Party Time

The real celebration will begin when we recieve Perez's visa and can return to the states...still, there has been much to celebrate.

Last Sunday was Ali's birthday...she is happy to be in Uganda on her birthday, but we were missing family and friends to celebrate with. The morning was spent at church, then off to lunch with a pastor and his wife. After 3 hours of church and 2 hours of lunch, we were ready to go home. But Pastor Stephen wanted us to meet a couple more people and show us a property. We obliged. By 6pm we were done. We thought. Stephen told us he had just one more stop...he wanted us to meet one more person. We walked into a restaurant, rounded the corner...and there sat several people we are close with at the school and church...surprise! Dinner, cake, gifts, games...the whole schbang (Ali's comment)...they also snuck Perez out of the home so he could share in mommy's birthday. Ali was so grateful and truly honored...a birthday not to be forgotten.

On Saturday, we were invited to a Ugandan wedding. We learned upon arriving that the wedding was also combined with a school's graduation and production and an adult women's certificate graduation (a one year course called women of significance). It was a huge party...and long!!! It's also important to note that Ali and I are treated like king and queen. Everywhere we go we are ushered to the front, given the best seats...though they are usually on the stage facing the crowd. We are served cold bottled water while everyone else slowly dehydrates...it's all well...embarrasing really. But to the Ugandans it is hospitality. During the wedding, I was asked to stand and pray for the couple as they exchanged rings (you must always be ready to speak). Later, Ali and I were asked to present the marriage certificate to the couple...on stage, and we prayed again. Then the place burst into song, which was really great...but we were stuck standing on the stage next to the choir...so we joined in...causing many to laugh. We then stayed a short time (which in Uganda means at least one hour) for the reception.

Today, Sunday, we were back to church. It was another party...another 41/2 hour service. Of course my speaking alone was reason to celebrate...but this day too had a party. After I was finished, there was a baby dedication. Of course Ali and I were asked to conduct it (you must always be ready to speak). About 30 kids were dedicated...it was neat to be a part. While the families were going back to their seats...one mother shared that this very day was her babies one year birthday. So to the stage she brought her child, a party hat, a cake, and one candle. There we sat, in church...4 hours into church, and a birthday party broke out. Thankfully, we were not asked to speak...but we were not offered cake either.

Now, as we begin another week here, we hope to find reason to celebrate again (see first paragraph).

all for now (but check out the new pics in the slideshow)
Love to all, from Uganda,
Steve and Ali