Since I’ve arrived I’ve had a number of people comment about whether or not they thought I’d come back at all.  Obviously, they don’t understand a lot about my dedication to finishing a job and finishing it correctly; but I think it more than that it reflects the general attitude that I’ve had while here.  I honestly don’t know whether I’m coming or going sometimes – literally.  I’m happy to be working with the kids and the people here in Cameroon.  I miss my friends, family, and life that I have at home.  I’m excited to be traveling the world and seeing new faces in new places; but I long to establish my roots and work my way up in an organization.  I’m in a perpetual state of restlessness at this time in my life and I’m still unsure whether that is a good or bad thing.

 

Regardless I’m moving.  YAN has raise a little under $1,500 in these past couple of months – that’s including a number of generous private donations from individuals and a large donation from the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts we won through a small fund application.  Not only that but YAN is making moving to expand – not only in Cameroon, but also in other countries. 

 

The kids have progressed – they can really work their computers well and have started making the outline for their videos and podcasts.  Next week I’ll show them the equipment go over their outlines and by the end of the month they should be shooting.  We’ll have to arrange interviews and editing will be a challenge, but I think they are well on their way to producing something tight and cohesive. 

 

I’m jetlagged and wondering if indeed Cameroon is the place for me to be.  I’m listening to Mr. Awkanga and the rest of the people I trust when they tell me there is no sense in worrying about decisions you’ve already made. I do it anyway – worry about things I have no control over like whether or not I will have a job when I return home, when I would return home (have I mentioned here that it’s nearly impossible to get a visa?), and whether or not the benefits outweigh the personal, financial, and professional investments I have made into my time here with YAN.  I hope so. For now, I’m just happy to have my Nook working again and I’m trying to get back on schedule with exercise and work.  Vacation is officially over.