Back to Cameroon

Last week I went to a thanksgiving Mass for a newly ordained permanent deacon from Kikaikelaki. Deacon Marcel was ordained in Birmingham, UK where he has been living for the past 14 years. His wife and kids were with him to celebrate. I've gotten used to the Cameroonian accent so much that it was odd hearing his family (especially the kids) talking with a UK accent. There are no permanent deacons in this part of Cameroon, so they kept having to explain it to everyone. Since we've had permanent deacons at my parishes back in the States for so long, I was a bit surprised at the reaction and lack of knowledge here.

It made me think of things that we take for granted or assume are the same everywhere. We think that the way things are where we are is the way things are everywhere. Most of the time it's subtle things like "common knowledge" or even things like stereotypes. I've had to ask people here to explain things to me that they take for granted that everyone understands, and I've had to explain other things in return. I've learned that some idioms do not translate well across cultures. So it was a little weird when I was back in California this summer and didn't have to worry about that.

I spent most of the school break at home in California. I had a great time especially spending time with my family, even made a road trip out to Colorado. However, I'm glad to be back in Cameroon and Tatum in particular. School is starting this week... secondary school at least. The TTC will start later. 

I spent a good portion of the past two weeks in Kumbo. The Hornes (the LMH family) have settled in at SAC and there are 2 other Americans there with them this year -- Sarah and Alex, they came to Cameroon through their philosophy professor at Univ. of Colorado Boulder (same as Ilan 2 years ago). Also went to Bamenda for a one day get-together with all the other LMH/MDA groups that are now here in Cameroon. It was a strange feeling to be the "senior" in the group since I'm the one who has been here the longest.

This year I'm continuing to teach Form 1 English Language which I started mid-way through last year. That's in addition to Form 2 English Language and Form 1, 2, & 3 Computer Studies. Plus I've been asked to work as the school secretary. (Oh, and I'll still be teaching Music in the TTC.) Looks like it will be a busy year.