Basic Computer & ParaTExt software training in Galim

This week 8-12 January, I am teaching basic computer and ParaTExt software to Bible Translators in Galim in the Western Region of Cameroon. Some of these people have never touched a computer and it is very funny to hear their discussions. However, they are very passionate and encouraged. At the end of day one they began telling me that the computer is not very difficult. They now feel they can learn it with ease. I am quite encouraged by their passion. One lady came in just today but I was very amased with her. One of the participants was teaching her how to place her hands on the keyboard and that was the best moment for me to reach out for my camera.

Beginning of the year with a retreat

It was awesome for us to spend the first week in 2018 in a retreat. This was helpful to look back and look ahead on how we will be working. We got together as a group and shared from our hearts. This was also a good time to look at some business related work and then take off with 2018. Our desire is that we can work together and support one another especially our leaders so that together we can go further and success as an organisation.

Christmas Holidays in Limbe

The year 2017 has been very busy for all of us. Personally I have been traveling a lot and my family was always missing me. I made a promise to them that the end of the year we will travel together to spend Christmas somewhere. The girls were so excited about this adventure and so was Lilian my wife. I spoke with my cousin Vicky who is based in Limbe and for her and her family, this was a very perfect timing of family getting together. Lilian finished all her work and on the 24th, we were on the road to the South West. We took the Bamenda Mamfe road and through Kumba and Buea, we got to Limbe. This was a wonderful opportunity for my girls to see areas they have not seen before. To Marie, this was an opportunity to see areas they have learned about in Geography and never had the chance to see.

While in Limbe, my cousing Vicky is usually very busy so this was a good moment for me and her family to catch together. The kids were so excited to visit the Amusement part, the beach, the zoo and Limbe Botanical garden. Lilian's sister Solace has the chance to also hand around with us and this was all fun.
See everything in pictures below.

IT & Language Software Training

December 4-8 was the time I have been looking forward to for quite a very long time. This was just the beginning of something that is bigger than myself. My desire is to see capacity building unfolding for the team that I am leading at CABTAL. This week was a wonderful opportunity for us to combine IT and Language Technology together in one workshop. After all, this fits in well because these guys are going to be doing both simultaneously. I am so thankful for the support of my mentor/coach (Martijn de Vries) and my supervisor (Emmanuel Keyeh). These encouragement from the beginning, their support and ensuring that this workshop take place plus being there as part of staff made a great impact.
We spend time to pray, share ideas, learn from one another and build the team that we really need.

Cars

Vehicles are very very useful when they work but when they break down, they are equally very very troublesome. This day I came back with a guest and we were going out for lunch but the vehicle was not pulling on well. As if that was not enough, is started getting overheat. Thank God that I had some water in the boot. Apparently, my wife said she was not having any issues with it because she was putting water every morning before driving. These ladies are so careful more than us guys. Photo courtesy of Martij de Vries.