We made a trip to the US embassy in Yaounde on Tuesday November. We got there at 13: 45, went through the security check and were each given a badge after dropping our IDs. Ms. Mabel welcomed us at the gate and took us to the JBIRC (James Baldwin Information Resource centre), where Mr. Tientcheu was waiting for us. We were warmly welcomed by the staff working there; Ms. Edna (The reference librarian) Mr. Ewane (The educational advisor) we already met at school.

Mr. Tientcheu told us about the functioning of the library.

Ms. Edna Enyegi explaining her work

After then, we were given a presentation by Mrs. Thea Gorgowski, the finance management officer, an American citizen from Maryland. She first took us back to the history of Thanksgiving, then to its traditions, food and activities (church, meals preparations, dinner, Thanksgiving kids’ corner, going for a walk, charity run –a-thon, etc).

We understood Thanksgiving was not just a time together with family and friends, but also a time for charity, caring for the needy in the community. We saw pictures of the Macy’s Parade in New York, families watching American football, typical family gathering around the dining-table, etc.) She also mentioned the black Friday; being the biggest shopping day in the US followed by Cybermonday.

Thea presentation

We asked many questions after the presentation and were more than satisfied with all the knowledge received, thanks to Mrs. Gorgowski.

After the presentation, we were offered snacks and refreshments, and then we were led to the computer area where we logged in to visit the embassy facebook page.

Mr. Quiroz the public relations officer came in to greet us and told us a bit of the diplomatic relationship between France and the USA. He told us about the French marquis De La Fayette who was former U.S president George Washington kind of adopted son. It was funny to hear him speak French.

He left after giving us precious advice for our students’ life:

• Don’t waste your time and energy trying to be popular in school
• Honor your teachers
•  Work hard and make the best use of whatever you learn everyday.

We went through the library shelves to discover thousands books, from educational to fiction books. We took the family pictures.

Family picture  

At 4:30, it was a wrap. We expressed our gratitude and left back to school.