I co-organized and ran an event onboard the ship for Her Excellency Ellen Joshson Sirleaf President of the Republic of Liberia, yes, the President of Liberia.
It all started on Friday afternoon when I got a call to go to the dinning room to discuss the programme for the Presidents Visit. Apparently she was coming TOMORROW!! Her protocall people wouldnt tell us when she would actually come, only that she would come tomorrow before lunch. So we got planning. (What do you do for a President?) After figuring out a programme with the leaders Faith (Philippines) and I went shopping in the bookfair for a gift.... for the President, so funny. That evening we went around to find the people we would need to be in the programme, it wasnt that hard because no one wants to say not to being a part of the programme for the President of Liberia. Friday evening finished and we were ready.
Saturday morning, the day.
Woke up, ate a quick breakfast and started preparing the room at 0745 because her protocall people were already onboard again. They claimed she would come at 1000 or 1030, "Africa time". We set up the room, dealt with the demands of her people and by 1000 were ready. We called together all those who would be involved and we waited... and waited.
Finally by 1130 she arrived. Her cars pulled up infront of the ship. The door opened and red carpet stairs came out and then she did. She stepped out, waved to the people and made her way onto the ship. We all got in our places ready to welcome her. I stood at the enterance of the Logos Lounge. Faith in my ear on the radio, "she's in the lobby, she is going up the stairs, she is coming down the hallway, she is coming..." and then I saw her, the President of Liberia, so funny. The came in, we all stood and clapped for her and the program began. The programme went well and when it was finished it was such a relief, but her visit wasnt finished. I went ahead to make sure that everything was okay where ever she was going. She went to the book fair first. Then she wanted to go to the Bridge, I held the door open for her, for like 10 minutes, a fire door, so heavy. Then after the Bridge we took her to a room to sign the guest book. Then she left and it was over. I gave Faith a high five, we did it. It was a crazy morning but I loved it. It was a day to remember.
No comments:
Post a Comment