You gotta love Africa!

Dear Friends and Family,

I apologize that so much time has passed since my last update. Electricity, or rather the lack there of, has been a big problem as of lately. However, by God's grace i have managed to get everything done in preparation for mid-term exams. Today i gave my final mid-term exam--now for the break. I honestly had a wonderful time writing exams for my students. Grading is another matter, however I hope to finish all of my grading by Sunday night so as to have the whole week of Spring break to prepare lectures for the second half of the semester. So far I have just graded mid-terms for my Hebrew class. I was so excited by the results. I had 5 A's, 5 B's, 1 C and sadly, 1 F. Overall the students did very well. Well, being that I have not submitted a blog in some time there is obviously much to report. Last Friday I met with a small group of my students once again--this will hopefully be a bi-weekly tradition. We had a bible study in Philippians 1, drank coke and ate cookies and watched Remember the Titans. The guys absolutely loved this film; in fact many of the guys were clapping at the end of the movie. It was awesome. Things are also going well with the youth. We continue to meet every Saturday evening and are still trekking through the gospel of Mark--almost done with chapter 2. It has been a very fruitful time. As mentioned in an earlier blog up-date, every morning as I make my way to chapel I pass by the elementary school on campus. As I approach 75 little munchkins come running towards me yelling, "Uncle Crees." The first time I was a bit frightened because the kids come running at me full speed and the first to arrive bury their head into my stomach. Most of the kids have what I call the "snot nose," which is pretty awesome, but not so much for my shirt that day. However, it brightens my day each morning when these kids ambush me with hugs and smiling faces. I occasionally let out a battle cry and try to maneuver through them which quickly turns into a game of tag on the way to chapel. This Sunday I will be attending my first baptism service in Africa. My friend, Paul, the blind student I am mentoring, invited me to this service which he will be overseeing, and which will take place in a river. We have to take a bush taxi to get to our destination. In this case, a bush taxi will consist of a small motorcycle--getty-up! Also, a missionary couple who has been in Africa for 23 years, the Schulz's, lent me seasons 1 and 2 of the television series, Prison Break. It has made for a pretty awesome study break. Concerning the weather, the rainy season is now upon us. For the next 5-6 months it is guaranteed to rain at least one time a day--so far so good. The great thing about the rainy season is that it does away with the dust problem. No more dust!!!! Wooooo! Some may think that this would have an effect on the soccer season--no sir, the games continue regardless of the weather. They don't mess around here in Cameroon, especially when it comes to their football (soccer). I must mention that I was a bit down a couple of weeks back due to my lingering sickness and insane class schedule. I was fearful that I was getting burned out, but thanks be to God for your prayers and His grace, for I am doing much better this week, and am also moving into the one week Spring break which should provide opportunity for adequate rest and recharge. I miss everyone dearly, but again am so very thankful to be ministering here in Cameroon. I know i have mentioned it already, but i absolutely love teaching. May God be glorified in all that I do here in Cameroon and may this up-date find you well and pursuing Christ wholeheartedly.

For His glory,

Chris Taylor

P.S. Our football team is currently leading in points. How sweet it is! Also, it is official that I will be teaching a one week summer intensive on Hebrew exegesis following graduation. Six hours a day for one week--holy smokes!