This is how Canada Day should be...
The three musketeers all ready for Canada DayToday we celebrated Canada Day in the capital city of Zambia, Lusaka. See we are still trying to make it to Mongu..and we were supposed to leave on Tuesday, but since that was Canada Day the executive decision was made to celebrate our nation’s birthday in Lusaka.
We were invited to a party thrown by the Canadian High Commission. It was held at the house of the development coordinator at the High Commission called Laurie Rogers. Man was it ever fun. They had a good old traditional BBQ, hot dogs..hamburgers, kebabs, and lots of salad. Now for someone back in Canada this may not seem that out of the ordinary…but for us…it was exactly what we needed to remind us of home. Did I mention that there was also an open bar??
So the beer was again flowing (seems like we have been drinking quite a bit at all these social dinners, they never let your glass go empty here!). We weren’t drinking any Pilsner though Dad… It was local beer, (Mosi or Castle are the brands here) but still good enough for me. So with all that beer flowing so were the conversations. Since pretty much every Canadian here in Zambia is working on one development project or another.. this was again another perfect networking opportunity.
Being away from the country on Canada Day only strengthened for me how proud I am to be a Canadian. In the development world, Canada continues to be a leader in affecting positive change in so many developing countries. The presence of Canadians is very much appreciated by the Zambian people. As Mr. Maimbolwa put it’Canadians are held in very high regard’. Around Zambia we have been introduced to many projects that Canadians are contributing to..you name it and they are doing it.So just know….all those other Canadians out there around the world really are doing a good job to represent our country..so be proud to be a Canadian!
Jessica
2 comments:
It always makes me proud to be a Canadian when I learn about all the great works my countrywomen (and men) are involved in!
I was travelling back home from Savary Island on Canada Day. The long car ride down the coast included singing our national anthem in both official languages...off key by some of my companions, I might add.
Are you ever making us proud of both of you. Imagine being invited to the "High Commissioner's Home". Love all the pictures and can't tell you how much we are enjoying everything you write. I tried to copy & paste what I wrote to Lucas about the family reunion but it didn't quite work, Try again later! First, we had wonderful weather, kids had a ball floating down the river, eating great meals Jamie & Connie brought Crab & Salmon. Our boys made breakfast for everyone Sunday Morning. plus all the other planned meals. Dawn & the girls were here from California, stayed here part of the time. So nice for Mark. There was room for tenters, that was great. Uncle Johnsey & Shirley, Grandad & I stayed with cousin Susan. Yes! we had a bonfire, somemores, hot dogs & us old folks had a singsong with guitars. My brothers Jim & Johnsey & Sister Phyllis & I did a little presentation on Fenton Family history starting in Ireland. Have you told the Nun's about your Irish Background Jessica? Where are they from? Might be interesting! We know for sure you are in good hands. Hope you get to go to Ireland someday. We also had a silent auction. Grandad contributed some of his paintings (all were sold). Kaylee said she like this part the best. She bid on tictacs & some fancy bracelet. We made a fair amount of money for the Carleigh Rae Scholarship Fund. We stayed up till after midnight, great time was had by all. Next week we are going to Crescent Beach to dog sit for 10 days. Then to Oregon for Keith & Corrines's daughter's wedding. Hopefully come back via the coast. Thanks for sharing your exciting life. Can't imagine seeing all those animals in the wild. Glad also you are having comfortable quarters. Till we blog again. Love from Nannie & Grandad Stay safe & healthy. xxx ooo to you both.
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