Second term is finished! Huzzah! In classic Cameroonian fashion, the end of the term was a giant ball of stress for me. We had to write our end of term exams in the middle of February. This was bad for several reasons: 1) I'm a new teacher, and am not clear on how long it will take for me to cover topics. So, I made a conservative estimate. No trouble. 2) We were not told when the term would end. So, I made a conservative estimate. And then found out I was a week shorter than I thought. Oops. 3) Finally, the last full week of the term, the school's annual retreat would be thursday and friday of that week. This means that classes were cancelled so that students would be silent and communicating with God. Oh crap.
So, I blew through a couple of topics I meant to cover more throroughly, and fortunately it's a boarding school, so I could hold some extra classes when I feel like it! We also lost most of a day of classes due to Women's Day (more later), the monday before exams started on Wednesday, then Tuesday most of the teachers didn't show up...so I stole their periods to hold extra revision. Yay for capitalizing!
THEN, of course, I'm giving practical exams for computer...and the power goes out. God, however, smiled on me, and SONEL (the power company, Sometimes, Or Never, Expect Light) turned the power back on THIRTY MINUTES before I had scheduled practicals to start! Hooray!! So, everything worked out alright, and all is well, my grades are finished and entered, and I'm good to go!
Other business: Women's Day! This is the day that we celebrate women by having them march past all the big men of the town. And there's special fabric. And I'd post pictures if my computer would read my camera card....but it won't, and the cable is not with me at the moment. Sorry! But, saw the women march, managed to weasel my way out of it this year, but will probably have to do it next year. Then went out for lunch/drinks in the afternoon, which turned into the evening....per typical Cameroonian style! Yay for white girls dancing! It was good times...
And then let's talk about Mango season. This is not technically a holiday, but I think it should be. There are about 10 mango trees on my school's campus, which is awesome! The kids bring me mangoes, I've rerouted my morning dog walk to go past as many trees as I can....the result is that I'm going to turn into a mango slowly. Oh yes, it will happen.
Current Affairs: I'm in Yaounde! That's the capital, in case you've forgotten. I haven't been here since we arrived last June! I'm on the Education Steering Committee, and we're meeting to discuss issues such as learning disabilities, and generally trying to decide where the education program in Cameroon should go. Fun stuff! After this, I'm heading to the East region of Cameroon to visit volunteers there and see what there is to see. So look for more coming soon! Following the East, we have plan to ride bicycles from Mamfe to Nigeria! So much more to come soon!
Internet: I'm in the capital at the moment, so I have internet for a few days. Unfortunately, due to “Africa” problems, my personal internet connection is out for the moment. Hopefully will be back by the time I'm back at post, but if it's not, don't worry, I'm not dead or unconscious, I just live in Africa, that's all!
Packages: Thanks go out to Dad, Mom, Gram (x2!), Amanda, and Illinois crew! I now have about a 6 month supply of clif/other assorted bars! Which is great for the upcoming bike to the border trip! On the package front, please continue to send clif bars, trail mix, jelly beans, and chocolate, which apparently survives quite well! Cadbury eggs even made it! Wet wipes, on the other hand, are not needed until further notice—I'm pretty sure I'm at a full 2 year supply by now, thanks!
Sending love your way! Missing everyone! Keep letting me know what's going on back stateside!
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