It was a first to spend the holiday season in a warm climate and be away from my family. Not having to wear a winter coat while opening Christmas presents on 1 Thomas Drive was a plus, not seeing my family and friends was a big minus. Christmas here in the Nuba Mountains was about as action packed as I've seen it get in these parts. People started walking to Christmas mass at the wee hours of the morning. I woke up at 6am not because I was anxious to open presents underneath a nearby baobob tree, but because of the sounds of chanting and drumming. There were hundreds of people from various tribes walking to mass. I would like to compare this to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York with the Snoopy balloon omitted. The mass commenced with the bishop at 10AM and the sounds of praise continued well past that two hour celebration.
The highlight of the day was the tribal dance competitions. Representatives from various tribes put together a routine which they performed in front of the Bishop and about a thousand bystanders. Because we were considered part of the Bishop's entourage, we got front row seats to the event.
Not everyone was as lucky and they had to get creative in order to sneak a peek at the action.
The performances were extremely entertaining and we were also graced with the presence of many local village characters who liked to blow the instruments right in your face.
After watching the dancing and singing for many hours we retreated back to our compound, only a 5 minute walk away. We then enjoyed some goat and karadae wine that we had prepared the week prior. Some enjoyed a larger quantity than others...
Hello dear Laura,
ReplyDeleteYou know, your little analogies are quite smile inducing. The Macy's Parade without....the Tree seating...the non coat wearing, the wine intake participants....you do know you have the making of a great made for TV series. In fact, a new series paralleling with your experience has started last week...Larry and I looked for you...it is about 3 young drs who are on this remote island area off the coast of South America...( one of them is a tall attractive blonde girl that you could easily replace) doing just what you are doing. Maybe you can send them your photos with a resume when you return...and get added to the cast...I cannot remember the name of the show, but i will get back to you on that. Snow here is frozen...so when you walk on it...it is almost a religious experience...like walking on water, cause even "big boned" me does not sink.
I am having a bit of a gag reflex over the goat and karadae wine....but more power to you. Nikki is doing well in her new home...tearing wall paper down, painting, installing new light fixures.....all herself, with the aid of her hubby and her parents.....Eric is starting another play series, and began his auditions....and Larry and I just watched the Patriots Lose to the Jets last night...not a good experience...Two days ago I had two young families over my house for lunch in hopes to make a match...one of the young families (3 year old and a baby) is new to the area, and needs some contacts...so...i cooked up a storm....and let the 8 of them connect ( the other family had a 5 year and an 8 year old). It was a lot of fun and we were the "unrelated grandparents". Nikki dropped by which was a special treat. She was on her way to a party. We will be eating leftovers for a while, I cannot believe the 10 of us could not eat all the food i prepared for 20, ha ha...I have never been one to cook for the "right" numbers. Yesterday I taught Sunday School, and had the best time....teaching is such fun. Well enough about me...once again, I salute you, and look forward to your next entry. May you continue to do all you hope to get done, and be safe. Hugs, Shelley
Hi Laura - Great post - sounds like the interesting and fun experiences just keep on coming! I cannot wait to see a full array of photos when you get back...AND..I am sure we can fill in the ending sentence for you:) We miss you - would love to SKYPE when you have a free opportunity (which might be more of a novelty to you at this point).
ReplyDeleteAll if good here - I love Shelley's post because yes, the snow is nuts! Although I have gotten two snow days out of it - I feel like I am back in elementary school! I am just hanging with Paxton today for MLK day. The boy has not slept in two nights, not for ill reasons, I firmly believe it is becuase he is "practicing" his voice - TONS of mamas and babas and of course the neverending raspberry - he has perfected some sounds, I think he will be an early talker (BIG surprise huh?? HA)
Well, can't wait for your next post - love reading them - I look everyday for a new one...
BE SAFE! love Kristin
Nice to hear from you again.I'm glad you had a chance to celebrate the holidays.Your description of the village makes me want to pull out the pictures from my Africa trip. I thought about you last week as it was the anniversary of our Cancun trip. Myrtho also had her birthday party last weekend and I'm sure you would have had a great time.I made a video from the pics and I sent it you on facebook.Keep doing good work & be safe.
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ReplyDeleteShelley: I have already wondered to myself why MTV has yet to make a reality show based on ex-pat life. Sudan is way better than the Jersey Shore! Thanks for the updates! I'm glad everyone is doing well. On another note, I do feel slightly guilty about sitting here in a light sweat while I read about ice.
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