Masai Party for Lilian
|
We were like proud parents at Lilian's party yesterday. The Tanzanians have a strong culture in for young people to confirm their faith. It is a time that they publicly profess to follow Christ. This was a wonderful day.
Lilian came up to me over a month ago and whispered in my ear. She asked me to make her a cake for the party. Their family is too poor to get one made. They don't own ovens, so cakes are bought from bakers, and are not cheap. Amani, the young man in the photo was so happy when he saw the cake and declared, that the cake would have cost $50.00 if they had bought it at the bakers. I am smiling inside and out!!!! I have no idea how I am going to get through their graduation next year....
This is the first time I made a decorated cake. I had no idea how important cakes are for the Tanzanians. Most Tanzanians do not own ovens, so bakers make them, and they are not cheap. Lilian was thrilled with her BIG cake! It tasted good too! What an awesome feeling to help make Lilian's special day even more special. I have a feeling that this is not going to be the last cake I am asked to make.
|
 | |
This is Lilian's family home. They have no electricity or running water. The toilet and bathing area is behind the house. It is like the old fashioned outhouse.
The room on the right is the area they cook and store food, to keep the animals from eating it. The room on the left is where the children and mom sleep. At night they also bring all the animals inside the room too. They share the small space with 3-6 people, 4 cows, 10 goats, and a number of chickens. There is a very strong smell of urine and animal waste in the room.
Lilian's mom and dad receive a few gifts during the celebration.
Dancing and celebration are a big part of their party.
It takes a lot of time, but in the end everyone feels special.
The family sat us at the high table because of my role in Lilian's life. God gave me the awesome job of helping Lilian with English, Math, and Bible studies. They also were impressed with the cake....hehehe
Lilian is enjoying her special day! It took at least an hour for everyone to bring gifts to Lilian. They dance their way in and wrap beautiful fabrics around Lilian. By the end of the party, there was a huge stack of fabrics to make dresses and blouses for Lilian. She also received soap and a little money to help for her studies next year.
This is one of the elders of the family. She is very proud of the fabric that she just gave Lilian.
Cakes are expensive for Tanzanians, so they are used to getting very small cakes and cutting them into very small pieces and giving them out on toothpicks. Lilian hand feeds each family member and friend a piece of cake. It is a big deal. Each person dances with Lilian as she teases them with the cake. She then finally places the cake in the mouth of the guest.
Don gets his piece of cake from Lilian. Everyone is having such a good time. The party went on for 4 hours, before we had to excuse ourselves for Don to pick up guests at the airport. What an awesome time!
We thank God for your prayers and support!
Support in any amount is greatly appreciated. For tax credit, make checks payable to Victory Fellowship. Write a note with the check indicating that the donation is for Don and Mary Bryant. Mail checks to: Victory Fellowship 5708 Airline Dr., Metairie LA. 70003, or on-line giving at this link:
|
No comments:
Post a Comment