Pens in Cameroon are like cigarettes in prison

Mary and I had the pleasure of touring the wards this afternoon to distribute some pens left by Jeff Schlaudecker.  The response was rather amusing:  we have given away books, food, clothes and so on (things that are either more educational, necessary for life, or expensive), and the response is a polite “OK, great” without a ton of affect.  However when we gave ward nurses hand-fulls of pens, they were simply elated, smiling joyfully, and saying “God bless you”  I now know to stock up on pens, pencils, candy, and possibly clipboards before our next trip.  I will also try taking some to the market as a bargaining tool.  They may also prevent our being shived should we venture into more dangerous areas of Bamenda