Rain, rain, it's time for play!

I made a vow to myself that I would blog once a week. Last week I failed. We were busy with a retreat that we had with some of our Banyo colleagues and we didn't have internet for several days. Nonetheless, I failed. So even though Josh blogged yesterday,here is a bonus blog to make up for last week... and there are lots of Charlie pictures!

When we first arrived in Cameroon, it was the end of rainy season. This is by far my least favorite time of the year. Dust, dust everywhere! As the rainy season approaches, the humidity builds and you are sure that it is going to rain, but it doesn't. It just gets hot and sticky. And your feet look like this after to walk to the market.

In Mbingo, the Harmattan is so thick at the end of dry season that you cannot even see the mountains right outside your door. What's a harmattan you ask? It is a dry wind that blows over the Sahara Desert and picks up sand and then covers Western Africa is a fog like sandy haze.

Then it happens- it rains and rains! Glorious rain! Not all day and not everyday, but almost everyday really heavy rains fall. You can hear it in the distance falling loudly on the tin roofs as it approaches (usually just enough warning to run outside and get your almost dry clothes off of the line). Maybe it is because I lived in a desert for so long, but I LOVE the rain. It smells amazing. The sound is soothing. The temperature instantly cools. The mountains turn green again. People slow down and rest. Planting starts and people are hopeful at the prospect of their crops.

But what is one to do if you are an active preschooler when it rains?

Well,

You ride horses even though the sky is dark and it is thundering because it is just "a little rain."

Or you read outside on the porch under the overhang while mom studies.

Or play in a blow up pool with friends because wet is wet!

Or you dye Easter eggs.

Or when mom is really going crazy, she just might send you outside in your raincoat and boots!

Josh's blog- SIAS

A blog from Josh!

We are getting very close to launching the very first formal release of SIAS, the Sustainable Internet Access System. I have worked pretty much straight through since my arrival here in Mbingo in developing an improved version of SIAS which will give the hospital a huge boost in sharpening its most valuable information tool: the Internet. I was able to present my project to the board of the hospital chain last week which was very encouraging. They are very interested in deploying it to all the other CBC hospital locations. Once we get those running, I hope to make it available to the world! There of course remains an infinite amount of work to do in Africa, but progress is being made.

We had a wonderful time of meeting with our future Banyo team here at Mbingo last week. We look forward to our soon approaching return to Banyo. We have some great ideas that we are praying through with how to reach out to our city.

I am working with a new American doctor here in Mbingo, the chaplains and our IT team to develop a way to get the Jesus film and the spoken Bible on as many patient's phones as possible. The material is in their heart language so it is very meaningful. Right now we are loading them one by one onto a handful of phones but we hope to spin that up by making a way to distribute preloaded SD cards compatible with the majority of cell phones here. Sorry iPhone users, no Jesus film for you...but as it turns out that doesn't exclude anyone here anyway. I'm always amazed at how technology can be used in such a powerful way on the mission field. Think about how much better it is to be able to give someone the complete story verses a sheet of paper with a few questions on it. Plus the cool factor of watching a video on one's phone hasn't worn off yet here.

I've also found some time to hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

International Women's Day

Happy International Women's Day!

Did you know there is such a thing as Women's Day? I had no idea until I moved to Cameroon! I first learned about it when I saw so many women wearing the same fabric, you see each year there is a special fabric print for Women's Day. It is the “trend of the year” for sure. But the movement goes beyond just fashion. In a developing country like Cameroon, Women's Day is an acknowledgment of the plights of women and in Cameroon there are many.

Another thing I learned when I first moved to Cameroon was the Pidgin word, “ashia” (the “I” is silent). If you walk the streets, you will hear it a hundred times. It is more than a greeting. “Ashia” is used when you see someone working hard, struggling, or in pain. It is a way to show sympathy, but even more it is way of saying “I appreciate you” or “I see you.”

To be seen is so important. For generations, women around the world have not been seen. Their needs, struggles, abuses, dreams, hopes, and human rights have not been seen or appreciated. Today, many women around the world and even in America are invisible. As a woman of privilege, I did not see. I have never had to worry about where my next meal would come from, if I would be safe in my home, if I could find warm shelter for the night, if I could could an education, if I would succumb to a health problem because I could not afford healthcare, etc. These struggles were not in my eye sight. “Out of sight out of mind.” Living in a developing country, my eyes have been opened for sure.

So today on Women's Day, there are many women in Cameroon to whom I would like to say “Ashia- I see you!”

• To the woman Charlie and I saw carrying a giant load of wood on your head (the one to whom Charlie said, “Whoa!” when she saw you): You work hard to ensure you and your family not only survive, but thrive! Ashia- I see you!
• To the girls in the Far North Region that were abducted by Boko Haram 2 years agao: You are not forgotten. Ashia- I see you!
• To the thirteen-year-old girl that was taken out school so that she could get married and provide her family with dowry money: You are worth more than gold. Ashia- I see you!
• To the women whose husbands abuse them in the privacy of their homes: you have done nothing to deserve this. Ashia- I see you!
• To the young girls that have had their breast flatten in painful ways by your families so as to discourage boys from looking at you: you were made perfectly. Ashia- I see you!
• To the mothers raising children: your efforts will not be in vain. Ashia- I see you!
• To the women who did not consent: you are not damaged. Ashia- I see you!
• To my missionary friends that have left home, friends, and family: your faith encourages me. Ashia- I see you!
• To my daughter and the next generation of women: we have made some progress in the fight for women to be seen so that you can continue to make more strides. Do not close your eyes. Ashia- I see you!

Women of Cameroon: Ashia- I see you, but more importantly Jesus sees you.

“God never overlooks a single sparrow. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail – even numbering the hairs on your head!” (Luke 12:6-7 MSG).

Shopping in Cameroon

Today I went shopping.

Shopping in Cameroon is an experience for sure and it is never easy- specially if it involves driving in traffic like this.

Today, I traveled an hour from Mbingo to the "big town" of Bamenda. There are a  few fun stores there that have things you can't get at most local markets- like cheese puffs, shampoo, and corn starch. (Don't tell Charlie and Josh, but I even got an ice cream cone!)

Cameroon shopping is quite diverse! When I was in Yaoundé, I went to my favorite store called Orka. It is like a mini Ikea. It is 3 stories tall, has air conditioning, the kitchen aisles are arranged by colors, and the prices are very reasonable.

This is Orka:

This is the market I usually shop at while in Mbingo.

And a little store that I frequent. (Sorry for the blurry picture. I was trying to be incognito):

Here is the floor of the shop I buy most of our daily groceries. I don't even want to think about what creatures live under that floor (and perhaps also frequent the shop).

This is where I buy vegetables.

This is where you can buy fish (I say you, because I do not buy this fish here, but you certainly can!) Cameroonian "fast food."

When we first arrived in Africa, I was overwhelmed at how to get the supplies we needed and wanted. It has taken me some time, but now I totally feel like I can navigate the markets and "big city" shops like a pro!

Welcome to Mbingo

February is the hottest, most miserable month in Cameroon. Well at least in the Shinar's opinion. Unless you are in Mbingo. Then it is lovely and quite manageable!

Needless to say, we are loving our time in Mbingo before we head to Banyo. It is a great transitional stepping stone from the U.S. to Banyo.

We are staying in a really nice, spacious house that even has a washing machine! (it is a duplex- we are on the left 1/2 of this house.)

It has a beautiful view. (In hindsight, I should have taken the picture in front of the clothes line.)



It is on the hospital campus- just a short walk to the actual hospital.



On the walk there, Charlie and I like to stop by "Butterfly Mermaid Horse Park." Yeah, Charlie named it that. It is really just a grassy area, but it actually has a swing! And sometimes there are horses there!



There are also all sorts of interesting items to explore- like this huge stick thing.



Here are some pics of the hospital

There is even a cantine where you can get food. We love the omelet with spaghetti noodles inside!



And the hospital is the location of Josh's office.

We made it!

We made it!

• 28 hours of air travel (including layovers)

After 2 hours on the phone with the bank convincing them that I really am who I say I am and to inform them of our travel, I went to bed at 2 AM only to wake up at 5 AM to start our journey. Last time we moved around the world, I got 1 hour of sleep (there is soooo much last minute things to do), so I guess 3 hours is an improvement!! We headed to the airport only to find out that the scale we used to measure our trunks was off by at least 2 lbs. Each one was at least 2 lbs. overweight! I think one was even 6 lbs. over! So that made for some interesting unpacking, repacking, and sending of stuff back with Mary and Rich! After we got our suitcases fixed, it was time for the hard part- the goodbyes!

We traveled from Phoenix to Washington D.C. and the flight was really empty. I got to lay flat across 3 seats for about 45 minutes- this was awesome, but unfortunately the longest stretch of sleep for me during the flights.

In D.C., we enjoyed our last American meal!

Playing in D.C.

Then off to Brussels. Charlie and I watched lots of movies. Josh got to sleep on an empty row too!

Then on our way to Cameroon! Josh and Charlie slept the whole time! Me? I watched more movies because I just could not sleep!

Then we made it Yaoundé! And praise the Lord, all of our luggage did too!

• Yaoundé, Cameroon- 4 days with the Norens

We are so very blessed to have the Norens as our friends and colleagues! They graciously housed us, fed us, and entertained us!

Charlie had so much fun playing with their kids!

We even got to go to a Valentine's dance at the Rain Forest International School!

• Yaoundé to Mbingo- 8 hours

Monday we drove from Yaoundé to Mbingo. It look about 8 hours (including some stops for delicious watermelon, get a phone line, and buy meat from the butcher). It is so much cooler here. It is a lovely place to be in February (the hottest month). We will be here for about a month as Josh helps out in the IT department. I will be brushing up on language study and tropical medicine while here!

Hello and Goodbye!

Yes I know it has been forever since I blogged last! I vow to do better! Really!

A few weeks ago, our lovely church held a send off party for us. It was amazing! It was so special to have so many people that truly love and support us in one place cheering us on and praying for us! Below is what I read to the group. Since many of our loved ones and supporters could not attend I wanted to share it here.

As a missionary, you learn to introduce yourself and you learn to say goodbye. Then you repeat the cycle over and over again like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day.

As a missionary, I am learning to introduce myself. In like 3 languages. This forces me to ask, “well who am I?”

To others I am “the missionary” or “that missionary.” In American churches being “that missionary” means I am on the track to sainthood or something. Yeah, that identity certainty doesn't match the “me” I know. Really, there is nothing special about me that qualifies me to be a missionary other than saying “yes” to the call. And honestly, sometimes that yes is accompanied by kicking and screaming.

To people that do not know Jesus, and even some that do, I am the “crazy one” who is moving to a land that yes has malaria and no does not have Netflix. Yeah, crazy, weird- I can own that.

In Africa, I am the “white person.” No really, people call me “white person” to my face like it is my name. “Nasara- Nasara- white person.” This is really jarring sometimes because some days I forget that I look so different and I am like, “Yeah, I'm blending.” Totally not blending. So what does it mean for me to be white? And what responsibilities does that entail for me? God and I are working on my understanding of that. Am I white? Yeah, unless I am trying to get a good deal in the market then I tell them in Fufulde that I am Fulani at heart and that I do not pay white tourists prices.

Amongst some of my Muslim neighbors, I am sometimes called “Alhajja” or one who has been on the pilgrimage to Mecca. I have never been to Mecca. It is a respectful term. Other times I am called, “infidel.” The best though is when I am called “friend.”

To missionary kids, I am “Aunt Lori.” This is awesome. When separated from family, God surrounds me with an extended one. I am loved and entrusted to love others that have left their homes. I love this “me.”

Ultimately, it is not about me. I am a just sinner- a sinner saved by grace. Grace that is too good to keep to myself. When my patients ask, “Why have you come here? Why do you love me like this?” I respond, “Because Jesus loves me and you need to know that He loves you too.”

So hello, my name is Lori or you can call me Daada Charlie and I am not a saint, I am a little weird, I often don't blend in, I have never been to Mecca, I prefer you call me friend or Aunt instead of infidel, and I am loved by Jesus. That ladies and gentlemen is my introduction.

Now for the goodbye. I hate goodbyes. I really would rather just say, “see you later” and pretend we will see each other tomorrow instead of years from now.

As our time for departure nears, more and more people ask if I am excited. The reality is that before the adventure begins, there is loss and grieving. Everyday is a different “goodbye.” The last time I will eat sushi, the last time I will buy meat without flies swarming on it, the last time I will drive a car and so on. And let's not even talk about the last Chick-fil-A or diet coke!

And then there is the saying goodbye to my twin nieces who are juniors in high school knowing that I will miss their high school graduation and next time I see them, they will be adults. I am grieve all of the precious moments that will be missed.

Goodbyes are also hard because there is no adequate way express what you all mean to me. There is no way to thank you for blessings you all pour over me and over my family. But if it is okay, I would like to try. Warning there will probably be a lot of ugly crying. Oh I cried ugly tears when I wrote this.

To our church family, this year home has been so refreshing. There is nothing like worshiping in your own heart language especially alongside people that love the Lord and love each other! You have supported us and loved us well. Thank you.

To our friends- to old friends from before there were grey hairs on my head and to those that took a chance this year on a new friendship despite knowing that we would be leaving, thank you. Thank you for your love and encouragement. You believed in us when we didn't believe in ourselves. Thank you for sharing your lives with us and for being our tribe.

To our supporters, let me just tell you every time I questioned “Does God really want us to Go?” We would get a check in the mail. Like that day. Big checks. I think in every thank you note I wrote, I mentioned that we were overwhelmed by the generosity shown to us. More than just your generosity, your support speaks to your faithful obedience to God's leading to be apart of His mission. We are in this together. We are jumping into the well, but you are holding the ropes. We could not do this without you. And p.s. You are welcome to visit at any time!

Now to our family, thank you for loving the Lord enough to let us go even though I know it takes every ounce of strength you have not to lock us in the basement. It is easy to say “yay missionaries go do your thing around the world” until that missionary is your son and his totally awesome wife not to mention the cutest little girl in the world.

So to end, I would like to quote the great theologian Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Thank you all for making it so hard to say goodbye!