A Year Later

     It's been a year since I've been here in Cameroon.  One year down, one to go (and a month or so).  This past year, I could say, I've learned a life time's worth.  I've grown so much, positively.  Example:  I'm more comfortable with myself as an individual, more assertive, more confident, more self-aware, open-minded, more accepting, less tolerant of bullshit.
     This year has flown by, and it's a common topic to discuss between volunteers about how service goes fast.  There are times when it seems like an eternity.  I would wake up and say, "Awe man, it's only Tuesday."  However, before I know it, it's Friday afternoon and the weekend.  Moreover, I'd wake up and say, "It's only Feburary."  And here I am, last day in May. 
      Reflecting, doing Peace Corps you sacrafice a lot to come here.  For example, giving up reliable internet, running water, electricity, efficiency, adequate communication, set prices, good public transportation, credit cards, ACCOUNTABILITY, rules...  Everyday I am called "nassara" (white person).  I get deranged walking to the  market (more so in the city, because in the village people know I live there and that I teach their children at the high school).  You don't get that in the states. 
     On another level, the friends I've made in village -I've dialoged with students or neighbors.  I've concluded no matter how close you get, you can't virtually engage in a profound conversation.  A cause of this would be language barrier, or no reflection trying to assess a situation from another's perspective.  However, there are some people that do "get it" 99.9%. 
    Trust is another.  I will never 100% trust a Cameroonian because you will always be a little different because you are American... or because "we are not many in Africa" as my student put it.  Though, there are those who I trust.  (Because I can go their parents and "tell on them"). 
    Also, if you are having a difficulty, for example a Cameroonian deranges you and you are with one they will not stick up for you... So no point, in trying to rely on them to support you (for yelling at another Cameroonian that it's not polite to derange)
    My blogs sound philosophical... En fin: I'm glad that this year has passed by fast.  Not that I don't regret doing Peace Corps, I would not skip this for the world.  It's not that bad- I'm a lot stronger because of it. 

• I've become a neat freak while living in Africa, well since high school.  I don't like clutter.  I sweep my floors every two days, wash them weekly, because my cement floors are red because of tracking in the red mud.  My one student finds it amusing that I constantly sweep.  "Ca ma plae madame."  I told a kid that washes my floors (again no child labor laws here, he's like 9) that he's not allowed in my house unless he washes himself and his clothes.  One day he came back 20 minutes later with his feet washed. Hah! 
•    If I wanted a kid to leave me alone, I'd start doing some school work.  One girl was sitting then she said, "Im going madame." Because she became bored when I was working. 
• I'm not afraid to tell kids they smell.  One kid came into my house with horrendous body odor (deoderant is expensive, and most kids can't afford it)  However, I told him he brought a rancid smell with him and ruined my salon atmosphere and that he needs to wash himself.  Sorry, I have no mercy.

Well, I'm offically done for the year.  These past few weeks have been hectic and frustrating.  Grading, calculating, filling out by hand report cards, holding review sessions.  Also, dealing with my vice principal who is an asshole expecting me doing all the dirty work... I started my adult English class. There were only six people, but, I enjoy that so much more than 120 thirteen year olds annoying the hell out of me.

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Well, peace out!  Say eso.