Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn implores the Bible. A few weeks ago, Cameroon mourned with the families who lost their loved ones in the train crash. Last night, I greatly rejoiced with my landlord’s relative who wedded. I however, do not appreciate the torture they put me through all night. If I had known there would be a wedding celebration, I would have slept over at my sister’s place. There was no announcement or warning to neighbours who couldn’t stand the noise. I did understand that it was a celebration,  but they could have reduced the music at least for the sake of conversations,  which I have quickly come to understand do not exist in parties.

I woke up this morning with a pounding headache, the kind that feels like bags of cements slept on the head all night. I am barely able to process my thoughts,  because I am tired and have tasks to accomplish this morning. Closing my eyes and bowing my head to pray is proving a very difficult task with all the music booming up from downstairs.  I however,  forgave these people because it was a wedding celebration and I didn’t want to be a “party pooper”. If it was just a random party, then I would have headed down there last night with steam on my head ad gave them a piece of my mind.

In honesty, these people really lack respect for the neighbors and are justified in their actions,  in that it’s their right to play music as they want because they want to enjoy themselves.  They do not understand how to be a good citizen towards their neighbours,  nor do they know how to excuse themselves for a wrong doing. It’s really saddening because their children grow up with this kind of thinking and actions, such that they are unable to respect their teachers or older people.  The language these young children and teens use, can give an adult a heart attack.  I for one do not stand for that kind of language,  so I correct them right there on the spot.  I don’t beat people’s children,  but I correct them with the right counseling.  It’s at home that I correct my nieces with counseling,  non-verbal action such as sending them to isolated places with specific instructions and beating if they continually insist on disrespecting one another and adults. When discipline is over, I then would sit down whoever committed the offense and explain why they were punished. Gradually,  they understand and are able to recognise their mistakes and to apologize for them.

Very few parents take the time to discipline, correct and give counsel to their children.  Counsel should focus on building relationships with one another,  accepting wrongs and forgiving each other, as well as learning to deal with our differences in a peaceful manner. Conflicts persist because people are ignorant on how to address them,and others are just plain lazy to take the initiative. If parents could take the time to address their children’s manners and attitudes,  these children would become the true future in any country.  Their mentality would be shaped differently,  thus building a spirit of respect,  care, hospitality and forgiveness.

It may sound easy,  because Cameroonians are known for their hospitality.  In truth,  I would say, they can be very hospitable when it interests them, especially here in the center.  Others who come into the city from the countrysides or from the North, south West and North West are generally respectful and hospitable.  However,  once they settle down and become accustomed to the way of life in the center,  they forget their humble roots. A few hold unto those roots, while others wish they could reclaim their roots. Who is willing to give up their time and rebuild the most important values?

P.S: The music stopped and it’s 8:39 a.m. Now I can look forward to sleeping again.  I cannot go to church ⛪.  My mind won’t pay attention.