Experiences
The Engagement Party. The
names of most of the villages in the Kagera District start with the letter K and as it turns out we
had the wrong K village. No walking . The right one was accessible by car so
with Kevin as chauffeur and a few teachers as guides, we set out at Midday for
a short drive to the place. True to African style, the event supposedly started
at midday but the teachers decided we would not leave the school before midday
as we would be early. So true. The venue was a short walk from the road to a
space in front of the parent’s house surrounded by banana trees. There we sat
until 2.00pm until the meal was ready. To
accommodate all the guests the meal was in shifts. We were taken into the house
and sat on the mat for our meal after which we exited outside to sit again while
the next shift had their turn.
 |
| When bored have a wrestle |
 |
| or simply curl up and sleep |
 |
| or have some fun on Kevin's knees |
This is the season of small rain at present for the next two
months and right on cue the clouds gathered over the lake for the daily torrential
downpour. Fortunately the major storm
went round and there was only a light shower. I was intrigued by the way the
roofing tarpaulins had been erected to accommodate a huge bunch of bananas. Everything
was so natural and it was rather nice sitting among the banana trees. Except
for the water dripping off the end of the bunch everything remained dry.
 |
| The dripping Bananas |
At 4.00pm the lady and her attendants entered and the
celebration proper began. It was all about the lady. The groom to be was seated
at the side. He removed her veil and then she knelt before him while they
exchanged rings. All the movement was of course in their
traditional dancing style and took a while. While the cake was cut the man
remained seated and was then fed a piece of cake by his fiancée. Individuals, including us, were called
forward to make a monetary contribution and the lady fed you a piece of cake. Those
contributing were then given a snack box with chicken and cassava in it and a
bottle of soda. When all the contributions
had been received, the remaining cake was shared among the children. About 6.00pm
the ceremony was over and our overloaded vehicle (9 adults and two children)
slowly made it’s way home. We had to turn the AC off each time we came to a
hill to get enough power to get to the top. Quite an experience. I was just praying there were no police on
the road as we seem to be a target for their revenue coffers.
 |
| The arrival |
 |
| Presenting the Fiancee with the cake as a gift |
 |
| An honoured guest |
Monday morning was the beginning of the exams for the Form
two students, so with the rest of the school on holidays it has been rather
quiet , except for those at the front of our place right now playing soccer and
relaxing after the completion of a busy week. Game’s over – a major disagreement over some
technicality has erupted and it’s objection on both sides and from the
sidelines.
Kevin has had as busy week with the workmen getting the site prepared for the pouring of the slab which is happening right now. The first section was half in when a huge cloud appeared and subsequently a heavy downpour. They managed to cover the concrete and just had to wait a while.
It was quite early and so that generally means the rest of
the day will be fine. At the moment he has a rapt audience as he demonstrates
the use of the helicopter to finish the
concrete.
 |
| All action |
Monday was an exciting day. As we had recovered the lost items
and they were all undamaged, we were
able to surprise Nelson with the gift of the keyboard. He was overcome and so very thankful.
Also we were able to finalise the arrangements for him to go
to the College in Dar for rehabilitation and to learn Braille. As I write this,
the bus should be arriving in Dar Es Salaam.
My other task for the week was to organize a follow up visit
to the doctor in Mwanza for Godson. He is currently there and had more tests
yesterday . I’m still waiting to hear the
results.
 |
| Overcome |
 |
| But oh so happy |
Sadly, I don’t know if you heard of the ferry accident in Tanzania
this week . It was on the lake down at Mwanza with many lives lost. At last report there
were over 125. A major impact for many families from the one island from which
the ferry was travelling.
I’m off to do some lesson preparation now as I have a couple
of classes on Monday if all the students return the first day which is
doubtful.
Comments
Post a Comment