Saturday 14^th September 2013

I had a long on-line conversation with the project coordinator last night. He said he was working late. I asked what the time was there. 8.27 p.m. he said. I check the time on my laptop. 20.27. Did that mean we were in the same time zone? I did a Google search for time in Cameroon. 8.29 p.m. (same as it was on my laptop by then). Yes, a new and important fact to discover. No jet lag.

He said he will be coming to meet me at the airport and not to be too concerned about the long journey. After landing at 4.30 on Wednesday evening we should be at the project by 12 noon on Thursday. He said the Cameroonian county side would be worth the trip.

He seemed very excited that I was bringing a video camera. I said not to be too excited as I didn’t yet know how to use it properly. I also found myself telling him that I’m quite good at writing publicity material which could be helpful for fund raising! WHAT! I’ve never done any fund-raising in my life!

Water bottle carrier

Today a friend lent me an inner bag for sleeping bags. I didn’t even know such things existed. She also lent me a water bottle carrier. I could immediately see another use for it. What do you think? Picture it around the waist with the pouch hanging down the front.

‘Whoever this fits I will be happy to get to know better…’ I said.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.