Employee Christmas Party

Yesterday afternoon we had a Christmas party for our employees, which currently number 14. They were somewhat uneasy about attending, since it is not normal here for employers to give a party for the employees. Everyone except the watchmen showed up on time, which is quite an occasion in Africa. We gave our thanks for the work that each does in helping our ministry and tried to encourage them to eat some of the snacks we had prepared. All was quite reserved (think graveyard) and quiet. I figured this had been a bad idea. We then got the gift bags that we had made for each one, containing sugar, rice, tea, cookies and a calendar showing some of the children that we care for. Well, that broke the ice and the singing and celebrating started in earnest. I don’t think they were as loud as the party that happened across the valley with live music and drinking, but things became quite festive. They were all very grateful for the gifts and the year end bonus in pay that each received. Thanks were given to us several times, which was quite humbling since what we had done was not that expensive or elaborate by our standards.

The watchmen finally showed up just after the rest had headed home and had to settle for a Fanta Orange soda and a bag of cheese puffs. One of the watchmen was still sleeping and showed up late and the other was repairing the roof on his house, which had leaked during the daily downpour of rain. They were still happy.

Andy