Inauguration Day! In the morning we went shopping, an expedition that extended into the afternoon. First we went to the fabric store again. I was looking for some beautiful white material I would like to use to make an alb. Didn't find it. Then we went to the artisans mall. We didn't begin to explore the extent of its shops before I had spent all of my money! I purchased gifts for my family and bought myself a couple of African dresses.
Then we returned to the house to watch the inauguration with Ruth and Raphael, their staff, and several Cameroonian friends. Raphael and Ruth had rented a large screen TV, so we all gathered in the large living room. Everyone was so excited. Obama's speech was amazing. We observed that it was clearly addressed to the whole world, not just the United States. He challenged everyone in the world to live the change.
Ruth and I gripped each other's hands as Obama spoke. It is astonishing to me that we are together on this day. We cried together on the day MLK was killed, and we were together today. Words cannot express the meaning. Afterwards I shared this with the Linfield students. They confirmed Ruth's and my sense that this is, indeed, a very special and amazing day for the two of us.
What a perspective you have, to watch Pres. Obama's inauguration with Ruth in her home country. I believe he has the capacity to be an example of the best of America to all the world, but so much so for his father's home continent. We have so much to do in helping instead of threatening, in healing broken relationships with other nations, and in becoming the America with integrity that we used to be. He has so much on his shoulders, we all must pitch in to help. And that's exactly what you are doing with Ruth and WEH! God bless your work--Amen!
ReplyDeletePat, thanks so much for your encouragement. My time is running out here. I miss my husband, but I can't stand the thought of only one week left!
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