Early days in Cameroon

Vacation Bible School in Cameroon and A few of our excellent teacher assistants!:







Our Missionary Hosts: Dr. Philemon Yong and his wife Linda:



Team on the way...first stop on the way, Chicago!

I'm back!!

Family and friends, Made it back to Phoenix last night! My daughter picked me up from the airport and listened to me ramble on and on and on about the trip. She was sort of a captive audience since she had to bring me home. So many great memories of yet another trip to Africa. The last time I was in Africa, I called it a life changing experience. This time, I can't find the words to describe all the thoughts and emotions except to say I didn't want to leave. Even without many of the modern day conveniences of my life here, it felt like I was home. The warmth and generosity of the people we worked with and served was overwhelming at times. They saw us as a blessing and answer to prayer. Little did they know that we were equally blessed by them. This was a time of growth, affirmation and life's purpose culminating in a deeper understanding of God's grace, mercy, and promises. The ability to share Christ with people who wanted to know and understand more about Him was rewarding and challenging(interesting questions and overcoming language differences)...and an experience that I haven't had on a daily basis here in the U.S. Definitely challenged me to look for those opportunities to share the truth of God's word and my faith in Him more often and with boldness. Thank you all for your support..spiritually, financially and emotionally! Your prayers for me before, during and now after this trip are greatly appreciated. Pictures and video to follow in next posts.

PICTURES AND VIDEO!!!

Happy Sunday!

My mom and the team are in Bamenda. She had WiFi last night and sent me some
pictures and video. She said that they went into town last night and did some shopping. Took a ride in the taxis, which are an adventure(check out the video!) and had a nice dinner at a local hotel. Today they are on their way into the village that Dr. Yong was raised in and see his mother and family. She says that it is much warmer in Bamenda than it was in Ndu(and probably not pouring) and will be even warmer once they get to Duoala.

Jess




My mom and the ladies from church!! GREAT outfits =)


Youth Sunday at church

Rain, rain and more rain!

Just when I thought the rains had stopped, it rained again and even heavier! Imagine our monsoon rain for hours at a time and no heat source except for a fireplace. Temperatures are in the 60-70's before rain and 50's during and after rain. We are a few degrees from the equator but 7000 feet in elevation. My project in the seminary library is done including spreadsheets and a report to the university president. It was dusty, dirty and hard work; with a mouse that was my constant companion in my work space. Everyone here is very happy with the finished work. Again, I realize how blessed I am and have learned so much about God's goodness, grace and mercy. The ladies finished teaching today and provided gifts of soap to each other at the requests of the pastor. We go back tomorrow for a celebration program with the kids and teachers.

A little taste of home..

The seminary

The library where I work

So my mom and the team in Cameroon have been having a great time there! When I talked to her the other day, she told me how thier hosts are making it a little bit like home while they are there.

At the end of each day, we are tired in a good way. It feels great to be able to serve others and share our faith. We are all grateful to our church for the sound teaching we recieve. We realize our blessings even more. Yesterday, the guys surprised us with a treat, Coke! And Mercy, who takes care of our place, made us lots of french fries. We had a great time playing games and laughing. It has been partly sunny and no rain for 24 hours so that has also been nice. Last night was ladies night and all of the women played games with Linda and Debbie, another missionary who is here with her husband and 3 kids. All of our jobs are going well and are just right for each of us. We all have stories of what the Lord is teaching us. We send our love.


The trail to yong's house for meals everyday

This is fufu. It comes out of the package very thick like cream of wheat made with corn that you eat with your fingers scooped with jama jama


This is jama jama, you eat it with fufu like spinach


Martha picking fresh jama jama


Free range chicken

French toast and banana bread

What has Kim been up to??

Here are a few texts from my Mom on her doings in Africa!!

July 6th:
First day of our work here and its been a glorious day in the Lord! Our hosts have been so impressed by our desire to serve and the diverse gifts and talents we bring. I have been so overjoyed with what has happened so far especially during holiday bible school with the kids. We had over 160 students with many having to be turned away. There will probably be another 50 or so that will show up tomorrow that will have to be turned away. So much work and need is here. The roads are an experience that can't be described. You must feel every pothole and washboard to really understand. However the views offer so much beauty as we look out to lush green tea plantations for as far as you can see. This is a place to come back to next year. Thanks to everyone for your prayers!

July 8th: We go shopping on Saturday in the village to pick up traditional clothes and wares. Its rainy season here and it rains for at least 6 hours a day. I'm getting used to walking in the rain and mud all the time. I started working in the seminary library today organizing tons of books, creating spreadsheets, and systems of organization.Will be doing a teacher training next week to help them continue the work we started. So much to do and be thankful for. Im loving it here and can't wait to get back next year.

July 10th: Team is doing well. Its Saturday evening and we have had a busy day. The team joined me in organizing the library and bookstore which was so needed. Now it won't be so overwhelming next week. After lunch we all walked over to the market to shop for potatoes, fabric and assorted goodies. It was crowded, very busy and the ability to bargain is key! Its about 2 miles from us, great exercise and if we were to stay longer maybe we would learn how to balance things on our head while walking =) The tailor measured us and will be creating outfits with the fabric we bought. We look forward to wearing them on Sunday when we are home.It is about 2 hours before dinner and we use this time daily to read, study and discuss the Bible and talk about our day. Tomorrow, Andy will preach at church and they will be celebrating with a thanksgiving feast! We are blessed by their kindness. Keep us all in your prayers. We send our love ♥

She made it!!!

Hi!!
Its Kim's daughter, Jessica. Just letting you know my Mom and her team made it to Ndu, Cameroon safely. She said it was a 4.5 hour drive on a very bad road. But that the weather is nice and cool. She has spent her time in Ndu touring the seminary and exploring the town. Tomorrow she will be starting work with the seminary in which she will be doing a variety of different organizational things. So let's all pray it goes well and my mom and her team have fun. I cant wait to hear the stories when they get back!

-Jess