A Thanksgiving To Be Thankful For

---------Lake Bunyonyi, yet again!

-----Last week was a Thanksgiving week to truly be thankful for! On Monday I was dropped off at the Bishop's residence for a visit with both Bishop Callist and my dear friend Fr. Louis, the Bishop's secretary. When the Bishop, who had spent several years in the States, found out that I was spending the holiday ---minus a turkey, He made it his mission to find one for me and my guests. And he most definitely did, as following breakfast he was out and about town busily locating a live turkey !

He quickly realized that although I was very grateful for his kindness, the thought of carrying a live turkey on a boat to the island was less than appealing for me, so he had it de-feathered and gutted and pretty much looking like a store bought holiday bird. ------Fr. Louis and I sharing a cup of tea last year (I am not quite that skinny now-ha)

Following a wonderful visit with Fr. Louis, he kindly took me to the boat dock, turkey in hand(well actually in box) and off I went to spend a few days and nights at one of my all time favorite places in Uganda--- Lake Bunyonyi.

I had 24 hours all to myself before the guests arrived and I enjoyed every second of it. One of the things I love most about Bushera Island is that you don't have walk anywhere to view the scenery because you are smack down in the middle of it. Although I was alone, they gave me the only room with a large comfy bed, a view of the lake that could not be surpassed and somhow, I suspect, they even arranged the rarest and most luminous birds for my optical and auditory entertainment. ---------Barton and Marie---hang out together.

Pilgrim Barton carves the turkey!

Sheba had gone to Entebbe to pick up Barton Brooks (http://www.guerrillaaid.com/) and his friend Brent LaRash from NYC.They arrived Wed evening for a late dinner and a nights rest before all the company arrived the next day.

I had only seen Barton under the worst of circumstances following his horrendous motorcycle accident last March 13th (friday, the 13th to be exact), so spending time talking and getting to know each other amidst such a tranquil setting was a pleasant chore indeed.

Indian Obama-Fr. Ignatius getting served by Barton

Sheba arrived with drums in tow ready to party--ah--but I have gotten ahead of myself. First came the wonderful holiday meal prepared by Avis , Patrick and all the crew at Bushera Island. Besides the turkey, we had stuffing (pretty darn good), baked matoki, rice potatoes, as well as apple pie and chocolate cake. Saul and Agatha even brought some of their wedding cake !

Roasting Marshmallows over an open fire. A new treat for the Ugandans that we American's were more than happy to share.

Finally it was approaching time for our guests to arrive and they did: Fr. Ignatius, all decked out in his Obama T-shirt , the Coda family had given him, Anthony, Nestory , as well as the newlyweds Saul and Agatha. These were Barton's connection to the Batwa community (and now his friends) prior to the accident, which made for a wonderful reunion. Drumming and Dancing with Sheba is the best!

Courtney Caoila had left me her holiday decorations when they returned to the States following their 3 year years as a missionary family, and they were well used. We each had a choice between Pilgrim and Indian headresses, but much like the the first Thanksgiving, we all sat at table together. Next came a bonfire, drumming, lots of dancing and we even roasted marsmallows over an open fire. What fun!!! ----------Barton Marie and Sheba -- keeping the beat!