The Wedding is approaching

Today we went to Muttai's home for lunch and meet the guests that came up from southern Kenya (the Brides Family). This was a first for me. The groom bought 6 cows for the bride price and the family went to see the cows to make sure they were good cows. OK, now there were negociations going on as well, but I'm told an uncle handled that end for the Muttai family. I have no idea what was said, but apparently all went well today. The wedding is on Feb 12, and there are still a lot of work to be done to prepare the food. We are still sorting rice and we will butcher a steer and chickens soon. UM no I won't be doing any of the butchering. 


During the family gathering of both families apparently it's common for multiple members of the family speak about the upcoming wedding and what it means to the family and community. There are so many traditions here that we in America have no idea what they mean and how truly great they are. I love the fact that the family came up here to Kitale to see the cows, and then everyone (both families) gathered together and talked about the upcoming marriage. Everything was spoken in Swahili so I didn't understand a word. Well most of the day was in Swahili and therefore, I didn't understand the conversations going on around me. I kinda felt left out, but learning both Swahili and Kallegin is difficult. I get the two mixed up all the time. UGG.


After the Wedding thing, I walked home (it's not that far) but I stopped by school to see the kids. Being at boarding school I figured if I stopped by maybe the kids would like it. Well they sure did. Two girls ran up to me when they saw it was me and gave me hugs. Then the girls sang a praise song for me which was wonderful. When I left, I had to because the sun was setting and I had to get home before the sun went down, I heard Michael call my name, Madam Cait! So he came outside the gate and asked what I was doing, so I told him I was going home just up the road. Michael lives at the school and supervises the kids on the weekends (these kids even go to class on Saturday) Well being the sweet young man he is, he walked me to the gate to the field that I cross to come home. I thought it very sweet of him to do so. This week was special because #1 A boy carried my books for me, and #2. A young man walked me home.  OK, both are firsts for me.  I think I like it here!