The Aunties Party...

So today I hosted my big shindig for the aunties at the Eban House to thank them for all they do for the kids and to show my appreciation especially for how far they have helped Selina to come since she entered the home in January.

I arrived at the house about 10 am and then Abigail (who works in the office) and I went to get the food for the party. That may sound like an easy task but it took us over two hours. Yes,I bought chicken and fried rice from Southern Fried Chicken for the ladies as well as a soda and to get a taxi to get us there, have it made and bring it back took about two hours. Our taxi driver insisted on going to the Southern Fried Chicken (picture a big Kentucky Fried Chicken with pizza, sandwiches, ice cream etc) that was in Tema because he thought traffic was bad to go to the one that is closer. So we went to SFC in Tema for a total of $17 round trip- I thought it was kind of funny that I paid $17 and spent two hours to basically go to KFC in Ghana! I didn't picture that happening before I left but today it seemed totally normal and not surprising!

It was a beautiful overcast day and the drive was lovely. We drive along the beach on the drive to Tema which I loved. We also passed the church where Father Fran was the priest from 1988 to 1996 (Our Lady of Mercy) and where he retired from. Of course I did not have my camera as I did not think to bring it to buy chicken so I did not get a picture!

We arrived back at the home and started the party at two. About 10 aunties were there at the beginning and a few more joined as it progressed. We did this while the kids napped. We started with lunch. I brought my Ipod and docking station and so I put on some music that I thought the aunties would enjoy. As I returned to the table they were looking at me kind of strange. Then one of them (I have to get her name as she is in the office and is a hoot) all of a sudden says, "Are we dancing?" not in a happy way but in a way that I realized they were all afraid I was going to insist we dance since I was the one that brought the chicken dance, hokey pokey and electric slide to the home. I assured them that we only dance at the "night parties" and that they were safe. I think they were relieved.

After lunch I showed them all the supplies I had brought including about a dozen polishes, emery boards, foot files, lotions, buffing blocks, nail brushes, cutical things, etc. Some of them were a little quiet at first but within about 30 minutes everyone was doing nails. Most of them did each others nails.



One of the aunties Ruth, told me she wanted me to do hers so I gave her my best full on pedicure. As soon as she got up, another auntie sat down so over the next few hours, I did four pedicures! Muna who is in charge at the home spent about an hour and a half doing a manicure and pedicure on the funny one who will have a name tomorrow as soon as I get it. She did a diagonal pattern with half her nail pink and half a purple. Did I mention I had greens, purples, silver, gold as well as the standard reds, browns and peach polishes?



I also had brought some Jelly Belly jelly beans to share with them although once we started touching our feet not many were eaten- I don't think (I was too busy doing my pedicures). I will have to remember not to serve finger foods if I ever hostess an appreciation pedicure party again.

All in all, I think the party was a success. I know that Auntie Comfort loved the way I massaged her feet- (don't get any crazy ideas about me massaging feet TR- this was a once in a lifetime thing I did here!!) she just kept thanking me!



I just want to say that for some of the aunties that work in the Eban House, to do this is not easy. One was telling me how she travels two hours each way to get there. She leaves by six am and takes three different taxis for two hours in traffic to arrive to work by 8 or 8:30 and then when the day is over, she takes three more taxis to get back home. She does this because she likes her job and enjoys working in the adoption field. She would like to go to school to get a degree in Marketing but for now, is happy to be working for our adoption agency as she earns money for school. Can you imagine taking three taxis to get to work and having the trip take two hours? I would say it is unbelievable but it is the reality for at least two of the women I have met so far...

So to the aunties... As I said after we prayed over our Southern Fried Chicken...
On behalf of the other mothers who I have already heard sing your praises and for myself, we want to thank you for all you do for our children. I am especially grateful for what you have done for Selina. She came to you unable to walk and you cared for her, fed her and loved her. She is the girl she is today because you were here and because you made a difference. This is something I will never forget and will always be thankful for. So this party is for you!