I was collected by Nelson, (you may remember I went to his wedding 2 years ago) at 10.30 in the company vehicle....a somewhat elderly and battered Land Cruiser, thankfully I got to sit in the front! It was rather difficult getting in as I was in heels and the dress whilst floaty on top was rather straight skirted beneath the float!
We headed south east picking up folk along the way, an hour's drive on tarmac to Nyamata, followed by another hour on rather rough unmade road, arriving at the parish church at 12.40. It is the most remote area I've driven through I think, but many coffee trees along the way, in flower (small and white) but also bearing coffee beans ranging from green to red in ripeness.
Much astonishment from the children at seeing their first white person in the flesh! By the end of the day I was having to seek cover in the vehicle as the hundreds of children were trying to touch me, it was a bit scary at one point.
We were shown into the 'vestry', flask of African tea and bread rolls offered. I'd had a hearty breakfast, organised as ever! so stuck to my bottle of water. As we waited we were joined by more and more clergy, over 30 I think, some I knew such as my friend Venuste from another remote parish near the border with Burundi. He came on an old motor bike the journey taking an hour on those rough roads. The rector from Jean Paul's college was present, and some of his fellow students, it was good to meet up again. Shows what esteem John Paul is held in.
The parish church typical here, dirt floor, benches, chairs for clergy in the front by a door....it was very warm. Lots of singing and dancing whilst waiting for the wedding party. Jean Paul and Solange were seated in the front on a sofa. Of course the couple had previously had the civil ceremony, and on Saturday morning the dowry ceremonial, but the service seemed quite abbreviated to me, although did last nearly 2 hours. Seemingly we had the declaration, the vows, rings exchanged but abbreviated words, and a blessing. Good sermon though but in Kinyawanda so I didn't understand it. It is a strange custom that the bride is veiled until after the rings are exchanged, then the groom lifts the veil. JP did this very elegantly a little at a time. Of course the church was packed, one of their own being married.
Then to have photos taken, in and out of the vehicle again! Photo site at the health centre, the only place at the end of the dry season with green foliage
Then we walked to the reception venue.
The couple had to walk to an arch and cut the ribbon to enter the reception area, which was outdoors.
The dais where the wedding group sit. The steps were a little dodgy!!!
Again I found myself in the front row.
At weddings here you hire an MC who manages everything, various speeches from representatives from both families, drinks exchanged,,,,non alcoholic, gifts of fruit to both families. A number of rituals to be observed , I especially liked Solange's father saying how great a daughter she was, but now he's giving her to JP......tears from the bride....it was very biblical!
Then the cake was cut and we all had a piece and a bottle of soda. There was no food which I think very sensible, why feed hundreds when you have very little money. By 6.15 when it was getting dark and we had no lights we set off home again. Jean Paul and Solange really enjoyed their wedding he told me yesterday.
Next we have the graduation which should have been tomorrow, but is now on 26 October, I don't know if I can attend then, but will do my best.
That's all for now. But lots more to tell so tune in after the weekend.
No comments:
Post a Comment