We’re camping in the middle of the jungle—there’s a shelter available but the scurrying sounds from rats have made the African sky a much more attractive alternative.
Someone brings a bottle of wine but we have no opener, so Ryan puts the base into a shoe, wraps it in a t-shirt (mine, I think) and firmly presses the base against the wall until the cork shoots out. After that display of manliness, I know for certain that if I was on a deserted island (which I sort of feel like I am), I want him by my side.
With only the stars giving us light, we sit around for hours with a group of locals discussing the issues of Cameroon and possible solutions. We spend hours talking—a collaborative brainstorming session to identify the problems but also devising possible solutions that are sustainable options.
Educational outreach is a priority, especially for girls, who are not considered permanent members of the family and therefore not seen as a good investment for education (going to any level of school costs money in Cameroon). Usually, they’re kept at home to work the fields, houseclean, take care of siblings and cook. We come up with some women’s initiatives that will hopefully increase female enrollment.
This is one small example of the immense issues we have to deal with, but having two worlds sitting side-by-side, equal to each other and working things out collectively, has a significant impact on me and reinforces my resolve that real change can and will be made.
I wish everyone could move beyond thinking we’re all different. We are not. Despite our geography and circumstances, we’re the same.
Well done to everyone who is involved in this journey. I think you are all so amazing for putting yourselves in such a dangerous position to help others.
What makes you even more outstanding is that you don’t HAVE to do this but you WANT to.
There should be more organisations like this out there so that we know what the situation is like and what we can do to help. At least we know that if we help Obakki Foundation we know where our money, time and effort is going because you always keep us informed.
Please take good care of yourselves on the rest of your trip and know that we are all supporting you 100%. I will be spreading the word about Obakki Foundation to help in any way possible.
Hehe, MacGyver would be proud. ;o) And I hope someone got a picture of that.
Awesome about your summit; I’m sure some great ideas were formed. I hope that one day (SOON) they can become reality.
Go Ryan way to be resourceful!! I really do hope you came up with some good ideas to help the girls be able to go to school. Every child should be able to have an education and I hope that what you are doing there makes it possible. It is so great that you and your foundation are there and trying to find ways to help EVERYONE. You and everyone there are sooo AWESOME. Stay safe. Love ya
What you are doing is so wonderful and sadly needed
. Thank-You <3. Plus of course Ryan got the wine outta the bottle….he's a rockstar isn't he!!!;P
I have to say I really admire the passion, strength and courage you both have doing this. I for one would donate but would never be able to go out and see it with my own eyes. I admire anyone that is able to do this kind of thing and would love to be able to do it myself, but no way could I cope with the creepy crawlers or the upsetting scenes you have dealt with. Keep up the good work guys! Looking forward to Jan 1st when the clothing line for the foundation becomes available! :0)
You have painted an amazing scene of your summit under the stars. Please know that many of us are there with you in spirit (the wine wouldn’t last long if I was there).
We ARE all the same but money, power, status, ego all creep in and make us decide whether to look up to or down on the next person. Usually the more we have the more we want to keep and the less we have the more we understand the need to share. It’s fantastic to see that way isn’t always the norm. You are all amazing.
Incidentally, you’ve mentioned whiskey, beer and wine. Did anyone take water other than the “holy” kind???!! Lol!
All I have to say is WOW!!! You are one selfless and courageous woman. What you are doing is amazing and something most of us would not go to the extremes for that you do. You and Ryan have a safe journey and I look forward to reading more of your blogs.
I’ve never been a blogger or one who even reads others, but as a Nickelback fan, my interest was brought to this page. The dedication that you and every other volunteer have for this project has brought tears to my eyes. I only have internet access at work during the week and I look forward to every day when I can come in and check your progress. My heart and prayers go out to you, Ryan, and every other selfless person on this journey. May God keep you safe.
Good question Wendy! LMAO
Agreed, agreed, agreed! We are all the same! You and Ryan are my heroes – great blog Treana. Very happy to be able to keep track along with you on your journey. xo