Celebrations

Celebrations The wedding yesterday was beautiful and fun. The couple sat in front of the church facing each other, and sitting on the ground between them was the flower girl, dressed as a bride herself. Beside them were their witnesses, and the congregation looked on. Songs, scripture readings, an encouraging word, sharing of the rings and the final kiss were all part of the ceremony. That was almost the best part! What a hooten' and holleren' they got as they smooched in joy, and the crowd loved it. Off to the reception we went. The ladies who had cooked food all week for the Pastor seminar and the village dinner cooked once again, serving bean sandwiches, fried banana chips, cake and candy. The wedding cake was an elaborate 3 tiered cake with side connecting tiers as well, and flowers,flowing down the sides. There was champagne which is purposefully sprayed all over the bride and groom, as well as feeding each other the cake. 70 guests were invited, and they squeezed onto 8 benches and a few chairs in the green room of the school. The Americans sat at the "kids" table in the other room, to make sure there were enough seats for the friends and family. Once all the guests were served, those watching thru the window were treated to cake and food as well. It was a time full of joy and beautiful to be a part of. Today's celebration at the teaching college graduation was another fabulous adventure into the culture. Marie Carmel officially completed her training today by receiving her degree. The 3.5 hour ceremony was full of wonderful music, dancing, just a little talking and a funny "good teacher/bad teacher" skit. The crowd loved it. Each graduate was called to the stage by name and people crowded to the front to snap their pictures. People brought fancily wrapped gifts for their loved ones, and surrounded them with kisses and hugs afterwards. Flora arranged a truck for us, so 11 of us got into the Montero and returned to the village. After so much celebrating this week, there was a small family gathering back at kay Lubin.  We ourselves have much to celebrate in our hearts as well. God never ceases loving His people, and we get to be a small part of that in Haiti. I have loved, and been loved in return 100-fold. I will celebrate that forever!