Annah's Engagement Sherehe!

Sunday I made the traitorous venture up the hill a ways behind the location of the Center.   The destination was Annah's (my lead teacher) mother's boma for Annah's engagement party!  This was my first official invitation to an engagement party.  I had learned about the process in language school but this was my first to attend.  Elinipa and Catherine (assistant teacher) went with me as well for the afternoon adventure!  A short walk the rest of the way was involved in the route because the car could no longer go the rest of the way to the destination.  We were welcomed and seated among the grandmothers to get to know them as the other women prepared for the later feast.     

 Here is the process as best as I understand it.  Japhet (her fiance) comes and he and his family line the gate until Annah's family is ready to great them.  Annah is not allowed to be seen until the presenting of the girl.  The two families exchange and introductions are made.  The aunt of the groom is the one who organizes and orchestrates most of the events and logistics of all the events.  The aunt is held in high regard.  Annah comes out and is seated.  Most marriages have some sort of arrangement to them.  Now that more people are Christians some of the traditions have been altered thankfully.  But, the families still have a great deal of responsibility of arranging things.  They both are Christians and so the preacher gave a word of

marriage and responsibility.  Afterwards, Annah stands and the presentation of the engagement ring is placed on her finger.  The aunt then rises and presents a kanga.  Left a gord is poured of milk that Annah drinks from then offers to Jephat.  We all placed our gifts and much rejoicing filled the air.  There are few things now that they are in this stage of engagement that occur but I will have to ask Annah what those are!  She was very happy and I am thrilled for her!  He is from the village area closer to the Center which I am thankful for!  I don't have to worry about her moving!!  This is an exciting time for all of us and we look forward to celebrating with her!  They will be married late June.

Prayer Points~

How thankful I am for Annah and her partnership in Kids Training!  She is a delight to work with and I believe that God is going to continue to point us into right directions to make His name known to the young generation of this nation!

I pray for Annah and Jephat that this is an uplifting and exciting time for them as they prepare to be married.  May the knowledge of who God is be a guidebook for their love and encouragement to each other on this journey of life!