Today is Saturday but it may be Monday before I am able to post this.  The internet is not reliable here and is non-existent on Sunday. Today we met with the Development and Communications Director of Project Hope TSSF, Emmanuel Ngang. He is a bright young man with a Masters Degree in Social Anthropology which he rec’d in Germany. Emmanuel is learning how to fund raise and is hoping we can help him and Project Hope. Project Hope is a program here that encompasses health education, awareness raising, outreach programs, treatment centers for hiv/aids, youth clubs etc.  They do so much with so little.   They know what to do and how to do it but lack resources to sustain their programs. They minister to 800 orphans in the surrounding areas who are living with extended family members and are at greater risk of poor health.  300 of those have serious health issues, ie, TB, HIV, Malaria.  I learned about their insurance program, which is a new idea in Africa – health insurance.  For the equivalent of $10, you can insure a child for 1 year.  This would cover doctor visits at the hospital, treatment and medicines AND transportation to the clinic.  Amazing! 300 vulnerable children with major health issues by our standards could be treated for a year for $3000. We are visiting outposts where they do outreach and youth awareness programs and a treatment center next week.

Hello….I am at an incredible “compound” that encompasses a hospital (with a newly built TB ward), pharmacy, orphanage, convent, farmland (where they grow food and raise cows, pigs and chickens).  All of this in a fairly remote area of northwest Cameroon.  There is so much good work done here and the needs are great.  Most of the population they serve cannot afford to pay.  I am making my way around the compound in and out of wards and bldgs.  Haven’t been able to meet with the staff yet as they are so very busy.  Yesterday, i witnessed and photographed a circumcision.  They are done regularly here. Visited and photographed in the maternity and pediatrics wards. Doing rounds with the head doc on Sunday. Next week, we will go to one of the outpost clinics, photograph the pharmacy where they manufacture some of their own drugs and meet with the staff for an overview of their outreach programs, specifically Project Hope.  So much to take in.  The people are open and welcoming, even in their vulnerable states.  I’m posting a pic of some of the children in the orphanage singing me a welcome song.  lots of love…..

hi my loves….i am here in Njinikom…arrived last night around 10 30 after a grueling eye opening 9 hr drive, half of it over very bumpy roads.  flights were good, rested one night in douala and set out after picking up 6 midwifery students from belgium.  full load in van.  today is walk around getting to know what’s what.  later, meeting with hospital matron and directors of various programs here so i can get a full overview of the work they do here and to chart my course and schedule when we will go to out posts and do interviews.  they are very much excited about my work and believe God has sent me to them;–.  no pressure, lol.  but they are very passionate about their work and the people they help.  the ride here was thru many small towns and the shacks and poverty is prolific.  it is everywhere….everywhere.  makes your heart hurt and opens your eyes.  i must remember to keep my heart open and protected at the same time.  my computer is not yet set up to go online so i am in the cafe.  hopefully i will be set up soon.  lots of love to you and i will be in touch soon.

Just to let you know that Terry arrived safely in Doula yesterday and was getting ready for the drive to Njikom today. Not sure how good the Internet is there …. so watch this space!

Rob