merci!!

It Takes a Village

We have finished our last week of “work”! And what a good week it has been. Monday we visited Kasafro, an HIV/AIDS community organization for people who have been discriminated against or cast out based on their HIV status. It’s amazing to me that in a place where AIDS is so prevalent there is such misunderstanding about the disease. (That’s why we included it in our teachings!) I know that spending time at Kasafro helped me gain a better understanding about what it’s like to live with HIV/AIDS. That’s something I hope to carry with me into my nursing practice. 

Let me tell you a little bit more about what it’s like to live in the village. From the highway, just past Souza there’s a turn off onto a red dirt road. This dirt road wanders and wiggles through the bush, dotted by villages. There are two forks in the road: stay to the left for each. You will cross a railroad track very slowly, for fear of ripping off the undercarriage of your vehicle.  All of the plants, signs and houses will be coated in a thick layer of dust from the road and anyone you pass will be left in a lingering cloud. You will pass through several villages, cross over the Abo River and viola! Home sweet Mangamba! The drive usually takes about a half an hour- driving in the true Cameroonian fashion: too fast, too furious. The electricity has been very off and on for the last three days (mostly off) which has really put a kink in our shower schedule. What a great reminder of what it’s like for our neighbors though! Just about every evening a group of us take a walk around to see what there is to see. It makes me feel very connected to the community and is often a highlight of my day.

Tuesday was our last day of teaching and assessments—which went really well, but it was kind of sad to do our teaching presentation for the last time. Our presentation is based on a skit that Julie would read in French while Paula plays the role of the little girl while I play the mosquito, buzzing around the room as I threatened to zip! – “bite” them—which the kids loved. (I would then change roles and magically became the doctor). We had such a great time acting out the different parts and being silly in the name of health promotion!!

Today we went around to a few of the villages we had visited early in the trip to tie up loose ends and leave first aid kits, school supplies and mosquito nets. It was such a wonderful way to end. The children greeted us by singing the hand washing song we taught them, in French, to the tune of London Bridge is Falling Down. So cute. But my favorite thing in the whole world was when the kids would pretend to be mosquitoes, creeping around making buzzing sounds, just like I did in the skit we acted out about Rissa the mosquito and how they can prevent malaria by protecting themselves from mosquito bites. (Pictures to follow—so cute!!)

When we got home this evening a few of the children we’ve become friends with were waiting for us. Just like a little kid I threw my things into my room and ran outside to play! Paula, Kelsey, Jen and I took a walk with our three comrades (ages 5, 5 and 6) in which we hop, skip, jumped, piggy-backed, spun and twirled. We took lots of pictures of each other making funny faces, putting flowers in our hair and watching the most beautiful sunset.  All in all, it was the perfect end to our stay in this small village that has become my home away from home. 

A Weekend Get Away

This weekend we went to Limbe, a beach town in Southwest province. We passed long stretches of rubber tree plantations and banana farms as we drove and I marveled at how different it is from the grass fields I'm used to back home. People were selling rubber balls the size of cantaloupe along the highway. If you asked me they looked an awful lot like a giant ball of rubber bands, but their bounce was quite impressive. And did you know that they wrap bunches bananas in these big blue garbage-bag-looking things to ripen them quicker? Learning new stuff every day!

When we got to the hotel I collapsed in a heap on the bed and didn’t move for several hours. It was the first nap I’ve had in a month and oh how I needed it. When I awoke several hours later I was ready for action! We went to a private beach nearby which was nice, but definitely had a different feel than Kribi. The whole “private” beach thing seems odd to me; an imaginary line in the sand that separates something so beautiful in its wholeness—but they didn’t ask me.  The beach was crowded and busy so relaxing on the sand was a dangerous business because you could easily find yourself in the center of a roaming soccer game, or caught by the incoming tide, or listening to an aerobics class a few hundred feet away. I kid you not. Needless to say it was better for people watching than sun bathing. (Side note: I haven’t gotten sunburned the whole time I’ve been here! Good for me and my 100 SPF sun screen.)  Did I mention I had my first hot shower since arriving nearly three weeks ago? It’s the little things.

As we drove back to Mangamba late this evening we noticed that the surrounding towns and villages were awfully dark…which probably means that the power’s out again. Which would then mean no running water. Low and behold, we were right. But it’s good to be home- with our without power; besides, the kerosene lamps add a sort of rustic beauty to the place.