Wedding ~ part II

Next we were taken across the street ~ I use that term loosely ~ dirt path ~ to the hall for the reception.


The place was already packed with people but we were led right to the front to the honored seats for the family ~ directly behind the groom's mother. Father B explained to us that it is the custom here that the bride's family hosts a party beforehand and only a few of the grooms family attends ~ maybe twenty ~ and then the wedding day is hosted by the groom's family and only a few of the brides family attend ~
Everyone was sitting on plastic lawn chairs facing the front.



There were warm bottles of beer, soda and water placed conveniently around the room ~ remember no refrigeration ~ no ice ~ AND in the back of the hall was the warm banana beer with the large 20oz cups ~ two huge barrels ~

The band entered followed by some children dancing and then the bride and groom. It was all very loud, bright and happy.

The wedding party ~


The solemn bride and groom ~


The groom introduces his new wife ~


The bride introduces her new husband ~



The guests "danced" up to greet the bride and groom and then it was time to " cut the cake" ~ but wait we hadn't even eaten ~ and they were pushing the "cake" covered in foil on a large cart ~



Removing the foil in a loud rush of cheering ~ the "cake" was revealed ~ a roasted goat ~ head and all!





Chunks of meat were carved off and put on toothpicks and then put onto a dish that was passed to the bride and groom. They proceeded to feed each other pieces of meat! Then the bride went to the groom's family and the groom went to the bride's family to feed each of the first rows of people the meat. John was thrilled while I tried to hide inconspicuously ~ phew ~ got through that one ~ oh no ~ next it was time for all of the family members to "dance" up to the bride and groom for a toothpick of goat. John was thrilled once again, Dana ~ respectfully accepting ~ I was sick. We danced up but I couldn't do it ~ I accepted the toothpick in my hand instead of my mouth ~ through questioning glances ~ and danced back to my chair where I proceeded to put it in the napkin I had saved earlier.

Dana has met most of the family on previous visits but this week was the first time she met Father B's mother ~ she loved Dana and wanted her (and us) to spend the weekend with them ~



Now it was time for the gifts. Groups of guests again "danced" up to the bride and groom ~ still solemn ~ to present their gift. The groom's mother was first and presented them with a rope to represent the cow she was giving them.

Since we were the "honored guests" ours was to be opened. Father Barnabus accompanied Dana up and introduced her.


(the guy behind with his hands up to his mouth is a relative of the bride and he had been into the banana beer way before the reception began)


She then took the microphone and to much cheering and clapping delivered her lovely words in Swahili. Everyone loved that she used Swahili and we were very proud of her.





More gifts were presented ~ that's Father B's brother Peter and his wife and the rest of the group ~ they all wanted matching dresses so they all made dresses alike ~



Kitenge were presented to the groom's mother and the bride ~






With things moving along and the banana beer almost gone, it was time for the real dancing. We were like magnets ~ everyone wanted to dance with us, men, women, boys, girls, grandmas ~ and if anyone got carried away mama Elitha was there to save us ~

John & Reh ~


Mama Elitha & John ~


Lynn & ? ~


John & ? ~


Dana & all the boys ~


Lynn & ? ~


Oh ~ Lynn & John ~


John & maid of honor ~


Lynn & Felix ~


Things were winding down ~ the oldest brother, Joseph spoke for the family ~ thanking everyone for coming ~


Father Barnabas and Joseph ~


Three of the seven brothers ~ Father B, Peter, Joseph ~


It was a great night ~ this picture pretty much sums it up ~


The party was continuing up the mountain at the homestead and we had been pleaded with to come and spend the night ~ thankfully and
unbelievably the cab found it's way back to us and took us home!
What an experience ~
After spending Thursday with Father Barnabus and his family at the homestead and having had dinner at Felix's home we really felt comfortable with all of them and had a great time. We have found the Tanzanians very warm, accepting people. They were honored that we would spend time with them while we were honored to be included in their family celebration ~ a day we will always remember fondly.