November 2010
21 posts
Rising early to support HIV awareness
Yesterday morning, I woke around 6am, showered, and hopped in the first of many taxi rides. Pretty standard. Except, it was Saturday and my destination was a temporary HIV testing center. The site hides behind a muddy path and normally acts as an HIV/AIDs awareness organization headquarters. When I arrived, the DJ had begun setting up his station in the corner as volunteers set up chairs and...
LIKE The Synergy Brotherhood Orphanage on... →
Cuisine Camerounaise
Yesterday, most Americans sat around a table filled to the brim with food. In my pagne (traditional West African wrap), I sat on the couch dreaming of turkey and my mother’s pumpkin pie.
Soon, however, Vicky heated up our dinner on the gas stove. I have issues with this stove. To light, I turn on the gas, light a match and cautiously edge my hand forward. POOF, a huge flame cloud...
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NYT: Gettleman on upcoming Sudan referendum →
For background, in 2005, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) ended a war in Sudan between the largely Arab north and tribal, animist south. In accordance with the CPA, Sudan is mandated to hold the upcoming referendum to determine a secession of the south.
Slow-moving preparations and disputed borders heighten the potential for sporadic violence during or following the referendum....
NYT: War Crimes Trial Begins for Congolese... →
A precedent setting case? We shall see.
Orphanage care
Four weeks in Douala and vague familiarity settles over the city. Once appearing as a singular mass of buildings, distinct quartiers (neighborhoods), such as the posh Bonapriso and residential Bonamoussadi are presently distinguishable.
My favorite part of the day begins around 8:00am. After my taxi drops me off at the Petite Marche (small market), in Logbaba, I greet Solanage, the SYFOEV...
NYRB: Foreign Aid for Scoundrels →
Thought-provoking article on the moral and practical difficulties involved with foreign aid.
Anonymous asked: It sounds like you are living the life of many Cameroonian -- bribes et al. Patience is the essential -- something you and I have to learn. It is painful but necessary! love, mom
Donate here - Bring Christmas to Cameroon! →
With Thanksgiving around the corner, it may seem too early to discuss charitable Christmas gifts. However, within the next three and a half weeks, I hope to raise $5,000 dollars. Volunteering at SYFOEV (Synergie Fratenite Des Orphelins et Enfants Vulnerables), in Douala, Cameroon, we look to provide the organization’s 103 orphans and vulnerable children with a Christmas ceremony this year....
sunflowerssmile asked: hey! it's sarah, your travel buddy from croatia! i came across your blog via facebook and although i have no idea of how to use tumblr, i just want you to know that your entries are absolutely incredible to read. it's wonderful to hear all about what you are doing. please continue to write. and please consider writing a book, i would buy and read it in a hear beat!
littlethiopia asked: Lovin those braids babe. And I miss you. Have fun in the mountains.
Adjusting to Douala life
Two weeks in. Spending the mornings at the orphanage and afternoons in french lessons, I have begun to coalesce in the daily Douala flow. Walking two short blocks in the morning to a taxi congregation, I shout out - LOGBABA, CINQ CENT - alongside other screaming hopeful taxi patrons. The chauffeur (taxi-driver), dependent on his current passengers’ destination and acceptance of the proposed...
