Vacation!

One year of work had passed and I was ready for my first official vacation! So, after making plans with some friends in the south of Cameroon, I packed up and headed to the capital city.

I'll admit I was a bit nervous to use a Cameroonian airline, but God was faithful and my plane trips went quite smoothly. Everything went off without a hitch and even though I was still tempted to look out the window and make sure no screws were coming loose from the wing of the plane, I was delivered safely to Yaounde.

The airport was impressive and probably the most modern structure I have seen since arriving. I was picked up by a hospitable, kind taxi driver and we set off. Immediately I noticed the difference between Meskine and the capital city. A cool humidity hung in the air and absolutely everything was green. I had flown into the rain forest! This lush backdrop obediently made way for the chaos that is the city and makeshift, sherbert colored, clapboard hair salons, grocery stores, and bike shops all aggressively pushed their bellies up to the road, vying for attention. People and taxis were everywhere and traffic rules simply do not exist. I sighed a prayer of relieved thanks when we rolled to a stop in front of my friend's apartment complex where I settled in and waited for her to get home from work. All of a sudden I heard thunder and great dark clouds blustered in...rain! I had not seen a drop of rain in 7 months and I stood at the screen door watching the storm in awe.

The following week was filled with wonderful fellowship as I met friends new and old in the missionary community of Yaounde. I went to a grocery store for the first time in over a year and was overwhelmed at all the choices. I greatly enjoyed worship at the SIL missionary church held at the Hilton hotel and as I entered the lobby, was amazed to realize I hadn't seen carpet since my arrival. It was an excellent time of great comfort, both spiritual and physical.

During the second week of my vacation, I packed up and headed to the beach with a missionary couple, Kathy and Bruce. They filled me in on their ministry in a remote village of Cameroon and I continue to be amazed at their resilience and quiet dedication

We indulged in daily dips in the Atlantic ocean, I took walks along the shore, collecting beach glass, we visited the falls and ate freshly cooked shrimp oceanside. Our last evening we gathered around a movie with some other missionaries who had come that same week.

The vacation was much needed and truly blessed by God. However, being outside of my usual surroundings and routine, going in and out of airports has made me think of home. I miss my family. I am praying for contentment and peace and I understand that while God's plans for our lives are always good, they are not always easy. I trust Him and know He will be faithful to comfort me.

So home again, home again... It is good to be back.