Perhaps it is a reflection on my life here that I still mark time by American events. Not that I’m not busy and doing work here, but there is no obvious, and widely known event or season I could title a blog with. Thus even though I’ve seen about 3 football games this season, and probably won’t watch the super bowl, I’ll title this blog after what I know is going on in the US. I could have titled it “corrupt politician thrown out of office” but that is again only in the US, not Cameroon.
I’m doing good. Was hoping to watch super bowl but it doesn’t look like that will happen. It has become incredibly hot here. Or I guess more accurately “I’ve forgotten how hot it is here.” The dry season can be pretty brutal. Just because of how strong the sun is in the middle of the day. It is pleasant in the morning as fog/haze usually covers my village, but when the sun burns through that it feels as if the sun is right on top of you. I’ve been stubborn in my routine, and still left the house in the middle of the day, but i’ve begun to change that. The best for me is to wake up, exercise (ride my bike), shower, eat and then get some visits done around the community before it gets too hot. Then at around 11-noon get back inside my house to hangout and not overheat. Then maybe around 3:30-4 go out into the community again to get whatever else I need done, or to give my English class which i have a few days a week.
My work lately has involved national youth day, which is a big holiday here February 11. It is a week long event for anyone high-school age and younger, with sports matches, parties, dances and topping it all off a parade where every little kid with-in 50 miles walks by the stage. Or atleast it seems its that many kids, after about two schools it all looks the same. It is also a time when high school-age kids let loose and party, experimenting in alcohol, and having sex. Thus where my job comes in. We are organizing different presentations about safe sex, and avoiding unwanted pregnancies. There will also be a free AIDS test and I’m running an essay contest to attract youth to come into the center. This is a point in my service where i’m feeling optimistic about my work coming together but I won’t count my chickens before they hatch.
I have to go. Sorry for the short post.
