Pool Party

 For our November activity in Relief Society, we decided to have a pool party. I knew in advance that I had a commitment at 4 pm, so I planned to do the set up, Comfort would organize the food, Baaba would be in charge of clean-up, and Erica would advertise the party. 

Three weeks in advance, I got permissions, told the security guards, asked Lawrence who does maintenance what I was needed i.e. chairs, tables, pool noodles -  to have a pool party for the Relief Society. I got assurances from different people that is was okay.

When I came out at a quarter to 2 pm, nothing was set up. When I called Lawrence there was no answer. When I asked the current security guard, he had no notifications of any pool party - but he did unlock the door where the noodles, rings, extra chairs, and lounge chair covers were. On Thursday, I had gotten a snippy passive agressive note from a missionary (that I have obviously offended) about the noise, and new directions from the Area Presidency's wife on what could and could not happen. I was feeling a little unsettled about this party.

I previously saw the tables down a stairwell on my way in and out the side door of our apartment, so I and another lady hauled the table over to the pool, she then went over and hauled the other table by herself. She is about 5 feet 4 inches and skinny! She put that table on her head and brought it right over - I sure wish I could give you a picture of that! Meanwhile, I was hauling chairs out of the store room and bringing the noodles and rings to the pool. As you can tell we didn't need maintenance to set up. 

It turned out to be a good party! The guests dribbled in slowly and the four children who came early were in the pool immediately. About an hour later we had a nice group of ladies chatting and laughing - but no music per the request of the AP's wife. Some of the ladies were posing and taking pictures, some chatting at poolside, and a few were in the pool enjoying the water. There was plenty of food, water and some drinks. Only one lady I could see was swimming the butterfly stroke. Everyone else floated around. 

Sure wish I got the picture three seconds earlier. This tiny 5 foot three or four inches woman, carrying a table longer than she is tall, on her head, then swinging it down to set up!

I left early and later Baaba said it was very difficult to get everyone out of the pool. They all had a really good time. When Jeffrey and I got back at about a quarter to six, the last three ladies were headed to the gate.  Baaba had asked to do some sewing on my machine for some guests from Utah who are coming to Accra - after the pool party was over. She hadn't even started and we got home before she came. I laughed at her description of everyone eating and then jumping back into the pool while she is trying to say the party is over. Good times.