Week 2 (almost) Update

Limbe oh Limbe ... why must you give me such tough love?

As most of you know, I came to Africa as a way of exposing myself to the wonders of working in development through sport.  I chose a program based on its ability to both teach me about the field as well as allow me a chance to take those lessons and apply them to my own programs.  With those criteria in mind I purposely chose a smaller, less established organization.  At first it appeared that this decision backfired directly in my face.  However, with the help and insight of people much smarter than I, (you know who you are) I am now more focused on the positives of this situation. 

I was informed that sometimes in development a lack of organization is apparent and thus programs that you feel passionately about must be done under your own accord.  On top of that, actual, sustainable change is barred by issues ranging from a lack of accountability, a lack of focus, a lack of organization, a LACK OF ORGANIZATION, and a seemingly overwhelming lack of sense of time or priorities not necessarily by an organization but by a culture or a community. 

At first I was frustrated that aspects of my trip were not so much geared towards playing and coaching soccer as they were towards dealing with issues and providing myself amenities for the apartment.  However, I quickly learned that while I signed up to learn about development through sport I am also being given a severe crash course in LIFE NOT IN CANADA.  How to prioritize, how to deal with people from around the world, how to communicate with people of different ages and cultures, how to learn on the go and take what comes at you with a smile, and how to thrive in circumstances so vastly different than your own. 

Despite the frustrating times and the bouts of homesickness, I find myself looking forward to every day I get to work with the players here as they renew my encouragement for this trip.  As I grow closer with them and get to coach them more intimately I am reminded of my thoughts prior to coming of how something as trivial (to me) as referreeing a game or running a drill will affect them on a larger scale than I will ever understand. 

We are in the midst of a tournament and it is very exciting.  So far we are 1-0-1.  We have our third game tomorrow morning and if we win or draw then we advance to the Semi Finals I am very excited.  For now I am enjoying a rare sunny day (second in a row!!) and might go for a swim and then stroll around Limbe enjoying the views, smells, people and experiences. 

At the end of the day, I have learned a lot about the field of development, and am being thrust into a position of more intensified learning than if I had gone with a more 'established' program which may be more frustrating now but considering my plan to work in this field for my career, these lessons will be invaluable to me being able to really erect change throughout my career. 

At first my frustration was at the organization, then it was at myself, and now, after much debate and realization I am less frustrated and more hopeful and excited about the things I hope to bring to the table and leave with the kids and the organization here.  From day 1, my goal was to leave Limbe thinking that I had done something positive in the community and I believe that I can and will do that with the help and support of my friends and family back home and my new friends and family here in Cameroon.

Signing off with a smile.

Josh (Or George and most of the locals seem to think my name is)