The robbers came back to our house last night. I was woken up around 1:00 to a squealing pig outside of my room. Luckily Eric heard and got up and ran them off, his pig is safe for the time being. The pig sty looked a little rough though; the thieves had torn it up to get the pig out. I feel really bad for Eric and hope that this is the last time they come back.
We had In-Service Training (IST) last week in Kribi, which is in the South Province of Cameroon. It is a beautiful beach and I took advantage as much as possible considering we were in sessions until 4 everyday! The sessions were helpful and got me excited about being here and starting work. We learned how to apply for money through Peace Corps or Embassy’s for projects. I got some good ideas on how to teach illiterate women business classes (which I will start in March). So far, there is not been much done with illiterate people and if there is it has not been reported or written down for other volunteers. I am really hoping to learn teaching techniques for these women that I can pass along. I also asked to be one of the editors of the SED gazette when our now SED volunteers COS in August. This is the time where we apply to be on committees such as Gender & Youth, Environmental, Diversity and so on. I may apply for Diversity or Environmental, not quite sure yet. All I know is that I really want to be involved.
On the way to Kribi we passed through Yaoundé and there I had the best night. I will have to say that during my 7 months here, this ranks pretty high as one of my favorite experiences. The group that was staying at the case (transit house) consisted of people COSing, Mid-service and our IST group. Needless to say there were a lot of people present which made for a great weekend. We decided to go to a “Rasta party” not too far from the case. I was reluctant at first because I was tired and really was looking forward to a good night sleep. Thank goodness I was talked into going. The party was outside where there was a bonfire, bar and tables. In between the fire and bar there was a group of men sitting on stools, rocks and what not playing some of the best music I had ever heard. As the night progressed people started dancing. It was fun to watch because Cameroonians can dance beautifully and in ways that I know are impossible for my body to move! Unfortunately, towards the end I was pushed in front of the band and had to dance. I felt so incompetent in comparison but I threw myself in and just had fun. I don’t take my camera out at night any more but I really wish I had pictures to post of this.
While I was gone I put out rat poisoning to try to get rid of the mice. When I arrived home on Tuesday, I was welcomed with a horrible smell. The poison had worked! I found two dead mice. I was doing a happy dance until I got Pockets home, where lo and behold she finds a baby mouse. I am starting to think they are never ending!
I almost forgot to add, that while riding down Commercial Avenue the other day, I happened to glance over and see a nice looking 4 Runner. Now this isn’t too unbelievable but what made my day was the beautiful palmetto tree and moon sticker on the back window. It is amazing how far South Carolina’s popularity has reached!!!