The Wedding

Like most everything else ...weddings are VERY different here. In Kenya the husband must pay a dowry to the father in law. Negotiations were still going on at 11:00 which was the time the wedding was supposed to start. The father locked the bride in her room and left because he wanted a more money. Finally a settlement was reached and the wedding began at 2:00. Fortunately we had an inside contact so we waited at home until the drama passed.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen entered dancing....met each other half way up the aisle...then proceeded to the front. After the processional of the bride ....the pastor asked if there was anyone who had any reason why these two should not be married... He waited for what seemed like a long minute ....then he asked again. Then the pastor asked the bride and groom if they had changed their mind ....did they want to continue? They both agreed it was a good idea to proceed.

Next the band broke into some jammin' African rhythms and we were all on our feet dancing.... everyone had their arms up and and were pushing their hands forward .... this was extending a blessing to the new couple... it was very cool! The congregation erupted in applause after each gave their vows... more applause when rings were exchanged. We heard a good sermon ...then a big moment in Kenyan weddings....the signing of the marriage certificate. The bride opened the coat of her husband and placed the certificate in his inside pocket! The pastor announced the new couple and then it was out to the yard for the reception. The pictures show one of the gifts brought to the wedding.. furniture on top of the car.... the food in the car was for the reception ....some of the wedding party and the line for the food.



Tomorrow I will be doing all three services of the children's church .... please pray for those!

John