God Has been working (warning, these messages don’t match up with the date)
God has been working! Before I came to Cameroon, some of my close friends knew that I was expecting the worst. I made myself believe that I was going to be living on my own and be the only American here. Also, have to wonder around the hospital because I didn’t speak French. I was also prepared to face the worst with communication with family back home. I don’t know if God provided because He thought I might not be able to handle it… even though I was ready, but it has been a miracle after miracle coming here to Cameroon. First, I don’t know how to shop at the market, let alone speak the local language to even know if the people are ripping me off! Yves, the administrator, and his wife, as well as kids, have made my stay here extremely comfortable. They took me into their home, and gave me meals for the first few nights. I also got to rest a lot when I came. I am having a good time trying to learn the language, although it is difficult now. There are people that work in the hospital that love learning English, and are happy to talk to me. I was with one nurse today, my first day on the job, and he literally explained everything step by step. I feel way more prepared than I thought I would be. I fainted today… now let me explain. I was in the hospital and I’m not sure what came over me but all of a sudden I couldn’t hear anything, my body turned boiling hot, and I got extremely dizzy. For a few seconds I tried to listen to the nurse explain things to me, but the next thing I know he is asking me what is wrong and I’m on the floor. I don’t think I fell because he caught me, but I definitely blacked out… it was so so embarrassing on my first day. The nurses explained that it is common for people from America to come to the hospital, and feel dizzy because of the smell of the patients. I didn’t think I was that weak, but I remembered I hadn’t eaten breakfast that morning, so I was already vulnerable. I’m glad nothing worse happened to me. I’m good! It was no big deal!:) It was pretty slow day, but I got to see a lumbar puncture which is where the doctor (in this case nurse?) takes a needle and stabs the patient in the back, retrieving clear liquid to test for sicknesses such as meningitis. I was also able to observe the pediatric hospital, which another woman, Elissa (no joke, but not sure if its spelled the same), was in charge of. The hospital staff called her Elissa1, and me Elissa2. They are a fun group of people to work with, I tell ya. At the end of the workday, which ends at 2 pm (pretty chill), I was asked to give an IV to a child. The pressure was on… and I took that opportunity to stay calm, remember to SAY YES TO EVERYTHING, and successfully gave my first IV (in Cameroon). It was epic! Everyone was looking at me, and when I finished, one of the nurses said, “She is so intelligent”. I don’t think he knew I had done it before in Haiti… I’m so happy to say that another American is close by to me. Oh my goodness how much of a blessing she is. Get this! She comes over to say hello, and I end up going to her house, she gives me cook books, French books, and taco seasoning, and also would be delighted to show me Koza, and the surrounding area. She is going to take me hiking! And the best part? She is here till December… We are going to be good buddies. She likes a lot of the same things I do. She is from New York! Wow… if you think it doesn’t get better, I have a housekeeper! His name is Isaiah and he cooks and cleans the house. Granted, I have to do my clothes and sweep my room, but he makes me a meal everyday. I think I have it better than America! I have been trying to talk to him in French, and we have had a few conversations, but of course his English is bad, and my French is probably worse? I have a full day tomorrow… hopefully I will get some rest tonight. Last night I didn’t sleep at all because of jetlag. I’m getting use to it though. Catilin is coming soon! For those starting school back at home, I miss you and wish I could be here and there at the same time! We will see each other soon! Until next time, au revoir.
Posted by Elissa
Email forwarded from a Student missionary currently in Cameroon.