Gabrielle and Ruth had been planning our March 8 celebration for weeks!  We purchased specially made cloth and had dresses made.  We went downtown together to watch and participate in the parade.   I’ve never seen so many women in the same material with so many styles of dress.  It was beautiful!

 After the parade we came to our house for an African meal.  They prepared manioc, I had made a meat sauce and rice.  Below Gabrielle prepares “fufu” from manioc flour.

Then we feasted!  I gave them soft drinks in bottles.  But before opening the bottles, Ruth began to tap hers with a spoon – and dance around the room singing!

Seeing her desire for percussion, I found a drum in the boys room for her to use…

Soon Patience joined us.  She hadn’t gone to the parade due to the heat – she is pregnant.  We headed outside for more singing and dancing.

These women have been through some rough times.  They celebrate how good the Lord has been to them.  We ended the day by sharing our many blessings from the Lord, and in prayer.