I went to my first Kenyan wedding! Irene is the daughter of Gladys, who so wonderfully helps me out around the house. I was a bit nervous and unsure what to expect. The invitation said 10:00 but when I asked Gladys when I should come, she said they would ‘steal the bride’ around 10 and should be at the church at 10:30. So I showed up around 10:45 and the entire wedding party was hanging out outside the church.
Gladys and me! She looks so pretty!
The service was sort of what I am used to. I ducked in after the groomsmen had walked down the aisle and sat in the back. Unfortunately, right when the bride started walking down, the music stopped, and so did she. After standing around for a few minutes, she just walked the rest of the way in relative silence, accompanied by two cell phones ringing and a car alarm. Oh, well.
Other unusual features: the bride and groom sang a love song to each other in the middle, but I couldn’t see much of it as there were three men with video cameras standing right in front of the happy couple. An offering was taken (“Never come to church with empty pockets!”). Most of the service was in Swahili, with a long prayer in Kikuyu, and occasional phrases translated into English. There were at least 3 short sermons on love and marriage.
While we started the wedding in the last populated pew, the church was packed by the end. Around 2:00 the service ended and we started to head out to reception . . . but then it started pouring rain and everyone filed back into the church. As I got colder and colder and there was no food in sight, my mind started wandering toward the big-deal soccer and basketball tournament happening at RVA. At the encouragement of some other staff in attendance, I borrowed an umbrella and scurried home in the rain. So, I didn’t actually finish out my first Kenyan wedding . . .
But I did hear the honking horns hours later as the cars drove by. And I got to see RVA win the soccer tournament . . . the game went into penalty kicks and we finally won after 16 shots. It was quite exciting.
Superfans. This picture also explains why I might sometimes be confused for a student.
3 comments:
I think that's the same Gladys that worked for the family I was with! Ask her if she worked for a family, 2nd house in the gate. I can't remember their name exactly... starting with an H?
very funny rendition of a Kenyan wedding.
When are your parents getting there? Love ya. Have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas. Amy
"After standing around for a few minutes, she just walked the rest of the way in relative silence, accompanied by two cell phones ringing and a car alarm."
Oh that is funny...
Love and miss you!
You crack me up Erica! What awesome experiences you are having. So fun
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