Thursday November 20th
Today was day three of Arlette’s visit. Surprise, she is leaving early. So much for me getting a ride up on Friday… some story about having to go to Abong M’bang to deal with some legal problems. Right. Anyway, we met about ROLD… and getting a volunteer for ROLD. It was an uncomfortable meeting.. as Patrice continued to insist that money was forthcoming from the SNV… and he tried to present the ROLD as a more cohesive entity than it really is. We talked about me working with, and for ROLD. I nodded, and didn’t say a whole lot. I’m starting up the marketing business regardless of what happens with ROLD, wich will be nothing… or very little. No one is there to really pay attention to it. So we went on and on.. and…until it was time for them to leave. I’m really glad that I have no expectations of them… as long as I get internet access, and a place to pick up packages.. I’m good.
We are getting to the end of Ramadan. The prayers this week have been getting louder and more furious. The muslims are getting grouchy.. because, not only are they not eating, but they aren’t sleeping either. The prayers start at 3 am, and go for a full hour… broadcast, of course. I haven’t been sleeping, and I don’t even have to pray. I will be glad when its over. I’m tired of getting woken up at 3… and the cadence is such that every time you start to drift.. it changes, waking you up again.. or is that just me?