One week in Lassin Cameroon - update

9 Sept, 2009 (nine, nine, nine)

Greetings!!

One week in Lassin Cameroon.

Progress:

School - We began registration Monday. That day we had two children register. This was really a big deal because they were the children that live immediately up on the knoll above the school. This family is Muslim, and very friendly. These children are sweet and bashful, about 10 and 13 years old. The 10 year old has attended school for a year already. His 13 year old sister has had a 'hard life'; lost her father in early childhood. They have the slender faces and forms of our Muslim community.

Tuesday was 'cattle day' at the market so we were only able to register one son of our farmer neighbor Gregory. Gregory has agreed to help Stephen (another neighbor who is an expert raphia furniture craftsman and the groomer of the air-strip) prepare the floor of the classroom. Tuesday evening we went to the home of Naftili (a man who has come very close to joining the church at the last evangelistic series). We registered one of his children, then registered his father's youngest son and his nephew.

Today, Charles, Carol, Naftili and Emma (tailor) traveled to other compounds near the school. I realize that I have left out a few stories since Carol just informed me that there are 14 children registered now. This number will increase during the few weeks after school begins. This is really exciting!! These children represent such an opportunity to teach the gospel.

Building progress: the window shudders are being built, about 40% complete. Doors are fabricated, but not hung. The floor is loose dirt. We plan to have the floor worked with to make it a very hard dirt surface. Book shelves have been requested, but further negotiation is required (Stephen is too busy with other tasks now and will need to look for a sub-contractor). A 'toilet' will need to be built. Many things remain to do, but we have a week and a half; not much time. Godlove (really his name) is the carpenter that is also building the desks; eucalyptis, hard, heavy, and beautiful.

Church - Mom & Dad, thanks for the guitar! It was used for about an hour and a half during Sabbath school and church. Many of the members had to be invited to attend again. Some guests were invited in (about 14 children that had come to peer in through the windows and door). We had a great time! So much for going to an English speaking region. Does Rosetta Stone make a 'Pidgeon' series? (just kidding! Local tutors will be sufficient.)

Home - We have a small raphia table, 4 stools, and a 1 meter long bench. More are on order, but there is enough furniture now that we can all sit during meals. The dining table 90cm x 1.5m and 6 chairs are on order and should be finished late this week or next. We also ordered a kitchen counter table with a shelf or two below; 2 feet deep and 2 meters wide.

Auto - Tuesday I wanted to start the car and test the battery to be sure it was ready for today's trip to Kumbo. The engine would crank, but not fire. Hmmm? The car alarm has given me grief since we bought it. It would sound off at the least opportune time; like 10PM in front of some kind person's home when I went out to get something from it. At times, it would unlock the doors, then lock them again; perhaps several times during the day; all by itself. Some protection! So, in order to get the car running, I disconnected the whole alarm system (using a tool that G.P. gave me. Thanks! I've used it so many times!) The car started right up. Whew.

Food - A 'hand' of bananas is 125 franks; about 25 cents. I'm in 'heaven'. The pineapple ranges from good (a little sour) to really sweet! We are also in okra 'paradise' (eat your hearts out). With so little green food here, we eat them heartily.

Weather - Sun! Breeze. RRRRAAAAIIIINNNN!!!! I thought that the rainy scene in 'Sound of Music' where the teens danced in the gazebo was a pretty hard rain. Also, the storms in Michigan were pretty grand. Well, they were a good start. Fortunately, the big rains are followed by breaks long enough to get you to the out house. Sure wish we could have returned dry.

Health-
Still got it!

Love you all
Steve & Carol