Lilian's Gusaba!!!!

The Gusaba is the Rwandan Engagement Party. 

It is the day or event when the groom's family 

comes to ask for the bride's hand in marriage.  

When I arrived at 3pm I found Lilian in this excited state and 

looking all dolled up!   Her hair was so pretty and 

I wondered what she would be wearing with that red top....

probably not those cute skinny jeans! 

I forgot to tell you that Lilian is the Recruitment 

and Admissions Coordinator for CMU/Rwanda!

 Lilian with her friends and family!

Everyone is so happy for Lilian!  You can see by this picture how tiny she is!   She might be tiny but she is mighty!

The Gusaba was held in Lilian's home.. her Mom's house and you can see that the women are seated in one area and the men in another.

Crystal was greeting Lilian's mom before the ceremony started.

If you look over to the right of the room.. you will see all the empty chairs.  These are for the groom's group!

Everyone ready and WAITING!  Lilian sent invites for 2 o'clock, figuring everyone would be there by 3... So, I got there a bit before 3 and it was after 4 when the groom's family
finally arrived. 

But they did arrive.  Each family has a representative
to speak for the family and the man in the white shirt and
tie was the groom's family rep! 

They all got seated but note.... the guys and girls
are all mixed together!

The guys are ready to start. Guys love this kind of
stuff, don't they??? 

The presentation of the first gift.. I assume a toast.
The two reps share this moment.

Then the story telling and Rwandan tradition take over! 

Enjoying the moment!

I had no idea what was really being said.. but there was a lot of joy and singing going on! 

And then my favorite part!  A group of guys from Lilian's family
left the living room and went outside.
They were going to inspect the 8 cows that the groom's family had brought as dowry.  This man talking is telling us the condition of the cows and their names!!  There really were cows outside but I was sandwiched in the back row and couldn't get
out to take their picture.

Here he is --the Groom: Kagenza Rumongi
being greeted by the representative for
Lilian's family. 

 The Groom on the right and his best man on his left holding the wedding canes( staffs) ... that have circles at the top...They were both waiting....

For the Bride to Be: Rutera Lilian
and out she came!!! 

Even the pictures couldn't do her justice!  

She looked like a queen!  Stunning!

Taking in the moment!

Giving us a sweet smile for the camera!

Then Lilian went to taste from the cup!  I don't know what this
signifies but I'm sure it was something.. 

I love this picture...  Still sitting about 30 feet from her... in the back of the room.  
Her eyes are just exquisite!

Finally the two are together.

Then the greetings of the families....each to the other.

 First Lilian to greet Rumongi's parents...

 and then Rumongi to embrace Lilian's Mom

I think he must be  saying-- "Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me your daughter.  You have made me very happy!"

Then they get to rest together for the final proceedings!

No, Lilian is up again....

Then the girls in the back row
took my camera to get all of us in the pictures.

 

                                     

And now, the ceremony is officially over...

And the pictures begin!!!  

Love this picture of the happy couple!

Mama on the left and Auntie on the right!

Then the drinking of the milk...
As soon as Lilian tells me what all this means,
I'll add it in...

LOVE THAT SMILE!

AND HOW SWEET IS THIS PICTURE OF LILIAN LOOKING AT HER MAMA?

The rest of the aunties, I think!

The bride and groom... greeting this special Auntie!

Making their way outside.... just before the groom leaves!

Guess you know these guys....
Almost the last picture they took before Rumongi
leaves with this family.  They will return to party
at their home and the party will continue here
at Lilian's!  Tradition!!

The full moon just rising.

Then the dancing began....(Cathy
with Auntie)

and it was so much fun.  This auntie tried to teach me the traditional dance.. but I'm not very good at it. 

Tim and Susanna from CMU/R, too! 

Mama and daughter dancing!

Everyone looking on---from earlier in the evening..

This was the speaker/representative for Lilian's family.
He had done a wonderful job!
He honored all the traditions....

The bride and her attendant.

Dancing broke out all over.  This all started after a brief meeting time to discuss if everything had gone as planned for the ceremony.
Thank yous and comments were passed about. 

Tim and Susanna with Lilian!

And to conclude... two of my favorite pictures..one of the couple in their traditional outfits and beautiful, happy smiles!!

And this one...  a moment for just the two of them...
with all of us surrounding them in the room!

What a wonderful and joyful time it was
to be with both families as they gave
their children to each other.

No, this was not an arranged marriage
but the giving of the bride to the family
is a strong tradition here.  And as they agreed
to give her... it seemed her family then
embraced the groom, too!

I'm so glad we were able to take part in this
special day!

Thank you, Lilian and Rumongi

I hope...

I have your names in right order!

love,
margie