My first Haitian wedding

This weekend we went to three weddings. Friday we made two potato sides to take to the reception that night. Carline let me borrow one of her dresses and Asmene did my hair. Everyone was running around all day getting ready for the wedding at 3. We arrived just in time to see everyone walk down the aisle. The bride and groom sat down up front along with the best man and maid of honor. The preacher spoke. There was exchanging of vows and then rings. We sang and prayer for the couple. They signed the marriage certificate as a part of the ceremony. The preacher proclaimed them husband and wife, they kissed, and everyone cheered.

We took lots of pictures. The reception was in a banquet hall. It was very beautifully decorated. Members of the wedding party gave toasts. A couple people sang songs for the couple. There was good food. We left before the cutting of the cake. I think they told me it wouldn’t be over until around 1am. My first Haitian wedding was a great experience!

Saturday, there were two weddings, one right after the other. The first one had purple decorations, which were then torn down and gold ribbons put up for the second wedding. The second one was actually a 50^th wedding anniversary. I did learn that if a couple wants to get engaged the man’s parents go to the woman’s house. The woman’s parents call her and ask for these parents are here for her. She will say yes then leave. The parents will then discuss the arrangements for a wedding.

I had a busy weekend and it doesn’t look to be slowing down any with Christmas coming in the next few days.

For Someone

In Florida (at the end of May, I went for training) God revealed to me that this trip to Haiti wasn’t going to be about building houses. It was going to be about building relationships so that they can be in a closer relationship with God.

So its day 6 and I have learned that God is not just in control of the big things. He takes care of the little things too; and not just general small things but things that pertain to my personality specifically.

Today I got online and saw an email disusing the budget and it said I needed to keep track of spending money with receipts if possible. Well we had already bought some things and I figured the receipts were long gone but at dinner Carline gave them to me. If I hadn’t read that email earlier I would have no idea why she was giving them to me.

Meals are cooked out back and I’ve glanced out there but hadn’t really been out yet. The other night I was trying to think of a way to ask without intruding and Asmen asked if I liked to cook. I said yes! So she got me a knife and showed me what to cut.

Tonight Carline braided my hair without my asking. I don’t share these stories to say I’m never going to try and learn how to ask more questions but to show that God has been showing me He loves me. He created me and knows everything about me.

I titled this post “for someone” because it may not just be the Haitians I am supposed to show God’s love to but also everyone reading this. So I am writing this Saturday night but whenever I post it I know it will be perfect timing for you.

The truth is you are treasured.

You are perfect even as your Father is perfect.

Atoned.

Beautiful.