PAY MERI

On the way home from the beach today we were stopped in the middle of the road by a mob of people parading through the streets. They were carrying money to a family near by. The money that you can see joined by the 2 large poles is to buy a wife. I was shocked to hear that this actually happens. It's called a pay meri. 

The friends and family of the groom to be, parade around the streets shouting, singing and squirting baby powder at each other (hence the white faces). When they get to the bride's house they will present the money along with a pig or two to her father. The reason for this is because the girl is a valuable asset to her father, she works long hours in his garden and if she gets married the father will need some money for his loss. The husband pays him compensation.  I think a lot of dads would like this to catch on back home. 

There's a video on my facebook page if you fancy a better look.

Love Emma x

WALINDI ISLAND

These are just a few photos from my trip to Walindi island today. It is a beautiful tropical island about 30 mins off the coastline. It was a scorcher of a day with temps reaching around 40 degrees. Sun tans all round.

As soon as we reached the island we went snorkeling around the reefs. It was absolutely beautiful swimming in the warm water of the lagoons. I saw clown fish (nemo's), angel fish and lots of other weird and interesting tropical creatures. I also came face to face with a 4 foot barracuda. He was only about a meter away from my face, I swam like the clappers to get away before he got any ideas of an early lunch. I really wish i had an underwater camera because my words really don't do it justice. The reef at Walindi is by far the most spectacular i've seen so far. 

Hope you're not too jealous.

Love, Emma x

KNOCKANI TRIBE - GALILO

Today I had the opportunity to visit the Knockani tribe in Galilo. It's about a 40 minute drive into the bush from where I live. I love just going and seeing the people in their homes and chatting to them (in the limited Pigeon i know). 

Two missionary families have just moved into this tribe about a month ago so it is a very new work. There is a picture of one of their newly built houses at the bottom. It is such a contrast to the housing of the tribal people. Sometimes I think it's a little bit unfair that the "white man" comes in and builds a huge house on their land with all his fancy gadgets, but I was reminded today that this house is not only their home but a school for their children, an office for a pastor, a clinic for the tribe and a 24/7 drop-in centre.  

The Knockani people were very welcoming and wanted their pictures taken at every opportunity. It was a great day and I look forward to hearing about the new independant church plant there in the next few years. Pray for the two missionary families as they now start language study and adjust culturally to this new setting.

Love,

Emma x