18.08.06

I am officially back in Cameroon after an amazing trip home. I hauled two huge bags with me full of presents and one or two things for me. I think my mom was glad to see me go after I spent 20 minutes throwing things at her that wouldn't fit, to "send me later." I did make it back with a few jars of peanut butter; some great smelling candles lots of books and about 12 remaining Twizzlers. Somewhat successful, I am excited to get the package and see what great items I threw out at the last minute!

Travel took some time and patience (luckily for everyone involved I am still going strong on my quest to be patient), I was lucky enough to miss the terror-chaos and get to Ndu unscathed...after a few days in bush taxis. Some great British missionaries gave me a ride half way up the now muddy and pot hole filled Ring Road. They had me over for tea and shared some random facts; like that the UK didn't have photo ids until recently. Who knew?

I am happy to be back despite my hesitancy in the days leading up to my departure. Everyone seems excited for me to be back and I'm hoping with school starting in a few weeks that work will pick up then. For now, I'll just enjoy the rain and cold-have some fires and pretend it's winter. This is the closest I'll get for another year. It was great to see everyone! Keep in touch.

08.06.06 Wow...America has been wonderful. I was lucky enough to be able to take a few weeks off to come back for Lexie's wedding (see above). Aside from some anxiety about America and being shocked at the clothing on teenage girls in the Atlanta airport, the transition was easy. I feel like I never left. I got to see many friends--who came very far to see me :) and had a great time in Denver, Boulder and Steamboat. I am getting packed up now and realizing how much stuff I am taking back...I feel like I may be taking more this time than when we left in September! I keep telling myself that most of it is for others but a fair amount belongs to me. I have had fun enjoying the luxuries here but am excited to get back to life in Cameroon. Hopefully work will keep me busy until the next group of health and agro trainees arrive. Then, we'll be distracted with PCT drama and whatnot. Thanks to all my friends and family for putting up with me during my trip. Thanks for the dinners and coffees, the movies, the shopping and dealing with my deep thoughts on changing the world. Give me another year and I'll be ready for more ladies' nights and Kappa reunions! Nobody else get married while I'm gone!!! I love you all!

Picture 1) Me, Harry and Katie pre-hike, acting like tourists at Fish Creek Falls.
Picture 2) How beautiful is Colorado??
Picture 3) Yay Kappa...
Picture 4) Lexie and all the Kappa girls in a typical sorority pic :)