Soco Ma Djoor (Thanks a Lot)

Throughout my time in Cameroon (currently winding down at a ludicrous pace), I've been lucky enough to receive tons of support packages and notes from family and friends. This alone is not so extraordinary; pretty much all volunteers these days do. What makes me proud is how much stuff I received that wasn't for me, but for friends, colleagues and particularly kids here who have no other mode of access to common things like eyeglasses, office supplies and toys. Every bit of it has been accepted with joy, and I wanted to take this blog entry (a rarity as everyone knows) to say grand merci to everyone that's supported me here and donated. I'm not big on weepy, cheesy emails, but I know how much it costs to send this stuff, and making the effort for people one will never meet or here a 'thank you' from is positively courageous, and I am proud to be coming home to people with such spirit.

I recently received 3 packages around the same time with toys for children (including a huge one from employees at Disney), and decided it was simply too much to just give away. Handouts aren't really the Peace Corps's scene. Instead, I conducted a village-wide essay contest at the grade schools, in which the kids learned how to make action plans and work together to solve community problems. They were asked to write a plan to combat HIV/AIDS among youth (unfortunately, risk begins in grade school here), the problem of few girls in school, or the lack of village hygiene and sanitation. We received over 300 responses, varying from 'AIDS is sorcery, so we should kill all witches' to detailed plans of village clean-up and condom distribution. I had never really worked in the school system, so it was enlightening to attempt a session with 100 kids in one classroom, many who still struggle with basic French. We awarded prizes to the top five essays from each school, including t-shirts, bookbags and binoculars (strangely the biggest hit), and I sincerely wish I had more time to spend there.

The group who will replace my mine has already arrived and started training about 25 miles from me; it's really starting to feel like the end. I'm currently trying to resurrect my academic writing ability in order to apply to law schools, but making myself write papers and personal statements after 2 years of repeated daily napping is harder than you'd think.

My official arrival date on American soil is Dec. 20^th, and I'll be busy with holidays and completely replenishing my wardrobe for a while, but I would appreciate current cell numbers or other contacts any time between now and then. Only, of course, if you'd like me to wish you a merry Christmas. Otherwise, I'll temporarily post my new number on facebook or somewhere once I get it, so if you want to take the initiative instead, fine by me. Just don't make me hunt you down. I mean seriously, I'll have enough to do.

That about wraps her all up; I hope everyone is enjoying fall and the leaves changing and Halloween and whatnot. I think I will once again go as a dirty development worker.

Slav