Never did I expect to be saying these words. The people here are simply amazing. Their capacity to love and express themselves freely leaves me without words. Yesterday was our last Sunday at Macedonia Baptist Church here in Cameroon and we received so many well wishes. I don’t think I have cried this much in my entire life. (D.O. I can hear your voice in my head…) It was my best and worst birthday all at once.
Last week we spent time at 2 different orphanages. One was just for general orphans, the other for children with disabilities and HIV. The attitude of the kids and the staff was phenomenal. We took them toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, pencils, and a lollipop. They were so grateful. We heard, Thank you plenty so many times I can’t count. At the orphanage for the kids with disabilites and HIV, the director asked the children to pray for some specific things for us and for the people of America. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised when at the end of her statement every child in there opened their mouths and began praying with loud voices! I was expecting silent bowed heads and gentle prayers of small children. What a marvelous shock! Later Terri, myself and Caroline were talking about it and all of us were in tears. To witness the amazing faith of people who have lost so much yet they continue to trust God, not only for themselves but for others whom they do no know.
I also was able to spend time at 2 hospitals. Because of time and limited resources, I ended up visiting the hospitals alone. What an experience. I can’t complain about healthcare in America anymore. The hospitals here are 100 times worse than anything I have seen in the US but they are doing their best.
We were able to take Lydia – the child with the bowed legs. When we actually went to the hospital the visit cost $1.25 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was screaming inside. Such a little amount of money but people here have to work weeks to make it. The Dr. has diagnosed her with Rickets and has scheduled the surgery for June so that she can not miss school. The cost of 8 surgeries and a hospital stay for one month is equal to about 2 of the Coach bags I love so dearly. Her parents said that they don’t know if they would be able to make that much money in a lifetime. They won’t have to pay but just the thought of people missing basic care for what costs us basically nothing infuriates me.
It is so hard to see so much need. I just want to take care of everyone and I/we can’t. My heart bleeds.
The rest of the week we spent purchasing and packaging food for needy families. One child we were visiting lost his mother to HIV, his father died in an accident at work and the grandfather was killed in a car accident. The grandmother is taking care of several of her grandchildren because all of her children except one has died. It makes me sick but we can only do what we can and trust that God will continue to meet their needs. They will always be in my prayers and I hope you will include them in yours as well.
Funny moments…
I ask to go to the market to purchase some things and I am told, no you can’t go alone because you aren’t the right color. ???????????????? Then I am walking down the street and kids are yelling “White Man, White Man!” (what the locals call any white person they see.) I am looking around because it’s early in the morning and there aren’t that many people around. Only then do I realize that they are talking to me. So I am not black enough in America or Africa… I give up. 🙂
It has been quite an experience here and as my time winds down, I know that a huge piece of my heart will be left in Cameroon.
Love to all of you,
Toya Mac
