dinner with the president

I'm so behind on blogging...

A couple weeks ago the entire crew was invited for dinner at the presidential palace!! After haven been cancelled and rescheduled three times, it finally did happen :) The president wanted to thank the crew for the services that we've rendered to his people of Benin over the last ten months. Very thoughtful, especially when that's about 300 people!

Everyone enjoyed dressing up in their best for the occasion. I finally had a reason to wear my African dress that I had made by a local tailor awhile back.

After being shuttled by bus to the palace, we experienced true African time as we waited/ mingled for two hours until we sat down around white linen tables of gold-colored decor. After the president's grand entrance with the national anthem, he honored the founder of Mercy Ships and two of our outstanding surgeons. Mercy Ships was awarded the highest honor that this country can give! Pretty impressive :) I got to be one of ten to go up and thank the president and congratulate Don Stephens on behalf of the hospital staff. This means I got to shake the hand of the president! :)

Finally at 9 pm, past the point of hunger, we enjoyed a delicious buffet meal. And let the entertainment begin!... Traditional dances and chants from different regions of Benin were presented, giving us a unique cultural experience.  

Thanks Mr. President for the memorable evening! :)