A Busy Week

We have had quite a hectic week this past week. PapaGus and I celebrated our wedding anniversary, I had my birthday, we went to the US Marine Ball and we had two dinner parties for some of PapaGus' colleagues who are visiting from the US. In between all of that we had pottery class (we're making Christmas tree ornaments), play group, a doctor's visit (to make sure Gusi's ear infection is fully cleared, which it is), market shopping and more.

The crazy part is that we've never gone out for a date since we've gotten to Dakar, so going out three times in one week has been a deluge. The Marine Ball was especially fun since we got to get all dressed up and danced the night away. It turns out one of the Marines here at the embassy grew up in Metairie, LA, one of the suburbs of New Orleans. I went over to introduce myself as a fellow Louisianian and wish a Marine a "happy 232nd birthday". I've never considered myself to be particularly patriotic, but to see these kids (and most of the Marines at the embassy here are in their early 20s) with all these medals and ribbons on their uniforms made me realize how much they have done in their short careers; several have even been to Iraq and were wearing purple hearts. So, I asked the Marine from Metairie if he had plans for Thanksgiving but he said they were all going over to the Deputy Chief of Mission's house (he's also the acting ambassador at the moment). Then I asked if he had plans for Christmas Eve. His eyes widened real big and he said no. I told him that he was invited to our house then. He said, that all the Marines would be quite happy to have a home-cooked meal for Christmas Eve. Uh-huh. My eyes widened. Ok. I thought I was inviting one Marine, but it looks like we will be having at least four of them. No matter, I can only imagine how happy their moms will be knowing that their kids are with a family at Christmas time. Besides, the Marines will be fed and happy as well. When I told PapaGus as I returned to our table that we would have the Marine Corps over for Christmas Eve he just laughed: our patriotic duty in the most unusual way. But they are kids after all, and it is the holidays and we are all far from home so it will be nice to share a meal with new friends.