May 12th, 2015 by Rachel | Tags: Peace Corps | 1 Comment »
I really hate to share this unfortunate news but it’s important for the regular readers to know.
Two days ago, early evening, before dark, I was assaulted in front of Dovv Supermarket in a very posh, wealthy area of Yaounde. As I was standing on the side of the road with two Peace Corps Volunteers and waiting for a taxi, a passenger on a moto bike swooped by and grabbed my purse that was sitting cross way around my shoulder and pulled me really hard to the ground. I landed flat on the ground and lost my three top front teeth and cut my lips to the point I needed stitches. I got scraps all over my body. I will be medavac’ed to Boston tonight to get my mouth fixed. Fortunately the robber did not succeed in stealing my purse.
I want to thank the two Peace Corps Volunteers, Tyler and Lona, who have been big heroes for making quick actions to call the PCMO (Peace Corps Medical Officer), who arrived at the Peace Corps Headquarter within 10 minutes, and staying with me throughout the entire ordeal and helping me out. I have to especially thank the PCMO Angela for coming out so quickly on a Sunday evening, taking the best care of me, bringing me to a hospital and calling a medical officer from the US Embassy to come assist us. I also thank Alex, another Peace Corps Volunteer, who informed my family and kept them updated.
I promise I’ll be back in Cameroon as soon as I can to continue my work. There is no other place I want to be other than Cameroon. There is still so much work in the disability community that needs to be done and I so want to get back to it as soon as possible.
1 Comment
Mark Rosal
May 16, 2015 at 2:08 am
Hi Rachel, Sorry to hear about the assault and your injuries. I am happy that you are doing OK, and will continue your work in the Peace Corps as soon as you are well again. I have enjoyed reading your posts about your experiences in Africa.
Sincerely,
Mark Rosal