The last two days have included a rare opportunity to enjoy the events revolving around an African wedding. Jairus and Adeline's daughter, Bintu, was married over the course of the last two days. This involved cultures from Gabon, Cameroon, Liberia, and Guinea, which caused the dowry negotiation process to be quite prolonged. We were invited to the family's home last pm where we witnessed the dowry negotiation that is usually reserved for the two families. After four hours, both sides agreed to meet Saturday am to finish up the details, which took almost the entire day, forcing the wedding ceremony to be delayed almost three hours. We were told that even the African people were complaining about this delay. The pastor recognized that it had been a long couple of days and shortened the ceremony, to allow all to enjoy an excellent meal, dancing, and cake. We are hoping that both families are blessed by some much needed sleep. It was an honor to be included in this event, and one we will never forget.
Friday saw the guys finish their construction work in the warehouse, and I saw 12 patients in the clinic. We have a few cases for next week, and hope to add a few more after seeing a robust clinic on Monday. We anticipate worshipping in the church in N'Zao in the morning, and then possibly doing some four wheeling and volleyball in the afternoon. The boys realized we are down to our last week here, and are amazed at how quickly the time has gone by. The cross cultural experience has been valuable and life changing for them. Thanks to all of you for your notes of encouragement and prayers.
We got back to Salem this afternoon and I just got all caught up reading your blog. Weddings are really a big deal in Africa, huh? Did you wear your special clothes for it? Take some pictures for us, ok? I'm sure the guys will be ready fo some manly activities tomorrow.:)
ReplyDeleteWe really enjoyed having Jen, Cade and Krae with us yesterday and this morning. Cade looks like he grew several inches since we last saw him and Krae is busier than ever...they loved the new hammock in the backyard.:) I'm sure Noah will love having his cousins camping with him tonight...a little boy's dream! Praying your time of worship tomorrow will be one with special blessings and as you begin a new week at Hope your work will bring joy and blessing to many. Love you and praying for you daily.
We loved seeing all three of you on Skype last night...amazing!
Mom
Thanks for hosting my half of the family that is stateside! It sounds as though they are having a good time traveling and visiting friends and family. You're probably fortunate they didn't ruin the hammock-- a testimony to its durability! I'm sure camping will be quite fun, fortunately they aren't in The Dalles where it's over 100 degrees. It rained most of the night here and has turned everything into a muddy,sloppy mess, but such is the rainy season... Should be sunny and joyful inside the church today. Thank you for your prayers, we are looking forward to seeing how God will use us this week.
ReplyDeleteLove ya both,
Jeff
Hey bro,
ReplyDeleteWe are enjoying catching up on the blog this morning, again. The pics of the guys and the stories of your days are cool reading on a Sunday morning. We are all praying and thinking of you these days. Keep at it...good job showing up.
Jay and the girls
Dang it...just realized that I hadn't completed the last publishing step on other blog posts that I had written. You might not have gotten any from us until today. If so...sorry. Probably had some really inspirational and amazing comments in those blogs that didn't make it to you. Nothing of that sort in this one...not that kind of mind to be able to crank those out on command. Let's see...this will have to do:
ReplyDeleteKellen - Keep on keeping on. (I made that up just now.)
Connor - You are the wind beneath my wings. (Also an original by me.)
Jeff - Don't sneeze when holding surgical instruments inside another's body.
That's all I have for now.
Jay
These are the first two posts we have received from you guys, quite a shame, hate to have missed all the knowledge that assuredly has been imparted! The guys are just musically savvy enough to have recognized your original sayings-- sorry bro! Glad all is well there. Am sure you are acclimated to home again. Hard to believe we are beginning our last week here tomorrow. Time flies when you're cutting in the jungle. Hope to catch up with you upon our return-- maybe over Labor Day weekend?
DeleteGivin em hope at Hope,
Jeff