July 4th, 2011

July 4th, 2011


Happy birthday America! It is the first time I am not in the U.S. for the 4th and honestly, it is a bit strange. We did happen to figure out how to have our own little party though. We boiled corn, had mashed potatoes, hot dogs, chicken, guacamole, and some good fried bread stuff, and of course was able to celebrate with some alcohol and homemade fireworks. The fireworks part was probably the highlight of the night for me. Bryan and I tried to make a bomb out of birthday candles they have here, which are really like big sparklers/ sparkle fountains, but fatter and cooler. We took out all the flammable powder if these candle things and then put it in a small bottle with a wick sticking out. The first attempt didn’t go as planned, as in nothing blew up. There was just a mega version of the candle things which was cool for what we were provided. Then we decided to try again. I took out all my gummie vitamins and we filled that bottle up with the powder. We both expected to not see much again. This time there was no ducktape or wick. There was just a hole in the cap of the bottle. Bryan went over and put the last candle flame thing in front of this hole and a lot more happened than expected. The whole bomb thing worked this time without us expecting it and Bryan was engulfed in a big ass fireball! I have never seen hime run this fast in my entire life. I really thought his hands and face were blown off because of how loud the bomb was. Luckily he was safe and there was not a scratch on him. It turned out to be hilarious and a successful night. Everyone watching was immediately laughing at everything that happened. Haril and a few of his friends were over and they were amazed at the bomb we just made. Eventually everyone settled in to play this cup game, which was also a good time, because at least everyone in the house was embarrassed once.

Though, the 4th here can’t compare to being in America, we made it work and still had fun. Tomorrow a bunch of the volunteers leave so the number of people in the house will go down by a lot. Emma (Emmanuel) is a boy Musana supports and he also leaves with the group to America so he can get surgery on his hips. He is getting a double hip replacement. Not only will he be going through a major physical surgery, I believe his whole world will be rebuilt by what he sees during his stay. He is staying at a doctor’s house so he will certainly see the nicer side of living in the U.S. I’m really excited for him, but I know he is pretty nervous and a bit scared. Hope it goes well for him.

There are only two weeks left in this adventure then it’s off to Belgium and Amsterdam. I know there is another adventure awaiting there, but for now I’ll be soaking up the time I have here. Hope everyone was safe on the 4th, but still got nice and shwasted - always necessary wherever you are for this holiday.