February 20, 2011

February 20 2011 – Sunday

--Today began with bright and beautiful skies – there was some rain last night and much of the dust is gone and the air is clear and pleasantly fresh.  We dressed and walked a short distance to the Baptist Church adjacent to the CBCHB compound.  Last night at supper we were told that services are 7:00 am-9:30 am, and 9:30 am-noon.  We arrived at 9:30 to find several Sunday school classes in session – a man greeted us warmly and encouraged Joe to join the men’s group and me the ladies’ group, but we opted to sit quietly together drinking it all in.  The service began at 10 with the Women’s choir wearing their matching dresses, singing and dancing up the aisle to the beat of drums.  The next 2 hours flew by with prayers, songs, sermon offered in both African English and French, and of course introductions of visitors.  The last notes of the recessional hymn faded, and we walked out to greet the pastor. 

--As we started the walk home, we were approached by a boy who said he has questions about America and asked if he could visit with us – we agreed.  We’d hardly changed our clothes when he appeared at the guest house!  His name is Brandon, he’s 14, attends school in Bamenda because his home is in a remote village and his family feel the city schools offer him a better educational opportunity.  He wanted to know how much a ticket costs to America, and he wanted to know how to become a professional football (soccer) player.  We told him that ticket costs vary depending on class of seat, time of year, final destination – he wants to visit an aunt who lives in the states.  We talked at length about the realities and practicalities, as we understand them, of his goal to play professional football in America.  At the conclusion, Brandon knew that he would need to become an outstanding player in order to be found and sponsored financially.  He knew that he’d need to be a very good student with a career goal that could support him for his lifetime.  He had new ideas about who to approach in Cameroon for help developing his ambitions – his first contact will be his pastor.  We were very impressed with this likeable and bright but rather naïve young man, and we wish him success.

--Njoke brought his wife and 11 yo son, Boy, who has Downs Syndrome.  Njoke was dressed in African garb – so very handsome! We visited awhile, I gave Aggie the fabric that Njoke had chosen – she will be beautiful in the dress she’ll have made and she’s promised to send a photo.  Her dark skin will be lovely with the dark red, navy and pale grey print. 

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