Sunday, August 12, 2012

Breakfast at the Nursing Home-al-Fitr

I was asked if I would like to participate in providing a breakfast for 40-50 people at a local nursing home.  My counterpart put together sponsors to pay for the tables, chairs, china, food and music.  During Ramadan it is your duty to feed the less fortunate.


We checked on the nursing home about 4 weeks ago and they were receptive to providing space for an al-Fitr meal for the old and disabled people living at the home.  About 15 people live permanently in the home serviced by appx 10 workers.  Everyone from the home would be invited as well as some of the local dignitaries. 
Hayat and another PCV arrived at 10:00 to start getting the furniture set up, food prepped, dishes washed.  I showed up later and helped with the food prep and table settings. 
People started arriving about 7:00. 
The menu usually consists of the same break fast food no matter where you go, from dates to harrira, a Moroccan soup.
The sign in table was set up at the entrance to the dining room. 

Everyone waited to hear the local mosque broadcast the OK to Eat signal then commenced to eat a date and drink a glass of water to begin the Breakfast.  Milk and juice were passed around and consumed quickly.  Treavor a PCV from Seattle serving with me in Midelt made egg rolls.  These are not a typical Ramadan food but everyone seemed to like them.


After Breakfast a music ensemble began to play, violin, keyboard and tambourine.  Several of the older guests joined in the clapping and singing of traditional Moroccan songs.  Henna, a temporary tattoo, was applied to the women.


After festivities, photos were taken of the group.  I was the defacto official photographer.


Another event successfully completed.  With my service winding down I will only have a few more of these opportunities.  The joy in the peoples faces is a reward I will remember. 



Enjoy Life.  Until Next Post, Bislama.  Time for Bed.  Opps, that's right it is Ramadan so you do not go to bed until 4 AM after you have last meal and drink BBBZZZAAAFF before the sun comes up.