Outside the Camp #5

(More from Cameroon)

Got another chance to hop on the internet so thot we'd send another update. As we travel to the baka people tomorrow we will not have internet nor as much up in Fulbe country--so we'll make the most of while we can. It is very hot here and the humidity is hovering right at 95% so much of what we do is wet. No rain yet which is good because the path in here was full of ruts about 5' deep in places and filled with water. We are in a jungle setting which is beautiful. The kids have all been adopted by the village kids and are having a blast. They went hiking and swimming in the stream this morning. We have been eating fresh fruit, fish, and other things that I have no idea what they are. We have met some of the people and are learning much about the translation project the missionries are involved in. Tomorrow we go to church and then begin our journey to the east side of the country to Baka land. There it is much more remote and let me tell you--this is very remote right here. We'll stop in Yaounde for a day or two and then make it to the Baka around Tuesday I think.

We are having a great time although still recovering from jet lag--we sleep with mosquito nets and lots of bugs. Sleep is difficult because of the heat but we are making it. The food is very different here.

Whereas Joshua project has concluded many of these people groups in this area to be reached we are finding it just the otherwise. They have knowledge of Christinaity but are not followers of Christ. That is why the translation work is so important. They need to have God's Word in their own language. Many of the people we have had limited contact with are friendly and have embraced us warmly especially the kids. They just love Esther and Peter.

To give you a better idea of our setting--we are in a small village of about 15 dwellings. We are in the middle dweling. We are urrounded by huge trees, grass, mountains and cocoa plants, which the people raise for money. The kids run around all over the village and think nothing of coming by our windows and staring at us. When the kids walk by they call Esther and the girls "white man" but in a very friendly manner. Peter and a little boy named Joshua (adopted Cameroonian by the missionaries here) drew quite a crowd as they were sword fighting with sticks today at lunch--now all the little boys are running round (many naked) with sticks in their hands sword fighting. The language is difficult to pick up but between their limited English, some French, hand gestures, and much smiling we are getting by. All in all--great fun."