Partings

I had a “farewell” dinner for two of my friends who are going to Brazzaville for university. I invited the whole family (which included a few cousins and uncles) and the noise and laughter reminded me of one of our gatherings at home. I’m used to cooking for large crowds, but I think the Congolese eat more than Americans. Or more likely than that it was their only good meal that day. I cooked a LOT of food. It was hard work, but I was happy to have them all over and they were happy to come. I remembered shortly after I first moved here sitting on a stool in their muddy yard trying to remember everybody’s names and thinking I’d never get them straight. Funny that I ever thought that. Seems like a long time ago.

 

 

It was a very special evening for me to be able to have them all over before Guylvi and Octavie left. It was so different from when I first came here and couldn't understand anybody and didn't know anybody. This time there was much laughter and good fellowship which I was able to participate in.

The adults' table:

 

The kids' table:

 Two of the littlest members of the clan: