This weekend was an anniversary celebration of my denomination here in My Country. It was a big deal, including a church service Sunday morning at a stadium with over 3000 people in attendance! But Saturday was more fun, so let me tell you about that . . .
On Saturday morning people from many different churches around the country marched in a parade. We were all supposed to buy the special material for the occasion and have an outfit made out of it, so it was fun to see so many people wearing clothes made from the same material. As we were lining up I took my place with my church as I had done during practice. But, since this is Africa, there was extra waiting time so I went and said hi to a missionary friend. While I was talking to her someone told her that all the missionaries were supposed to march together. Adeline, one of my good friends from church, was then afraid that I’d leave and march with the missionaries, leaving a hole in the ranks of the church. But I told her that I wasn’t white that day – I was black. (And yes, “black” is the politically correct word here. They aren’t African American since they aren’t American!) She wasn’t expecting that but was very happy. And yes, I marched with my church and no one stopped me.
That evening there was a Christian concert at the stadium. There were different singers and many of us got up and danced. As I looked around, everyone I saw was black. None of the missionaries had showed up for the concert. And since I knew I was black, too, I guess there were no white people there! It was fun to learn to dance with my new friends.