12/14 .... wow

Wow, I cannot believe I will be leaving in just three days! I have very mixed feelings, because of course I have had a great trip and God has taught me soooo much, but I am also very excited to get home! I love spending time with family and friends, and I even miss the snow a little tiny bit.

Well, obviously I arrived back safe from my adventure in Bamenda, which is North and West of Yaounde. I traveled all day Saturday, only to get to Bamenda and not here from Paul! So I went to plan B and called another friend who is staying with a family, the Jacksons. They were so incredibly nice and opened up their home to me, barely knowing me! I learned so much from that family! If you want to know more ask me!! I did get to go to Paul's sisters wedding on Sunday, and prior to that I following him around as he frantically did all the things older brothers do. Then I decided it was safest to stay another night in Bamenda, and travel home during the day. Sooo, yesterday my whole day consisted of travel once again!! It felt great to be back to the Peach Palace and shower.

This week at school we are giving finals, so my jobs are few and stress free. I am taking these next few days to wake up early and debrief myself. I know it will be different back in Ohio, so I am trying to reflect now before all the culture change happens.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I will keep you posted on my travels home, which will take me to Brussels for a night (Saturday), and then the NYC, so hopefully the snow holds off enough for the flights to be on time!

Have a Blessed Holiday Season as we celebrate the Saviors Birth!

Time Flies 12/7 !

Hello! My how times goes fast when you aren't paying attention to it! It has been my goal these past few weeks to not waste a minute of my time here in Cameroon. Even so, it was easy to get into a routine of teaching, running, going to meetings, etc.  I am very relieved that today I taught my last official lesson, although we still have a few days of review sessions and then finals next week.  That said, I am going to focus on relationships during this last week that I am here. I have met so many great people, and my fellow teachers and the students are going to be hard to say goodbye to, but at the same time I am excited about coming home to everyone there :) (one person especially).

This weekend looks to be an adventure. My friend Paul has invited me to go to Bamenda, a city about 6 hours to the NorthWest of here, for a family wedding. I decided to go even though I can only stay for 36 hours!  They speak English in Bamenda, so that will make travel easier, and the 6 hours bus ride will be full of dynamic scenery that I may never see again. This will be a great time of reflection as well.

Even in Africa, and maybe because I am at an American 'ish school, there is a little Christmas vibe starting to come up. I love it. It is the best time of year, and I love anticipating the day we Celebrate Christ's birth.

"Who would have thought, that this baby would one day save me!" ~ Relient K

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am giving thanks for God providing a way for me to come to Africa. I have had such a great trip and am so glad I came. I was invited to a HUGE dinner today, so I hate very well and enjoyed good company! Tomorrow wraps up yet another week of school! Crazy fast the time has gone.

11/21 Good Weekend

Hello everyone. It has been a pretty normal week for me, as I enjoyed teaching, playing basketball and going to church! This weekend was a nice break from the daily routine of teaching as I was able to play basketball with a bunch of Cameroonian men on Saturday for a few hours, then I visited my friend Paul's church today, and went to his house for lunch. His family was so sweet and they made peanut sauce for me; some of the best I've had here! Later this evening I went to a missionary gathering that is held every Sunday night. This is a time of prayer, worship and a short sermon. It is like a really casual American style church service. It was good to sing some English hymns!

I'll keep you posted on the week ahead... Thanksgiving is coming, so that will be fun!

In Christ, Kory

11/14 Sunday!

It is already Sunday afternoon and I am relaxing at the house, finishing some worksheets for school and doing some reading. I enjoy using weekends for relaxation, but they are also a good time to "explore."  Yesterday, I first went with the basketball team to their game, which was at a public high school.  This school was HUGE, as we stood on the court which was in the middle of a large open area, surrounded by very big, old, rundown yet still in use, four-storied school building, I felt like I was in the Shawshank Redemption!  But it was good to see where education in the public schools here takes place. There seems to be a variety of schools in the city, so I am sure some of them are newer.

After the game, I took some time to walk the streets of our local neighborhood, called "tropicana," and I concentrated on simply opening my eyes to what life was like here. I am very much removed from "real" life of the average African, because I am staying at a nice house and working at a nice school.  I also visited one of the hostels where some of my students live. They treated me with this frozen drink-in-a-bag thing that really hit the spot! I think they were glad to see me, but first had to make sure they weren't in trouble!! ha.

Church was good today as well. The pastor spoke about how we are to respond when God gives us good things: we are to give our Lives to Him! What a great message for any believer. No matter what your life brings, there is no denying that the Lord has blessed you. There is only one proper response to blessings but material and spiritual, and that is giving our lives to God.

11/11 Day of Prayer

Hello,

On this Veterans Day in America I am so appreciative of the freedoms we have in our Country; freedoms that allow me to take trips like these!

Today was a special day at school and all over the world in the Wycliffe/SIL community, as November 11 is their annual Day of Prayer. Apparently when the founder of Wycliffe first tried to get into Mexico, he was stopped at the border. Those who were with him then stopped to pray and God opened a way for them to get in. That day was November 11. Now, every member and missionary of Wycliffe stops working and commits to praying all day each November 11. At school we did not stop working, but we did kick of the Yaounde ceremonies with a Prayer Chapel. Hopefully I can grab some pictures that others took because it was great to see everyone there all at once. It was a gathering of all the people I have been meeting and getting to know.. so cool!

All in all, today was a great day that God used to teach me a couple things about being a committed follower of Christ. I need to devote myself to prayer; for my friends, family, Country, neighbors, Governors, professors, etc. I also realized how many people have been praying for me, and that completely humbles me! Thank you so much for your prayers, as God has blessed my trip so far and I will look forward to more blessings, even through the times of homesickness and tiredness!

God is Good!

11/8 - A new week, a good weekend

Well I am almost through another Monday here in Yaounde, and just so you know, the Monday blah feeling happens here too! Today was actually a really good day! I was able to teach a few classes, while at the same time I had a lot of time to prep for my week. I really enjoy school when there is enough to keep me busy. Also, I had a blast at basketball practice, as I was able to give some good coaching advice.

I realized that I haven't blogged since before the weekend, so you do not know how it went. Well, the weekend was great, just enough action to be exciting, but enough relaxation that my body was ready for another week. On Friday, I went to a gathering of a bunch of teachers for dinner and a movie, then enjoyed a great night's sleep. Then on Saturday I woke up early to go play in a Volleyball Tournament with some people from school and other missionaries. It was held at the American School of Yaounde, and we got 2nd place! After that I returned home for some rest and then later we had a big get together of about 40 people here at the Peach Palace. It was a send off party for my roommate Alex, who is headed off to Bamenda, another city in Cameroon.  After the festivities, my Sunday was a pretty normal Sunday. I went to another Cameroonian church, this one translated in English! Then I took a nice nap and was pleasantly surprised that the Browns beat the Patriots! Yes, even in Africa I love to follow sports :)

The week has started well, and hopefully it will be full of new and excited things!

11/5

Hello everyone!

Well as you can probably tell by my lack of blogging, I have started to settle in a little bit. Now, everyday here is different than back at home, but school is school and teaching is teaching no matter where one is in the world! I still have lessons to plan, papers to grade and kids to connect with!

This week was really good, and I hope others go like it. I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone, but I am naturally a quiet person until you get to know me. So it has been my default to kind of keep to myself. Thankfully a lot of the students and teachers ask good questions, and I have a couple roommates who are social butterflies. I think I have gone to more dinner nights here in Yaounde than my entire college career. Also, I have been playing basketball with the varsity team, so that is a great way for me to get to know some of the guys.

Its been a healthy week, too! Thanks for your prayers :)

11/2 November!!

Wow, I cannot believe it is November already!

I have been very tired this week, but school is going well. I stayed for basketball practice yesterday and had a blast! Also, I am starting to swing back into teaching mode, so I am planning next week's schedule as we speak (figuratively of course, because I am typing).

Last night was star trek night... a long-standing tradition on Monday nights among some of the missionaries here. No, I am not a trekkie, but I did enjoy pizza and some suspenseful science fiction haha.

Also, I just bought some tortilla chips that were made in Bamenda, another city here. They are pretty good!

10/31 No Tricks, all Treats

Well, today was a very good day! I woke up feeling almost normal, and my stomach had no "tricks" for me :) Honestly, I forgot it was Halloween until about 8:00 pm.

The day began with catching a taxi alongside Karen Foster, the lone GBIM missionary in Yaounde, that I know of, to one of the 14 Grace Brethren Churches in Yaounde. It was a really cool experience, one that was not unlike the churches I visited 2 years ago. Except this time I was the only honored guest, so I got invited to sit by the paster, facing the congregation. Lots of singing and dancing, many long testimonies, a few sermons, and offering line and 2.5 hours later, and we were headed to lunch. Unfortunately, my friend Paul was not able to make it, as he was translating at his church, so Karen and I had to find fool on our own. We ended up finding this little place that served rice and soup, seems harmless enough - I hope! Notice in my slideshow there are some pictures from today.

After I got back to the house I was feeling a little tired and sick, so I laid down, only to be woken by the guard dog! But it was okay because it was right in time to go to dinner at Megan's house with the guys. We hung out there a little and now I'm back getting ready to go to bed (after a skype date of course).

Tomorrow will be my second day at school, I am really looking forward to start teaching again! Guess it's a good thing I miss it. O and I also will start helping out at basketball practice tomorrow after school! Yippie!

Until later,
Kory

10/30 - Tough Night

Last night was a rough one, as I got sick around 2 am. Please pray that I will be able to recover quickly from this stomach sickness!  I had to cancel plans to go to the market today, which was a bummer.  But I'm glad it's Saturday so I can have plenty of rest!

10/29 - First Day at School and more Pics!

Hey everyone. My computer is dying and I may not have internet soon, so I'll be brief. Today was my first day at RFIS and I love it here. I have attached new pictures to the slideshow so take a look at what the school is like!

Here is part of my journal to Dr. Gaerte:

Friday 10/29: Today was the day! I caught a ride to school for the first time and arrived around 7:15, greeted by welcoming teachers and students.  I was able to meet all of the four prep classes that I will soon be teaching, as well as the entire school during the morning assembly.  Mr. Brubaker can be described as “quirky” and “very proficient” in his teaching.  He will be good to work with, as well as learn from.  I also met with Lois, the Director of the School, to talk about procedures and the atmosphere of RFIS. She will be observing me periodically and is a very encouraging, professional person. There is so much to talk about but I think I can sum it all up by saying I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity to come to RFIS.  The students are completely different, as is the atmosphere.  This will be a great opportunity for me to experience a Christian school, as well as a multi-cultural environment.  I will get to teach 7^th Grade Math, Geometry and Algebra 2.  I am also planning on sitting in on an AP Calculus class, where I will learn strategies to teach Calculus (daily), and also will be a great resource for the kids. Next week I plan to take over either the Geometry or Math 7 class.

10/28 - The City and a shower

Hey all -

This morning I traveled to what is more "downtown" Yaounde via taxi (OBIer's, it was Moses!) with Shawn and Matthew. They had a few things to pick up and it worked well for me to tag along as I am still doing orientation. We went to many different stores and stopped for lunch at this sketchy looking place that had amazing beefsteak!

After a very exhausting trip to the city, I came back to the house wanted to get cleaned up, but our water pump was still broke (one reason we went to the city) and the city water was not working either. So I napped for an hour and when I woke up the city water was on! A hot shower has never felt so great!

Now I am all clean and ready to go to dinner at the NewLand appartments tonight with Mr. Brubaker, my supervising teacher, at a lady teacher named Alison Mary's place. This should be a good time of getting to know them better and talk about RFIS. I am headed to school tomorrow morning for my first time meeting everyone and seeing the brand new campus.

I'll leave you with a few tidbits:

1. It rains here every day around 2 or 3, good thing I like storms :)

2. Coke tastes great here too, I wish American coke was this good

3. It is amazing how technology has changed everything. Everyone has cell phones and obviously internet access is available!

4. We have a house-help named Nicolae. She is basically the mom that takes care of all us boys :) Be careful of how you view her work though, It's not that we are lazy, but by hiring many lady's like her, SIL and Wycliffe can provide income for dozens of families in Cameroon! She makes great banana bread!

5. I <3 MMW

10/27 Lots of new, a little bit o' old

Today I was able to sleep in until 9:00, to get some much needed rest, then it was off to meet tons of people. Matthew took me on "the loop" around this little section of Yaounde. "The loop" is comprised of our residence, the SIL complex where I stayed 2 years ago, CABTAL (Cameroon Association for Bible Translation And Literacy) offices and housing, and an Annex where Wycliffe offices, houses and an elementary school is located. All of these obviously make a loop. As I went from place to place, I met many people who are from many parts of the world, but are all united with one common goal of seeing God's Word translated into Cameroonian heart languages. This means teachers, computer techies, construction workers, administrators, businessmen, graphic designers and even a couple nurses are all working together! Not only was it good to meet new people, but it was great to be able to recognize some of these places! Our first stop was basically my home 2 summers ago, so that was a good way to start of today.

I am not quite over the jet-lag, but I have been resting and reading all afternoon so that should help. I have been welcomed here by a meal every night for the first few days, and tonight I will be going to Rachael and Mandi's to eat with others. As I type this the weather has turned from calm and sunny to windy and rainy! So it looks like I'll be wearing my jacket and boots.

I want to leave you with a section of a book that I read today while relaxing:

 "We were all created uniquely and wonderfully... Every man carries the seeds of greatness within him. It is up to us to water and nurture those seeds so that we can achieve the potential God created us for."

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have helped me water and nurture my abilities. I have been so blessed with the chance to come here to Yaounde and grow into what I hope will be a little closer to "great."

10/26: Travel and first impressions

Hello all, I have had a busy 36 hours of travel, although it feels like it's only been a few hours. But, I am very tired.  Matthew, Don (my supervising teacher) and  Jim came to the airport to pick me up, but I was already in the parking lot when they got out of the van! Matthew will be orientating me for a couple days, and then hopefully I will be going to school on Thursday. Other names you should know are Shawn, who is in charge of our living quarters, Alex, another roommate, and Megan, who had us over for dinner tonight!

I am working on getting pictures taken and put up, but I do not know how many I'll be able to put on here at a time, so I'll keep ya posted.

Tomorrow will be a day of orientation and setting up. Until then, pray that I get used to the time shift!

Kory

I <3 mmw

Africa, here I come!

I am 24 hours away from beginning my travels to Yaounde, Cameroon. This blog will be my attempt to keep in touch with all of you! Thanks for praying and supporting me and following this blog!