Day one: off to school

Our first day in Bamenda started on a cheery note. After breakfast a meeting with Mr. Fon and Mr. Tanyi. It was a catchup conversation about all we have experienced and plans were made about all we hope undertake while here.

After they left a not so nice incident took place: iPad gone!

This is how it happened.


While we were in discussion with Mr. Fon and Mr.Fanyi I used my iPad, which doubles as my diary these days. Once the gentlemen left i closed my iPad and tucked it safely into my bag.

During our talk a young man had entered the room and had taken a seat to far from where we were seated. Not unusual for a place like the centre- it is a coming and going of individuals all day long. Quite public in fact. Also, there was a rather large meeting being held as well.

The young man appeared to be waiting for someone so we paid him little attention, thinking he knew his way round and was expected. After our conversation had ended one of our friends asked me something - I stood up, leaving my bag on the seat and talked to her. This exchange lasted no more than a few minutes- I turned back to the seat, packed my bag a realised the iPad was missing. You had guessed that much hadn't you? We asked around, also noticing the young man was missing and it appeared no-one knew this person. A complete stranger to them all. They actually thought he was part of our party.

We approached security whom in turn informed the police. Our main hope was- that the iPad would be found. So irritating and unsettling. Also because all our data was on the iPad, appointments, information and contacts. To be continued.....

Time had come to visit the school we had scheduled for today. That was one of the highlights of the day. The welcome once again heart warming. Jaap en Hans also received big hugs. After a meeting and conversation with the principle Henri and our support person Irene we made a group photo. Always nice to look back on later.We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and all the activities we witnessed. The carers appeared to become more relaxed and open in their sharing with us- and the personal questions relating to our health and travel experiences were fired at us in quick tempo. We shared some refreshments with Henri and Irene and returned satisfied to the Baptist Centre for dinner.

All in all a positive day with more highs than lows!

Bamenda here we come!

Tuesday morning arrived a bit sooner than we would have liked, and although we had a short night we slept well. There is a mass happening in the mission post and we manoeuvre ourselves through the crowd cautiously and with care. Our personal luggage returned onto the bus and the excess will go with the local transport service with Amour Mezan. They will see to it that this is delivered to Bamenda.

Traveling becomes easier now with less baggage. We observe nature's beauty as we travel on our way. Birds, flowers- lots of both. The crops also look healthy and lush. Beans aplenty we note.

We stopped for a quick lunch and prepared for the last few miles. Especially Gonnie, she was excited and could wait to get there. If she had wings she would fly.

What a wonderful reception. All our friends were there waiting to embrace us. We unloaded our luggage as the bus driver had to get the rest of the luggage from the bus station. Then we could finally launch ourselves into the welcoming arms of all those pleased to see us. We were officially welcomed by Fon and Tanyl.

It was important to run through our diary appointments together to coordinate the visits. We could count on their assistance and support.

We were once again subjected to the warm and loving care of those in the Baptist Centre, Cathy provided us with a delicious meal.

School visit

Monday gets onto a good start with a delicious breakfast consisting of French toast with syrup. Today we start with visits to some of the various projects we support in this region. All the appointments have been made so we all know what our programme is for the day. The school visit has been planned for in the afternoon, with special focus on the orphanage.

Four of us share a taxi to school. It is a sharp contrast to our ' luxurious! bus'  journey from the day before. After a few sharp, hair raising bends- one adjusts. The taxi is no bigger and we all fit comfortably. One feels safe going round the corners.

After 20 minutes we arrive at our destination. A warm greeting with hugs and handshakes. There is a meeting with the principal in his office and a photo session. Everyone is in form and it is a lighthearted and festive occasion. There are photos of the carers and their children. Some pose ' a la natural - others take on a more ' model'  pose.  
It is wonderful to see that the children who remember me from my previous visit shyly greet or wave to me in recognition. Even the carers are shy and slightly reserved. We are abundantly embraced.