Joy, Dancing, & Worship

July 31, 2016

This weekend we have been flooded with joy…..

Saturday, we had the privilege of attending the wedding of our friend Mabel Madinga’s son, Phindu, and his wife Lumbani.  While the wedding had some elements that seemed familiar, much of the ceremony was refreshingly different.  As the ceremony began, two attendants escorted a number of children down the isle – the girls were dressed in gold and navy blue dresses, and the boys in khaki pants, plaid shirts and navy blue vests – they were adorable, to say the least! 

Shortly after, the bridal party began to process-- the gentlemen (dressed in an adult version of the children’s clothing) waited up front – the women (dressed in adult versions of the girls dresses) started from the back.  When it was their turn, the pair would dance down the isle toward each other, meet at the center where they would dance a circle around each other, and then continue dancing toward the front where they would wait.  As Phindu and Lumbani entered the space (sweetly escorted by their fathers), they continued in the same pattern, however, those in attendance began to hoot and call and cheer for them  - it was rowdy and fun! 

The ceremony was officiated by Bishop Bvumbwe, and everything was celebrated; the vows, the message, the signing of the marriage certificate, the showing of the rings, the first kiss….you name it, and family and friends celebrated it with their cheers.  It was joy-filled!

Following the wedding, Mphatso took us to lunch (we had PIZZA!) and then we explored the local market where we shopped for a wedding card (to hold the gift of money we would later give to the bride and groom), and some African fabric (that was WAY more fun that I though it would be!) The market was a lively place packed with vendors of all sorts - people selling fresh fruits and veggies, chicken, household items, clothing and shoes, fabric, roasted grasshoppers…..

After shopping, we met everyone at the “rock gardens” where the wedding reception was located – the outdoor space was beautiful –tall trees, lush grass (which is NOT typical in Lilongwe during the winter months), beautiful flowers….We sat under a tent (right behind Mabel!!!) and watched as the reception commenced.  In Malawi, a wedding reception, while being a place for family and friends to gather and celebrate, is also a way for the new couple to receive money that can help carry them through their first few months of marriage.  We watched as the bridal party danced down a long, red carpet, ending on the grassy dance space in front of everyone. 

The newlyweds were first surrounded by their wedding party where they danced and danced and threw money all around, and danced some more.  Then people danced around Phindu and threw money again, then the same with Lumbani, then around Phindu’s parents, and then Lumbani’s.   After the bridal party danced some more, then people could present their wrapped gifts.  Each group was announced and they could dance with their gifts down the red carpet toward the couple where we could congratulate them and offer our gift.  Then we stayed and danced some more until the next group’s turn.  SO MUCH FUN! People were laughing with us……at us?......not sure J But John, Kathy, Derrick, and I had a great time! 

As a thank you, everyone received a box with snacks, a soda, a cupcake, and a candle.

 

As we prepared to leave we said goodbye to Mabel and her husband – what gracious hearts their family has. 

When we arrived back at the lodge, Rebecca came to the room to apologize for the water not working - - another commonality here…we just go with it… (Rebecca is one of the women who has been here ALL week, arranging meals, cleaning rooms, opening the front gate for cars, working in the reservation office, doing laundry….she did it all, and often at all hours of the night.) She was fascinated by the wooding carvings and fabric I had in my room, so I asked if she would like to see them– she and I chatted for quite a while about her hometown, how we were both at the market today, what color/patterns she likes for making skirts, and how she definitely deserves a break after her busy week.  I thanked her for her hospitality and kindness during our time there…her reply: “No…. thank you.  My week has been blessed having all you pastors staying here.”  Tears……..all week long it has been lovely to be greeted by her warm and genuine smile.  She doesn’t realize that she has been the blessing in this space this week. 

This morning I awoke after my FIRST full night’s sleep since we embarked on this trip.  We enjoyed breakfast, and headed to the ELCM cathedral for worship.  I watched as Abusa John and Abusa Kathy process down the center isle with Bishop Bvumbwe and three other pastors, all dressed in Pentecost green.  I was invited to offer a greeting from the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, and shared my prayers and thankfulness to them.  Abusa John was asked to preach, and did a wonderful job focusing on Ecclesiastes.  (He looked REALLY tall in the pulpit, by the way!)  The music was fantastic – three choirs, a brass band, and a praise team.  Our friends Lazarus and Chicco were in two of the choirs…their smiles never get old!   

I was grateful for the woman sitting next to me at worship – I think she could tell I was lost in translation and would often explain when I needed to move, pray, sit and stand.  When it was time for Holy Communion, a group of us gathered at the kneelers, and waited as one of the pastors would take bread, dip in into a chalice of wine, and place it in our mouths for us…..a little weird for me, but it sure was a blessing to share that sacrament with friends in Malawi. 

In the afternoon, we had our first official FREE time – nothing scheduled until later tonight.   So I napped for three hours and then woke up and called my family J  It was amazing to hear their voices and I am excited to see them in a few days. 

Dinner was enjoyed at a local Italian restaurant (great food!).  Upon returning to our car, Derrick noticed the battery was dead…a sticky situation when you don’t have “jumpers” in your "boot."  But, another vehicle on their way out of the parking lot noticed our trouble and offered to help – looks like there are nice people everywhere J  It didn’t take long to get up and running again.

Tonight we will need to pack everything up, as tomorrow we will be moving around a bit.  After our meeting with the bishop in the morning, we will get settled into our new rooms at the ELCM compound and take a few hours to explore more of Lilongwe before we leave on Tuesday.  I hope we can see Chicco and Lazarus one last time, too. 

Until tomorrow, everyone!