Douala: Last Day

  Douala, Cameroon
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Traffic was heavier today on the drive to the hall. Douala was back at full speed or nearly. Taxis, trucks, motorcycles, all were spewing fumes, honking and weaving in and out trying to reach their destinations. The last part of our path takes us through a market and down sandy back streets and roads.

The road to the Church hall

 
Today we wrapped up the temperament profile analyses.  Using the translation of David Register's PowerPoint presentation, we went through the four colors and then the blends. Everyone watched in rapt attention. As we discussed it afterwards, I asked if they felt the descriptions were accurate and if they recognized themselves in the strengths and weaknesses. They all said yes, enthusiastically. We talked about it from various angles and several commented how they were thinking not only of themselves but of friends or family members and pieces were falling into place. It was obvious they were very enthused.
 
We took a short break and then covered more fundamental beliefs. There were many questions on each item, some theoretical some practical: not only the "what" and the "why" but also the "how."
 
At noon we broke for lunch: fish, rice, plantain and sauce. I skipped lunch today. Neither the night nor the morning had been very kind to me once again, and I was sure it was lunches that were causing the problems. The ladies do their best, I don't fault them at all, but there seems to be something around here that is causing internal discomfort more frequently than it used to. It happens to the local people too; they just have to live with it. It's not often that we would pray for someone with Typhoid Fever in the West, but I've had to do it here before, and Malaria, and Tuberculosis, and jaundice and unknown diseases that bloat or shrink. My case was very commonplace, and I could function just fine, nothing to speak of (although I guess I just spoke of it...).  All that to say I skipped lunch.
 
We took a group photo after lunch and before we started the afternoon sessions.

The conference group in Douala

Several attendees said they felt this conference was the most helpful of the four we've had so far. That was encouraging to hear. Those who participated in such a conference for the first time were especially appreciative of the chance to participate.
 
In the afternoon we finished reading through and commenting on our fundamental beliefs booklet. We finished the conference a little ahead of schedule, and were able to just chat less formally bout various things for a while.
 
 Finally at 4 pm I shook hands all around and Moïse and I drove back to my hotel.

Market near the crossroads of Ndokoti

The drive back had its share of interesting sites: the markets never fail to fascinate. One will see strange things on the street, like parts of a butchered pig being pushed along in the street on a handcart with a half-dressed insane person on the sidewalk behind. Love it or hate it, Africa will rarely bore you.

Very fresh pork, hand delivered

 
Once arrived, we talked for another hour about organizational issues and questions particular to Cameroon. Around 6:00 pm we shook hands and said goodbye and he headed for home. I had a light meal in the restaurant and am now watching lightening flash in the dark sky, and listening to heavy rain and hail fall against the window of my room. I'll work here until around 10:00 pm when I can head to the airport for my 12:10 am flight to Nairobi. If the weather allows.