Dearest expats,
Bon jour and hello from the waning grips of a true European winter. As the days grow warmer confidence increases....mental checklists of immunization and donation destinations for winter clothes flood the mind.
While concrete confirmation from the company does not exist, surety that the Lord has Cameroonian plans for us has been verified through the prayers of His children.
We are a young, traveling family of 5. Torn between strong oil and gas industry career skills and a social justice / environmental steward heart we come to each new assignment desiring to balance a life of creature comforts with a life of service to the poor. We have often erred to the side of creature comforts.
Douala, I am determined, will be a different story for our family.
Are you into healthy, sustainable living in all areas of your life? We are.
Do you desire to serve The Lord, making use of the gifts of the Spirit? We do.
Should practical applications of love be prioritized? We think so.
Are very small children laughing around hip height in your home? They do here.
Do you think like an engineer? We do.
I imagine some aspects of life in Douala will be difficult. Of course the first 6 months minimum is a major adjustment time. Finding a fabulous church shouldn't be too hard (please advise!). Finding local organic groceries could be tricky (thoughts?) or impossible. Making friends who have young kids should be great. Building my envisioned biogas digester in the slums should be a major challenge! Hiring nannies, tutors, guards, and maids will be as it always is - easier with referrals! And of course, learning French will be difficult, but surely help the rest of life flow much easier.
We are thrilled to prepare for the next leg of our journey through life. Africa is a nation of riches and sorrows, maybe more than many others. We thank you in advance for your thoughts, tips, and guidance as we navigate our way to Douala.