A Post From the Past

I just noticed the following post in my drafts.  Just last week, we were able to get our friend's internet stick to work on our computer, so tonight I borrowed it and am finally able to post a few blogs.
The following post was started but I never got to finish, but it's a significant part of our life here....

Water
Ndu has been our home for just over a week now.  We are developing routines, and adjusting to a new perspective on life's necessities.  Electricity and water, something we are accustomed to not concern ourselves with in the Western world.  Yet here, we realize the value and and appreciation to have these items on hand. 
Yesterday we had our first whole day of no water.  Ironically, most of the village on Ndu recieved tap water only once a week.  On other days water is received from the stream, down the hill from our house. 
Because it is only available by tap once a week, the rest of the days, many are receiving it from the stream, down the hill from where we are living.  So, from early in the morning, about 5:30 - at sunrise, there is a steady stream of people walking past our house, carrying water up the hill to New Town.  Water is carried on the head, or by hand in anything that will hold water, pulled and pushed on carts, by young and old.

Here are just a few photos of the work that is needed for daily water.

Waiting for the cartons to fill

Ben helping to push

A boy plays while he rests

Just saying hi

Not drop lost!!

A visit t0 Calvary Baptist Church

A Visit to Calvary Baptist Church

Last Sunday, we decided to go to church with our friends, who were invited by Felix to go to his church.  Once we arrived we realized that Annamarie Hattenhauer had helped to found this church.  We met Annemarie at the Missions Conference last October in Edmonton.
It was a long walk, through the Fawn territory.  Apparently, when Annemarie was here, the Fawn had become very ill and she and a few believers went to pray for him.  He was healed and after continued discipleship became a Christian.  He soon gave a portion of land to the church community and they built a church.  It was exciting to hear how God has worked in this church and to fellowship with others from CBTS.  Annemarie is a legend to these people and she is still missed very much.

One of the exciting things about attending church in Cameroon, is the great singing, especially the singing and dancing of the children.  It's been great to worship here in Ndu.

Feb 11th - National Youth Day in Cameroon

We spent the day at the Grandstand in the middle of town where Ndu celebrated National Youth Day.  Every school in the area marches in front of dignitaries in the grandstand.  The school on the compound has been practicing all week.  It was a day of celebration and we enjoyed the festivities.

the way was left clear for the 'white man'

school on our compound

Ben sure loves that sugarcane

Abi found friends in the Grandstand

"Where's Dano?"

We are sure treated well by the African's here in Ndu.  We have been given special honour on so many occasions.  What a privilege it has been to be a part of this community.

I again, want to thank all those of you who have made this experience possible for us.

Ben As A Teacher



On the CBTS compound, there is a primary school and a nursery school.  Yesterday, the kids and I were able to come and see and also teach in the school.  We were there at 7:30 am, when their morning school starts.  They began by the morning school exercises. They then began practicing for February 11th National Youth Day.  It is celebrated every year and all the schools will parade around the town grandstand.  Our children learned the songs and marched along in the practice.  Ben said we were the white contingent.
We were then told that the class 5 teacher had quit the day before and were asked if we could teach the class five.  We started by reviewing the test that was on the chalk board, then talked about Canada and gave a small Social lesson.  We still had another hour, so Ben taught the next level in their math books.  Ben was an amazing math teacher.  I was very impressed.

Of course, the children were swarming or children.  It was a blessing to see our kids love on the African kids.