View from the Hill

My house is on what is called the Bishop's Hill.  There is a great view of Kumbo town from here.

A few boys who are on summer break took advantage of the steep hill to have some fun.

Health Centers

There are 24 Health Centers under the Kumbo Diocese.  We have been doing refresher training courses for the Community Health Workers.   

They go out to villages and talk about diet, nutrition, health and how people can go to these centers and get treatment.  If they participate in BEPHA (a bit like Medi-Cal/Medicaid) they can get up to 80% paid – they only have to pay 20% when they are treated.  They also talk about how mothers can take care of their new born babies at home and prevent diseases etc.

The main diseases I hear about are malaria, HIV, and malnutrition. Hospitals can be hard to access for people living in the bush because of money and resources.  So these health clinics are vital to these remote areas.

Here is a photo of the staff at the Health Coordination Office:

 

Visiting Clinics

During my second week in Cameroon I had the opportunity to travel with Sr. Gabriella to several health centers in rural areas.  The roads are a bit treacherous.

There have been refresher courses for Community Health Workers.

 And seminars for people in the villages.

I'm also getting situated in my office.

Arrival in Kumbo

I arrived safely in Kumbo.   Bishop George has been great and everyone thus far.  Over the weekend I got to stay at the Bishop's House as his distinguished guest and went to a Sunday Confirmation Class Ceremony with Cardinal Toomey and the Bishop - my first 4 hour Mass – Beautiful.  On Sunday night I went to the monthly Priest Dinner (priests in Diocese get together and socialize).  I also had a chance to spend some time with the Horne family and Alicia.

 Having no expectations before arriving here, it has been great...

Cameroon Or Bust

I completed the 4-month formation program and was commissioned on Sunday.  I’m headed to LAX early Wednesday morning for my flight to Cameroon.  I’m both excited and a little nervous.  Please keep me in your prayers.  My next blog entry will be from Kumbo.