“Hey Chris and company,This correspondence is long overdue but I wanted to write a review of my trip to Cameroon. It can be described in three words: educational, incomplete, and life-changing. It was nice as a teacher to become a student in an environment that I was totally unfamiliar with. My friends and family were surprised and concerned that I would take a solo trip to what is considered volatile and dangerous. I appreciate you addressing all concerns, while selling the trip without being a salesperson. Daniel Mbevo is by far the best tour guide I’ve ever had and I consider him as a lifelong friend. From the moment we introduced, he answered every question I posed with care, thoroughness, seriousness of purpose, and in griot-like fashion. I still can still remember the colorful history of the founding of Yaoundé as a result of a man’s love for a woman after the original capital would be moved due to earthquakes. He expanded and enhanced the little history that I that realized I knew given that I studied African History in college. This learning has now been transferred to my middle school students and has not stopped as I am able to share lessons in History, Science, Geography, Politics, and Conflict Resolution. There was even an intrapersonal lesson that I learned from Daniel that one must contact and treat a friend without looking for something in return; the seed is planted when you really need help. (Not often happens in the society that I live in). There were many experiences that were not on the itinerary that turned out to be memorable and good for storytelling at home that showcase patience, perseverance, and living outside of one’s comfort zone. The other reason is that Daniel genuinely was apologetic for what I missed due to his vehicle. And finally, this trip changed my life relative to how our work, use my resources, and respond to difficulties. When I stepped foot on the continent in Morocco, I asked someone to give me advice on my first trip to Africa and I was told “Be patient!” Contrary to my American culture of “your way, right away”, the patience that I heeded has allowed me to keep an open mind while allowing the culture, the people, the forest, and experience enhance my personal life. From taking a bath in a cold river to trying to explain why I don’t have my yellow card to French-speaking military so I won’t be detained to helping a bush taxi driver fix an alternator on a road in the rain forest were not expected but has positively made in indelible impression on how I address challenges back home. The few challenges in Cameroon have allowed me to complain less and be content in whatever situation life deals me. Initially, I was interested in Brazil for next summer; however, several factors pulled me to return to Cameroon: the friendly people, the food, the fauna in a new deeper location (a day’s hike) in Lobeke, the museum visit that I just missed, the African Cup, and the opportunity to teach English in Daniel’s hometown. With these opportunities, I am considering to stay for at least 2 months in the Summer of 2019. I am assisting Daniel in the creation of brochures that can be dispersed in America and other places advertised. I believe a second trip would bode well in the promotion and awareness of Cameroon as a new destination for Americans. Happy Thanksgiving,”
- Alton J. Willis, US High School Teacher, Cameroon Tristate Forest Expedition
