A Merokean returns from Cameroon

Last year I described former Merokean Jessica Sussman’s plans to travel to Cameroon, where she would use her expertise as a social worker to help in AIDS prevention. She has now returned— and in the two-part series that begins with this column, she details her experiences in Africa.

Steve Kussin: Describe your trip from the United States to Cameroon.

Jessica Sussman: We flew from Philadelphia to Paris, and to Douala, a major economic city in Cameroon. Paris has a daily flight to Douala; both Zurich and Brussels travel only once or twice a week. Upon arrival in Douala, we went through customs; several bags were searched. Luckily, Raphia, my traveling companion from Cameroon, was recognized by a customs supervisor (from previous years of travel) and managed to get the luggage through. 

SK: Did things go smoothly after that?

JS: With 14 bags, we were bound to have a few lost.   Raphia’s three  bags were left in Philadelphia. After completing the claims, Raphia’s family, of 10-plus people, piled us into cars and transported us to different homes, where we were given a bed to sleep for a few hours. After some rest, we were fed breakfast and then picked up by a bus we had charted to drive the team (including about 15 more) the five or six hours to Foumban. The route goes along windy roads and through the mountains. 

SK: What were your first impressions on arriving?

JS: This is going to be a hot month! I began to sweat the moment I arrived and continued until the time I got back to my apartment in Philadelphia. But, in all seriousness, the hospitality was amazing; from the moment we arrived at the airport until we left, we were greeted with hugs and food.  Everyone was excited for us to be there. 

SK: Describe your experience in Cameroon.

JS: In one word, amazing! We were treated with the utmost respect and warmth. My colleague Raphia is so honored and loved. Her ability to do what she does, while raising a family and working full-time, is unbelievable; she truly is a hero. To be able to work alongside someone so inspiring was in itself an unbelievable experience.

SK: What was a typical day like?