Monday, March 09, 2009

uganda IV

saturday, august 16/08; 6:00am - ish

i couldn't sleep much last night.  i must be a little nervous about singing "at last".  it went through my head probably 50 times or more - no exaggeration.  
roger and lola also asked me to pray the closing prayer which has also been on my mind.  after a short sleep needing to get up to "recycle" the beer.  it was only one but clearly too late.  
then the cock crowed (way too early), the pigs across the road squeeled, and a crazed dog next door barked steadily until the sky lightened.  all of this started with the buzzing of a vibrating cel phone on a table (not mine) and the regular muslim call to prayer somewhere in the distance. romance nixed with irritation kept me awake 'til i thought i might as well get up.

later that day was the wedding.  more about that later.  what follows is a toast to the bride and a prayer that i was asked to give...

i know lola.  i have known her for a long time.  i have worked with her for years.  and i know lola.
i have seen her hold the lonely, and heal the wound of the hurting with a touch and a smile, or a tear.  she embraces freely, gives of her life generously, and loves deeply.  she is one of the most compassionate people i know.
i feel i know God better because of lola.  God made her; and i know lola.
when i met lola's mother i wasn't surprised that she was a caring, gentle person.  because lola was raised by her mother; and i know lola.
and so when i heard about roger from lola, and spoke to him on the phone a few times, i didn't really know him.  i have since learned that roger is a man of integrity, courage, and compassion. but i shouldn't be surprised.  lola has chosen him; and i know lola.
if it was not for lola and roger, i never would have come to this beautiful land.  roger has welcomed me to his country, i have eaten at his table and tasted his wine.  i have been embraced by the laughter, joy, and love of his family.  i am humbled and deeply moved, and my life will never be the same.  thank-you; mwaybola nio.


All Mighty God
Creator of all that is beautiful,
Giver of all good things, 
We thank you for today.
We thank you for the picture
of love and fidelity, 
and generosity
we have seen in this celebration.
We ask for Your blessing on
Roger and Lola.  
We ask that you will grant them
Peace,
Wisdom,
Joy, and 
Love
for the rest of their lives;
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  
Amen

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