Christmas Day at Potters

Christmas Day started bright & early at PV.

The laundry staff began at 6am in order to get through the mounds and be away in good time to cook for their families. I went round the site and gave every adult a lollipop and a Rufumbira Christmas greeting. It was amusing to see people wandering everywhere with bulging cheeks and sticks coming out of their mouths. You would walk on the ward and a sea of mouths and sticks would turn to look. Some of the children on the ward were well enough to have one too which was nice.

At 9.30 we went to the Cathedral English service. The Sunday School enacted the nativity story with their appropriate cultural clothing and bursts of familiar carols. Joseph got a laugh when he went to the Inn and said Mary was REALLY pregnant ie) about to deliver now.

Back on site Rosie made us her delicious coffee to help us gear up for cooking. Meanwhile the staff had their communion service led by our Chaplain, Rev Florence.

The singing was glorious and the service ended with enthusiastic dancing.

 

 

 

Lunch for the staff was brought in by a local cafe. Due to a delay in timing of the service...surprise, surprise...it was necessary to feed the children before they could eat themselves.

Their meal was posho, careb (millet posho), rice, potato, beef with bones and sauce.

 

 

 

Ours was very close to the British traditional fare. A joint effort in 3 kitchens.

 

 

 

 

 

We ate out on the veranda even though there was a thunder storm and it was pouring with rain.

The premature baby unit had a record breaking 11 babies housed there. Fortunately our son Zemian managed to get the third incubator working again. The ward was also busy and the staff were kept occupied.

It was lovely to celebrate Christmas without all the commercialism. A time of religious celebration followed by a meal shared together is all that is needed to get the focus correct.

...I can't lie, a large packet of sage and onion stuffing and a jar of Cranberry sauce made all the difference!