hellen weds michael

Hello! I’ve been here for about a week now…the kids get sweeter every day. They’re teaching me a lot of kikuyu. Each of the little kids has a “caretaker,” who is an older kid. So yesterday on a walk near a stream, Kevin got dirt all over his face somehow, so Joseph, a 14 year old, sweetly walked him down to the stream to help him wash his face off. Joseph might not be his caretaker, but that just shows how sweet these kids are. Or at Fellowship a few nights ago, little 2 ½ year old John fell asleep, and 11 year old Isaac held him while he fell asleep. It was just so sweet. Then I took John so Isaac didn’t have to hold him, and Fellowship lasted for about another 30 minutes, and John happens to be a chunk, a sweet one, but a chunk nonetheless. I’m learning more about what it’s like to be a mother. =]

This weekend was Michael and Hellen’s wedding, two people that go to Glory Assembly Outreach Karima, our church. Right off the bat I got to attend a traditional Kenyan wedding! It was cute. Very different. but then, also sort of the same.

Similarities:
- Bride wears white, bridesmaids match, groom & men all wear suits
- groom waits at the end of the aisle for the bride
- pastor talks about marriage
- there’s a moment of “speak now, or forever hold your peace”
- they make promises like vows
- they give each other rings
- the whole bridal party & family takes pictures after the wedding
- there’s a reception afterwards
- bride & groom feed each other cake
- bride & groom & bridal party have special tables
- they leave for a honeymoon

Differences: (keeping in mind that this is a traditional wedding, some do it differently)
- decorations were all different colors instead of just a few
- anyone & everyone helps decorate the church and cook the food (Lindsey & I made bows)
- to begin the wedding, the bride & bridal party arrive in a decorated car, & the bridal party sings & dances around the car while the bride stays in it. They sing a song to the groom saying they are presenting the bride to him.
- The bridesmaids walk in with the bride, who are traditionally all the women from the groom’s family, to give the bride to the groom.
- “speak now, or forever hold your peace” lasts about 5 minutes long. Or at least it did in this wedding. I think they take it very seriously.
- There’s about 3 different moments of “I do’s”
- They hold up their hands above their heads to exchange rings. The rings were brought out in a music box that played the tune of “fur elise.” (mom, it sounded like the one you have! That piano, ya know?)
- They sign the marriage certificate right there during the wedding.
- They wrap the bride’s train over the groom’s shoulder, that was cute.
- the event lasts all day. We got there a little before 10 am & left around 5 pm. It’s a big celebration!

It was great fun! The food at the reception was traditional Kenyan food. “Mokimo,” which is mashed potatoes mixed with greens & maize, whole potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. They were so sweet, Lindsey & I asked where the beginning of the food line was, & instead, the people wanted to serve us, and they did. It was so sweet. Someone also brought us a Fanta each. Yummyyyy! The walk to the church is about 45 minutes, uphill both ways. =) haha! But actually, it is! Of course there’s a downhill both ways, too. Because of the walk, I wore tennis shoes, but I still wanted to kinda dress up so I wore a skirt & actually put on makeup. I don’t wear much makeup here besides basic face makeup & a little eyeliner. I know, I know, hard to believe. =)

It’s only rained about twice so far, and both times have been at night. So it hasn’t been as muddy as I expected it. It sure is cold though! Luckily, my wool blankets & fuzzy socks are perfect for sleeping at night. I am plenty warm. =)

Lindsey & I are listening to N*SYNC Christmas album right now as I type this. Besides Jim Brickman piano, it’s the only Christmas music I made sure to bring. Oh, let me tell you how adorable it is when the kids sing!!! IT’S ADORABLE! Yesterday on the way home from the wedding, Krista Belle taught me how to sing a hallelujah song in Kikuyu. Of course I can’t remember it now, but I will later I’m sure. We’ve been singing some carols as much as we can with them because they’re first performance of their Christmas play is this Saturday! They have Joy to the World down FOR SURE (fo sho), but Hark the Herald Angels Sing is a little tougher. Strange words I suppose. Teaching them these songs, I think, “what is this word? Hark the Herald? Round yon virgin?” it’s kinda tricky to explain.

Lindsey & I were just talking about how we see God’s presence with us everyday, and she knows when people are praying for her, too! Like we’ll read something from the bible or a book at just the right time, or someone will say something encouraging at the right moment, or a song will just hit our hearts exactly how we need it to, or the kids will do something that remind us why we’re here. It’s awesome. Praise the LORD! Bwana asi fiwe! (that’s praise the LORD in Swahili – sounds like Buena ahsee feeway)

I am definitely in a different culture & starting to miss some familiarities, but it’s still a learning experience right now & I’m enjoying it! We have lots to do this week between the Christmas play & working for G.O.A.! Our friends Katie, Adam, Austin, & Ryan are coming from other places in Kenya to visit us this weekend & see the play! Should be fun!

-kt

i tried to post pics, but it didn't work. =/ maybe next time!