Do they have a 4th of July in Uganda? Of course they do. They have a 3rd of July and a 5th of July as well! The question, really, is how do you celebrate America's Independence Day from overseas? I remember when I was in Rome on the 4th of July, 1999. I was strictly a tourist, staying in a little campsite in the suburbs. Somewhere way across Rome just after dark someone was shooting off fireworks.
Now, 10 years later I'm abroad again on the 4th. This time, though, I'm a resident, and I'm in the know. The US Embassy sent out a note on behalf of the American Recreation Association. The American Recreation Association is a country-club-esque place in Kampala which refers to itself as "Your home away from home." They've got a pool, tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, a squash court, sauna, playground, billiards, and a guest house. It's very affordable by family club standards - $150 to join and $620/year for the family. But not that affordable by missionary standards - we're not members (yet)!
Anyway, the American Recreation Association hosted a 4th of July party this year. It was $12 to get in and well worth it. Entry included the barbeque with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, Heinz ketchup, yellow mustard, baked beans, coleslaw, fried chicken, and pop, and there was a cash bar. Entertainment was provided - some traditional Ugandan dancing and drumming during dinner picnic-style on the lawn. The US Flag was presented by the Color Guard (Marines) who were on loan from the US Embassy. We sang the US National Anthem. Then there was cake and cookies along with pineapple and watermelon. After dark (remember it gets dark here between 7 and 8pm year-round), there was a fireworks show! Our Marines even presented the colors again for a finale (and almost got caught on fire). I have to say that my expectations weren't very high as you can imagine. But I really, really enjoyed it. The food wasn't exactly American - hamburger and hot dog buns just can't be reproduced and there is a difference between US corn-fed beef and Ugandan free-range cattle, even when it's ground up. But it was close enough and the fireworks were great. I even started to cry a little during the National Anthem. It was great to be with so many Americans (kind of) but our little celebration from so far away made me homesick.
Happy 4th of July, America! Today we really miss you. -Shauen