Six Hour Birthday Bash

It was an 80 Year Thanksgiving for Mama Florence like we have seldom seen. Celebrations happen frequently in the Philippines…but are more rare here in Uganda so this was a true treat! It was a “family affair” but Beth’s sisters (three of them, 2 of whom we know) insisted that we be invited since we didn’t have any family here in Uganda to celebrate with—how thoughtful! The venue was the Crested Crane Hotel a two hours’ drive East from Kampala. That scenic drive was made even more delightful by having the Scripture Union Director and his wife with us—the stories we heard! Once there, we were seated outside at tables under tent coverings (watching the dark clouds depart and be replaced by a nice cloud covering) giving a bit of welcomed “shade.” Eventually, the celebrant and her entourage arrived (African time!), greeted by the loud squeals of other African women (you really have to hear it to believe it!). But…we had difficulty discerning who really was the celebrity—her peers hovered very close which gave us another new insight into culture! Her children (6 still living of the original 8) and grandchildren came from as far away as South Africa and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. God was certainly given first priority as a couple of pastors and a choir started the ceremony with Christmas carols and a message (all done in a mixture of three languages!). By the end of the worship service, the crowd had peaked at more than 200. Family and friends gave tributes and family stories. Ernie was asked to make an appearance for the sake of the children which proved to be a challenge since the audience was on all sides.  Some chuckled at Ernie’s attempt to greet in the vernacular and wear the tribal robe. Of course, the children were darling and the adults also entered into their delight of meeting Ernie. Eventually, about 3:30 pm, we lined up for lunch which offered lots of variety, including Beth’s family’s favorite—matooke (cooked green banana). Praise God for this godly family and the huge blessing the oldest girl of the celebrant, Beth, continues to be to us as we move forward with the godly values program of VOICE Africa.