March 2009 -- Allan Anderson

Thanks to the commitment of all of you, we have accomplished a great deal since we organized almost two years ago.  Most notably, together we purchased and shipped a four-wheel drive pick up to WEH. That is an amazing accomplishment.  Ruth and her staff were thrilled and are deeply grateful.

In January four of our board members spent several weeks in Cameroon working with WEH. They were David Groff and Sherry Archer of Linfield and Barbara Stone and Carol Hosler of Arizona. Peggy Wros (Linfield Dean) and Joe Stone, Barbara's husband, were also there. If you haven't yet read their blogs and seen their photos go to:

Carol's blog at:  http://www.mycameroontrip.blogspot.com/ 

Barbara's blog (which has been added to since they got home) at: http://npincameroon.blogspot.com/

And one Ruth has started at:  http://weh-fse.blogspot.com/

Linfield Nursing students' site at: http://teamcameroon.shutterfly.com/

They returned with considerably greater clarity about where Women, Environment and Health is going and how we might be able to continue to be of assistance.

Our truck actually arrived in Cameroon while our folks were there, but did not clear customs until after they had left. We are looking forward to a photo from Ruth of the truck with her joyful staff. The good news is that they are thrilled to have the truck and very grateful. But there is also some bad news. Go to the The Truck agenda item.

Finally, here follows my letter of resignation as President of the Board effective after this meeting.

Edmonds, Wa. 98020

February 22, 2009

To:  Board Members of Friends of Women, Environment, and Health

From:  President

The time as arrived for me to resign as President of Friends of WEH.

This month I reached my 85th birthday celebration.  I fully realize that I am not “pulling my weight” in the leadership of our organization.  This is not because of  lack of interest, but I find my energy not to be what it was at one time.

I am so proud to have had a part in the “dreaming of what could be” and the early establishment of our organization. 

The idea of bringing a student to this country for a college education began at a camp in 1956. That was 53 years ago.  At that camp I spoke at length about the idea with a missionary from the Belgian Congo.  The result was Ruth coming to Linfield College in 1965.

A letter 15 years ago to the President of Linfield College gave birth to Linfield’s student nurse involvement in WEH in the Cameroon.

Not enough praise can be said for the work of what Ruth has accomplished against the greatest odds.  And the establishment of Friends of WEH would never have happened had it not been for Carol Hosler.  We owe Carol a great deal of credit.

I wish to remain on the Board but wish to be replaced as President as soon as possible.

Sincerely yours, Allan Anderson

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