December 21, 2014
We’ve had a week of bundles and weddings! In preparation for this
upcoming week, we have purchased three bundles of clothing to take to two orphanages. In the photo above, the other senior gals and I are sorting one bundle at the mission home. We sorted
another bundle at Flavien’s home. Here is Clark with Brent and Dan, Flavien’s sons. The other bundle was done at Thanksgiving. Anyway, it has been a way bigger project to get 72 clothing bags ready than we had anticipated. Fortunately, we’ve had lots of help. We go to the first orphanage tomorrow, on the 22nd, and the other one on Christmas Eve. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I know how picky teenagers can be about clothing – and I just hope they feel happy. They are used to the bundle system, so I hope it works out.
Last week I mentioned a large wedding that was going to take place in a government office in our area. These were LDS couples who were married in churches or in tribal weddings previously – some of them many years ago. The government won’t recognize any marriage unless they perform it. So 35 couples got married at the Commune Annexe Building by the Bourgemeistre of the Commune on Friday. As with anything else we’ve experienced here, it wasn’t at all what we had expected!!!!
This is the group from the Bourge-
meistre’s point of view.
I thought this was a really nice looking couple. But these were some of the gals who stole the show (among family members and other supporters).
Right outside the door to the room, a vendor was selling plastic whistles, plastic flowers, and spray snow!
The wedding went on for FOUR HOURS, and the noise level just got higher and higher, with hoots and whistles. I thought I would surely be deaf by the end! Sister Draper and I had our hair covered with spray snow by the time it was over. And Clark did a great job after being recruited as the event photographer. Nonetheless, it was festive and fun! These are the rings
that were exchanged!
Just to break up the wedding news in my letter, I’ll tell about the car accident we had! Not to worry – no one was hurt. But the new car has been initiated to the crazy Congo driving. Clark was
going less that 5 miles an hour, but he bumped into another car while trying to merge into traffic at the same time. The car ahead made an abrupt stop and we hit him! So sad!
I’m also including this very unflattering picture of me. This old gal and I are NOT friends (I’m referring to the sewing machine that is being operated by some young chick! haha) I wanted to get a sewing machine to use while we were here. At time time, it seemed like such a good idea to get something that the local people use so that I could say I had had an authentic experience! There are electric machines available, but our power is so unpredictable, that I thought I would just go with a local model. Well, let me tell you, it’s a lot harder than it looks! You need to
note that it is necessary to wear my headlamp in order to see. It makes for a very attractive set-up! Anyway, Clark mentioned in his last letter that he was so relieved this year that I didn’t have a million projects to work on at Christmas time. I think he must have thought I had given up. Au contraire! It’s a good thing I don’t have to make a living sewing, but my simple neighbor gift project is almost finished!!!! Wahoo!
Through our projects we have met a wonderful young lady who is the director of public affairs in her stake. She has helped us so much in planning events. Anyway, she got married yesterday. The civil wedding was in the morning and the reception was at night. We attended one other reception several months ago, so we were familiar with the format. This is Solange and her new husband, Romain.
They are flanked by Justin and Christine, her Stake President and his wife. Justin is also the office manager at the mission office. There was a floor show with a
dancing group. Then the guests kind of
“sashayed” up to the couple with their presents. We were the only “white” couple there, but I must say that the people made us feel like we fit in. It was all fun! Same refreshments as the last reception we went to: popcorn and soda!
This isn’t quite like our traditional Christmas card, but I think it’s one we will always cherish. We feel so full of love for the ultimate gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ – and love for each of you. Merry Christmas! Mom/Soeur Davis
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