While sitting with Mwalimu Rael back in September and figuring out our schedule for semester Swahili classes, she mentioned that her younger sister would be married on October 29th. She invited us to the ceremony and reception, and we have all been looking forward to the event since then.
The day had arrived and Carly unfortunately could not attend the wedding due to frequent diarrhea. So, the four of us set out for the two hour journey with our dependable driver, Pascali. We enjoyed the spacious land cruiser up until we hit the unpaved road… Our journey took us to the outskirts of the Karagwe district to a remote village called Kamagambo. Once we arrived we entered the church where the ceremony had already begun. We sat in the back on wooden benches with a group of elderly men. During the ceremony we couldn’t help but notice a squeaking noise coming from above. I figured some mice had made the church their home and that was the source of the noise. But then I looked up and saw a small newborn bat crawling on the wall just an arm’s length above my head. I elbowed Caitlin to share the news and she was not impressed. Moments later I felt an object hit me in the back. I looked behind me and found the bat lying on the floor. An elderly man handed me his cane to use as a weapon against the defenseless newborn creature. I pushed the bat out from under the bench and showed the students just before another man snagged the bat and threw it outside. I returned the cane to the man who seemed disappointed that I was unable to complete the task he had assigned. Meanwhile Caitlin paid attention to the ceremony and concentrated on translating the Swahili.
The ceremony came to an end and we proceeded outside. I was determined to find the helpless bat and his elderly friend joined in. The bat was lying on the steps of the church and how no one trampled it stumps me. The old man allowed me to take some photos before he abruptly stomped it. He smiled, proud of his accomplishment.
It was now time to go to the much anticipated reception. We piled into the land cruiser along with Mwalimu and six family members. Our vehicle was now part of a six vehicle procession that drove along the main road and honked horns for 30 minutes. The procession ended and we gathered in a family member’s home and waited 90 minutes for food to be served. In the meantime Mwalimu brought around a small gourd which contained traditional porridge. We each dutifully took a sip and smiled feebly saying, “It tastes great.” Finally we were called to wash our hands outside and then we lined up to be served. While in line, Caitlin recalled that most sickness among wazungu is caused by consuming food not prepared specifically for them. With each stomach in the group grumbling with hunger she tossed the thought aside. We were served lots of great tasting food which we consumed in traditional fashion using our hands.
It was now time to party… We made our way to the reception tent and were given assigned seats right behind the bride’s family. Throughout the celebration there were many performances and traditional customs signifying the union of the couple. We were able to partake in some events such as a conga line toasting the newlyweds. Our favorite part was the comical skit put on by 3 boys dressed as old men and one as a woman. The pretend woman was dressed in a bright red dress with complimentary headscarf with two large balls representing a well-endowed rear end. Their show included dancing, loud farting noises, and lots of laughter. Unfortunately we had to leave before the real dancing began because it was getting late. After a bumpy ride home we said good night and fell into bed happy and exhausted.
But, with the good comes the bad.
The next morning I woke up running to the bathroom sick with explosive diarrhea. Just as I thought I would make it through the whole semester without kukunya maji (pooping water) my hopes went down the pit latrine. I would experience diarrhea for 24 hours before feeling any sense of relief. Starting yesterday evening, Caitlin also began a bout of diarrhea, and is rushing to the bathroom every 20 minutes. It seems like Caitlin should have heeded her cautionary thought about the food quality at the wedding. Maybe next time we’ll pack lunch?
Until next time, watch what you eat and stay healthy.
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