For some reason our Embassy celebrated the 4th on the 3rd. So, we celebrated last night and then Seth went again today for a flag raising ceremony and the revealing of a plaque to honor our 3 hostages that were rescued last year just before the 4th of July.  Seth will have lots more to write but I will post pictures now and let him write when he has time to catch his breath.

I have to start by bragging on Seth which he won’t like but I think it’s important. The event had 5500 people. Seth coordinated it all! He had 17 committees to cover all of the different aspects of the event. Earlier in the week that there was not going to be enough food and beer but as the night went on everyone seemed to have what they needed and beer didn’t run out until late in the evening which in this community is the sign of a well prepared event! Seth got lots of compliments on his great work including people last night saying things like ” whoever did the arrangement of music for the fireworks did an excellent job!”  It was very moving to hear our patriotic songs. It makes me all that more eager to get home to the US!

Jackson was exhausted but took it all in and enjoyed himself! It was a drizzly night and it always feels weird to have to wear jackets on the 4th but overall the rain held back and we stayed dry!I didn’t get many good pictures but here are a few anyways….

Both looking a little like they want out!

Fanny Lu…Colombian rock star. Jackson was a VIP so he got to go behind the scenes and meet her! He was too tired to be impressed!

This picture is in honor of our friends the Maney’s! When the girl scouts came around selling these  I was like “who needs one of those glo sticks?” Then I had a vision of Sarah and Paul walking through the fair trying to sell them so I whipped out the cash!

the stage area, pre-5500 people

Our friend Nicholas, wishing he was an American

watching the kids show!

Happy 4th Everyone! Eat some hot dogs and hamburgers for us today!! We are missing home!