Greetings Everyone. We're in Douala at the halfway point, and are finally able to send along an update. We've had two very meaningful, thoughtful, challenging weeks in Cameroon. We've assessed hundreds of people, mostly women and children, in the villages around Mbanga. The collaboration between Linfield and WEH has strengthened throughout the week and our priority, the people in the communities, have benefited from this collaboration.
Everyone is well or in recooperation and we are all looking forward to our respite at the beach in Limbe this weekend. This has been an amazing trip, and we've all had incredible experiences: playing with the kids, thorough head to toe assessments, learning patience and learning how too work on "Cameroon" time.
After our vacation in Limbe, we head back to the villages to finish up our assessments next week. Except on Tuesday, where we'll be back in Douala, celebrating Obama Day!
Check back soon for more pictures and another update! We miss you all!
"It's not about warm or hot water, it's just about running water." --Ale
"My view of hell has changed. It used to be rush hour traffic. Now it is rush hour traffic through Douala." --Leslie
"You think that's bad? I showered with a gecko." --Rosa
Hi All!
Today is our last day in Cameroon. This month has gone by so fast, yet it feels like we've been here forever. It has been surprising how quickly we've adjusted to Cameroonian life. We are looking forward to be back in the US and appreciate everything we have. In the end our group did 522 assessments in 10 villages. We toured 3 hospitals and donated many of the medical supplies we brought. We visited a leprosy community. This was an amazing facility run by nuns. The community provides food, shelter, clothing, and medical care for lepers that have been abandoned by their families. The funds that all of you contributed paid for over 500 mosquito nets that we distributed to pregnant women, children under 5, and others in need. We also provided funds for hospital care for critical cases. A contribution was made to the leprosy community. The remaining funds will go to the purchase of crutches for a teenager we met with polio and to make available anti-seizure medication for a child with epilepsy. The need we have seen here was greater than we had ever expected. We are excited to come back with your support to continue to fund raise for WEH and to continue this valuable partnership. We love and miss you all. More to come soon.
Team Cameroon