A Year in Review

A year in review

Books read: 64

Maladies had: at least 24

Positive malaria tests: 2

Positive I had malaria: 583,712 (I may be a hypochondriac, but the symptoms of malaria are EVERYTHING.)

Movies watched: too many to count

English students taught: 221

Papers graded: 885

Cats owned: 2

Cats loved: 1

Squares quilted: 19 square feet

Moments when I said to myself, “You just made a difference.”: 3

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been here for a year now. What people told us when we first arrived was that the days are long, but the months are short. It’s true. It’s harder to fill the hours of the day, when you don’t have Netflix.

Time just doesn’t work the same way here. The other day my good friend, Solange, had her confirmation at church. In my head, I planned for that to take up the whole morning. Because of my recent vacation, I forgot that it should take up most of the afternoon as well. And apparently after I take a nap, I should come back over to continue partying.

I’ve had good days and bad days here and both of them come down to one thing: Here in Cameroon, everyone treats everyone like family and the trouble is that this family is much closer to My Big Fat Greek Wedding than my family. Yep, loud eating Cameroonian breeders. Everyone is always telling you that you need to eat more, you need to be married, you need to not put your helmet on the ground, etc. Like family, everyone has an opinion and because they care (and they’re always right), they want you to know that you’re doing it wrong.

That day was a lovely day, even if I was doing it wrong. I didn’t eat the fish. I used a fork. I refused alcohol and accepted almost half of the greens on the table. All of Solange’s children came to Dimako for her confirmation and we had a lovely meal and spent time talking about love, marriage, emigration, school, and family stories. I feel so lucky to finally have a family in Dimako, because it makes all the difference in the world. I’m happy to report that right now when I’m alone, I'm not lonely.

If I had any advice to the incoming PC Cameroon noobs, I’d say:

 - If you hate doing it, hire someone to do it. Your peace of mind is worth more than CFA.

 - If you feel like you can’t make it without a trip away from post, go, but know that the more time you spend away from post, the harder it is to stay.

 - If your gut tells you something’s not right, listen.

 - For long distance moto trips, look for the guy with mirrors and helmet. If he cares about his safety, he’s more likely to care about yours.

 - If you have mice, CLEAN YOUR HOUSE. Then get a cat.

 - Take your prophylaxis. Sleep under a net. Screen your windows. Avoid malaria.

 - Make a list of reasons to be happy. (1. I’m not malarial. 2. I’m digesting normally. 3. Plantains…)

 - When you feel like you have no control, clean and cook.

 - When you pack, don’t waste space on clothes. Bring snacks that won’t spoil, spices, and toiletries.

 - Everything is more manageable, when you can have a little taste of home – whether that’s food, a movie or a favorite book.

 - Take pictures.

 - Get a cat.

 - Get a hobby.

 - Do what you love. Fuck the rest.