Some people are truly amazing
Akilah’s not feeling too well so she didn’t make it to school today. Good thing, she really needs to get a little rest. Later in the day she took some time to prepare lesson plans for the rest of the week, and read a few TEFL resources from the PC.
She did make it to her adult class though, but it was kind of disappointing. She spent money to make copies of an exercise for the class (at 50 CFAs each) and only two of them showed up. Maybe they were rebelling against her being a little late last week. Who knows. But I can understand the frustration of trying to do something and not feeling appreciated, or feeling as though you’re being pulled in about eight different directions.
While she was at her evening class, I met with Patrick. He’s president of the english club at the Lycee Bilgue, and a remarkable young man. I don’t know many high school seniors who consciously participate in AIDS awareness seminars. He does them not because citizenship hours are required but because he wants to help spread the information.
One of his first requests was about receiving accurate and recent information from the states. I told him I’d be more than happy to. I used to work with a few groups in Baltimore, as relate to AIDS and STD awareness, so I’ll give them a call and send him a packet.
I was truly astonished at what this young man was telling me. He’s even had an offer for a job already. Well, actually, if you listen to him, he just wants to make sure he has enough for food and a place to live. I was quick to tell him, “you know, it’s okay to get a salary.” Had to bring it to his attention a few times just so he knew I was saying, take the job.
He definitely doesn’t want a government job. He says he prefers a job where he can see the results. Guess that’s actually kind of hard here since the government is probably the largest employer here. If not them, then its one of the many breweries here.
What makes all of his story more inspiring is the fact that he lives alone. His father lives in the East province and his mother (originally from Congo) passed away sometime ago. So he lives here, supports himself, his three dogs and four cats (now that he has Akilah’s cat). Wow! There are people his age in the states that can’t even handle the responsibility of themselves, let alone seven animals!
Dinner was Akilah’s version of veggie burgers – we forgot to pick up an egg – and french fries from a recipe she found in the Essence Magazine January, 2001 issue. Her sloppy joe veggie burgers were actually pretty tasty. Just added some Maggi (soy sauce) and it was good.
I walked Patrick out and stopped past my favorite boutique down the street. In Cameroon you don’t just see a person to the door. Protocol dictates that you see them to their vehicle, wait with them for a taxi, or see them to the entrance way of your home (if they’re walking). So much to remember.
Considering all that Akilah goes through to survive here, and all that Patrick goes through to survive in general, being inconvenienced is not too bad. Not that I’m being inconvenienced, but in general. Americans are quick to quipe about something when it doesn’t fit they way they want it. Guess that’s a right of every person, but when you consider what some folks go though just to survive, so what you waited twenty minutes for the waiter to bring your food out. Wanna try waiting an hour?
Gotta do a lot of reflecting on life and what we can do to help others not as fortunate as us. It’s the way of the universe.