There are occasions on the journey where you just think to yourself just how wonderful it is to get to be a part. A few weekends ago at the Send Off for Happy was one of those moments. Happy is Elinipa's first born. We learned quickly that we were once again on Africa Time! We arrived an hour and half late but where among the first to arrive! Scott, Annelle, and I were given seats in the house of Baba and Mamma Happy. We were offered some drinks and a soup (pic in a prior post) to kick things off. Soon old friends began to arrive and it was so good to see them. We waited a bit for Happy to arrive and once she did there was a cloth to hide her beauty. We waited for a bit more for the grooms family to arrive. Once they arrived both families begin to arrange themselves. Men are at the front of the line with the eldest first. Likewise the bride's family organizes themselves to welcome the grooms family. They weave in and out shaking hands and offering greetings of welcome. Both families cram into the house to have a conversation about the joining of the families by the marriage. Once the conversation was complete we went to a school tucked up the mountain that was decorated for the ceremony of the send off. It was a beautiful setting up on the hillside! 
With dancing and a processional Happy arrived decorated in beautiful Masai beads. She was stunning. There were so many meaningful portions of the ceremony. The time begins with the eldest of both families conversing that this is a good match and that Happy will be well cared for in the new married life. Happy will leave her family and live faraway in Dar closer to his family. There is sadness involved as Happy says goodbye to her beloved family to join her husbands. Both sides of the family are presented gifts from one grandmother to another and so on. Happy presents gifts to her family along with family and friends presenting gifts to her. A great deal goes into the event.
I loved this older gentleman pictured below. He blessed me so as he lead his family section, danced his way to the front, and presented his gift.
It was a bit emotional for Baba, Mama, and Happy as the event weaved in and out of cultural importance. As God Honoring parents it is quite difficult to marry their first born and know she will be living so far away. There was a blessing to the future home and the pieces that would fill a live of hospitality.
- A blessing for both families! May Happy's new home be one filled with love, kindness, and a faith in the one who Created them all the days of their life.
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