Wedding Formalities

One can schedule posts on a blog, yet I haven't had the opportunity to do this -- so I shall be "off air" for a while. Here is something, in parting, about the formalities which have led to my wedding, which is to take place this week. The first formal step towards marriage was ... well, proposing, in April. A few months later came the negotiation of the bride price, in which I was successful (not to be taken for granted). This involved customary gifts of good will, a "discussion of terms", and the bride price itself. Then it was required of Ester and me to have a personal interview with the Rt. Revd. Dr. Marioh Marcus of Plettenberg Bay, and to obtain the approval of the Anglican Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Brian Marajh of George. In-depth pre-marital counselling was required of us, as well as the expression of a divine calling to marriage. Ester and I are both "born Congregationalists" -- although of course one isn't born a believer. A Presbyterian minister is to conduct our wedding: a faithful friend, Rev. Natalie van Rooyen. OBSERVATION: I am glad to marry Ester -- and in the words of family members (see the previous post) I feel: "What a huge gift our Lord has given me." The wedding is to be followed by a reception of 100 guests, then (the next day) a larger celebration in the country. Thanks to Lu-Gerda's Travels for the superb photo.