Muramvya, Burundi • February 15, 2014

Our dowry ceremony in Muramvya was a joyful and meaningful way to bring our Rwanda and Burundi communities together. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen!

The boy and his entourage arrive.

The girl's family and friends line up to greet their "unexpected" guests. The girl is nowhere to be seen.

The boy's family brings gifts.

And more gifts...after all, they have some convincing to do!

Burundian drummers get everyone excited for the event, and the traditional singer reminds us why we're here.

Guests of honor from the boy's side

The boy's "parents", Jacques and Gaudance and their two negotiators Louis and John are gearing up for the big negotiation.

Representatives from the girl's family: Fides, Miriam, Emmanuel and Venant are not sure about the suitor.

Guests listen as the girl's family tries to deny the boy's. First they say that there is no daughter. Then they relent but say she's out. They send another girl to playfully trick the boy's family

Eventually the families come to an agreement and the girl is called, with her godmother.

The girl enters surrounded by her family.

The boy tries to get the girl, but her brother, Vianney, blocks the way. He drives a hard bargain but a gifts persuades him to step aside.

Boy meets girl.

Marie Therese is thrilled.

And look the boy has brought a magnificent cow. The girl must be something special.

Before sitting down, the girl gives a gift to the boy's mother and the boy gives a gift to the girl's mother.

The girl gives a gift to the boy. This is a traditional milk container, from which only the boy will drink after they are married. No kids allowed.

Oh! The girl had put peanuts in the milk cup!

That is decidedly not traditional, but the boy seems pleased. Maybe this is an inside joke.

Holy paparazzi!

Leah and Jonas

The boy's guests of honor enjoy some sorghum beer.

Feeding the first bite to one another is part of so many wedding traditions around the world.

Friends and family bring gifts that will help the young couple as they build a home together...

...candles, art...

...advice...

The drummers delivered a heart-pounding performance.

The boy and girl provided some comic relief.

And general merriment ensued until late into the night...

Thanks Leah for the photos!

Burundi

Muramvya, Burundi • February 15, 2014

Our dowry ceremony in Muramvya was a joyful and meaningful way to bring our Rwanda and Burundi communities together. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen!

E & M