Himalayan Institute Cameroon (HIC) rang in the holiday season with a free Open House event on Saturday, December 20. The occasion drew members from all over the Kumbo community, and the music and refreshments proved irresistible to most passersby.
HIC’s Total Health Center offered free consultations all day, bringing a lot of newcomers to the Institute. “As a first impression this is very encouraging,” said Marcel Kuatan, an elderly craftsman from Nkavikeng Quarter. “This is the Himalayan’s gift, so everyone may have health for Christmas.” Kuatan later got a sandalwood bracelet for his granddaughter’s Christmas gift.
In honor of the Open House, the Sacred Link Jewelry program held continuous “make your own jewelry” sessions. In this popular workshop, participants benefit from the same tools and expert guidance as full-fledged Sacred Link Jewelry technicians. For less than the cost of retail jewelry, they gain a valuable skill and are able to take (or wear) home their own artistic creations.
On Monday, the Himalayan Institute Cameroon family said good-bye and parted ways. Many returned on Christmas Eve for popcorn and ching-ching, and to sing songs around a bonfire.
Christmas in Kumbo is quiet—you won’t find any decorated storefronts—and family-oriented. For many, it’s a point of pride to provide each child a new piece of clothing that they can wear to morning church services. For the Institute’s volunteers, it was a chance for relaxation and some good old-fashioned sunbathing.
A group of ataweri (grandfathers) take advantage of the Total Health Center’s free consultation offer.
Suzanne Ryan gives a crash course in Sacred Link Jewelry production.
The extended Himalayan Institute Cameroon family wish you a Merry Christmas.
