After the standard Cameroonian greeting, consisting of a long serious of unorganized hand shaking, finger snapping and wandering but yet engaged eye contact, new comers are certain to hear their Cameroonian conversational counterparts exclaim, “You are welcome! You’re welcome to Fudong—you are welcome to Cameroon.” Actually, you’re more likely to hear it at least three times before you finish your meet and greet.
So perfect, trust me. Even without the repeated affirmations of how welcome you may be you feel it. From the moment our bush taxi entered the Northwest I could feel the energy change. It is so vibrant. So many of the people, at least the one’s I have met so far, are incredibly warm and open. It is interesting to begin sifting between the many pronounced cultural differences and practices between here (Fudong) and the place I presently call home (Bokito). First difference—among an almost infinite—is language. The Northwest and Southwest regions are entirely Anglophone. While there are, without a doubt, many differences I’ve only been here a few days (and in Cameroon for a few weeks) so my feelings are just that, feelings. I’ve nothing concrete to truly write home about in regards to comparing Anglophone and Francophone Cameroon.
SO! Fudong! It’s a divisional capital city. It get a bit confusing so let me ‘break it down’ (Sherry, remember last time I tried to break it down? Ha!). Cameroon is organized into regions. There are two Anglophone regions—the Northwest (soon to be home!) and the Southwest. Every region has a capital city. In this case it is Bemenda. Every region is broken up further into Divisions which, too, have their own capitals.
My new city, Fudong, is the divisional capital of the Boya. It’s population is approximately 45,000 people—but this includes the many neighboring villages. I was in the planning division of the health clinic\hospital today and discovered 2011 Health Area Epi Statistics—it was said that the Fudong health area was approximately 22,000 people. While it’s population seems quite big it’s really approachable and not intimidating in the least.
There are several ethnic groups here in Fudong—chiefly the Kom people and a heavy scattering of Fulani’s. Fulani’s are Muslim Cameroonians who are usually herdsman and shop owners—though many Kom own many shops too. Because of these two influencing groups there are many languages here in Boya division—English, Pidgin (hybrid-Creole type English), Kom and Fulani—not to forget about some French because of those people who’ve migrated from other regions and many government officials sent to work in the Northwest. So many languages to learn! It’s a language bonanza—every day! For instance, while meeting and talking with some Francophone military man my counterpart greeted the men outside waiting in Kom, I followed suite in English. Spoke English to the military man while he answered completely in French and occasionally chatted with two Fulani men in Fulfulde. I jumped in with some French and pulled out my English crutches when necessary. Before you knew it my counterpart involved the Fulani men in the conversation all together—but this time while speaking in Kom because they spoke that too. All this in one office. I’m ready for more.
Speaking of counterparts! So much of my excitement has to do with my community host, Simon. Firstly, a community host is just that—a person who is very familiar with the community who is a key contact person to help us PCV’s becoming acquainted with our new homes. He has also worked in the past as some PCV’s counterpart—meaning a community member who PCV’s pair up with to work. Simon is amazing—simple put. He has as much energy as I do—maybe even more. I know, imagine that! He is the director of the Better Family Foundation (a local NGO), a teacher, student, pastor, husband and father of three. The man wears many hats! He is like his own think tank and is constantly coming up with new fresh ideas and approaches to make his community better—if only he had more hours in the day. His organization tackles things like community water projects, STI\HIV training, family planning and anything else local communities are willing to address. Totally awesome. Word on the street, too, is that there are many community groups who are established and ready, able and willing to do some good work which is always exciting. So it appears the possibilities are almost endless here!
Onward with the beauty! Look for some photo’s of the Northwest region—particularly Fudong—it is soo beautiful. Firstly, the climate is much much more temperate than the rest of the country. It is cool here in Fudong. We’re nestled in some lovely looking hills and mountains; which often make travel quite difficult. For example, Alissa, lives a mere 55km away. It takes 3-4 hours on a motorcycle taxi when the roads even permit the ride. Here we go. It is so incredibly green too, with the awesome contrast of the red dirty, ::sigh:: It reminds me a bit of Tuscany, Switzerland and Ireland rolled into one. Hiking around here is great and seemingly never ending!
My new house—unspeakably unbelievable. I live in the ‘Teacher Quarter’ in what Cameroonians refer to as a compound—which is essentially a cluster of houses. My neighbors are all professionals—principles, doctors, nurses, business people etc. They’re children are all darlingly adorable and kind. I have three bedrooms, one larger than the other. In my master bedroom I even have an exposed brick wall! Two bathrooms, one with HOT WATER! (Most volunteers are lucky to have steady access to water and electricity let alone a hot water heater—this is actually unheard of. I am the only volunteer in country with one!)
Not to mention I’ve got a stellar host here in Fudong—Stephanie. Who has graced me with delicious dinners and great introductions to my neighbors and future friends. (Thanks, Steph!)
All of these fortunes and goodies simply leave me wondering; wait, isn’t this cheating?
I’ve so much more I want to share but it is getting really late.
As always, nothing but love and smiles!
Alissa is 3-4 hours away ehhhh?
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