7/6 - Baptisms, Open House, School Visits

This was a relatively easy week with no crises.  Highlights were 2 baptisms, an open house, and a school visit. 

Two converts, (Laura & Stephan?) were baptized in the Douala Branch in the newly repaired font. 

We missed the baptism to attend the Bonaberi Open House.  It was a low-key affair, probably due to the rain, although the rain stopped just before the event.  There were a few investigators and about 40 members.  The missionary in charge, Elder Ndonda, was about an hour late, but people were still trickling in so it was a good time to start the program.  The “activity” as they call it consisted of prayers, hymns, 3 talks, the Restoration video, a Q&A session, and a simple African dance by the YW/YM.  It was a good social event for everyone.

Open House Table

 

Open House Set Up

YW/YM Dance Performance

The rainy season is underway.  I think it lasts 2-3 months.  One of our African Elders asked, “Do you have seasons in America?  I mean other than Winter & Summer, do you have a rainy season?”  We explained that the weather varies with the seasons, but in Seattle it rains a lot and San Diego it doesn’t.  In Phoenix it is very hot and in Alaska it is very cold.  And the temperature always gets colder at night and hotter during the day.  Unlike here, where the temperature is always good, 24/7, 365.  (OK, it often gets into the mid 80’s, which is too warm for some but we have A/C.)

We had one day after a storm when our water turned yellow.  Even after our 5 micron filters I still got a lot of sediment when I filled a bottle and let it sit.  But the next day the water was clear again.

This is tap water with an inch of precipitate at the bottom.

Thursday we arrived at the piano class in pouring rain.  Attendance was still about 15 students, but many arrived an hour or more late, when the rain abated a bit.  The flashcard competition was won by Marceline, who is fairly new.  The prize was a backpack that Sister Coleman had made, with some cookies and a candy bar inside.  She spoils her students.

On Tuesday and Friday we visited Bonamouang Public School to evaluate it for a possible humanitarian project.  Romeo attended that school as a child and was surprised to learn that the Parents Association president, M. Samuel, is a friend with whom he has been sharing the gospel.  We met with him and the Director, M. Epesse, and came up with a prioritized list of projects.  I sent it to the missionary couple in charge, the Moodys, and we are now waiting for instructions from them on how to proceed.  We could do so much good there for a relatively small amount of money.  Just imagine 700 students in 9 classrooms, some with dirt floors, no drinking water, no working toilets, not enough desks so some students have to stand, and big puddles in the playground.

This Classroom needs Roof Repair

40-year-old Chalkboard

Classroom During Vacation

Five Toilet Stalls with No Water

Classroom Floor

Classroom With Most of the Concrete Floor Missing

School Entrance

Romeo Dim, M. Epesse (Director), M. Samuel (President), Sister Coleman

This classroom is no longer in use.

Playground Area

Our new mission president called and rescheduled his visit for 2 weeks away.  We’re looking forward to meeting him.

We passed out transfer letters for another complicated transfer.  9 Elders arrive and 9 Elders leave but most we are just shuttling between the bus and airport over a 3 day period.  Only 2 of our 10 are being replaced (Brockbank & Niyonkuru).

Passion Fruit

The local oranges are green but taste like California oranges.

I finally got a photo of Deido, the giant sculpture