Faith's Introduction

On Saturday, I was introduced to Ugandan Introductions... I was warned ahead of time that it was long hours of sitting, staring at the people across the way, and all in a language I don't understand. Still, there was a part of me that was curious. Plus, I think Faith must have asked at least 10 times if I was going to be there...how could I back out now?

We (Jeff, Josh, Wilbur, and I) arrived around 2:30pm, much later than most of the other guests. We were escorted inside the house, where only the "important" people were allowed to sit and eat. Luckily, we ate sandwiches on the way and weren't hungry for the Ugandan food.

Around 3:30pm we were told to get our seats...it was about to begin. For the next 4 hours, I sat and watched a dialogue, mainly between two spokesmen from the two clans, of which I understood about 3 words.

Here's a picture of some women in their traditional gomas, of which I believe no two are alike...


This is what Joseline later explained to me (remember this is an abbreviated version of the next four hours!)... the men from Faith's clan pretend they are having a meeting, in which people from Alfred's (the man Faith is going to marry) clan interrupts. This is where the questioning begins: Why should we let you interrupt our meeting? You will bring in your diseases. Do any of your people know our people? etc. etc.

Then groups of people are brought out to help determine if they know the imposing clan. First they brought out the young girls, then boys, then ladies (including Joseline), etc.

Joseline...

And finally, Faith's group!

Faith's aunt says she knows Alfred, then they pick out Faith to marry Alfred. Next comes the dowry. I watched as 42 baskets of food, crates of soda, bags of sugar, boxes of soap, two goats, and a cow thigh were marched past me.

Finally, Faith and Alfred are "officially" engaged to be married!
It was dark by the time they served cake, right after which, we took off...adding 5 more to the car, making 9 passengers!
Joseline and I took a couple pics after we got back home...yes, I borrowed a modern, yet still traditional dress from a friend. And least it's not as bad as the guys having to wear dresses!