Shipping to Cameroon

I have met some amazing donors both in kind and in cash. They have donated clothes for men, women, and children, and most of the times, have paid for the shipping. They have encouraged others whom I do not even know to donate wheelchairs, crutches as you can see in the pictures. I remain indebted to Diana Phelps who is the initiator of all these. She is supported by Barbara Gallagher who is doing all she can to reach out to people who could do not any of these items that would be of help to people in Cameroon. Diana and Barbara are living in Rockville and Silver Spring respectively. Maria Laue is the architect in Baltimore who also influences people at that end to donate items that would help the neediest in the Diocese of Kumbo, Cameroon

These items are costly to ship, but they are worth the expenses.One bag is shipped at $200, although sometimes, I am given a discount which brings down the cost. Some of the clothes, utensils etc have been or are being sold to get money for tuition for some students. This has been working so well as we are able to use the money to pay fees for some students. The wheelchairs and crutches are given to health centers and hospitals for general use. So, please, feel free to donate to us some of the things you see in the pictures, plus, if any hospital is changing its beds and replacing with new ones, we would collect the old ones. If they can fill a container, well and good. Next time, we will be able to post pictures of the beneficiaries.

While donating, think of helping us with shipping money

Appreciation

The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. I continue to give thanks to God for all the people who have stood by me to support not just my education, but also my missionary work for Kumbo Kids in the Diocese of Kumbo, Cameroon. My humble beginnings and where I am now on the education ladder keep reminding me of the many generous and kindhearted people who enable me at every moment to take the first step. It is not about me any longer, but about thousands of kids who cannot afford tuition to go to school.

These kids will be without a future if they were not schooling. While in school, they begin to have some vision for the future. They know that things will never be the same. Indeed, after the first day  of school, things are never the same for the kids.

 I am so sorry that I have not been able to write a post for a very long time, but a lot has been happening. I want to sincerely laud the efforts of Jack Reybold and Mary Ann Sorra for their constant support. Since 2012, 200 kids are offered, if not all of the tuition, but at least more than half of it. I also wish to thank Elizabeth Steinbacher, David Simons, the Daschbach family, Barbara Gallagher, Diana Phelps, Maria Laue Sally Magpanty, Margaret Kleinhenz, Michael and Tracy, Adam Barb, Dr. Pablo Amador, Chris & Amber Owen, and all the anonymous donors who continue to help with this outreach. May God abundantly reward you.

I came to the US of A on August 28th, 2010. Without a family member, nor a tribe's person here, I felt so lonely. After the first month, I had a great nostalgia to go back to Cameroon. No one was closed to me yet. Then, I met Fr. Michel Tchoumbu, a priest of the 

archdiocese of Douala, Cameroon in the Bookshop of St. Mary's Seminary and University. He looked like someone I knew, but I had to ask him: "Are you related to Peter?" His answer was, "I am his brother." Peter was also studying for the priesthood, and today, he is a priest. He came visiting a friend of his in my parish, St. Kizito's Parish, Sabongari, Diocese of Kumbo, Cameroon. That is how I got to know Peter, Fr. Michel's brother.

Fr. Michel studied as a seminarian at St. Mary's Seminary and University. His sponsor Parish was the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland. He immediately introduced me this Parish, and that same day, I had a phone call from Rev. Fr. Michael Carrion, the pastor IHM, and then from his secretary. The pastor put me on schedule for Masses even before the Archdiocese of Baltimore gave me the faculties. My story began to change as I started getting financial support from the Parish. I was able to purchase books and to open a bank account. It was here that, in October 2010, after the 10.30am Mass, and as I was preparing to leave, I met Dr. Mary Ann Sorra who came into the sacristy to prepare to lector at the noon Mass. She met me and greeted me with absolute familiarity as if we had met before. Immediately, she took me to her husband Jack Reybold, who was already seated in Church. Jack did not hesitate to give me their phone number, asking me to call within the week so they could pick me up to have dinner at their home. I was so excited, but I hid my anxiety. I did not call until Wednesday that week. On Thursday, at 5.00pm, this family came to pick me up. Since then, we have remained friends in good standing. How on earth can I appreciate this great friendship?

I share this story to illustrate how God answers our prayers. I am from a very poor family, but  I do not regret it. It is God who knows how, where, and why we are born into this or that family, this or that country, this or that situation. I left my father in the hospital while I was traveling to the USA. The hospital bill scared me, but Jack and Mary Ann paid it. Jack created this blog for me. This is God acting in my life. I have been able to ship a lot of stuff to Cameroon for the poor. Apart from paying fees for students in the primary school, there are a good number of students in the secondary, and high school who are also benefitting from the generosity of those who have been supporting me. Through you, these students are going to have a bright and wonderful future. Thank you all.

I crossed this river on this bridge when I was eight years old to go to Church and to school. Three-quarters of the village people have their farms across this river. A number of kids and adults have fallen into the river, trying to cross with a heavy load on their heads. It is also my vision to build this bridge for the people. As I said at the beginning, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. The building of this bridge will bring some many life changes to the village of Nkanchi in the Diocese of Kumbo. Your donation of whatever amount will be appreciated. Once more, thank you!