Owl's Head

For a class outing today, we went to Owl's Head. We were told that we would do some hiking, but I didn't expect to scale a mountain! In the winter, this is a ski resort. The view was great!
A few of us were not quite high enough, so we climbed to the top of a ski lift.The descent was a lot easier, but wrought with havoc, as the snow was slick under our tennis shoes. But fear not, we all made it down safely.
I don't think I make a very good mountaineer:)

Oh, and did I mention that I am experiencing my third spring this year. I got to experience a little bit of California spring, the beginning of the North Carolina spring, and now I am watching leaves turn green and flowers bloom in Quebec. The Daffodils are just coming out here. Trees are budding...


...and dandelions are bursting forth.

Say 'Shibboleth'

The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan opposite Ephraim. And it happened when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, "Let me cross over," the men of Gilead would say to him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he said, "No,"then they would say to him, "Say now, 'Shibboleth.'" But he said, "Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it correctly. Then they seized him and slew him at the fords of the Jordan. Thus there fell at that time 42,000 of Ephraim.

Judges 12:5-6

That is what I read this morning during my quiet time. What did I learn? Well, I learned how important it is to have good pronunciation. Any English speaker who has had to learn French will agree that French is often difficult to pronounce and the difference between two words or two phrases often hinges on just one little sound.

Incidentally, I told my classmates and my teacher this morning what I had learned. Yeah, try pronouncing 'Schibboleth' in French with the correct accent! Just for kicks, I have included the Louis Segond (most widely used French Bible) version at the end of this post.

So, will bad pronunciation cost me my life on the mission field? Not likely. However, it could hinder my ministry. So, I'll strive to do my best with not only pronunciation, but also with vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.

Voila! Juges 12:5-6

Galaad s'empara des gués du Jourdain du côté d'Éphraïm. Et quand l'un des fuyards d'Éphraïm disait: Laissez-moi passer! les hommes de Galaad lui demandaient: Es-tu Éphraïmite? Il répondait: Non. Ils lui disaient alors: Hé bien, dis Schibboleth. Et il disait Sibboleth, car il ne pouvait pas bien prononcer. Sur quoi les hommes de Galaad le saisissaient, et l'égorgeaient près des gués du Jourdain. Il périt en ce temps-là quarante-deux mille hommes d'Éphraïm.

Plane Crash

Please pray for my friend Debbie, who was in a plane crash yesterday in Africa. She is a missionary in Sudan. After a short time of rest in Kenya, she was returning to Sudan by airplane and, due to weather conditions, the plane crashed. There were only 5 aboard, and all were injured, but no-one was killed. Praise God that he preserved the lives of all the passengers. Debbie has hurt her neck, so please pray for quick and complete healing and for safe transport back to Kenya where she will receive additional medical treatment.

Language Shock?

Language learning is a bit of a stressful experience. When one learns language by immersion (as I am doing), there is more than just the language to learn. I had a bit of a bad day yesterday. Quite honestly, I was at the edge of tears most of the day. For those of you who know me well, you know that I don't cry often. Fortunately, I benefited from the empathy of a few people who knew exactly what I was going through.
You see, as a language learner, I can really only function as a child. In fact, most of the time I can only function as an infant. However, I still have the responsibilities and desires of an adult. Many times I can't really understand what is going on around me. Even if I understand most the words spoken, I often misunderstand something or miss the meaning all together. One example is when Serge, the chef here, was joking with me yesterday. As he was dishing up some shepherd's pie he explained how he made it. He used a word that I didn't recognize, but I didn't think anything of it. I discovered later that he was telling me that he added glue to the meat. Oops, I was supposed to laugh at that:0)
To add to the stress, I am in a culture and land that I am not yet accustomed to. I don't know the names of streets or stores, and I don't always know the significance of local news. And in addition to that, I have given up much of my freedom to be here. Instead of having my own house and car, I've decided to live in the dorm and to sell my car. And as enjoyable as the Bible School students are here, they are still significantly younger than I am.

Please pray with me, that I would learn the French language quickly and well, and that I would also be able to rely on God in the rougher times. Also, pray that I would remember to set my mind on heavenly things.

Abele Update

I received an email update from my friends a few days ago. Below is what the Abbotts said about their visit with Abele.

"We were able to stop and visit with Abele at prison on our way home. He is thin and hungry but otherwise doing well and in good spirits. It is still uncertain how long he we will remain there. Continue to join us in praying that God will strengthen him and continue to bring him to complete repentance and restoration."

The Conrods also recently updated their blog with a post about Abele. You can find it by clicking here

Praise God that He is preserving Abele during his time in prison. He is truly suffering the consequences of his actions, but God has more than enough grace for Abele and for each one of us. Continue to pray for his protection. Pray also that he would truly understand the depth of God's grace and forgiveness and that he would be able to communicate that same grace and forgiveness to his fellow inmates and to the guards at the prison. Continue to pray also for his children who are without father or mother until Abele is released.

Coffee

I have an announcement! I drank coffee today!!
OK, that announcement doesn't usually produce cheers and whoops of joy. In fact, most people would respond with a confused look. So, let me explain. Yesterday at dinner I spoke with my new French teacher. He was asking what my plans were for the evening. I responded that I would probably study. His response to me was that it was Friday night and I shouldn't be studying on Friday night, especially since classes haven't even started yet. I was reluctant at first, but with some prodding from another student, I decided that I really wasn't going to study.
You see, I have been expecting a lot from myself. I've been in Quebec for one week now, and I don't know French yet. Absurd, I know, but I fully expected to be able to understand people much better than I can, and I also expected that I would actually be able to contribute to conversations. So, in an effort to survive my experience here, I have been hitting the books hard, and being hard on myself when I don't understand or when I can't communicate well.
But, I have to remind myself that I am a language learner, and learning a language takes time. It will take time to get used to the Quebecois accent, to the slang, and to the speed of speech here (let alone to figure out the language itself).
Later yesterday evening, I read the blog of a friend, who, in the midst of many piles of things to do, decided that she would first have to just eat her strawberries. That inspired me. I decided that since I have not been fair to myself, I would set an attainable goal for myself. I thought about what would be attainable, practical, and enjoyable. Coffee! Perfect! I set a goal to drink coffee today. And guess what! I attained it! I am so proud of myself.
In addition to drinking my morning coffee, I also attended a conference on ministering to Muslims, attempted to go shopping with some friends, had some valuable conversations, attended a piano concert, and drank more coffee at Tim Hortons.
Ah, Timmy's. That is another Canadian thing of note. I guess the American equivalent to Tim Hortons would be a Dunkin' Donuts. Hmmm... I wonder if there were a competition between Timmy's and Dunkin' Donuts...Ah, it would probably be a draw, Eh?
Speaking of competitions, I just want to point out that the Americans won against Montreal today. Please pray for me, as I might get mobbed by angry hockey fans.

La Tire

I went with the Bible School students to la cabanes à sucre today. It was a uniquely Quebecois experience. Most Americans are familiar with the Maple tree, but many of us don’t even know the difference between real maple syrup and the imitation kind. Well, I now know the difference!!!

We had a tour of the facilities, which consisted of tapped maple trees, a collection shack, and a larger shack for boiling the sugar. Once the sugar is boiled enough, it is syrup.

We all headed outside, where there were long wooden boxes filled with packed snow. Each of us took a popsicle stick and waited for the treat, ‘la tire sur la neige.’ A pot of sugar was boiling in the sugar shack, and at the right moment, it was brought out and poured into the snow. That is when the sticks came in handy. We poked and twirled our sticks in the sugar and out they came. Maple popsicles!! Yum, c’est tres cool!!


I start classes next week. In a way, I am glad to have some time to rest a bit, but at the same time, I am working hard to strengthen my French now, in order to be able to communicate with my new friends.

Wide-Eyed Foreigner

I’ve made it!! My first destination after leaving California was North Carolina. I took a course called Missionary Medicine Intensive (MMI). I learned a ton, but still feel quite unprepared for the immense medical needs that I will no doubt encounter in Cameroon. The best part by far was the interaction with other missionaries.

After a very intense 12 days in North Carolina at Equip International for their Missionary Medicine Intensive, I flew to Quebec. The night of the 10^th was spent in a hotel in Montreal, since it was too late to catch the bus to Sherbrooke. Yesterday, the 11^th, I took the bus two hours and was met by the Christensens at the Sherbrooke bus station. It was so good to see familiar faces!

I am staying in the dorm with all of the Bible students, who speak French as their native tongue. The girls that I am staying with made a point to come greet me when I arrived. They are quite friendlyJ There is also another single gal, named Jen, staying in the dorm who is also studying French. I anticipate making a bunch of new friends here.

Yesterday, as I was making arrangements for the bus, I realized how foreign this little piece of North America is to me. I looked around, and everyone looked so American, but, in fact they were French speaking Quebec natives. I imagine that I probably resembled the foreigners that visit the United States, wide eyed and confused. But God is good, and He has provided for me a wonderful place to learn French and to make new friends. Soon I will be able to communicate with more ease and will know better how to navigate life in Quebec.

24 hours 8 minutes

I just attempted to check in for my flight tomorrow, and the website wouldn't let me since it was more than 24 hours before my flight. I guess I was about 8 minutes early:)
Well, the suitcases are packed, the boxes are packed, and I am loading the crate today, so that it can get shipped to Cameroon.
I read Deuteronomy 6-8 this morning. As the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land, after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, God again reminded them of His providence, power, and grace. He reminded them that He was the one who led them out of Egypt and who was their protector throughout the whole ordeal. He told them of the prosperity that they would experience and commanded them not to forget God, who was their provider. God told them that remembering Him and obeying His commands would guarantee prosperity, but warned them against disobedience.
As I leave in 24 hours, I will do my best to remember that it is God who leads me to Cameroon. I will remember the many things He has done on my behalf. I will remember His providence, power, and grace, and I will serve Him only.

Packing

I think I am nearing the last stretch of the packing phase. Almost everything that needs to be in boxes is in boxes and will likely fit on one pallet to be shipped to Illinois and then on to Cameroon (I am not going to IL, but my stuff will be shipped to Cameroon in a container that will originate in IL). The suitcases are almost ready too. I have most of the winter stuff I will need in Quebec in one suitcase and I am living out of the other:) There are several more odds and ends to attend to, but it will be a great relief to have the packing finished.

Not Soon Forgotten

I spent a few days this week with dear friends. This time will not soon be forgotten. Thanks Robyn and Lindsey for sending me off with such fond memories.

Robyn

Lindsey

Upper Yosemite Falls

Is it safe to camp in a tent so close to a mountain made of solid rock that creaks and groans and emits sounds like thunder? With the changing of temperature, it was possible that some of that rock could come right down on us.

A land of contrasts. Gigantic and magestic stone walls surrounding such fragile and delicate small things.

Exploring the thawing valley on two wheels.

North Dome

A shroud of clouds. It almost seems like the mountains aren't even there.

From the most popular viewing point of Yosemite, the famous Half Dome is hiding behind the clouds, but El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls are both peeking through.

Rosalynn got to join us on her day off.

Two Weeks

In two weeks, I'll begin my first term of missionary service as a church planter with World Team. I'll board a plane for North Carolina for a 2 week training and then travel on to Quebec for French language school. Then, after 7 years of preparation, I'll finally move to Cameroon. There's lot's to do in the next two weeks, but it will soon be done, and I will be on my way.

Incomplete Peace

I haven't heard anything official, but the word I have received from friends in Cameroon is that the rioting has come to an end. It's interesting that I couldn't find any news articles on the peace in Cameroon. Peace is not as exciting as violence, I guess. I have heard, though, that the aftermath of the riots is quite bad. It seems that the death toll is much higher than official reports have stated and there is quite a bit of damage. Some friends of mine have informed me that many vehicles were destroyed, fuel stations were demolished and government buildings are rendered unusable. Though some friends who were in the larger cities found themselves very close to the violence, God protected them. Keep praying for peace in Cameroon, as I am sure the tensions remain high. Pray also that the political and economical problems would be resolved and stability restored in this developing country. Pray, most importantly, that Christ's name would be glorified, in whatever way possible, because without Him, our peace is incomplete.

Comissioning and More Goodbyes

Sunday I was honored to be commissioned by my home church of Calvary Community. It truly was an honor to be prayed for in front of the congregation, but the highlight was the opportunity to talk to individuals between services. As always, it was both an honor and a humbling experience, as it is at these times that I am acutely aware that I am just a normal human being. I am nothing special, except for what God has done in me. I serve Him, not because I have to, but because I get to. He doesn't need me, but He chooses to use me to pronounce His kingdom. What an honor.
After church, I hurried over to a potluck with some extended family. We don't get to see each other very often any more, but my impending departure was a good excuse to get together, and I had a great time. It was truly bittersweet to say goodbye to some loved ones who I will not see for a few years.
On my way back home, I used the opportunity to snap a few more pictures of the almond blossoms. Most of them have already fallen from the trees. I love the way the trees are planted in perfect rows, the allusion of snow on the ground as the blossoms fall, and the contrasting strips of green grass between the rows. You might find it funny, but the almond blossoms are a big part of my heritage. I remember going to my Great Grandmother's house every year to watch the annual almond blossom parade. We would sit on folding chairs on the sidewalk and snack on yummy things like grandma's cookies and cream puffs. Sometimes we would visit the bake sale, art show, or other events that went on during the celebration. Grandma VanderVeen had a giant stuffed almond king in her back room, and our family was always somehow involved in the festivities. Those are old memories now, but I get a little nostalgic when I see the trees turn white.

Good Goodbyes

Last week I had the chance to take one more trip to SoCal to visit friends, family, and supporters. I had a great time with loved ones. Some highlights...
Freezing on the beach (the only chilly day that I was there).
Sunday dinner with the Kappen clan.
Thai food with friends.
A walk through a nature reserve.
Meeting one of the newest editions to the World Team family.
Visits with friends and with my Grandparents.
Sale of my Cabrio.

In the midst of all of these fun things, I was constantly reminded just how long 4 years is. Chances are that all of the people I saw will have undergone major life changes before I see them again. Some will marry, others will begin having children, and some may move away. Little Shelby, who I met for the first time will likely be telling me her alphabet (in English and Spanish) and will have developed a distinct personality.
While I complete all of the tasks necessary for moving to another continent, I will continue to say goodbyes. Pray that I would be able to balance the necessary goodbyes with the necessary tasks.

Update on Rioting and Abele

I have some good news to report. Unfortunately, the rioting in Cameroon continues, but my teammate, Nathan, has been able to safely drive back home to the bush where his family has been waiting for him. He was quite resourceful, and was able to get word that the route he would take out of Yaoundé was relatively safe. He then hired a motorcycle taxi to drive in front of him and alert him of any trouble. Continue to pray, as many of our missionaries are in the larger cities that are affected by the riots and could become targets if the rioters become desperate. Some of these missionaries are also away from home at a biannual educational conference for the kids and will need to travel home soon also.

On his way home, Nathan stopped to see Abele in prison. Here is an excerpt from his email regarding Abele’s condition.

“I found the prison without too much trouble. It’s held in an old structure that the German’s had built many years ago before Cameroon’s independence. …they called Abele and I greeted him, noticing that he seemed a bit slimmer than the last time I saw him. We talked for a bit and I found out that he gets one meal each day, though there’s a place for prisoners to buy food if their families bring them some money. I left him a little, along with some food, soap and a toothbrush. I told him that his family is praying for him and he said that he is also praying for all of us. We prayed together and then, after encouraging him with the fact that one day this will all be over and he can return home, I left.”

Please continue to lift Abele up in prayer. Prison life is very hard. Abele is also very much a minority in prison, as he is a pygmy and looked down upon by most Cameroonians. It is not uncommon for pygmies to be taken advantage of. Pray for his safety, that he does not become a victim of violence, for his health and ability to get enough to eat, but most of all that God would minister to him in a very special way during this time. We do not yet know how long Abele will be in prison.

Beginner

I'm pleased to announce that I passed my oral exam. The findings of this exam are that I can start the conversation course in April with the beginning French students who are in their first semester now. However, given the difficulty of doing such a test over the phone, we will repeat the test when I get to Quebec. The instructor who gave the exam said that I might be able to get into the intermediate class. Pray that the remainder of the financial support would come in within the next week, so that I can solidify my plans.

Almond Blossoms

Cameroon Background

The rioting in Cameroon has prompted me to highlight a little bit of Cameroon's background. Cameroon has been known as a peaceful African state. This is credited mostly to its diversity. There are over 500 ethnic groups in Cameroon, so the country has managed to avoid any tribal wars that might have resulted from having two or three majority tribes. Cameroon's ethnic diversity is complemented by its geographical diversity. The country is known as "little Africa," because every major geographical region in Africa is represented in Cameroon. It contains rain forest, mountains, coastal regions, desert, and grasslands.
However, Cameroon does have a large disparity between the upper class and the poor. Poverty is very widespread in Cameroon. If the poor were to unite, much violence could result.
Most of the population depends on public transport. The recent riots over gas prices are fueled by the fact that those in the transport industry must foot the bill for rising gas prices.
In addition, there is growing opposition to the president of Cameroon, Paul Biya. I will not make any political commentary here, except to say that Biya, Cameroon's second president since its independence in 1960, has been in office for 25 years and is pressing to change the constitution to extend his presidency. The fuel crisis has given those in opposition to Biya an excuse to voice their displeasure, and the rioting may continue even if the gas prices are adjusted sufficiently to appease those in the transport industry.
The last military coup of note in Cameroon was a rebellion that took place about 50 years ago, at the time that many African countries were gaining their independence from European countries. Cameroon is a former colony of both France and Britain.
From news reports, I have learned that the rioting has affected many more Cameroonian cities beyond Douala and Yaounde. I've heard that Kumba, Buea, and Bamenda are also affected. My suspicion is that many more cities are feeling the violence. Please pray for a peaceful resolution to this new unrest.

Rioting in Cameroon

I want to start off by saying that my teammates and other members of World Team are currently safe, most of them in their homes. However, Nathan Conrod is in the Capital city of Yaounde, working on the logistics of getting his truck fixed and is unable to safely travel back to the bush due to road blocks set up by rioters. Nathan's family, their tutor Karla, and the Abbotts are all safe at home in the bush, where there is currently no rioting. Read on for more details from Nathan.

Greetings from Cameroon! I’m here in the capital city of Yaoundé and since I happen to have some extra time on my hands today (since I’ve been advised not to venture out) I thought I’d send out a news brief to let you all know what’s happening in our neck of the world. There have been some riot outbreaks here in Cameroon over the past few days. At first it seemed that it was only a strike held by the taxi drivers because of the recent jump in fuel prices. However, it is now clear that there has been tension growing under the surface against the current president, Paul Biya, and his government and the taxi strike seems to have been a small break in a much larger dam. Well, the dam is breaking and nobody knows what’s next. I’ve included a partial e-mail that the US Embassy sent out to US citizens living in Cameroon.

The following is a message from the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.
Due to continued violence in Douala and increasing outbreaks of violence in the Littoral, South West, West and North West provinces of Cameroon, American citizens in those provinces are advised to remain in their residences for the next twenty-four hours. Americans in other parts of Cameroon are encouraged to limit their travel and be alert to potential hazards. Travel between urban areas should be avoided, as roadblocks have been erected without notice by both demonstrators and petty criminals on many of the major thoroughfares of Cameroon. Food, fuel and water are increasingly scarce, not only in Douala but in other cities where expectation of shortage has sparked a run on gasoline.

Please pray for Nathan's safety, the safety of some other missionaries that live near the areas of rioting, and a peaceful end to this unrest.

Intermediate

I just finished my French placement exam last night, after studying for a solid week. I am pleased to report that I am at an intermediate level. If the oral exam on Thursday reveals the same results, I will be approved to begin study at Parole de Vie in April. Now the only thing that is holding me back is the finances. Pray with me that God would bring in the remaining monthly support by the end of next week.

Daffodils

Mom's daffodils in the front yard

Disappointment

What do you do with disappointment? Does it cast a gray hue over everything or is it an anomaly that can be learned from, overlooked, or even treasured? Does it drive you to seek God? Does it bring about uncomfortable emotions that you would like to avoid, but you know you must deal with? Does it sometimes come in waves, one annoying event after another, until you think you might break under the pressure?

We all deal with disappointment and frustration from time to time. Last night, I found out that my support level dropped from 90% to 76%, thanks to the weakening of the US dollar. I knew this was coming. My field director warned me that my support level would have to be adjusted, but it was still a shock to see the actual numbers. This came just after I decided to postpone language school until May, when the next class starts. Everything that I have been doing as of late has been for the purpose of getting to Cameroon as soon as possible. Naturally, anything that postpones my departure will be a disappointment.

But in the midst of all this disappointment, I know that God is in control. If He wanted me to be at language school in two weeks, He would make sure it happened. He’s really good at pulling stringsJ Instead, I have a new opportunity. I am now freed up to go to a training for medical missionaries. This is something that I have wanted to do, but had scheduling conflicts with other commitments. So, here I am, disappointed, frustrated, but thankful that God has my best interest at heart.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Silver Creek Falls

We took a drive to Silver Creek Falls today. The weather was perfect, and the falls were beautiful.

Uncle Don and I with his two dogs

There is a little snow on the ground.

Uncle Don and Aunt Belinda

So much green moss!!
Back side of water. It's wet back here!!!
Front side of water:)

Hiding Mountains

I'm in Oregon visiting family and friends. What a great break this has turned out to be. Just in case you think I am being lazy, I did work last night. I shared about Cameroon with my Uncle and Aunt's small group. But don't feel sorry for me. I always enjoy these sharing times, and come away greatly encouraged.
Below is a picture of Mount Shasta, that I took on the way up. The light cloud cover reminded me of another volcanic mountain. Mount Cameroon is the highest peak in West and Central Africa.

Photo courtesy of Google Earth

Like Mount Shasta, it is volcanic. However, there is one big difference. Mount Cameroon is an active volcano. In the most recent eruption the flow of lava covered one of the main roads. We drove right up to where the lava flowed and were detoured around it. The funny part was that the entire mountain was covered in clouds. Even though the lava was visible, it was hard to believe such a giant was hiding in the clouds.

Memories

I am taking an other break from packing to show you one of the pictures I found while thinning out my belongings. This was taken at the end of a trip on the bush taxi from Yaounde to Bertoua in 2000. There were 5 of us traveling together, and you could scarcely tell us apart because of all the orange dust that had been deposited on our skin and clothes. Do you know which one I am?