And... We Are Back! (or at least I am)

After sending Megan off, I was in Yaoundé for Mid-Service - the week-long medical exams to make sure I didn't catch any strange diseases over the past year. Very luckily, nothing weird. I got my teeth cleaned, some dental work done. But overall, still very healthy, alive and kicking.

I got back to village and was completely alone for the first time in over two months. Truth? it sucked. But after a few days, I began to cherish the solitude. Every now and again, I enjoy staying in my house and not leaving for a few days. I take pride in the fact I am never really bored and there is always something to occupy mind - read a book, read a magazine, cook a meal, watch a movie, etc. The very simple things in life that we often neglect when things get busy. I am learning to really cherish them.

My projects are going well, in fact, beyond my wildest imagination. The 25 bilingual library project has now grown to 28. A Cameroonian gentleman emailed PC Washington inquiring about the project. He would like to donate, but only if the Limbé City Library can be included in the project. Limbé is the gorgeous beach town here in Cameroon. So I told him I would be more than happy to if he will foot the bill for extra transportation and lodging costs for me to get there and check out the site. Phase I of the project is in full swing fundraising mode to get $11,500 in collaboration with Books For Africa! You can contribute your next $5 latte/beer/burger here: Http://tiny.cc/booksforcameroon or follow our progress on Facebook under the Books For Cameroon page!

Besides the library project, I was contacted by RELUFA, a micro-credit NGO in Yaoundé. I will be returning there next week to do a 5-day business seminar meanwhile accessing the internal operation of the organization. And in response to popular demand, the second series of business classes will begin again in Batié during the first week of August!

So life is great overall. Recently learned more of the French volunteers whom I am close with will be leaving at the end of the summer; that's not so great news. But after a year here, I am getting better at handling the coming and going of friends. I try as much as possible to put my energy in work and planning for the future, and hoping the rest will work themselves out.

Oh, finally! The new shipment of volunteers arrived last month. It's so weird to think I am now the "old ones". Strange to think just a year ago, I was in stage. Also, Happy Belated 4th! I barely remember the last 4th of July that I was in the US. 'Tis the life of a globetrotter!

A Visit From My Past

Sincere apologies to my readers, if you are still out there. Somehow I managed to let the entire month of June slipped away without an update.

A week after my return from the grand vacation half way across the world, a dear friend came for a visit. Megan is one of my closest friends going back to the days of high school and it meant a great deal that she took the time and effort, not to mention the money it took to come experience a small piece of my life here.

We did a bit of traveling through Cameroon, though not as much as we would've liked due to lack of time. Megan probably didn't pick a very good time to visit since I had just returned from vacation, and my tolerance for everyday Cameroonian annoyance wasn't very high. So a bit of advice to those who will host a guest - don't do it right after your return from civilization.

Perhaps I've just returned from the real world, or perhaps Cameroon has taken its toll on me, but being with Megan for the three weeks provided a lot of perspectives for me.

• I used to be more hopeful/naive about life in Africa. Megan and I had numerous conversations about what is wrong with Cameroon and what it takes to "fix it". Cameroon is one of the most corrupted countries in the world, we all know that. But what's interesting is our attitude towards it. Megan had optimistic ideas about how things could perhaps be changed. I maintain the position I've came to months ago: I'm not here to change things. Being a Peace Corps Volunteer is way more about an experience for the self than create changes for others. I see my work simply as a by-product of my time here, and that's how I have to think of it to keep sanity.
  
  
• Life here is wacked. After being here for a year, I don't think about the fact that always squeezing one extra person than full capacity in vehicles is weird. Megan and I took a bus ride from hell to Fombahn to visit the palace. It was hot; we waited forever in the very back of a very overcrowded bus. Then once we got going, the bus stopped every 5 minutes to pick some up or drop someone off. Actually, also dropping and picking up things: pigs, goats, you name it. To make matter worse, when we finally reach destination, the jerk driver tried to cheat us out of money and wouldn't give us our change back. I almost got into a fight with the asshole (excuse the language, he absolutely deserved it). 5 years from now, I will think back on this period of my life when I almost get in fights with people over 50 cents... It's not the money; it's the principle.
  
  
• When we first arrived to my house in village, I think Megan went through a bit of shock. It was also strange for me because I had to constantly remind myself she's not just another volunteer. When other volunteers come to my house, they make themselves at home, and know exactly how my water system works, how to fire up the gas, etc. Having Megan there made me realize that washing dishes in two buckets is not normal. She kept asking me if she should dumped out the water, and I kept saying, oh it's fine - good for another few wash. Also, the fact I crap in a hole is very strange. But furthermore, the fact I'm too lazy to even walk to my latrine at night, and therefore just pee in my backyard is very VERY weird. :)
  
  
• Megan made me realized I've really changed; not necessarily for better or worse, but simply very different. I found it amusing when she told one of my friends that he would've never recognized me even just a year ago. When she had to call me one month in advance if she wants to see me, and I can only book her into a few hour window of time between my chaotic schedule. Sometimes I do miss that life, but I know that's how I will be the minute this two year excursion is over, so I cherish every morning when I don't have to wake up to an alarm.

All in all, the visit was superb and made me very grateful of our friendship. And it's
very comforting to know that upon my return, at least one person from my past will be able to relate when I talk about how I miss grilled fish and baton de manioc.

Books For Cameroun - Phase I

In a nutshell...

• I am bringing 25 bilingual libraries to Cameroon.
• We need $11,500 for the first phase in collaboration with Books For Africa.
• It takes 2,300 people to donate their next $5 latte/beer/burger to make it happen!
• Now, please help us: Http://tiny.cc/booksforcameroon
• Donation is 100% Tax Deductible!

If you care enough, below is the rest of the blah blah blahs. Enjoy!

École Catholique of Batié

The project began with my desire to fill a 4-room school near my house with some books and begin programs to help students discover the joy of reading and learning. After contacting several NGOs, Books For Africa replied and say they would supply a 40-foot container full of English books (approx. 22,000) if we can raise the shipping and custom fee of $10,000. Since it is an all-or-nothing deal, I sent out a few emails to fellow volunteers and expanded the project across three provinces and reaching 25 schools/community libraries.

Since most of the participating schools are in the Francophone region and Cameroon is a country striving for its bilingualism, we have split the project into two phases with this first phase focusing on the English books and the 2nd phase with French books. Volunteers participating in this project have sent out project applications to ensure each school is dedicated and meet the following criteria: supply in-country transport cost, supply a well-secured classroom complete with shelves, tables and chairs for a functioning library, and committed staff who will participate in library management training.

Lycée of BatiéCetic of Batié

PROJECT BUDGET

PARTNERSHIP Contribution - FUNDING REQUESTED
		Material Description	Unit	Quantity Needed	Unit Cost (f cfa)	Total Cost (f cfa)	Total Cost (usd)
Book Inventory		Shipping Charges	per container	1	4 750 000	4 750 000	$9 500
		Misc. Port/Custom Costs	per container	1	1 000 000	1 000 000	$2 000
		Total				5 750 000	$11 500
COMMUNITY Contribution
	Material Description		Unit	Quantity Needed	Unit Cost (f cfa)	Total Cost ( f cfa )	Total Cost ( usd )
Implementation	Transportation (Books)		per trip	2	300 000	600 000	$1 200
	Transportation (Volunteer)		per trip	25	5000	125 000	$250
	Book Sorting/Storing Venue		per day	5	30 000	150 000	$300
	Training Material		per person	50	3 000	150 000	$300
	Labor (library organization)		per person	200	2 500	500 000	$1 000
	Library Preparation		per school	25	100 000	2 500 000	$5 000
Total						4 025 000	$8 050

TOTAL PROJECT COSTS

500 f cfa = 1 usd

% Contribution

Total Cost (f cfa)

Total Cost ( usd )

Partnership Contribution

59%

5 750 000

$11 500

Community Contribution

41%

4 025 000

$8 050

Total Project Cost

100%

9 775 000

$19 550

Budget Footnotes – Expanded Descriptions

Book Inventory

Shipping Charges: Books For Africa have committed to send a 40-foot container of 22,000 books.

Port Charges: administrative costs involved to clear the container at the Douala port.

Implenmentation

Tranportation (Books): transporting books from Douala port to the West province for sorting. Rate based on bus-depot from Douala to Bafoussam

Transportation (Volunteers): transporting volunteers and books to each school.

Book Sorting/Storing Venue: Venue in the West for initial storing and sorting of 22,000 books from BFA.

Training Venue: to train staffs of each school on library management; 25 schools x 1 per day = 25

Training Material: photocopies of library management material. 25 schools x 2 per school = 50

Labor (Library Organization): to clean and prepare the appropriate space for a functioning library. 25 schools x 8 per school = 200

Library Preparation: costs per school to preapre a secured space with bookshelves ready for all incoming books.

ESTIMATED PROJECT TIMELINE

Date	Activity
December 2008	Brainstorm project idea with community member; research donor organization for books.
January 2009	Contact Books For Africa to confirm book donation of 22,000 English books.
February 2009	Contact other PCVs to expand the library project over 3 provinces and 25 schools.
Mach 2009	Contact PCVs worldwide who have successfully completed the project with BFA.
March 2009	Identify target schools and discuss with administration to ensure meeting desired needs.
March 2009	Assess schools involved on appropriate library space. Prepare application for interested schools.
April 2009	Arrange logistics with RIDEV as NGO responsible for port clearance.
April 2009	Project marketing Stateside to raise awareness of the project and identify potential donors.
April 2009	Collect project application. Select participating schools. Deliver acceptance letter and project contract.
April 2009	Submit Peace Corps Partnership proposal for approval.
May-October 2009	Launch project campaign via social media to raise funding. Contact and encourage groups Stateside to fundraise for project.
November 2009	Complete fundraising; submit payment to BFA and enlist on shipping list.
December 2009	Books shipped from Books For Africa.
January/February 2010	Training sessions in each province and each school.
February 2010	Receive books in Douala port and ensure secured transportation of books to the West Province.
February 2010	Week long book sorting in the West Province.
February/March 2010	Distribution of books to each school.
March/April 2010	Library organization in each school.
May 2010	Oversee functionality of all libraries and continual training of staff.
June 2010	Project completion/evaluation.

Thoughts After 48hrs of Plane Ride

Time continues to fly by. My 3 weeks of vacation came swiftly to an end. For the first time in a month, I am sitting in complete solitude, reflecting upon the events of the past few weeks. I am back in Cameroon, a place that felt like a distant dream while I was on vacation. Now, it's my vacation that feels like a surreal happening. Below are some of my thoughts and observations from these past two weeks, traversing half way across the world.

• When I landed in Hong Kong to take the connecting flight to Taipei, I was overwhelmed with all the Taiwanese people. It's been years since I've been around this many Taiwanese, and there are certain nuances of this culture that I had to readjust. They were loud; within 5 minutes of sitting next to a tour group, I knew exactly who bought what for whom. However, there is a very comforting familiarity listening to Taiwanese being spoken among the women and the Chinese with a Taiwanese accent. Also, Chinese/Taiwanese people are so scared of the Swine Flu. I heard it on the news a lot, but I saw no signs of face mask until in Hong Kong. It was almost funny how many people were wearing it, and not just the passengers, but also flight attendants. When I landed in Taipei, even the people working customs were wearing it. I suppose they are scared by the scar left by SARS a few years ago.
  
  
• Since we have families all over the island of Taiwan, each year during our childhood, we had to do a tour of Taiwan over Chinese New Year. And now, each time we come back for a visit, the same process takes place. For two weeks, we visited 5 cities and made our best attempt to see all the families and family friends. The Chinese culture is all about taking your guests our to dinner when they are in town for a visit. So, for two weeks, our itinerary was, "who are we having lunch or dinner with today?" The feasting was non-stop. While the meals in restaurants are fantastic, my sister and I prefer the street food. So in between meals at the restaurant, we would find opportunities to run to the market and have snacks. The food is so cheap and so good; especially when thinking in US dollars. 10lbs. and two weeks later, I have to say the food scene in Taiwan is unlike anywhere else I've visited in the world thus far.
  
  
• I found more difficulty to say goodbye to the families during this visit. My cousins' kids are so cute and I'm quite sad I can't see them more often. The next time I see them, they will be quite big, and it won't be the same. On the other spectrum, I wish I can visit my 91-year old grandmother more frequently. She is an amazing woman. At 91, still in great health. Her eyes are sharper than my parents. I showed her a group picture of me and fellow Peace Corps volunteers and she found me without using glasses. While my parents are discussing with my aunts and uncles about the meds they take for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc., the only meds my grandmother takes is some vitamins. Besides not able to hear very well and bad teeth that prevent her from eating everything, my grandmother still knows exactly what's going on with everyone and everything. Here's the kicker: she still runs her little grocery store. The store isn't profitable by any means, and her kids advise her to give it up. She said, "so I can sit in my chair, fall asleep all day and become dumb? no." Also, this 91-year-old lady is still trilingual. Grandma is Hakka and that's her mother tongue. But since she had Japanese education during the occupation, she speaks Japanese quite well. Later, because of business, she learned Taiwanese. Since my mother and us don't speak Hakka, we communicate with her in Taiwanese. At first we thought she had lost her Taiwanese, but within a day, she had it back. Also, my sister wrote some Japanese phrases she had learned in school to Grandma, and Grandma wrote in return "thank you" in Japanese. I hope I had inherited this superwoman gene and can live well into my 90's and capable of so much.
  
  
• During this visit, I really noticed the power of family. I was amazed how easily the conversations flow with families that I haven't seen in 4 years and have had minimal contact. Families are like great friends. We can pick up things exactly where they had left off because of the blood connection, and the history of the past. I read somewhere once that traveling/moving abroad is a very selfish endeavor. You have this idea that people are staying the same living their "mundane" life while you are out there discovering the world. Yet the truth is, while we are out there, people are changing, kids are growing up. We miss out on a part of something. That's the tradeoff we must take as travelers. But in the end, it's still comforting to know that families are families; they are there in one form or another, no matter where you've been.
  
  
• While it was good to visit the land where I grew up, I realize I'm quite far removed from this culture. For two weeks, people insulted me for being too dark or too big (both fat and too athletic). My sister said, "this is how they are all so skinny, because if you aren't, they tell it to your face without hesitating." Aside from standard of beauty, my values are now very different. My ideologies and values on life are shaped by my experiences, and suddenly, I felt that moving around the world has now made me not fit in - anywhere-. I suppose I just need to find another lost soul to wander the world together.
  
  
• This trip also makes me realize that I enjoy luxury much more than ever. I see my two years in Africa purely as an experience, not a lifestyle that I can endure forever. I am willing to take luxury and the stupid problems that people have in modern life and trade the simple life with not much of anything, but also not much of any stupid problems. What can I say. I am simply not saintly enough to give up the material goods of everyday life to help people. I want my cake and eat it, too. I want to be able to have the luxury, and also have the means to help people. Is that bad? Thanks to a discount from a friend, I was able to stay at a really fancy hotel at the airport in Paris. I splurged a bit under the name of my "last night in civilization." And my god, I felt so at home. I like to think I am a girl who can rough it without running water, and having to crap in a hole, but also one that feels right at home with a down comforter bedding and a marble bathroom that has both a shower AND a bath tub.
  
  
• When I got into Paris after Taiwan, the passport line was ridiculous at the Paris CDG airport. At one point, the airport authority came out and mobs of angry, impatient French were yelling at the authorities, causing quite a scene. I secretly laughed and thought that only if these people ever had to live in Cameroon, where waiting for something is half of anyone's life. Cameroon had certainly trained me well for such situations. The next day, when I was walking to the gate for my plane back to Cameroon, I heard some guy yelling loudly, and everyone was looking toward the direction of my gate. I approached and saw a Cameroonian guy yelling on top of his lung at someone about something, he didn't have a shirt on, and was being escorted out by airport police. I thought, "welcome back to Cameroon, and I haven't even boarded the plane."

So now that I am back, and recharged (I think). Bring on the adventures, Cameroon. I can take you for another year. Aucun problème.

Returning to the Motherland

After four years away from Taiwan, I returned to this homeland at last. This family reunion was quite international. I flew from Cameroon via Paris, my sister Sherry flew from Boston where she is going to school, and my parents came from St. Louis where they live. We all met up in the airport in Taipei. I was first to arrive, then few hours later my sister, and finally my parents. It's been nearly a year since I've seen my immediate family, making this meeting in Taipei extra special.

Once out of the airport, we took a car directly back to the city where I grew up – Taichung. Since we sold our old house to my cousin, we were able to go back to our childhood house for a few nights. Once dropping off our luggage at midnight, we headed down the street for some late night snack before going to bed. Late night snack in Taiwan is a legit meal of its own. And this very meal began my streak of stuffing my face all day long with amazingly good food. It is no longer about whether I am hungry but rather whether I can eat more without getting sick.

For the next few days, we stayed in Taichung. While my parents took care of some business, my sister and I roamed around the city. Since I left Taiwan when I was somewhat older, I still had rather clear memory of the roads. In fact, it's amazing how much I remember. I suppose you never quite forget where you grew up. Many things have changed from just four years ago, much less from the time I was a kid. Every inch of the road has been built up with high rises. The few block of rice field during my childhood has long been extinct.

Sherry and I traced the road to our old school and even climbed the overpass for old time's sake. For the most part, 80% of our time in Taiwan consist of eating. The food scene in Taiwan is just downright ridiculous; ridiculously awesome. I can't even describe it; you simply need to be there. For 3 US dollar, Sherry and I can both have a delicious meal. The choices are endless and for 24 hours a day, there are delicious food to be found.

The one thing I don't understand is how people are, for the most part, so freaking skinny here. The girls are all pale and fragile as if a strong wind will blow them away. Coming from Africa, I am super dark and athletic looking – the exact opposite of their standard of beauty. The last time I was in Taiwan, I had just finished freshman year in Uni. and naturally suffering from the Freshman 15 or thereabouts. People told me I was fat last time, and this time, after going through the “Africa Diet” I am now too dark and apparently still too big. People, give me a break. If I ever plan to settle in Asian, I have got to find myself a man before I return to this continent!