I had a wonderful weekend! I loved every minute of it. I"m dragging today, because I'm so tired, but I didn't want it to end. I arrived in Malaka-laka on Friday with Lindlie. Shortly after I arrived I was introduced to his sister, Thubisa, who was in charge of looking after me along with his father's sister, Charlotte and his cousin, Purety. I had to laugh when I walked myself to the long-drop after I settled in and had the local kids follow me part of the way there and then waited for me to come out.. I think they never saw a white person use their toliets before. :) Friday, I helped out with cleaning and then on Saturday I got all dressed up for the ceremony at the Methodist Church in East London. It was beautiful. In the Xhosa tradition, they have singing competitions between families.. It was beautiful, you had to smile. After the ceremony we headed to a very nice hotel in the area for the reception. I was honored that I got to be a part of everything. Because not everyone was allowed to go to the reception. Lindlie's brother, MK (Makulu) watched over me on Saturday. He translated everything for me at the reception, so that I could enjoy myself too. Lindlie's father keep teasing me that he had plenty of good looking sons and that there should be two weddings this weekend.. the scheduled one and me marrying into the family. I thought that was very sweet of him! MK took very good care of me.. Then after the reception we went to the bride's side of the family where the elders imparted wisdom to the bride and groom. Then the bride's family presented a loaf of home-made bread, bottle of brandy and part of a cow as a gift to the groom's family that would be cooked and served with the meal on Sunday. The weather was beautiful on Saturday during the day, but it rained like crazy Sat. nite. We were all concerned about Sunday. Luckily the rain stopped about 1am on Sun. Sunday morning I slept in a little and then did some work, got ready and then went back to helping with preparation for the traditional ceremony. There were about a couple hundred people that came, most dressed in their traditional attire. It was very cool. The groom's family arrived first and there was most singing and dancing. Then bride's family came, but there was a singing competition at the gate before they were let in and the bride's family had to present the groom's family with a gift (brandy, or something like that). Then after a short message the bride and groom changed into their traditional attire. Then we headed across the street to where the traditional ceremony and reception happened. Then everyone was served lunch. Then is was more socializing afterwards. I left about 7:30pm last night. Throughout Sunday, I had many people came up to me to have their photo taken with me, or shake my hand.. I had to laugh, it was like I was famous or something. :)
I was sad to see it all come to an end, but I know that I am welcomed to come back anytime.. and Malaka-laka is only about 50 minutes away from here, so it's not far. I plan on going back as soon as I can.
I would like to spend more time out there.. and Charlotte talked about me seeing their project that they are doing thru the Methodist Church there and I would love to possibly be a part of it.. and I"m thinking that's where Stephanie's hats may go. I received so many compliments this weekend, that I everyone was surprised how I got in and got "my hands dirty" and made everyone feel so comfortable around me. They loved having me there. They are too sweet.
I took like a 100 pics this weekend and it's not even the icing on the cake when I think of everything I experienced this weekend. I'm soo happy I went.
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