Liberate the goats!

Tomorrow is Eid for most Muslim sects, meaning that today is the last day they will fast for Ramadan (in Kiswahili when one is fasting, they say ‘niko funga,’ or ‘I am closed’). To celebrate, at sundown this evening, Muslim families who can afford to will have a great feast. For my neighbors, this includes roasting the meat of three or four freshly slaughtered goats. As I look out my window, I can see 7 of tonight’s victims sitting very comfortably in the shade on a bed of grass, ignorant of their imminent demise.

I have had a couple of job interviews since I last wrote. I’ve been invited to Nairobi for a second interview at the end of October for a position in Tanzania that sounds promising. Also, former Aga Khan Foundation colleague got in contact with me about the possibility of working with her for 4 to 6 months in Kampala. So, while I still haven’t received any job offers, I am feeling more hopeful that I will be gainfully employed in the not so distant future. I’m taking a leave of absence of sorts from volunteering APDK. I told my boss that I had volunteer fatigue and needed to re-motivate. I hope to go back next week.

Anit’s brother Punit and his girlfriend Sisca are getting married on November 7th. It was a spur of the moment decision based largely on her need for a visa (she is Indonesian). They are planning something simple. For Indians, this means 3 functions over 2 days for approximately 100 people.