A few weeks ago I got
to celebrate my nineteenth birthday in Gulu. After we all had finished our
internships, a few of my team members and I walked around the marketplace until
they took me to Emmy’s house where the rest of team and a few of his family
members were waiting. Then suddenly, a few of the girls brought out two
birthday cakes for the surprise party everyone had planned for me! I was
definitely surprised, but after cake and drinks, I received an even bigger
surprise.
Some time back during
the trip, I had jokingly mentioned to a few friends that I was expecting a goat
to take home as my birthday present. Never in my dreams did I expect to get an
actual one for my birthday. While we were enjoying the cakes, a baby goat was
carried out like a child and handed to me like a casually wrapped up present
with a bow. I was in a state of disbelief, but the situation was too hysterical
for me not to laugh. I was taught how to properly hold the goat, Lester or Little
Esther, upside down and cradle her under my arm.
Unfortunately she was
not mine to keep since she was a rent-a-goat, but I did get to keep her until
nine that night. We decided to take her out to dinner at a pork joint close by.
We walked Lester around town, which was probably quite a sight, but no one
seemed to question it, especially when they let her into the restaurant. I tied
her to my chair, and we all enjoyed our pork and cassava while I assured Lester
that we were not having her for dinner. Soon it was time for her to go home,
and I walked her one last time and said a bittersweet goodbye to my brief
friend.
From the surprise party
to the surprised goat, it was definitely one of the most interesting birthdays I
ever had. It’s a day that I will not ever forget. Thank you to all who made
this birthday possible!
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