Moz Wedding

When we first started working with chickens we needed to find a source for chicken feeders and waterers. We saw people selling them along the road and stopped and talked to a couple of them. We weren't very impressed with the guys that wanted to charge an extravagant amount even though we told them we would be buying these regularly. Then we met Nato. He gave us a fair price, had a great attitude and was willing to work with us.

We've related to him over the years and gave him enough business for him to take a driving course and hire a relative to help him. We heard his dad tell someone that we gave his business "força" or strength.

A couple of months ago he invited us to his wedding and even had us over to his house ahead of time so we would know where to come. Saturday was the big day.

The invitation said the civil ceremony at the wedding palace would be at 9:30 and the church service at 12. We were quite sure it wouldn't start on time because things get backed up at the palace, so we left home at 12. We were too optimistic. We should have left home at 2. But we're learning that when we attend an event like this it's best to just leave the watches at home.

The junior bridesmaid and groomsman were at the head of the procession followed by the bride and groom who walked in with their godparents. Then came the four bridesmaids and groomsmen. They all sat in the front rows and it was good they sat because the Brazilian pastor talked for at least one hour (but who's watching the time!). After the vows and rings they went to the platform and signed the license along with the godparents and parents.

They didn't have a western recessional, but stood up front and some folks greeted them. The rest of the people just walked out. But you should have seen the wedding party earlier when they sang and danced/stomped. They really got into it! I had a glimpse of what Mozambican weddings were like before western ideas were introduced. I'll bet they didn't walk in to the "Wedding March!"

The reception was held in a different place, a large court at a high school with a roof. Sides would have been nice too as the winds picked up and it got chilly. It took awhile for people to collect. The wedding car arrived and then left and then returned. We just sat and wondered if people visiting the U.S. are as curious about our traditions as we are about these.


There was a table up front and we noticed that the chairs beside the bride and groom were for family, not the wedding party. And then first thing we knew, the groom's father was escorting us up there! We felt a bit strange, but he introduced us to an uncle as very important people to Nato who have helped him in his business. We enjoyed the rice and chicken, beef and shrimp and eventually the cake.


I had heard that people in Moz like to dance their presents up and it was fun to watch firsthand. It was usually a group that would sing and do a little dance/march to the bride and groom and hand the present to them along with kisses or handshakes. It was really nice and made it very personal and special. Some gifts were wrapped, some were not. The wrapped ones were not opened there.

To complete this picture you must imagine a couple dozen neighborhood kids doing cartwheels, running around, squealing during the whole reception. No one seemed to mind and they even got some food.

On Sunday, the festivities continued. The couple attended church in their wedding clothes and then there was another feast at his family's home. We didn't think we'd attend, but they are quite insistent, so we went. Once again we were escorted right up front. There was even more food and Nato told us he raised 100 chickens for the event. He also disclosed that he is pretty much penniless after paying for all the wedding, but he will start saving again. His friends can't understand why he would go to all this expense, but he shared that he wants to do things God's way and be responsible.

Nato gives us hope for Mozambique. He and his family are quite industrious and find things to do or go out and get someone to teach them a skill. Nato said he learned how to do sheet metal work from a relative during a vacation. He has a good heart and we believe God is raising up many more like him. It was an honor to spend such a time with him and his extended families.