Reason number 8 I am happy to be having a small, uncomplicated wedding :

Getting anything done is so hard here!

(the first 7 reasons all have to do with personal style and budget)
Two weeks ago we went to register for our wedding license.  They told us to come back on Feb 1 with 50 cedis to pay and confirm the date (Feb. 5).  So yesterday I put 60 cedis in my pocket, and we walked to the register general - about one hour in the hot African sun. Upon arrival, we filled out forms about our fathers’ (not mothers’) professions and waited in line.  Finally, we were informed that the fee had changed “last week” to 100 cedis. They assured us that we weren’t the only people who were troubled by the change.
We can’t just nip out to the closest ATM; I don’t normally carry my card with me for safety reasons.  So we were obliged to go home to get more money, and then retrace our steps to actually confirm that we can come back on Friday.

My seamstress also promised me I could come in yesterday for a final fitting for the wedding dress.   When I called, the owner of the store said she was in the police station getting her national identity card.  She had been in line since 2:30am since the entire nation is trying to get these new cards, and they are only available for a few days.
In any case, the owner said the younger seamstress was at the workshop making my dress.  So I decided to walk to the workshop to see.  (After having walked to the register for the wedding license).  A girl that I don’t know was there, whose English was pitiable, and who assured me I could come back at 1pm.  I confirmed that she was sure, and explained I would rather wait another day than come back again if it wasn’t ready.  She said she was sure.

Why do I still believe them?  I went back at 1pm with a friend and the girl was still there, alone.  No, the seamstress wasn’t back.  No, she hadn’t called her to tell her I was coming.  No, she didn’t see why this would bother me.  No, I couldn’t see the dress anyway.

Sigh.

However, in general, all is going well.  One part of my family has safely arrived.  Another part arrives tonight, and Eric’s family will arrive en masse on Friday.

It’s only 16 days until my wedding, and my wedding dress only exists on paper and as a few pieces of cloth.

About 2 weeks ago, I went to the seamstress/designer with a picture of a wedding dress from a magazine and a sketch I had made.  We spent about an hour discussing the details and looking at other pictures.  Finally we decided that I wanted the bodice from this dress, the shape of that dress, the back of another, and the train and waistline according to my sketch.  Sound complicated?

Then there was the question of buying cloth.  I don’t know taffeta from chiffon, so I felt useless when the seamstress asked about it.  Finally, she insisted that  I go with her to the market to shop for the cloth. Last Saturday we went off and visited about 20 small shops.  At each one we examined, compared, and bargained.  Walking through the market streets, we weaved a path around vendors hawking materials, other shoppers, and broken sidewalks.  (Imagine the crowds of a mall the week before Christmas, in 100 degrees, with everyone yelling).

I had a piece of red cloth to match, and I swear I have never looked at so many types of deep red clothe.  By the time I went home, my eyes were trained to see only red.  Ever coca-cola sign popped out at me.

The seamstress has promised that I can come in next week for a fitting.  I hope they won’t run behind.  Right now, I can’t really imagine what the dress will look like, or what  I will look like in it.  I also hope I will actually look good in this shape and style of dress!

Eric befriends a deer

See more pics from our vacation on www.flickr.com/photos/ohkamala

2009 was an incredibly moving year, personally.  One year ago, I never would have guessed where I am now.  So much has happened; there has been the expected events such as finishing up Peace Corps and adjusting to office work life again. I’ve been sick and healthy.  And then there has been other news.  I’ve stayed in Africa, adapted to a new country, gotten engaged to my best friend, and missed both my brother’s wedding and my grandmother’s funeral.

How does one take stock of a year like that?  How can I  thank all the people who have brought joy to my life in the past year? How can I possibly express all my hopes and prayers for the next year?  In particular, I am praying for my aunt Sharon, and sending all the love and good vibes possible to her family.

Christmas music is playing in the larger super markets.  Some bigger establishments have yards of green and red ribbon decorating their building facades, doors, or gates.

Our house has a small fake Christmas tree with an inflatable Santa hanging on it.  Apparently the green lights are all dead, so there are only red lights in the main room.  This creates something of a red-light district effect.

I will make cookies and coffee cake for Christmas morning.  We’ve been invited to a friend’s house on Christmas afternoon.  She told us to bring our swimsuits so we can go swimming later.

Tonight I will make a nice dinner for Eric and I; salmon in a coconut milk (from fresh coconuts!).  People here usually party with friends on the holidays, instead of spending it indoors with family.  I won’t be surprised if we end up going out for a beer!