Last weekend I had the pleasure and excitement of attending a wedding here in Guate. Edwin was my host brother in the family I lived with during training. He and Lupe have a three-year-old son, Danny, and have lived together for years. They were civilly married a few months back but just had the ceremony. It was above and beyond what I expected and reminded me I that I am, in fact, living in Central America.
As much as the wedding, the ride to the wedding reminded me of that fact as well. Nic and I left my site early that morning and caught a bus bound for Guatemala City. About ten minutes before our stop, the bus slows and then putters to a stop. Out of gas. We're already behind schedule and contemplate walking the rest of the way. Fortunately, a cop drives by and stops to lend a hand. I had heard of other volunteers getting rides from cops so I urged Nic to ask. Sure enough, we were given the okay. So we piled in the back of the cop truck with the bus driver's assistant and an empty bucket. We had thought that there were no gas stations before our stop, but to our surprise about 200 yards down the road there one was. The assistant filled his bucket with gas and we returned to the stopped bus. Nic and I stayed with the cops though, and were dropped off at the doorstep of our destination.
The happy family: Lupe, Danny and Edwin. Lupe is wearing the traditional pattern of the town of Santa Maria Cauque, where they live.
We arrived three hours early to the house already bustling with people.
The usual cast of characters were there, and man the kids grow up so fast. Josue has turned from a cute kid that couldn't talk yet to an attention-seeking trouble maker!
Doña Anacleta, Nic's host mom, caring for her granddaughter.
And the food! When I asked what I could do to help, Doña Marta, my host mom, said "Eat chuchitos" (similar to tamales) and gave me a handful.
The kitchen. They altered the whole house in preparation for today. They cut down a big lime tree, knocked down walls, cleared gardens and put up roofs.
After we had all arrived, we were invited to go to Xenacoj, a town about 20 minutes away, where Edwin's godparents live. They rented a chicken bus for us and had it decorated.
We all piled on the bus, and everyone was in good spirits, cracking jokes and laughing.
The best chicken bus ride ever!
Once at the house of Edwin's godparents, they and Edwin's family had time to give a little speech. However, the speech was in Kaqchikel. Then they brought Lupe into another room, leaving Edwin and dressed Lupe in her veil and gave her the bouquet. The men pinned a lapel on Edwin. Once ready, they were brought together again for more speeches.
We all left the house and walked through town back to the bus that took us back to Santa Maria Cauque and to...
...the church. Bells were rung, small ribbons with Edwin and Lupe's names were pinned on guests, large speakers were brought in and the bride and groom went straight from the bus door to the church door.
The church was decorated and vows and rings were exchanged.
After the ceremony we once again walked through town towards the house. Everyone in town came out to the streets to watch. Once at the door, the bride and groom paused. A blessing was said and flower pedals were thrown on the heads of Edwin and Lupe along with Edwin's godparents.
As the bride and groom entered a wedding bell piñata was opened, spilling white confetti on them.
Once inside the party started.
We were served grape soda and a delicious heap of pepian, the national dish. For dessert: rum.
Edwin's grandmas from both sides made it, dressed in their best.
A line was formed and each person presented the couple with their gift at the head table.
Danny, always trouble, scoping out gifts while everyone else was praying.
Again, Danny causing trouble, throwing pine needles from the floor onto the table while the family of the bride and groom danced, holding hands in a circle.
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