OK, so the internet and I have made up...for now at least.

So, here's life in Cameroon. Got in on Thursday evening, and I met all the kids from the new Dickinson group. It was so funny to think how I had been in their place just a year earlier. I've been spending the week just getting my life in order--finding somewhere to live, visiting friends, etc. That was how I managed to fall. I went to deliver some things to a friend (Bongaman for those of you that read last year's postings). I was so excited to see him that I stopped paying attention to where I was walking and I slipped. Those of you who have been to his house; or even those of you who have been to third world countries, will understand the disgustingness of the ditch. Mud and pee and garbage and much worse, I'm sure. Bongaman insisted I go into his room, even though I was filthy, and I stripped down and used the little water he had to wash myself. Bongaman went in search of more water, and luckily Ben was there and washed ALL my clothes for me (ca, c'est le vrai amour). I smelled terrible, as did my clothing, but I wrapped myself in a sheet and spent some time with him while my clothes dried. When they were almost ready, Ben then ironed them for me. I got a nice bruise on my leg under my knee, and my leg is still swollen and sore to the touch, but I am so lucky I didn't cut myself and don't have to worry about infection.

For those of you that don't know, I have an internship here with a Cameroonian organization that works with orphans and kids. I'll keep you posted as to what I'm doing. I did finish school a semester early, but I'm going back for graduation. I was supposed to start work on Tuesday, but the woman called the night before to tell me it was a public holiday--it was a Muslim festival. So instead I had the whole week off and I'll start tomorrow.

I was staying with friends, but I finally found what they call a "modern room" near where I'll work. It's literally a tiny room, a tiny toilet and shower area, and a separate "kitchen", meaning I have to go buy one of those stove thingys. But it was cheap, and it is quiet and safe and good enough for me to live in. Ma, I SWEAR it's fine. It's actually right near the Peace Corps office, randomly. So if any of you are reading this and see a random white girl you don't know there, stop me and say hi :)

It's weird being here without the rest of my group. The littlest things remind me of them: Maggie--when I randomly run into Joel in Nkoldongo; John--when someone has a Mutzig; Aubrey--when there is a stray dog; Tara--when I see that lacy fabric; Bree--when men are being ridiculous; Jessie--when I see those "orange" t-shirts from the soccer match; Pat--when I finally tried some amazing fish!; Cassie--drinking Fanta, of course!; Sarah--whenever there is general ridiculousness that I know you would appreciate, like the man wearing a Hamburglar shirt; Louisa--when I incessantly watch Cameroonian TV hoping to see your video; Sam--a million and one times a day. I miss them all so much, but I'm so excited to play with the new group, who, by the way, has an incredible new complex at Shell Nsimeyong.

I guess that's all the excitement for now. Please comment and say hi!!