Day 16: 30-Day Gratitude Challenge

A Birthday Bash to Remember

I hope you’ve all had a beautiful Saturday. Today, I am thankful for the gift of life, and being able to observe how other people from different cultures celebrate it.

It was a family's friend's birthday celebration with a twist. There was joyful music, prayers and donations were given to help support various charities in their home country. I heard such amazing testimonies. There was plenty of food, a lot of dancing, joy and laughter and above all, dressing up.

If you’ve ever been to a Nigerian event, you will know that when it comes to dressing up for special occasions, they don’t mess about. Of course, I didn’t dress up; was one of the helpers, and turned up in regular clothing. As I chatted with one of the helpers who originates from Kenya, I found myself laughing about the many jokes that she told, and how much she was looking forward to the cake. “My sister, you know us Africans…without cake, it’s not a party!” Not only that, she said something else that made me crack up. “I now know better to not even dress up in African attire if it’s a Nigerian event. You can never out dress them! So, when I’m attending a West African party, I dress English, otherwise, what’s the point?” Also found myself talking to many people from different racial backgrounds who’d turned up to celebrate a great milestone; about 500 guests were in attendance. 

Today was a great day!  I’d say most of the favourite recipes from Nigeria were served, but I told myself to stick to egusi and pounded yam. Perhaps it’s me, but I did come across quite a few people who crack jokes with serious faces. The kind of people who say what they say, and the more you laugh, the more they say things until your ribs can’t take it anymore!

For the laughs, and being able to mingle with people from different backgrounds and still feel at home, I am grateful.  

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