Our First Rwandan Wedding!

When we came to visit Rwanda the first time in 2011

we had a driver taking all over the city.  His name was Bosco....

and today, August 24, 2013 was Bosco's wedding day and he invited us to

celebrate the day with him.  

We couldn't find the church, so we were
 a little bit late but when we arrived they were
just walking down the aisle! 

But they weren't the only ones walking down the aisle....

Different couples kept coming in after them..

Coming and coming... 

Finally all six couples got down front...
and their bridal parties all followed them down the aisle, too. 

There were even more photographers than couples.

And even more guests!!  The church was packed...
It was a large Catholic church.

As the service begins....Bosco is reflecting on the moment.

So many couples that you can't see them all! 

Listening to the priest talk. 

The photographer's lights help! 

As they exchange their vows,  the cameras crowd closer still.

 The best man and lady stood behind each couple  --down the row-- they went-- each couple saying their vows, exchanging rings... one at a time. (and the cameras follow right down the line)

It was a very solemn moment. 

Until the Exchanging of the Rings! 

Then the veil goes back... 

And the announcement of the new couple!

    Quite a joyous moment!

 Bosco and his new wife! 

But still no kiss!

It's official!
Yes.. she is even taller than him and he is not short. 

A great looking couple. 

Lots of gorgeous couples! 
But still no kisses! 

Each couple read something... i don't know what...
since it was all in Kinyarwanda.  

THEN --came the surprise and funniest moment of
the wedding ceremony! 

The priest handed each of the couples a basket...
We were so happy because we weren't able to
go to the reception so this was the perfect time
to give the bride and groom their wedding card and gift. 

 People were pouring down the aisles filling each basket.  
All the time we're thinking --what a great idea!

 Until the priest collected all the baskets
and took them to the alter. Oh no.. now what???

 We were laughing right along with Bosco....  because we realized that we had just given
their gift to "the church"!!
(After the service I talked to Bosco and he was still laughing about us throwing our card and gift into the offering basket....
He said he knew immediately what we'd done.. but he said..
"I didn't know what to do....I couldn't just reach in and take it out..")  haha!  Another cultural learning experience in Kigali! 

The  ceremony ended with lots of praise and worship music and of course...

communion....The choir had been singing
throughout the service, too.

Even though we didn't understand anything that anyone

had said, it had been 

a beautiful wedding ceremony.. for all of the couples--

ALL 6 OF THEM!! 

So we found out today why all the weddings are so large!

Apparently to not only save money, but to

actually be able to accommodate all the weddings that

happen each weekend.  

Every Sat. there are several wedding photo spots 

around the city and there are always lots of people 

and wedding parties set up for pictures.  

We were thrilled to be able to join Bosco  

and his new bride

for their wedding. 

We pray that the Lord will bless you both 

as you begin your life together! 

love,

margie and bruce, too!