Peace

Greetings my Friends. Sorry for the delay in a post. Last Wednesday, the 27th was the start of an adventure for all of us living here. We were sent home early from school as a result of riots going on in the main cities of the country, including this city, Yaoundé. The riots started with a huge rise of gas prices along with many other rising prices. Those riots turned into some political problems and got worse. School was cancelled both Thursday and Friday and we were not supposed to leave our neighborhood at all. I never saw or heard any danger, it was further away. Our city was one of the calmest and as far as I know, none were killed here. The last total I heard was 20 killed throughout the country. This country has been very peaceful for years and years. Many Cameroonians were terrified at what was going on. However it is also a very corrupt country. Many who are well educated cannot get jobs. Those who have good jobs have them because of connections and not skill or education level. People who are supposed to be paid by the govt. often don’t get paid. It is sad to see. I don’t want riots or war, but it would be nice to see the corruption gone. It just runs very deep. Paul Biya, the president of Cameroon has been in office since ’82 and is seeking to amend the constitution to allow him to be in office for life. This would not be good. The decision and vote for that is happening next week. So I am leaving my evacuation bag packed until that is over with.
All that said, the city does feel safe again. The main damage was done on gas stations and vehicles. You can pray with all of us for peace and resolution in Cameroon.
Today I am tired, but this week has been good. I have only 2 weeks until our semester break. I get to spend a whole week on the beach with the Covenant World Mission Africa staff. I am looking forward to that rest. Until then I strive to keep working hard and serving God.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak in chapel. I could not have asked for things to go any better. I performed a monologue I had written of the adulterous woman in John 8 and then spoke on how we can each find our story in the Bible. I have heard so many positive and encouraging things about it. God is so faithful and really came through and used me. I am humbled and blessed.
I will finish on that positive note. Tomorrow I have a volleyball tournament with our senior girls team. Should be almost all day, but lots of fun. I hope each of you has a blessed weekend.
In His Hands,
AMY