The Beautiful People of Cameroon, Day 5

What in the world is a peace rally? It is so many things wrapped in one. For many, it is a great time to gather with a community and celebrate. For me, it is a chance to worship with my Christian brothers and sisters in new ways (for me). But most importantly, it is a time to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Night one of the Peace Rally was so great! Thank you to the uncounted people who worked so hard to make it all happen!

Language Tip of the Day

So my new friend Michel (pronounced like the French Mi-che) is from a village that speaks Cherambo. His village is by a lake and so fishing and growing rice are the predominant activities. The language is dynamic and does undergo some change.

Cherambo

Apo ne “Hello” Note: you only say this to someone your own age or younger. It would be insulting to say this to an elderly person.

Cherave “Hello” to someone older than you or elderly

In the morning you say:

puamotoutou 

In the afternoon you say:

Pua nuoche

In the evening you say:

Puafanuoo 

Mystery of the Day:

Miyanui- I was told that this means “thank God” but forgot to ask what language it was! Since there are 280 language groups in the area I will be roaming the streets today looking for answers.

Dancing with the Stars:

Dancing is a big part of worship here and it reminds me of the time I was on the island of Manado in Indonesia (love this country!). The church was a beautiful white marble building and the dance team were wearing traditional long oriental dresses. Their slow grace and elegance was beyond compare. At the end of the service the pastor leaned over to me and told me that they had a special treat for me. They had studied the dance of my home village of Memphis, Tennessee and had prepared a special dance in my honor.

The music started and it was rap. The elegant dancers dropped to the floor and started break dancing. The pastor leaned over and said to me, “I guess this reminds me of your worship at home and makes you homesick.”

All I could say was, “I have no words to describe what I am feeling right now….”