Tanzania Wedding

April 7, 2007

Hello everyone,

It has been a busy weekend here in Arusha, starting with the YWAM Bible school's graduation then followed by a wedding and Easter Sunday. The graduation was full of singing and dancing and was here on base. The wedding was the most interesting because it was so different from our weddings at home! First of all, everyone is invited. I don't even know Collins (the groom), but I was still invited because it is a celebration that the whole community gets in on. Second, it is extremely laid back. I think it's safe to say that they don't have any rehearsals, and definitely don't have a wedding coordinator. Someone asked Collins what time the wedding was and he said, "I don't know, I think 12 or 1, i'm getting there sometime after 12." Gammy, are you dieing? But everyone showed up, and it seemed to start on time. The ceremony begins with lots of music and dancing and the pastors saying some things and praying. Then they call in Collins, and he walks down with the best man and an aisle full of people dancing and singing behind him, trailing out the door. Collins has to do this REALLY slow dance all the way down the aisle (I kid you not, it took about 10 minutes). Then they call in the bride and she walks down with her dad, followed by the aisle full of dancing people, dancing really slow. Then she stops half way, and Collins has to come get her!! Doing the slow dance!!!!! Her father gives her away and they walk up together and sit on a bench facing the pulpit, where the pastor preaches to them. But it's all directed to Collins! About how to be a good husband and have a good marriage (stuff that should really have been covered in premaritial counseling!). At one point he said, "And your marriage is not about having kids. Even if she can' t give you children, you are still married. Even if she can't give you a male child you are still married." They take their vows, but there are all these people standing around up front, kind of in their face! Including the pastors who are saying the vows into the microphone really loud and in their face. They get to kiss but it was really awkward and uncomfortable for them. They are both shy (so this is not the best country for them to get married in!) but also Tanzanians don't show any affection in public, so it was probably weird for them to kiss in front of everyone. It's taken me a long time to figure out who's married because the couples don't even really talk to each other in public. But all in all, it was a huge, joyful celebaration. Then we came back to the base to have the reception. Chairs were set up in the main hall and the couple had a table in front. People brought them their gifts, the bride's family gave them four goats which they brought down the aisle of the hall to the couple! And YWAM came dancing down the aisle to give our gifts as well. Lots of dancing and singing! Then we all ate outside.

So that was quite the event.

Today I went to church and there was more singing and dancing! It was three hours long and it was an Easter talk but they didn't have any special ceremonies related to the holiday. They were really big on tithing at this church which was interesting to me since it's such a poor city.

So now you know all about Tanzanian weddings! Some of the students have arrived for the English school, and the rest come in tomorrow. We will be doing registration and orientation tomorrow and then class orientation on tuesday. So please pray for the students and the staff as we start our journey together!

Thank you for the prayers and God bless,
Christina