The excited crowd poured out of the church building with Bethany and I following. We all wanted to see who was getting out of the car. Loud ululation, "Ai, Ai, Ai, Ai" proceeded the groom and his attendants as they moved down the aisle. For Bethany and I it was our first glimpse of the groom... ever. This was the first wedding held since our arrival last year, and we were generously invited, despite not knowing the bride or groom. It's a community event!
Soon the bride arrived with even more fanfare. The choir headed back outside to greet her with tree branches waving. They lead the way down the aisle ahead of the 3 flower girls, 4 junior bridesmaids, 2 bridesmaids, maid of honor, matron of honor and then the bride in white. Popcorn and flowers were thoroughly scattered.
As the 3 1/2 hour church service progressed we began to rejoice with the couple hearing some of their story of choosing each other. We were all melting in the hot church and the pastor encouraged us with the words, "Sweat before sweet."
We moved outside to "phase two": the reception. Plastic chairs under a green and white striped tent were set up for the honored guests like Bethany and I. Others were seated under the huge mango tree with neighborhood children pressing in to view the event.
Cake, cookies, candy and soda were passed around. Then the speeches began while they passed out plates of food for everyone to eat with their hands. The bull slaughtered for the event, served with rice and bread was enough for guests and all the interested lookers-on.
Singing with microphones and keyboard, along with dancing, dancing and more dancing made for a joyful occasion.
By the end, we were able to greet the bride and groom and wish them well.
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