Hongera Mr. Sakwa!

This week Ronit and I had a new experience... Our guard and his fiance have dated for years, but when it came down to negotiations between their families the marriage came in question.

It's traditional for the groom's family to pay the bride's family to allow her to marry. Our guard's fiance is of the Kuria tribe. They still prefer to receive cattle, not cash. His father lives on a pastor's income, so couldn't afford the full number of cattle.

As his bosses and friends we were able (along with the help of our families) to supply the remaining cattle. At first we were excited to go to an auction and actually purchase the beasts. But then we found out her family lives so far away that they agreed to accept cash, avoiding the cost of transportation. So we just gave Mr. Sakwa this envelope with pictures of the cows. It felt a little like handling cattle!

Thankfully, it looks like they will be able to marry!