lucky turkey!

Ok, I know it's been a while since I've written regularly, or posted new pics, so it's my goal this week to write frequently and fill you in on happenings...

 

this one is just to make you laugh! :)

 

We did have a turkey this Thanksgiving...which is rare in Rwanda! There's not many turkeys here at all, and usually they are really expensive. I know many ex-pat families who actually sneak a Butterball turkey on the plane with them when they come in August. (I'm serious!) There's other stories of people solicting friends to bring turkeys with them. And there's one story of a pretty wealthy guy who actually had a Butterball turkey shipped and flown out here directly for him! And of course many Americans make-do with just the tough chicken here and we are enormously thankful for it!! There's also your choice of brochettes (meat on a stick): goat, pork, tough chicken.

 

Last Thanksgiving, we went to the one turkey farm in Rwanda and picked out our own unsuspecting, unfortunate, if not scrawny bird. This year, the boys found and purchased a turkey in a village in Musanze, and brought it back to Anna's house for our feast. But as soon as they readied themselves to slaughter it, they realized it was just too cute and they put the machete down.

 

Instead, Clay and Dan decided to drape some pearls around our turkey's neck, name her, Pearl, and let her roam around the house. :) It was quite a sight and quite a night! Everyone enjoyed taking pictures with Pearl. She was a big hit for sure.

 

You might be wondering why I am decked out in Tarheel softball gear? Well, this year, lots of friends from Bridge to Rwanda were going to be gone during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some will be returning, and some won't be. It's always hard saying goodbyes here. :( So at the beginning of November, Anna decided to throw a "Hallow-Thanks-mas-Eve" party, and we all celebrated four holidays in one night.

 

So I decided to be a softball player for the Halloween portion of the night. We also had a huge Thanksgiving feast, danced to Christmas music and had a gift exchange. At midnight, we lit sparklers and sang Auld Lang Syne. Just so we could be together and make memories. :) (Remember, we have to create a lot of our own fun here.) :) And it was just that! I think even Pearl had a good time!