Observing

Yesterday was a really blessed day. Given my propensity for stressing, I really felt surrounded by God's peace. My tummy still has not gotten back to 100%... I often feel just "icky," so the drive to and from Konye every day is a nonstop jostle of my innards. Haven't had to stop to puke yet, but it wouldn't be beyond the scope of possibilities, to be honest. Taking that and adding to it a touch of nervousness about my lesson plans for the adults that are more advanced than I had planned for, my anxiety at any point of the day tends to fluctuate. But despite the factors in play yesterday, the Lord really went with me in a visible way for me. 

One of my very favorite parts of yesterday though was attending the Lutheran grade school that is run by the church on the same grounds. Pastor Israel welcomed med me into his classroom of 2-5 year olds and let me watch them sing some songs they knew, practice introducing themselves and reciting a rhyme for the class. Needless to say, it was a 10 out of 10 on the adorable scale. I think only one little girl was terrified of me (which always cracks me up). After visiting the other two classrooms of older students, I got to see the church building and the parsonage in progress behind the church and talked a little bit with Pastor Israel about their work in the Tansha area. 

But my FAVORITE part of my day was getting to trek (walk) back home by myself. It was drizzling rain and a bit muddy, but my mantra this trip has been "THIS is CAMEROON!" and I loved every moment of it. I find so much joy looking at life at a walking pace, absorbing the details that normally whiz (or bump) by in the truck. I drew a lot of surprised looks from locals in their yards and those driving by (who were very kind to minimize splashing). I got to see a small snail that they catch to dry and sell to eat in the markets and on the roadsides (its shell was about the size of a large gumball you would find in a gumball machine at the mall). I had to navigate the driest parts of the mud and got to see the variety of homes along the road more closely. I shared many hellos with people and also managed to pick up a shadow who insisted on walking with me. Thankfully Karen pulled up not too long after that so I didn't have to walk the entire way (it is a bit far), but the experience was a great cultural adventure to me in a very safe environment. One I certainly would never have in Milwaukee, that's for sure!

My evening class covered possessive pronouns and nouns. I was pleased to hear Milton tell me he learned that the plural possessive ending with s' was a new concept that he had always written off as an error. Cameroonian people are not great with feedback and asking questions because they don't want to sacrifice their pride too much, but it was SO good to hear that Milton learns "one thing every day." One is better than none, I suppose! 

Karen and I shared a really great devotion based around Ephesians 3:14-21. We have said multiple times this trip that the four of us have become a family here. Learning from each other, leaning on each other, and loving each other has become a part of daily life that makes me sad to see the end of the trip approaching. But I'm living in today and absorbing this life while I can and seeing Jesus in new ways. It is truly awesome.