We Three Queens…Make that Four

Although Ruth’s birthday was over a month ago, our Precious Jewels Ministries (PJM) friends from the Philippines kept looking for an opportunity to celebrate in the place they are staying in Jinja.  Since we were going to Jinja this last weekend for another occasion, Friday night seemed like the perfect time.  When we arrived at our colleague Beth’s place, we were disappointed to learn she had a “previous engagement” and “wouldn’t be able to join us.”  We were picked up in an African limousine (truck) and welcomed by the PJM team: Canadians, Filipinos, and Ugandans.  After admiring the balloons and decorative birthday signs we were informed that it was going to be a royal affair.  I was taken to a separate room and crowned and robed as Queen of “Eastca” (Eastern Canada). After a short wait I was ushered into the presence of the Queen of Mutungo (Ruth, where we live in Kampala) and soon after another royal guest was introduced, the Queen of Busoga…none other than our friend, Beth, who came separately as a surprise—she’s from the Region of Busoga. How hilarious!  Following some rousing singing accompanied by Jonathan on the guitar, speeches were delivered/translated from our “kingdoms” on the occasion of the birthday of the Queen of Mutungo.  Following lots of curtsies/bows, pomp and ceremony, we were seated at the royal table for a delicious Filipino meal of pancit and adobo.  After dinner we welcomed Prince Ernie who elicited great laughter especially from the Ugandan driver, Dennis.  Soon after the gift of a royal handbag was presented to Ruth, we took our leave and departed with the Queen of Busoga where we resided for the remainder of our stay in Jinja.

Us in the proper attire for such a "royal" event!"

The following day we went with Beth another hour further east for another somewhat “royal” occasion, the Introduction ceremony for “queen” Esther, one of our VOICE workers. We’ve heard lots about this ceremony but it was our first opportunity to attend one. Basically it’s a 4-8 hour drama that unites the families of the bride and groom and eventually “the” bride and groom. Here in Uganda, the ceremony culturally and legally unites them as man and wife. But Christians choose to remain separated until the church wedding, which for Esther will take place on the 14^th of this month. It was totally in the language of that area but a friend, another Esther, sat between us and along with Beth gave us a running commentary on what was happening. Due to the kilometers we had to drive to get back to Beth’s home and the desire not to drive in the dark, we left about 1/3 of the way into the ceremony. But the images of amazing dresses, colors, music, dancing, drama, and more will stay with us as part of our experience here in Africa.

It was truly a “royal” weekend and several times we reminded ourselves of the fact that we are daughters of the ultimate royal family, the King of kings. That celebration, the marriage of the Lamb, will far outshine all that we saw and experienced! What a privilege to be adopted into that family...all because of God's amazing grace.