In the run up to Christmas there have been lots of parties. Each clinical area has had a lunchtime celebration. The staff all provide some food and then everyone associated with the area is invited. There are speaches and prayers then everyone eats. The staff also participate in a gift lottery - all buying and wrap a gift - which is given a number and numbers are then drawn.
I also went to a party at the house of Ellen's minister. There was a terrace of houses with a temporary covered area erected outside it, with rows of seats. Ellen went to sit at the back but one of the church elders wanted Ellen to sit at the front with me – she compromised by moving to the third row. There was a fancy arch of flashing lights and artificial flowers on the porch one of the houses was playing host to the sound system and another two were being used to cook – one of these was used later to serve the buffet. We were given a printed order of service and I recognised most of the hymns so the hour service was more meaningful that the previous one I attended. At one point children held candles and gave a short speech, lit a candle and then handed their original candle to an elder who went up and lit a second candle. I was one of those ‘special’ guests approached to light a candle – absolute nightmare as I could not see any left but the lad gestured with his head for me. There were more speeches after the service then the food was served. There were spot prizes taped under some chairs and then raffles for presents for helpers and widows.
I also went to a volley ball match between a team from Ibu Ani's church and one of nurses. It was great fun and very competative with the coaches getting very annimated. As you can see everyone wanted their photograph taken after the match. It took place no more than a 10 minute walk from the hospital but one of the nurses insisted on giving me a lift both ways on her motorbike.
No comments:
Post a Comment