HERE I AM continued...

Now after that day at St Mulumba times changed...

To me, it seemed as though everything was going a little too smoothly in Choma town and so I decided it was time to shake it up a little.  And shake it up I certainly did. I was officially welcomed to Zambia when I caught ‘the virus’.  A not so nice one at that…From what I can remember of our visit to the medical centre it was full of cricket talk and GABBA talk because the doctor found out I was Australian.  We seemed to be chatting about that for quite a long time, so long in fact that I have a feeling that had something to do with me falling asleep on everyone in the clinic.  When I awoke, the doctor didn't mention it again, gave me the medication I needed and I was taken home with the Sisters who took such great care of me. I have fully recovered now and feel happy to have been so welcomed!

The past four days were holidays here in Choma and everything shut down for this period.  A holiday in Choma means exactly that.  Every person receives these days as rest days.. and most spend it at home with their families.. except for those who decide to have a wedding.  A wedding in my backyard that is…

 

I watched as people set up seats on the grassed area outside my window and created arrangements and decorations very creatively out of material and ribbon.  Over a two hour period, the place had been transformed from a Lodge to a Wedding Reception venue.  I couldn’t wait to see what a Zambian Wedding would be like.  I waited and waited…and so did everyone else…The bride and groom arrived 2 hours late.  I felt a little uncomfortable at first peeking out from my window as my room was right in front of the ceremony...but I was told not be shy to come celebrate, so out I came. 

I managed to capture some lovely shots and video footage of the day below: 

 Our lovely Esta, who took great care of us at the Lodge, helping to set up for the big day.

 While the Bride is preparing to be fashionably late..the party gets started!

Not even a fire can dampen the spirit!  I did become a little concerned about the children and also the ash landing all over us but everyone assured me that it was completely controlled.

 Some of the beautiful clothing worn to celebrate a wedding.

I soon found out that this little boy in the middle not only looked good...he was a great dancer as well! I have footage to show when I get back.

Dancers are used throughout the Ceremony to introduce the Bride and Groom, to bring the knife down in order to cut the cake and then to return the cake to the kitchen area.

First glimpse of the Bride and Groom.  

I was informed the day after the ceremony that the reason the Bride appeared to be unhappy and held her head down was out of respect to her family.  It is a day when she is being passed over to her husband's family and this is a sad occasion for both them and her.

 I just had to include this one.  ADORABLE.

 The bride and groom about to cut the cake.

Once the cake is cut one layer is presented to their family.  

A beautiful afternoon and evening had by everyone! I felt very lucky to have seen a wedding in Zambia.  

Now I must return to St Mulumba school. Today I have been spending time in the HEARING IMPAIRED classrooms. I will be back again tomorrow to give you all an update on what we have been doing... I hope!!! :-) 

Speak to you then! 

Prue.