a day for weddings

This past Friday was C-R-A-Z-Y!! I had my last English where everyone shows up an hour late because they are busy getting dolled up for the occasion of receiving their well deserved certificates (photos to follow soon). Then there was a going away party for our dear friends Rich & Paula who are leaving in just a couple weeks after three years of living and working and loving here (yep, photos soon). I actually managed not to cry that day (but don't worry I made up for it today by blubbering like an idiot through my little send off speech at our team BBQ in their honor). We had to leave that celebration at Pamoja early to head out to a wedding of Jason's dear friend's little sister. As we drove to the wedding we saw at least 8 other wedding parties! Cars packed full with kanzu clad men with drums and beautifully brightly adorned women making their way to celebrate marriages on the auspicious Friday before the Islamic New Year. The streets were jammed packed and I have never seen so many weddings on one day!! We were asked to take pictures (I of the women and Jason of the men- he was even invited inside the mosque to take pictures of the charge to the groom..pretty amazing!). Here is a glimpse at the celebration because I love me some wedding photos of the beautiful people here....

one of many wedding parties we saw on the road

the women chanting & praying

the men in the mosque

amependeza...she has made herself beautiful

making it official

obligatory sitting on the bed looking sad picture

the girls and I hanging out after the wedding waiting to catch a glimpse of the bride leaving for her new home