Expect the Unexpected

We are standing on the veranda of our hotel. It’s our last night in Africa. Four of us are hanging out while our fifth team member is catching some much needed zzzzs.

The entertainment for the evening was scheduled for us without our knowledge. It’s a wedding!

We’ve seen members of the wedding party arrive. Many of the guests have come. Traditional Burundian drummers have posed for us. This is going to be quite a night.

Burundian Drummers

Everyone looks beautiful. The arch outside the wedding hall is ready for the bride and groom to pass through. We think we’ve spotted the groom. But where is the bride?

Where are the Bride and Groom?

Nobody seems as anxious about the missing bride as the 14-year-old boy on our team. If the bride were there the wedding would begin. And after that the reception. He’s wishing for an invitation to the reception. (At dinner tonight the restaurant at our hotel limited the Coke to one per person. They were saving the rest for the wedding reception.)

Both gates are now open. We jump to our feet when we see a classy convertible pull up. The drummers beat their drums with style.

Burundian Bride and Groom

Right under our veranda the bride and the little girls prepare to climb out of the car. She’s stunning in her beautiful white dress, headpiece, and bouquet. From a second car steps her handsome groom. Together, they begin their walk toward the arch.

Pounding, Dancing, Chanting

A shout from the drummers and a chant begins. Drums on their heads, they beat them as they march toward the arch. They escort the couple and the guests into the hall. Now the drummers gather in a semi-circle in the yard, pounding, dancing, chanting. Women at a nearby table frantically prepare drinks for the guests. Sorry, Alex, but it looks like you’ve had all the Coke you’re getting tonight.

On this, our last night in Africa, I had expected a quiet evening. I’d thought we’d pack the pile of souvenirs we’d bought today. Enjoy one more cup of Burundian tea. Play a few rounds of Killer Solitaire. Get a restful sleep. But that seems unlikely now. I wonder how far into the night Burundian weddings last?

When I crawl into bed it will be with a joyful heart. And a smile on my face. My head will be buried under the pillow. A small price to pay for such a spectacular sendoff!

In July, 2012, I was invited by Sister Connection to be part of a team for a two-week trip to Burundi, a tiny country in east Africa. We would serve the widows of Burundi and their children by participating in retreats for the women, their younger children, and their teens and young adults. We also visited several widows in their homes which had been built by local builders with funds supplied by sponsors, mostly from outside Africa. What a wonderful couple of weeks.

It has been fun to relive this trip. The people were amazing and the experience impactful.

May you also experience some unexpected joys in the week ahead.
Ginger

Thanks to Wayne and Barb Vibbert for providing the wonderful pictures of drummers and the beautiful couple at their wedding.

I was blogging at Three Minutes to Nine in 2012. If you’re interested in reading blog posts from this trip here are three you might enjoy:  Yes You Can — Quilts Beyond Borders Blesses Burundian Orphans, Fabric Shopping in Burundi, Somewhere in Africa