Marriage ~ African Style ~ March 17, 2014

     This past Saturday, we celebrated the marriage of Arnauld and Lydie Mayinguila.  This was such a wonderful occasion.  All three Branches came together to support the beginning of this new family.  There will be another marriage this Saturday where they will do this all over again.

     President Cook is thrilled to see young couples choosing to be married and setting an example for others to follow.  This will help greatly in the missionary work, because they cannot be living in a "traditional marriage" and be baptized.

     It is so hard for many of the men to pay the "dote" for their bride, that they simply just live together and raise a family.  

     We served with Elder Mayinguila in Cote d'Ivoire where he was a faithful, valiant missionary for the the church.  We were so happy to be able to be with him on his special day. 

     

Arnauld and Lydie

They have to be married civilly first to be recognized by the country, and then they can go to South Africa to be sealed in the Temple.  This is the dream of every couple in the church here in Pointe Noire.   It cost $240.00 to get a passport for them to go to Johannesburg, and many are saving every penny they can so that their dream can come true.  We have one family that has been saving for years just to earn enough money for their "journey to the temple".   

The Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

This is President Sombo of the Pointe Noire Branche who married them.

The rains came, but it didn't dampen the spirit of the day.  

The happy couple!

This is Ketsia and Jessica.  Ketsia was a Bridesmaid and is our dear friend.  She has been a member of the church her whole life (she is 16) and is active in Young Women.  She loves music and many times leads the singing at the baptisms and Sacrament Meetings.  Jessica is President Sombo's daughter.

Elder Hatch, Elder Ndayizeye, Elder Van Ausdal, Elder Rakotonindriana

Yesterday, was Preparation Day, so after a couple of hours of playing basketball, the missionaries headed over to get haircuts from Soeur Bailey.  President Cook comes this Saturday, so they wanted to look their best.  

     It has been a great week.  The missionaries are working hard and having success.  Our Heavenly Father has prepared many to hear the Gospel and recognize "truth" when they hear it. Elder Bailey and I are so happy to be serving here and learning what the Lord needs us to do.