PARTY TIME!

(photo: Monica giving me a present, dancing ) For anyone who has never
experienced a Ugandan party, here is the basic program of events:

1) If you are the guest of honor, you sit in your appointed chair for
hours as your guests assemble.
2) The Master of Ceremonies opens the party.
3) Someone leads the opening prayer.
4) Dancing
5) Taking of Warangi/Beer
6) Speech
7) Dinner
8) Speech
9) Speech
10) Speech
11) Speech
12) Speech

And then I left, but I assume there were more speeches. SO MANY
SPEECHES. The occasion was fourfold for the party. First, it was my
birthday. Second, it was the birthday of 1-year old Veronica. Third,
Ashley was visiting. Fourth, LUGADA wanted to celebrated that "God had
spared the life of these young girls when they were far from home:
their mothers would not like them to die in Africa."

The speeches were touching, hilarious and very eloquent. The
Naggombwas gave me a terrific gift and also provided a wonderful gift
for my mother in America. The dancing was probably best....

The party was definitely in contrast to the FSD party last night.
Every time we gather, I'm struck by the terrifying amounts of alcohol
my colleagues can rapidly consume.
Very sustainable.