Home Sweet Home

Well, After a long day and a half of traveling, I finally made it home!

I spent 3 days in Munich Germany . It was quite a transition from Paris. The area that our hostel was in was not too lively. Despite that, we ended up having a blast. We went on a bike tour throughout the city. We had a blast as we rode through the gorgeous city parks and past the historic buildings. Though I was sad to leave Europe, I was getting anxious to be home and get to see family and friends.

Monday evening we headed to the Munich train station and hoped on a train for the 11 hour ride to Paris. After a hectic transition, we hoped on another train in Paris that took us to the airport. We had a bit of wait time before our 8 hour plane ride. After a very bumpy ride, we arrived in Chicago. We had to fix a few glitches in the tickets and then rushed to the gate headed toward Columbus. Finally, around 8pm Columbus time, we landed.

It was so exciting to see Mom, Dad, and Nicole waiting at the gate. It was great to finally get to see them and give them great big hugs. Not only was I greeted by the family, but they had my favorite: Chipotle. We also picked up Cold Stone ice cream on the way home. Though my stomach was a little culture shocked...it sure tasted good!

Now I am all unpacked and am just trying to get my stomach and my sleep habits past the jet lag. Since I was not able to upload pictures while I was gone, I have included some now so that everyone can have a look. Thanks for all of your continued thoughts and prayers; they really carried me through this journey!

In Him,
Shannon

Goodbye Paris...Hello Munich!

Well, I don't have long because we are catching a night train to Munich, Germany soon. I am sad to leave Paris, because I have pretty much fallen in love with this city. We have done soooo much within four days.

Yesterday we went up te Eiffel Tower and walked around the city. Then last night we went to see the Eiffel all lit up. Every hour on the hour it sparkles and we walked up just in time to see the last sparkle show of the night....it was amazing! We joke and said it was just for us!

Today we went to Notre Dame and it was breathtaking of course. Then we walked along the river and grabbed a bite to eat before walking to the Louvre (See Nicole...last time I was just in a rush). It was gorgeous inside and out, though a bit overwhelming to say the least. We got to see the Mona Lisa...how crazy! From there we walked down Champs Elesse and saw the Tour de France riders on their test run (we are missing it by one day...bummer). This was the main shopping street. So we were in awe of course. At the end of the long row of shops is the Arc de Triumph which was also quite a site to see. We have walked a ton today in hopes of wearing ourselves out for the 11 hour train ride. We arrive in Munich around 8am ready to hit the ground running of course. Well I miss you all and can't wait to be back to see everyone early next week...what a crazy thought!

In Him
Shannon

Celebrity Spotting in Paris!

So after saying goodbye and many hours of traveling, we landed in Paris early this morning. We look the train to the hostel, transfered money, and dropped out bags off. The money transfer was depressing since the dollar is worth next to nothing these days.

There are 5 of us girls, all from the Cameroon Immersion that are together, at least for the first night. We went to McDonalds and Starbucks for lunch because we needed out American fix. We then hiked several miles towards the Luve. On our way we walk the back streets. Little did we know, this would prove to be the best idea yet! We were walking past a sidewalk cafe and passed right by Orlando Bloom ( Pirate of the Carribbean, etc..). He is even more gorgeous in person believe it or not! Then we rode a giant ferris wheel that looked out over the entire city. It was by far the most beautiful city scene I could even imagine. It better than all of the pictures! We then walked to the Eiffel Tower and hung out in the grass admiring the view. We just got done having dinner at a cafe, people watching as we ate. We are taking power naps and getting ready to go out soon! I can't wait to see Paris at night!

Tomorrow we are going to go up to the top of the Eiffel and lots of other tentative plans...who knows. We are making it up as we go, but it is proving to be a good game plan!

I miss you all and love you and can't wait to see you all soon!
In him
Shan

PS...Forgot the best part

Last week we visited a local orphanage. There are over 17 kids that a single woman has taken into her house. They all livea within her small 3 bedroom house. With little to her name, this individual woman has managed not only to take in these children, but to love them and teach them how to love others. With their love for Jesus and their love for each other, there was much to learn from them. The entire time I was there, I was able to hold and play with a 10 month old little boy name Kuzitu. Like many of the kids. Knowing with for the little time I was there, I was able to hold him close and give him the attention he needed with assuring. Yet it was sad to know that these little ones would grow up never knowing the full effect of proper affection.
We brought them toys and tooth brushes. The woman thanked us saying that they had just been to the market and when one of the children asked for a tooth brush, she was forced to tell them that she did not have the means. Once we presented the gifts, she told us that God had answered her prayers. Being an orphan herself, this woman, along with the children, truly served as an inspiration to me. Leaving the orphanage was the hardest goodbye of the trip so far. It was an amazing experience and one I will not soon forget!

In Him,
~Shannon~

"It's not goodbye...it's see you soon"

Hello there!

Sorry it has been quite a while since I have made it to the cyber...life around here has been busy to say the least! We just got back from traveling around Cameroon. We went to Yaunde, the capital of Cameroon and got to visit Peace Corps Cameroon and the US Embassy. I has really been looking forward to both visits. They were very eye opening. Its funny to see the government from the inside, after seeing/ hearing about it from those that it "serves" ( clearly using that term very lightly". From here we went to Bamenda, where its was freezing (upper 60s/ low 70s). That tells you how hot it is here in Kumba. In Bamenda we visited two traditional villages; Bafut and Bali. The Fon, or chief, in both places has many many wives and endless children. Bafut still performs animal sacrifices on a regular basis and has what they call a secret society that serves as its government. There is a certain ritual, such as clapping/ bowing that must be performed on the arrival of the Fon. You must not, however, cross your legs in his presence or shake his hand. It was overwhelming, but a really great experience.

On our journey on the TON TON ( our giant bus that looks as if it could break down any minute) got 3 flat tires. One was on the way and my friend Jenny and I play with (more like scared) the children of the village we were stopped in. They literally run from us "white mon" laughing. On the way home we got 2 more flat tires. It made the nearly 6 hour journey even longer. Luckily though, the views were beyond breathtaking. I have taken tons of pictures, but they can not even do the views justice.

Tonight we have out send-off party with all of our friends and family here. We will all wear our traditional African wear and it should be a lot of fun. We leave for the bumpy journey to the Doula airport Monday around lunch and fly out from there around 1030 Monday night. I will get to Paris at 6PM (Europe time) and will have to be ready to hit the groun running. I will be in Paris for 4 days and then we will be heading to Germany for a few days. I am exhausted, but so excited for the second leg of the trip. I know I will miss all of the people I have met here; but as my friend Zenobia says, "It is not goodbye, but see you soon!" I miss you all and will see you soon!

In Him
~Shannon~

When In Cameroon!

Hey there everyone!

I hope this update find everyone happy and healthy! I can safely say that I miss everyone back home and would love to here stories of how you are filing your summer! So leave me a comment or shoot me an e-mail!

"When in Cameroon!?" has become our adopted phrase here. Sometimes in certain situations, that really all you can say. Here, Cameroonians don't really operate on a schedule and it something that believe it or not...even I have had to adjust to. There are often days at the clinic that Liz and I just sit there and watch them as they go about their work. Or we sit around waiting for some project to be complete. As the women at the center constantly do things for us, we have had to reassure ourselves that it is not a bad thing sometimes to just sit back and be in the moment. These women are wonderful at making us feel welcome and serving us in many ways. As Americans I think we are so used to constantly moving and are not good at just being in the moment. These women have taught me such a valuable lesson in that way. The next day is never promised, especially here, so they truly do appreciate each day and live in such community and in such appreciation of one another. I envy their outlook on things sometimes and hope that I can take the same outlook out of this experience.

This week heath wise has been rough, but nothing too horrible. I am exhausted but think I am getting a second wind. Today I have a lot more energy than I did yesterday. It was really good to be able to talk to Mom, Dad, and Nicole last night. Like always, they make me laugh and smile! I love to hear their voices and knowing that they miss me just as much as I miss them. I also love being able to tell them that they are worrying for nothing because I am fine...though I know they ignore me and do it anyways!

Tuesday I went to the market and bought food to make dinner for my host family last night. We made french fries, "burgers", and "puppy chow". I say "burgers" simply because the meat that we bought and had ground at the market was merely liquid and we had to mix eggs to make it somewhat suitable for patties. We also had to put peppe in it, which is this spicy spicy sauce that Africans put on EVERYTHING. Laura and I took one bite and started tearing up it was so hot. We then made "puppy chow" with only one correct ingredient. We used crackers, some thick chocolate paste, their form of peanut butter, and "powdered" sugar which is regular sugar. It look disgusting, and neither looked nor tasted like puppy chow. However, both were pretty good and the family LOVED it...so, mission accomplished. We were pretty proud of how resourceful we were!

It has been raining a ton. I witnessed an actual monsoon the other day. There was flooding all over the city. If flooding like this happened back home they would probably call in the National guard....here, it is normal. The roads are HORRIBLE to begin with, not to mention when you add mass flooding. Yesterday our car road, corection waded, through a giant pool in which the wate covered nearly half the car. I prayed hard and held my breath and we were out before I knew it. It was rather entertaining. It is sad though because the government is given money to fix the roads but keeps it all for itself. It is disgusting at times as I see the layers of this corrupt system pealed back by bit. The people here always tell us "you are free"...and the sad truth is they are far from that. They live in a place where their voice in far from audible. At time I am discouraged by this but keep reminding myself that simply being here, hearing their stories, and educating is the best that I can do.

Today I will be traveling to a village with the women from the womens center...I am very excited. This Sunday we will begin our week long travels around Cameroon. We will go to Younde, the capital, and to Bamenda, and Limbe. We get to see a lot, so it should be both fun and educational. I can't believe we only have a week left in Africa...it is bittersweet.

OOh, by the way: Mom, these sandals have been a LIFE SAVER here. Dad, the hand sanitizer is also a life saver seeing as no bathrooms here have TP/ toilet seats/ or soap. Nicole, you'd be proud, I dont change 5 times a day here, just once!

Well thanks for the continues support and prayers. Yet again, they serve as such an encouragement! I love you all and wish you could be here to see what I am seeing and to meet these people. But have no fear, I have taken nearly 500 pictures already...so I have good documentation of the trip! See you soon.

In Him and Love always,
~Shannon~

Ps..sorry again for the mistakes. I only have a few more minutes of paid time at the Cyber.

An Eventful Weekend

Hello all!

So this morning has been rather interesting. It has been raining nearly all night and morning. On the way to the internet cafe, we took a cab that was stuffed with 7 people, totally normal here. Dont worry though, Im not riding the Okada motor bikes that typically are piled with 3 to 4 people.

Well first, I hope that everyone had a great holiday! I know I did. At the Womens center Friday we learned to male Chin Chin which is popular sweet treat here...much better than the sardines or snails I might add. I am pretty sure we gave the women something to laugh at! Later that night we had a party at the newest hotel in town...it was so nice! we danced and had a lot of fun.
Though at one point during the night, Pelagie opened up and told me about here poor treatment in our house by the rest of the family; As she poured out her thoughts, I was shocked. Up to this point I had chosen to believe that this only happened outside of our house, I have been sadly mistaken. Though I am still thankful for my Kumba family, I now have mixed emotions towards them.

Saturday morning came a bit too early. We hiked out to Barombi Village to see the Ethos project that the other UD students have been working on. The hike was 3 miles around Lake Barombi. It was the most gorgeous hike through the jungle. Pictures and words arent even going to do it justice. Unfortunately though, I jinxed myself with all of that talk about not being sick yet. Needless to say, hiking 8 miles through the jungle is not really an ideal time to feel sick. Despite this, we made it to the village and were able to see the water filtration project that the other students had been working on. We were welcomed by the entire village and got to meet the chief which was fun.

Sunday we went to the 2 hour church service again and then hung out around the house. Last night Pelagie taught us to wash our laundry by hand. Because, despite rumors, there are no washing machines here. It was quite a process. I wish I could upload pictures to give everyone a laugh, but the computers here arent equipped for that.

After over 48 hours of feeling sick off and on, I am thinking and hoping that the end is in sight. It couls always be worse! Well I should head to work. Today we are going to a pig farm. I am pretty much banking on the fact that they will show me how they raise them and then make me eat one...yum! Also today I think my dress will be finished. Dolphine, one of the women at the womens center wanted to make me a dress... its gorgeous and I a, so excited!

I cant believe I only have one more week here in Kumba before we travel again through Cameroon. Thanks for the continued prayers, thoughts, and encouragement....those are what help to keep me going and often make me smile and laugh! Please ignore all mistakes in here...A. the keyboards are different B. I dont have time to edit.

In Him,
Shannon

PS... I cant wait to talk to you again Wednesday night Mom, Dad, Nicole, and Paps