This past Friday (October 21st) we were fortunate enough to visit the State House, the Zambian version of the White House. For Ben, it was a dream come true, exactly the type of thing he always wanted to be a part of. It started by taking a convoy of American Embassy vehicles (the ones that have the little American flags) through the streets of Lusaka. Coming to the gates of this magnificent looking palace, gave this surreal feeling that you can't put into words. Ben was then escorted by the head of Public Affairs of the Embassy inside the President's house where all the dignitaries were seated, and shown to his seat front and center of the ceremony. Soon after the President and the American Ambassador walk in, with all the pomp and circumstance you would expect. After a few remarks to the invited guests and press, Ben and the rest of his training class went outside to the courtyard for a photo opportunity (which ended up on the front page of the three daily papers).
After the picture taking the group then exited through the back to where the President's military band began playing their version of 'Hail to the Chief' and had lunch outside under a large beautifully decorated tent. Both of us sat at the table with the head of the UN mission, the chief of the economic section at the embassy, Head of Public Affairs, and a highly ranked Air Force official. During lunch, Ben was called up to front and gave a speech in Bemba to the President, and presented a pin to him, which he ended up putting on him. The speech went well, and Ben did not prick him when pinning him. All told there were about 250 people present, mainly Ambassadors from other countries, American embassy workers, and press. It was undoubtedly the pinnacle of our professional lives, and a moment which we will never forget.
It was only the third time in the fifty year history of the Peace Corps, that Peace Corps was invited to an official state lunch or dinner. This was the first State Lunch thrown by the new President, Michael Sata. The only unfortunate part was we were not allowed to take in cameras, so we do not have any pictures, although we do hope to get some from the American Embassy, and various Zambian media outlets. It should also be noted that the American Ambassador (Mark Storella) who we met two weeks ago at Lizzy's swear-in, along with the Embassy workers, did a fantastic job of helping to organize the event.
Times of Zambia
Daily Mail
The Post - Note, the headline does not match the article
