Celebrations

This past weekend, our office manager, Semei, had a traditional Ugandan "introduction" and wedding. That made me forgive him for not paying the internet bill last week. Sometimes things can preoccupy your mind, and that's OK.

An introduction is a Buganda tradition. Buganda is the largest tribe in Uganda. In an introduction, the groom and his family is introduced to the bride, her family and friends. There are gifts, dancing, traditional dresses, shouting for joy, and plenty of other traditions.

The introduction was on Friday, and the wedding ceremony, much more similar to an American ceremony, was on Saturday, followed by a reception. I thought Semei was not enjoying himself throughout all the ceremonies. His bride was dancing and looked incredibly happy, but Semei was not dancing much at the introduction. But, then, at the wedding, he put on his dancing shoes! He was spinning Winnie (his new bride) and hopping all around the place. Later, he explained to me that you should usually be very serious at the introduction, since you are making a first impression on the parents.

I am glad the same was not true of the wedding reception, because it was a joy for me to see this new family's fresh joy of a new life together. Dancing must be one of the most clear and natural expressions of joy God gave us. I look forward so much to the joyful day when Cristal and I will be dancing for joy to celebrate our new life together! Even more, how about the dancing when we celebrate the marriage supper of Jesus? No one is going to have to tell me to dance, they just might have to ask me to stop!

On Sunday, I was lured away on a boda-boda (motorcycle) ride to a surprise half-birthday party. I had no idea what was coming or that it was even my half birthday! It was a fun celebration, as well, and we ate Indian food with my favorite dessert... hot-fudge brownie Sundae. Notice the long-horn cattle in the background of the restaurant pictures. Those cows are beautiful, and I see them as they're herded up and down the streets every day.

I finished the book I was reading, "4 Views on Hell," and am looking forward to talking with Brad, our eMi director who recommended it to me, all about my thoughts. It seems to me that the main problem with Clark Pinnock's annihilation view, which Brad agrees with, is that it is held up by a theology which places man and man's rights at the center of the universe. Is God not at the center of everything? Does He really care more about man than he does about himself?

Today I am starting to read "The Life and Diary of David Brainerd," edited by Jonathan Edwards. Has anyone ever read that one?