Celebrating my birthday in Kigali

A common birthday tradition is that friends and family "drop by" your house on your birthday and you feed them. I am not sure whether this is a Rwandan tradition or a regional African tradition. Some of my lovely work friends and their families stopped by on Saturday morning to give me birthday hugs and introduce me to their children. Luckily I had coffee, tea, and cookies ready for visitors!

Emah brought me beautiful flowers,

and her 9 year-old daughter Bhakita made me this sweet birthday card.
After the relaxing day of visitors and brunch with my friend Laurie, I headed to Janean and Derrick's house for a dinner party.

I was amazed to find the gate outside their house decorated with balloons, and there was even a birthday sign in the dining room! This was really special because in Kigali these things are not available in stores.

Derrick barbequed chicken on the grill (so yummy!), Janean made two types of lasagna, and everyone who came brought a dish to share. It was an electic mix of delicious food.

I was also amazed that Janean had tables and settings for 15 people!

Jenny, Tye, Josh, Gauhar, David, and Pratima sat on the porch.

Derrick and Janean finally sat down to eat too!

I had my eye on the dessert table soon after dinner. :)

Jenny made a delicious chocolate/peanut butter/banana tart, and Janean made an incredible chocolate cake and apple pie with ice cream!

David and Patrick

Gauhar and I

Jenny and Noni

Janean and Derrick were too tired at the end of the evening to go out (they had worked so hard as the hosts) ...but a few others from the party joined me to end the night with dancing. Fun!!!