move to Dschang
Hello! We moved from the village to the town of Dschang last week. I was tired of being so far from the university now that I am teaching, and I think we all wanted to see a bit more in terms of activity and animation. Leaving the village was hard, of course, and Linden's schoolmates and teacher were especially sad. I think it was very exciting for them to have Linden around! However, we will certainly be visiting Bafounda on a regular basis.
The week before that, the Engineers Without Borders people were in the village to assess the water project they wish to complete this summer. It was a very exciting week. They met lots of people and I also met some new people, especially from the administration in Mbouda. The water technician there is already putting a water filter in the Batoula clinic, which will be a temporary solution to the problem of potable water, until the summer when the well can be redone. We all had fun with the engineers (from the Columbus, OH, professional chapter, plus a Case graduate student) and it ended with the males participating in a rousing soccer match with visitors.
The day we left the village was very hectic and was also rather sad and bizarre due to the discovery the previous night of an owl on the premises. Many Cameroonians believe that owls represent wicked souls, evil humans. They do not consider them as true animals, but representatives of particular people. So, when an owl is found it is tied up, alive. The evil person suffers bodily harm when this is done to the owl. That person may come to the owl and ask forgiveness, in which case the owl is set free. If he or she does not show up, the owl is eventually killed and the person also dies, it is believed. All this was taking place as we were leaving the compound. It was very hard on Linden, especially.
We have rented two adjacent apartments in Dschang, one for Elvis and one for us women and girl. They are over a pharmacy on a very busy street--quite a change from the quiet village! linden will start her new school tomorrow--it's actually going to be more like tutoring since she is the only fifth grader! It's a private school which we chose because the public one has even more students in her class (80) than the village school. Also, she is tired of the aggressivity of the children and wants some space. And that's fine! So, she will be attending--get this--Ngumy's Fantastic International School. You gotta love a school with "fantastic" in the name!
I'll add pictures very soon.
Comments
Posted by: Carol Cameron
Posted on: March 5, 2009 03:10 PM
Hey Marie,
I am so envious of your ability to work and study in a developing country. What an incredible experience for your daughter as well!
I know it is crazy to write after all these years, but wanted to say hello and to let you know I haven't forgotten you. I discovered a letter you wrote in high school, and I truly regret I neglected to keep in touch. I am not very good at writing letters, but email makes it a bit easier. I would love to hear from you again.
Most Sincerely,
Carol Cameron
(Bow, NH)