I'm Back

I needed to post and leave for a moment because Tim the Tech was ready to help me get Skype up and running. I saw Jannel for a moment and heard her typing!
That's good to go now, what a blessing!!!!
I know I left off the Wedding story at the Bride's home in the am. I was "dressed" out in the parking area with lots of little eyes watching the muzungo attended to. (Muzungo is what the children cry out as we pass by in the cars......it means rich, white, person.)
So, we enter the courtyard all decked out in beautiful cloth! We pass by chairs that are empty to get to the brides' side of the seating. I am given a place just behind the women of the extended family with the men are all seated in the front row. We are under the tent out of the sun that is already a bit warm for the dear people who GAVE UP their seats for Jeanne DArc and me. It's more than a little embarrassing to be given such preferential treatment. But this was only the beginning. My picture was taken more than I can count. I even decided to take a pic of one of the photographer taking my picture!!
It was an honor to be there!
The ceremony began when the announcement came that the groom's side of the family had arrived. They entered in a grand procession carrying large baskets on their heads and lots of Fanta soda pop. It was all very formal.
The next thing to happen was the two sides facing each other....the males of the families spoke to each other. Their was the formality of sharing a drink.....perhaps coffee.....then other things too that I forget.
There were gifts given to the brides family. I saw a new shovel, and a new water jug that is used to carry water......the women carry these huge, heavy things on their heads (I tried to lift one off a woman's head last Sept. and could not it was so heavy!)
There was discussion about the cows also. They had been delivered already earlier in the week to the family herd. Jeanne DArc translating for me stated sometimes money is given in lieu of cows but it would be a cow price.
The talk continued back and forth. The brides family were saying that the man who was speaking on the Grooms side......it was his first time in this capacity.
Well, the next part that I remember was they asked for Lilyanne to be given. The talk on the brides side was then something like.....there are more than one Lilyannes in the family. They wanted a bit more information, on which girl they were talking about!!! "The big one!" was their reply!
Finally, we were introduced to the groom. "" A boy!" the eldest member on the brides side yelled!
Drinks were served all around again and Fanta for the rest of all of us. These weddings are quite expensive! Jeanne DArc said all the extended family was called upon to help with the costs. But that was just the beginning.
The bride in traditional African style came out. She was absolutely beautiful! Much taller than her beau but no matter. She was so elegantly dressed and attended by many women all dressed in traditional dress.
The ceremony included passing around a drink again .....I forget if the bride served this time too.....I think she served her grooms family and greeted each of the women in the first few rows.
I'm going to post this now.....TO BE CONTINUED