10 years!!!

Tomorrow will be the 10th, yes the 10th, anniversary of when we moved to Cameroon full time.  Just a few months before Jake had quit his job, we sold our house and pretty much all our earthly possessions that we couldn't fit into 8 suitcases, and made the plunge of moving to Cameroon. The first year was by no means easy; adjusting to a different culture and language, living on very limited funds with two little ones definitely had its share of challenges. But it was all a growing experience and the Lord's hand was evident from the onset. We were working with Bread For Life in Yaoundé when we first arrived (a ministry we still partner with). Our main focus was assisting them with their church plants, primarily working with the youth and children. We also helped out at various orphanages in town. It's amazing to think how much we have matured and developed a deeper and more intimate relationship with the Jesus since then. I can honestly say that in the last 10 years there has never been a time when I've wanted to pack up and go back "home" (wherever that is). The Lord has given us such a love for this country and its people that we can't imagine not being here. 

We say this a lot, but we truly mean it, we could not be here without such a great support system back home. We are so grateful for those whose partner with us through their prayers, encouragement, and finances. Since Jake quit his job, we have been living the life of "faith-based" missionaries as they say. This basically means that no one pays us a salary or wage, we rely on churches and individuals to support us. As I write this, I sit in a beautiful rented house, my fridge is full to bursting, my kids are strong and healthy, we have a reliable vehicle, we have EVERYTHING that we could possibly need. The Lord has blessed us abundantly. We serve a wonderful and mighty God who has been incredibly faithful. 

Jake and I are by no means the most educated, qualified, or experienced people to do the work the Lord has called us to do. During the hard times we remember Colossians 3:2 where we are instructed to keep our eyes on things above. We are grateful that God has chosen to use us, to play a small part in the expansion of His kingdom.

Here are some pictures from our first year here:

The Ehabe Family were a massive blessing to us when we first arrived. They allowed us to stay rent free in their apartment for the first few months till we found a place of our own.

I think this is like our second day in Cameroon, the heat and jet lag took a toll on the kids!

This was out first truck we shipped to Cameroon, what a happy day it was when we finally got it out of the port. We had been misinformed about how much taxes would cost at the port and it took every penny we had. Thankfully we had packed a bunch of brownie mixes in the car, because that is what we ate till the end of the month!

Josh and Seth quickly made friends wherever they went.

We did a lot of traveling around Cameroon that first year.

We had lots of opportunities to share in churches and pray for people.

Josh and Seth's first bedroom in Cameroon, I had a lot of fun painting this!

This was our bath for the first year. We also used a rubbermaid tub for our coffee table and another as our bookshelf.

Our first Christmas in Cameroon, my dad and mum came out. It was very special.... and they bought me a washing machine, the best Christmas present EVER!

Our first Christmas tree

We soon fell in love with Cameroonian food

Bread For Life would hold various crusades all around the country. We would help with a lot of the setup. This is the stage for one.

The one and only Ernest Ehabe!

Yes, even back then, Jake was arm wrestling anyone that was willing (even two handed). 

Kids at the crusade 

Being introduced at church

This was the planning meeting for one of the churches we helped plant: Yaounde International Chapel. Praise the Lord, it is still going strong.

First church service

Picking up visitors at the airport

Sharing at a Full Gospel Church in Kribi

Magnus was a MASSIVE help to us the first few months, showing us the way to do things in Cameroon. 

I know this much have been early on; my hair is highlighted, straightened, and I'm wearing jewelry. Those days are long gone!

The Shu Family was also an immense help to us that first year.

Birthday party at the Bread For Life Guest House.

So young!!

At the beach in Limbe. 

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Pastoral Care, Super Bowl, and the Mount Cameroon Race

This week we were blessed to be visited by the Pastoral Care Team from Commission To Every Nation, our sending organization. We spent an encouraging three days with Bob and Barb Nesbitt, as they make their way across West Africa, visiting, uplifting, and supporting missionaries. It was nice to take a few days off and just hang out, and show them all the work that is going on here. They were a true blessing and inspiration as well as keeping our kids entertained. It is always beneficial to have some outside eyes observe the work that is going on, and to be encouraged and guided from their past experience  (such as reminding us how important it is to go out on dates ever so often :D ).

Bob and Barb

Fun at the Children's Home

Bob spend a lot of time playing Uno, Guess Who, and Cribbage with the kiddos. 

At Faith Bible College

On Tuesday we had our annual Super Bowl Party, I think this was our biggest one yet. There was well over 30 people squeezed into our front room. I'm glad we decided to borrow a projector so everyone could see the game well... and no electric cuts during the game, a miracle! The food and fellowship were awesome.

Next week we head to Buea, a city located on the side of Mount Cameroon. Norbert and I are competing in the annual Race of Hope which will give us the opportunity to scramble up the graveling, steep face of the 13,250ft volcano (hopefully it will stay quiet while we are there). It is 12 miles up, 12 miles down. I have no aspirations of making it all the way to the summit before they start turning people around at the 4 hours mark, but I'm going to give it all I've got and have a great time while I do it.  

There is a documentary out about the race, here is a link to the trailer to give you a little taste of what it will be like:

 http://www.volcanicsprint.com/trailer/

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