Yesterday I told Daniel that today was a special day. He had no idea why. So I turned to Jen (an American, mind you) for some backup. She’s like, “Ummmmm…. Hmmm… OK… What’s the date tomorrow?” Daniel, looking at his watch, “The fourth.” Jen: “Ummmm… Oh GOSH, NO, did I forget someone’s birthday?! There’s so many birthdays.” Me, quite disappointed: “Only our nation’s, jerk.”
The Fourth of July doesn’t mean much around here, in the middle of nowhere South Sudan, surrounded by Germans, South Africans and one lonely Australian. And, apparently, Jen.
We began the day with the Star Spangled Banner and a presentation of the Colors. We brandished the miniature flags someone sent Pattie. I blew on mine—you know, for the Old-Glory-in-the-wind effect—until I became so lightheaded I nearly fainted. Anything for my country. After the anthem, Kim gave an equally stirring rendition of “The Fifty Nifty United States.” It truly was a beautiful ceremony.
I plan on using my screensaver tonight for a very special Lopit fireworks show. ;)
A precious line from Kimperly: “You can’t celebrate the Fourth of July in Sudan—they’re KILL you!!!” I’m not sure if she means the Germans, Craig or the Sudanese. I can’t say much for the former two, but the latter I’m convinced will only make good associations with the Stars and Stripes—her emblem was plastered all over the seven trucks full of grain that game two days ago from Save the Children. And Laudina was quite happy to laugh at our singing and miniature-flag-waving this morning.
Oh, happy Fourth, indeed. Just pray we don’t annoy our team half to death with our American antics—it’s team day, and they have to withstand our nostalgia and spontaneous and horrendous performances of “God Bless America.” :)
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