A New Year Begins

I wanted to take this opportunity to say to all - Happy New Year!

May this new year bring to you your hearts' desires and may you always be in alignment with Divine love and grace.

Yesterday and today have been days of quiet reverence. Yesterday, to take stock of the year 2007 which has had more of an impact on my own life than all others combined. Today, to give thanks for all that is before us...in this coming year.

Antoine and I have had many discussions today; strategy for our campaign, his proposed government, our business, even comments on President Paul Biya's Address to the Nation last evening. When we look at the history of our country, Cameroun, in many ways we have come far and even in saying that, we know there is much yet to accomplish in the weeks, months and even years ahead.

I had an experience which I wish to share this morning, one that touched me deeply. We were discussing with a young man who frequently serves us our coffee and breakfast. I had commented a few mornings back that he always looks so sad, never smiling; I wondered if he just doesn't like us or something!

The young man was wearing a ring so Antoine asked him if he was married and he responded no, he was not. In continuing with the conversation, he asked him to sit down and to read a passage in the bible with us . The young man did so, and we ended by praying the Lord's Prayer together, out loud, in German, French and English; the three languages of bibles we have with us at all times.

When we finished, Antoine asked him why he frequently looked so dour and never smiled in the morning. The young man became emotional, sitting in our room, and said, you see, he is the only one who has a job in his family, and it is so overwhelming for him to provide even simple necessities for his brothers and sisters. The burden is so great that he doesn't know how to do for them. He began weeping right there, such sorrow he could no longer contain it. We were able to console him and give him a gift of love from our hearts being so moved.

This young man is the true face of the working men and women in this country who struggle each and every day to make sure their families have something to eat. So much of what we take for granted in the United States. Here was a man carrying such a heavy load, up close and personal. He has a full time job and it does not pay him enough to even give to his brothers and sisters the bare necessities to stay alive... let alone look to each new day with a smile on their faces!

We asked him to pray from his heart, and continue to pray that God hears our prayers, to guide and protect us, to lead the people of this nation to experience a better life. Not in theory or casual dinner conversation. But, working hard to make sure they have access to even the most basic of human rights.

This was my New Year's Day. A gift from above to remind me why I am here; what is in my heart to do, and by God's grace we will do. The reason for this blog is to journal and relate my story...The Journey to be First Lady of Cameroun. To take on the responsibility of giving to Canmeroun(ians) what is my destiny to fulfill. Mine as well as theirs.

Cameroun we are here to stay. Camerounians we will continue pushing ahead until we successfully reach our goal, using all means and resources at our disposal, ensuring that the children of Cameroun know and experience a different tomorrow.

Amen.

Blessings to you all for this new year, 2008.

Anita Lynne NDEMMANU