This weekend was Eid al-Adha for my friends here. Just like Eid at the end of Ramadan, it is a four day celebration where people cook and eat a lot, get all dressed up, and go visiting. I was a little bummed to think that I was missing this fun time with my friends and neighbors on the Little Island, BUT I ended up having such a good time here on the Big Island. I have some friends here who are from the Little Island, but have either moved here or are here visiting relatives for the holiday.
Yesterday I went and visited my friend, Raya, and her new husband, Mussa. We ate delicious pilau, meat, and lots of sweets, then went visiting. After visiting every living relative she has (that's what it felt like haha), we went to a brand new "playground" in town. This is not your ordinary playground- this is like a full blown fair (minus the funnel cakes- which I was bummed about)! It was SO MUCH fun! I still have my bush goggles on, so I was like a little kid at Disney World! There is nothing remotely close to this on the Little Island. And from what I hear and have seen, this isn't the norm here either.
From the moment I walked in, I was dying to go on the ferris wheel. They agreed to go with me, which I was pumped about. Until we got on. I have never been so scared. I started thinking about who put that thing together, and how there probably aren't any regulations regarding the safety conditions of these rides. I really couldn't look down. It was moving so slow, but the wind was blowing so hard we were rocking back and forth a lot. I seriously was such a baby, and just wanted it to end. When we landed, I told the guy who opens the door for you that I was so scared the whole time, and he shut the door and told me I was going again! Haha He then let me out, and I finally stopped shaking. What a baby- I know. It was fun, but a little scary. I'll choose a ride a little closer to the ground next time.
Raya and Me on our way to the playground/amusement park/fair thing.
This thing was awesome! It's like a roller coaster except you have to pedal to get your car to go! It was so funny to watch because some younger kids were pedaling and got tired and caused a 10 car pile up. The cars in the back ended up pushing the front car along.
Teacups. Always a good choice. Except after eating a lot of food.
This is Raya and her husband. My friends are starting to love selfies. Or at least tolerate them.
Here it is. Looks so pretty and nice, right? Don't be fooled. Been there, done that.
On the ferris wheel about to leave the ground. The only time I smiled until we exited that little cage.
This is our "we are scared" face- I clearly was more scared than she was. We were playing, but this is really how I felt.
I tried to look at the beautiful Island on the way up, but was just too afraid.
I love them. They are happy newlyweds, and just found out two days ago they are going to be new parents in 9 months. They are really excited, as am I! I love babies.
Today, I went and visited one of my students from my school on the Little Island, Sauda. Her mom and siblings live here, and she's here visiting until we open our school again. She invited me over to visit their home today and meet all of her family.
Sauda and her nephew, Yahya. He was afraid of me at first, but loved me by the end. Story of my life here- I make kids cry daily. They just aren't used to seeing us crazy white folk. I'm a little extra crazy, so I don't blame them.
Another one of her nephews! He was such a happy baby, but not in this picture.
I love the way the little girls dress up and wear so much make-up here for Eid!
Beautiful girls.
What a stud. Sauda's youngest brother looking sharp.
This is Sauda's oldest sister (first of 10 kids). She is really pregnant and was laying on the mat, but requested a picture. She couldn't get up, so we did a floor selfie.
These friends are great. I am so blessed. I really really am.
I'm a big fan of Eid- or really life in Africa in general- and love that God has me here.
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