Invited to a wedding

We are the first to arrive in the empty hall.

 Last Saturday Jason got a phone call from one of the newsreporters of our area. The reporter told Jason he was getting married that day and apologized for waiting until the last minute but he wanted Jason to attend at 10am. These are the functions that we are always waiting for so of course Jason agreed that he would be there. Jason was definitely the only foreigner as well as the only non Cushite. He got to watch how the  marriage contract was carried out between the groom and the bride's Father- no women were allowed. This ordeal took around 15 minutes and then the feasting began. Jason was one of the first to receive the meal and also had an individual plate. Everyone else was served on a platter in which people shared. There were several types of meat and pilau (flavored rice). One thing Jason noticed was how messy the floor got from everyone eating the meal. Men would just throw chunks of fat onto the floor and wash their hands with a water bottle also onto the floor. Jason asked if I could attend the celebration for the bride that would be in the evening and the groom enthusiastically said of course and that I could bring 6 guests along with me.

I was told to be there at 7pm and being from the West, I cannot bring myself to come later than that time. We were the very first to arrive which meant we could take pictures of the beautiful decorations (there were real roses on vases at every table) we also got the opportunity to watch people arrive and greet them. One lady under the black veil approached us so energetically but we could not tell who she because she was completely covered in black with just slits for her eyes. When she removed the covering off her face we saw it was the cash register for one of the local shops that we frequent just about daily. It was so great to see someone we knew. Slowly the room began to fill up and we got to dance in the front to several songs. After 3 hours it was announced that the bride had come. We looked out the window and two cars were circling over and over again in the parking lot. Eventually the cars stopped and the Bride came out and began dancing with an entourage dancing behind her. She went all the way to the front of the room and then sat on the couch for a few minutes. Then she got up to dance some more. There were many camera men recording everything and even a drone. In my opinion the bride looked sad and it made me wonder if she had agreed to this marriage or could it had been arranged. Either way it is very challenging to be a female in this male dominated society. I pray that she can know Jesus who sees her in the good times and bad and is wanting a relationship with her. It was a priveledge to go and be apart of this event in our community. I want to wrestle with God for the souls of my community, that they would be join into His inheritance. Everyone women there did indeed look like a beautiful Princess and if they would only believe in the power of the cross they most definitely would be daughters of the King.

The cash register.

Getting pictures taken while killing time.

The place got packed!

Watching the cars circle in the parking lot. The Bride was in one of those cars.

The Bride danced down the aisle and then sat on the couch for a