Writing Creatively With Spirit

September 11, 2013
by predencia Leave a comment

Countdown to Cameroon – 7 days to go – Mapping the way

Wednesday 11^th September 2013

A few weeks ago I did a shamanic journey in which I was told to always carry a cloth map (among other things) with me. I pondered this for a while and did a bit of research. I discovered that silk maps were made for the armed forces in both the UK and US during World War 2, but they were of specific places to help pilots and others negotiate their way out of enemy territory. There were no world ones.

World map

I found a few world maps on beach towels but they were too large to consider popping into my handbag. A tea towel would have been fine but I couldn’t find any, and so I forgot about it as other things quickly rushed in to fill the space. That was until a few days ago when I had one of those Amazon ‘would you be interested in this’ emails.

It was for curtain fabric with the world map on. Doing a quick reccie on delivery dates I realised that the guaranteed date was the 17^th, a day before I flew out. I ordered it. Lo and behold it arrived today. I am exceptionally pleased with it. It’s lightweight enough for me to carry in a largeish handbag, and will fit easily into a rucksack.

I’m not sure yet of the significance but I trust that all will be revealed in time. I’m totally loving this spiritual journey.

Citronella oils

As mosquitoes generally want to be friendlier with me than me with them I thought I’d get some insect repellent. In the spirit of natural remedies I headed to Holland and Barrett to find citronella oil. Oh joy! They had a buy one get one half price sale. I’ll mix it in with my home-made body lotion (cocoa butter, olive oil and aloe vera gel) to make a cream that I can apply all over. Mossies – be warned!

September 10, 2013
by predencia Leave a comment

Countdown to Cameroon – 8 days to go

Tuesday 10^th September 2013

An angry and disheveled bull

I picked up my new glasses, had a makeover in House of Fraser and went to the dentist for a check-up. I’m not sure what happened to the bull at the Bullring, but he looked like he was getting over a hard night, and there was something he was less than happy with.

Original Volunteers (OV) rang me in response to a voice message I left on Friday. I think the project coordinator answered whatever I’d called them for but I found a few more questions.

In his email the project co-ordinator suggested that I would be expected to teach English and IT, also to engage in fundraising. English is fine. Not sure about the IT and fundraising is not my forte.

I discussed with OV what I’d actually like to do, i.e. oral history, story-telling and writing workshops. They thought those things would be very much appreciated. So, I may well be writing stories for African children while I’m away, as well as getting them to write their own – and hopefully learning loads from them.

On another note. I need to pick up a couple of locks for my suit cases because I’ve been advised that ‘things can get slotted out from cases without locks.’ Normally I don’t bother with locks, but as I’m taking gifts for the project I guess it’s probably best to take advice on this occasion.

I’m hoping to have everything sorted by tomorrow so that I can relax a little before setting off. After all – I don’t want to arrive tired.

September 9, 2013
by predencia Leave a comment

Countdown to Cameroon – 9 days to go – All my bags are packed

Monday 9^th September 2013

Yes, would you believe I’m more or less packed? I wanted to see whether all the things I have to take would fit into my large suitcase, and whether there would be any room left for any donations from the wish list.

Me and the bee

I found quite a few things in my loft that were suitable. I’m so pleased I didn’t throw out the photographic printer paper when I did my clearout a few months. And there was a stationary box that’s been there for about eight years now. Amazingly the elastic bands are still as strong as they were back then, and the staplers and staples still looks brand new. I even had branded Selotape.

Alas, the 60 pens I found don’t seem to be working. I’ve propped them on the radiator to see whether warming them up will make the ink flow. It’s been a few hours now and nothing seem to be happening. Any ideas on how to encourage ink flow in reluctant pens?

I ventured out to buy a couple of printer cartridges but got stumped when the guy in the shop asked me what region the printer was bought in, as there are, apparently, different zones for cartridges. I could only hazard a guess that as the project directed us to a UK website that it was OK to buy Europe based cartridges. So many things to learn!

And did everything fit? No, of course not! At least not in the one suitcase I was hoping to take. I’ve started a small one which currently still has space. Although my allowance is 46kgs spread across 2 bags, I’m hoping to not have to carry that much. Still, it depends on donations.

I went to A Course in Miracles (ACIM) study group tonight. I was asked to tell my story of how I discovered/remembered my purpose. When I mentioned that it entailed working with men and boys, and that I’d been working with a few pastors who may well be in a position to positively influence others, one of the group said he’d been doing a lot of that work and would like to get into it again. This is happening so much now. I got a surprise ‘happy birthday’ sung to me because I’m going to be away on my birthday.

September 8, 2013
by predencia Leave a comment

Countdown to Cameroon – 10 days to go – Project wish list

Sunday 8^th September 2013

An idea lives on

I got the wish list from the project coordinator today. I wish I’d received it earlier. There are lots of school materials needed including stationary and computer software and hardware. I know quite a few teachers whose schools had clear outs at the end of last term. AAGGGG!

I know its short notice but if you have anything from the list, live near me and would like to make a small donation I’d be happy to have it.

SEREP WISH LIST

RESOURCE	POTENTIAL BENEFITS TO SEREP
IT RESOURCES
Computers (PCs and laptops)	There are not enough computers available each of the staff and volunteers to use. By having more computers, this would greatly boost office productivity. Please only consider this if you have a spare, new or old lap top that can be donated to SEREP. We can send it to our partners for any volunteer coming out to bring it or them to us. This removes postages costs.
Computer Monitors	We do not have enough monitors to match the number of CPUs that we have. Therefore any PC monitors (preferably flatscreens) would be most useful, as they are very expensive in Cameroon.
Keyboards	Some of our keyboards are outdated, with broken and or missing keys. Therefore new keyboards would be most appreciated.
Computer Mice	The computer mice we use are very old and fragile. New computer mice (preferably laser) would be less susceptible to damage.
Blank CDs	These are useful for additional storage space, and can generate income to cover operation costs.
CD pens	These pens are vital for day to day office use. We have a very limited stock of these, and they are extremely difficult to purchase here. THIS IS SOMETHING SEREP URGENTLY NEEDS.
Computer Software	For use in the NGO’s CYBER Café and for training of the orphaned and vulnerable children. We would greatly appreciate educational software which can be used to help teach our many students. This may include encyclopaedias, educational games, management programmes and other advanced computer software to name a few. We also greatly appreciate antiviral software. Computer viruses have proved a big problem, damaging previously donated hardware, and diverting financial resources away from our other projects. THIS IS SOMETHING SEREP URGENTLY NEEDS. If you have particular software in mind and are unsure about it usefulness, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Printer cartridges for HP deskjet D1560 and F2280 Photosmart printer catridges for the above printers. For desktjet 15560 21 c935a Black Colour 22 Universal refill Can be useful	We currently have Three printers in the office, which cover in-house operations and the cyber café. As a result, ink has become a precious resource, and proves to be extremely expensive in Cameroon. We understand that compatible cartridges are much cheaper in Europe. These can be found from retailers such as www.cartridgeworld.co.uk. We would also appreciate ink cartridge refill kits, as this allows us to re-use existing cartridges, and to possibly generate income from offering the service to other people. We really have a lot of difficulties with printing ink as it is very very expensive. Acquiring even empty new catridges for these printers to be refilled using the universal refill ink is still very much appreciated. (more information on request)
Printers	The printers that we have at the office, are out-of date and very expensive to run. We would greatly appreciate a new printer with scanning and photocopying facilities. Such printers are difficult and expensive to source in Cameroon. These printers would also be cheaper to run, cutting down costs. Our research indicates that Epson Stylus and Officejet printers tend to be economical in terms of purchase costs, ink costs and longevity. Of course any good printer is appreciated.
External Hardrives	An external hardrive would prove a useful piece of equipment to store all of the data in the office, freeing up computer space, and USB flash drives for other purposes.
OFFICE SUPPLIES
Cardboard Folders	For safe storage of documentation.
Plastic wallets	Help easy identification of documents
USB / Pen drives	These are also difficult to get hold of in the area, and the organization are only using ones previously brought by volunteers. We need USB, Pen drives etc.
Printer paper and photo printing papers	We offer a printing and photocopying service to locals, this brings in a small income for the NGO. We have a photosmart printer which can print photos. Volunteers would not more pay to print local pictures while Cameroon in THIS IS SOMETHING SEREP URGENETLY NEEDS.
General office Stationary	We also appreciate any general office stationary you are able to bring with you or donate. Such products are very expensive in Cameroon, and usually faulty. This will help to keep expenditure down, and ensure that more revenue is directed towards our projects
Paper transfer	This is used for printing staff and student uniform and workshops et c.
Tracing paper	We use this for preparing stencils for screen printing.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
School Stationary	Any stationary for the school is welcome for example; books, colouring pencils and colouring pens, as well as normal pens and pencils. Many of children are unable to afford such necessities, and are always extremely grateful of any gifts that SEREP or its partners are able to provide
Exercise Books	Exercise books are vital for any child in our schools, and we are always in need of these to help support our orphans and vulnerable students.
Educational Books	In Cameroon, books are considered a luxury, with many adults and children unable to access them. Any books, either fiction or non-fiction are greatly welcomed. We would also appreciate educational textbooks for our school, books on English language and grammar, as well as classic English literature books. Books thatcan facilitate learning.
Any general stationary you can get your hands on post it’s. or you can come along with i.e. staplers, cello tapes etc.	Additional stationary like these are difficult to get hold of in the local area, although can easily be bought with volunteers as they arrive. Finally the lone Digital Camera for the NGO got bad. Any second hand or new Camera can be very useful.

We also appreciate any other gifts of your choice which might have not been mentioned here. If you have any questions about items you would like to bring, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

The charity would also greatly appreciate any financial donations, which can be put towards our local community projects. We realise that many items on the wish list are expensive to fund individually. Therefore, depending on the item, SEREP may be willing to partially contribute to the cost of these items, if a volunteer is able to bring it with them. This may only be possible if we are given notice well in advance of purchase and transportation. Alternatively if you are able to fundraise towards one of these items we would be most grateful.

September 6, 2013
by predencia Leave a comment

Countdown to Cameroon – 12 days to go – Calling Cameroon

Friday 6^th September 2013

Cameroon High Commission – London

I ditched an opportunity to work-out at the gym today in favour of getting my eyes tested, and ordering another pair of glasses to replace the three that I’ve lost.

After the usual battery of tests, with a fair degree of explanations as to what she was testing for, the optician asked ‘is there anything you want to ask me?’

‘Yes,’ I replied. ‘Has anyone ever reversed their deteriorating eyesight back to 20/20 vision?’

She looked a bit puzzled for a moment then gave me a mini lecture on the effectiveness of laser treatment to correct long sightedness. ‘But everyone over 40 will eventually need reading glasses. It’s inevitable.’

‘Only because someone has not yet found a way to do it.’ I said.

‘Really?’ her look said.

‘You know, a bit like when everyone thought the world was flat – then someone pointed out it was round and everyone had to rethink their certainties. Or like the four-minute mile. It couldn’t be done till it could.’

‘Well, that would be interesting,’ she said with that ‘I only come here to test eyes, not to engage in philosophical discussions,’ tone.

I wonder if that’s why she forgot to do my field test. Maybe she couldn’t wait to hand me over to the sales assistant quickly enough – to relieve me of my pounds. Could be she knew the cost of the lens would soon silence me.

Anyway, back to Cameroon and my preparations for the journey. Today I tried to call the project coordinator to introduce myself and to ask what would be helpful to bring with me as a gift for the project.

After many attempts I got through to his mobile – which was switched off. Maybe the email I sent instead will meet with better luck.

Yesterday I read a blog by a previous volunteer. Africa-in-Miniature. She was there this time last year. The account of her experiences was very enlightening. I’m beginning to feel a little excited now.

September 4, 2013
by predencia Leave a comment

Countdown to Cameroon – 14 days to go – Visa’s in

Wednesday 4^th September 2013

Cameroon High Commission – London

I’ve finally got all my official paperwork in. I set off to London yesterday on a six hour round trip to spend less than 10 minutes in the Cameroon High Commission picking up my passport.

Apparently there is now a new system that enables you to get your passport on the same day. Arrive in the morning between 9.30 – 12.30 and collect your visa between 2p.m. – 4 p.m.

When I pointed out that there’s no mention of this on the website the very friendly receptionist said quite casually ‘we’ll be updating the website soon.’

Knowing of such a change in the system would have saved me nearly £16 in postal order and special delivery postage. Almost the cost of the coach tickets to London and back. Still, a small price to pay for the learning.

The long coach trip was not wasted though. I managed to get through a good chunk of The Healing Wisdom of Africa.

As I made my way across London I reflected at how my experiences so far have equipped me to operate very well in this physical Western world, but has ill prepared me to understand and function in the spiritual world of my ancestors.

I feel like I’m going to Africa as a spiritual infant.

September 2, 2013
by predencia Leave a comment

Countdown to Cameroon – 16 days to go – getting in the essentials

Monday 2^nd September 2013

Yes, I was busy today. The kind of busy you get when you know there’re only so many days to go and you see how much you have to fit into them. The pre-holiday busy. When you begin to wish you’d attended to a few of those things earlier.

First thing on the list was to call the Cameroon High Commission to check the status of my visa. The person I spoke to said she’d just completed it, did I want her to post it to me. ‘I’ll collect it tomorrow,’ I said after she confirmed that it would be sent out by ordinary post.

I immediately booked travel to London on the coach – trains were much more expensive at such short notice and some of them not much quicker than the coach. The five and three quarter hours there and back will allow me to get through a chunk of The Healing Spirit of Africa.

I shopped today. I shopped for a mosquito net, Wellington boots, sleeping bag, raincoat and trousers and a big suitcase on wheels.

The shop assistant was amazed that I’d never a) owned a pair of Wellington boots or a sleeping bag and b) that I’d never shopped in GO OUTDOORS.

However there were a couple of things I hadn’t planned for. Well it was the same thing with two different people. Talking to a friend about his connection with spirit it became obvious that he needs to make peace with his father. His father is trying to make amends and he’s pushing him away, no matter that he died several years ago. By the end of the discussion my friend had agreed to go and visit his dad’s grave and to be open to listening to him.

It occurred to me that this is the same issue for another friend who is having difficulties in a number of areas of his life. When I called him and said ‘things will not improve for you until you make peace with your father,’ there was silence on the other end of the phone.

He told me his very resistance to the suggestion meant there must be some truth in it. His father is still alive; he doesn’t need to visit a grave, just his estranged father’s house.

That’s when I realised that this is part of the work I need to do; to help men repair their relationships with their fathers.

September 1, 2013
by predencia Leave a comment

Countdown to Cameroon – 17 days to go

Sunday 1^st September

It should have been a day of bee-like activity of preparations for Cameroon. I was awake at 5.45 a.m. and raring to go. I did my cards, A Course in Miracles lesson, journal and a 30 minute shamanic journey. And was in the gym by 8.30 a.m.

Not having been all week I gave 100% in a 45 minute spin class followed by abs and upper body work. A quick blast in the steam room and I was ready to pick two pounds of blackberries from the grounds at the gym.

The healing Wisdom of Africa by Malidoma Patrice Some

After making a crumble from the blackberries with apples and plums from my garden, I was just fit for a snooze. I resisted, however, because my attention was completely caught by Malidoma Soma’s third book which arrived a couple of days ago.

The Healing Wisdom of Africa – finding life purpose through nature, ritual and community is providing many answers to the issues that are arising in my shamanic journeys. It was probably the best preparation for Cameroon for today.

August 31, 2013
by predencia Leave a comment

Countdown to Cameroon – 18 days to go

Saturday 31^st August

Already it’s the last day of August and my journey is becoming more real. I have little flashes of excitement but I know more of that will kick in once I’ve completed all the paperwork.

I posted my visa application on Thursday afternoon, so theoretically it should be ready for collection on Tuesday. I haven’t decided which day to go down to London yet.

Next week will be shopping for the essentials such as wellington boots and a mosquito net. I think I’m going to need a bigger case than the one I usually travel with.

I’ve started getting my audio visual equipment together but I need to do a couple of practice runs with video blogging. I may have a go tomorrow.

I have to confess to being fascinated by the book on IBOGA – The Visionary Root of African Shamanism. Maybe my preparation would be a bit further on if all my spare time wasn’t spent with my head in the book.

Somehow it feels more important that I learn about the properties and effects of this power plant than about the geography and customs of Cameroon. (I guess in learning about Iboga I’m indirectly learning about the customs and beliefs of Cameroon).

August 31, 2013
by predencia 2 Comments

Session 42 – Time for pastures new

29^th August 2013 (Thursday)

It’s been five weeks since I last went to circle. This is because I’ve been focusing on publishing Never on Sunday and also I been doing more shamanic work. I’ve been journeying most days and gaining amazing guidance. I will write up some of the more profound ones. Time is a factor at the moment as I’m preparing for Cameroon and trying to edit Love is Not a Reward.

There were eight of us at circle, five women and three men (including Greg). Of the eight of us three were new, at the start of their journeys and very excited my cards and the prospect of trying out psychometry and working with other tools.

After the relaxation meditation we focused on getting messages for each other. I got a message for one of the women.

I saw a toilet brush. The handle was the carved head of a horse. As it wasn’t obvious to me what the message was I asked, ‘what is it I need to tell her?’

‘That she needs to make a decision about how she’s going to handle the crap that’s in her life at the moment.’

It made sense to her, and was supported by the messages she got from others.

I’ve been thinking for some time that I’m getting more out of the shamanic journeying than out of these sessions and it was reinforced tonight.

Ribbon carousel

I realise that these sessions were my introduction to a systematic way of connecting with spirit. The messages I received week after week gradually shifted me to this position. I recall too that it was here that shamanism was first mentioned to me and how resistive I was to the idea then.

I will of course be visiting Oak House from time to time for Sunday service, and to connect with some of the wonderful people who shared this part of my journey.

I know that Mary’s follows this blog, so she will be able to keep tabs on my goings on. Thanks for your blessings Mary.