Here we go. The last moments of hectic preparations, the continuous revamping of my to-do list, my nail-biting anxiety, and farewell hugs and kisses have arrived. I've spent almost a year of dreaming and planning of this moment, but for some reason I never thought it would come so fast. Sunday morning I will embark on a new journey of my life as I begin my semester abroad in Cameroon, Africa.
With the guidance of my lovely friend, Chelsea, I have decided to keep an online diary of my experiences in Cameroon. I'm not gonna lie to you though, I'm a little nervous about keep this up to date, as Molly can testify that my journal entries in France dwindled to nothing after the first two months. Also, unlike some absolutely amazing people I know, I am not one that can write so wittily and freely. So, let's all keep an open mind, aye?
Cameroon, located in central western Africa, is a country with a little bit of everything. About the size of California, the country consists of everything between tropical rainforests to semi-deserts. Population of 16.5 million, it is home to about 250 different ethnic groups and languages with colonial heritages of German, British, and French. Today, the national language is French with English spoken in the north. While I am in Cameroon, I will continue my French language studies as well as receive a crash course in Fulfulde, a popular language spoken in the north. I am studying with a program called SIT (Study of International Training), a graduate school located in Vermont, with fourteen other students from universities and colleges across the United States. The theme of our program is Culture and Development. Not only will I be taking courses about the development, music, language, geography, history, culture, and politics of Cameroon, I will be experiencing it all as we travel about the country and stay with host families.
As the weeks have wound down to days and the days to hours, I am looking forward to an experience unlike any other and, at the same time, without turning my back to my amazing friends and family I have back at home. Though I know most of you think I am crazy, I truly love and appreciate all of you and your support this summer and in my life.
