For the past 5+ years, this has been a day of great celebration for me and, by extension, those around me. Lent is my favorite season of the year, but I have no qualms about giving Ordinary Time a good send-off. This morning, while taking a walk around the grounds, I asked Fr. John if they did anything special for Mardi Gras here. He looked at me with puzzlement (I can count on this look whenever I tell him about most of our American traditions), and I did my best to explain the concept behind Shrove Tuesday.
This man is a quick learner!
By the time I saw him again in the afternoon, he had concocted a plan for the two of us to celebrate Fat
Tuesday. We hopped a Matatu (check out the third paragraph here) to the Galleria Shopping Mall down the road and had us some decadence! First stop: pizza (one of Fr. John's favorite things!)
Then we went to a sports bar and had a couple of beers. You know, because it's Fat Tuesday. I do not know what the future holds, but I am hopeful that Fr. John will not forget the importance of Fat Tuesday!
I had somehow forgotten how much I am force-fed here in Africa. It's allllll coming back (pounds and memories). But how can I turn down such gracious hospitality?
Jo, you are the best. What a great spirit of joy and adventure you embrace and model. Love you and miss you already! Dad
ReplyDeleteAnd the prize for Most Ridiculous Comment Handle goes to...
DeleteMiss you, Daddy-o!
hahahaha. oh Dad!!!!!
Deletejosie - I am relishing your writing - you have a way of telling stories that make me smile and thoroughly wish I was there! God bless you through this, your favorite season of the year with your favorite person in the world! mom
ReplyDeleteA higher compliment I couldn't hope for! I have been telling everyone that you will be coming some day, and they are all very eager to meet you. Miss you, Freddie!
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