Introduction anyone???

Here in Uganda, there is a formal ceremony called an Introduction. The closest thing I know to compare it to is an engagement party, but it really is not the same. Basically, when a couple wants to get married, the girl’s family hosts a ceremony. They tell the future groom how many folks he can bring. Everyone comes in their fancy clothes and it’s an all-day event. The groom is presented to the parents of the girl and there is a long process that I can’t really explain.

On June 20th we attended one of these events. Our friend Tusiime Oliver is marrying Pastor Johnson’s son Joseph. The ceremony was in Olivia’s home village, which is in western Uganda. It was our first official road trip here in Uganda. The entire ceremony was spoken in Luganda and the language of Olivia’s family, so we didn’t understand a single word of it (that’s one reason I can’t really explain it). :) So, here are some pics from the trip and the ceremony.

A drive across beautiful Uganda!

Snacks are not as easy to come by, but I found what is basically corn nuts. 

The hotel had an amazing view!!

We followed our friends to the ceremony. 

The road kept getting tighter and tighter. 

The person delivering chairs nearly lost them many times. :) 

The night before it had rained so hard. The dirt road was getting worse. 

Now the bus is stuck and all these men are wearing their neatly ironed, white Kanzus.

Never the less, they had to push because no body had a tow chain for us to pull them out. (Note: we bought a tow chain the next day.) :) 

They got the bus out but determined it couldn't go any further. They had to walk. We wanted to park as well, but they insisted that our car be driven further down the road. Sadly, the rain began again as all these fancy clad people were walking. 

The rain got so heavy and this truck came toward us. The road isn't wide enough for two and there is another car behind us! 

And now there are 3 cars in front of us and nobody is moving. 

Here are the Stanley men in their traditional tribal wear. 

And the entire StanClan in the traditional clothing of the Buganda tribe. 

We had to line up and enter with the guests of the groom because we came with his group.  

Here are the guys in line. 

The groom is being presented to the bride's family.

Raegan looked beautiful!

And the guys looked great!

Presenting gifts to the bride's family. Those are 24 packs of soda carried on their heads. Ouch!

The bride had several different groups representing her throughout the ceremony...here's one of them.

One of the ladies chose Floyd to present a gift. lol! It was too funny,

Olivia looked beautiful!! 

The wedding is set for September 5th and Olivia has asked Raegan to be one of her maids. I can't wait to share those pics when the time comes!