Maryaj de Rameau & Helene

Last Saturday was another first for us, but this time it was a pleasant experience. There are many long-term relationships in Haiti, but rarely do they lead to law-binding, God-honoring marriage. Since most committed couples, even those with several children, are joined only by their life situation and a statement of commitment, the wedding of our friends Rameau ("Ramos") and Helene was the first one we've seen.

Rameau, being the generous giver that he is, was busy the week before with wedding errands and preparations, but still made time to help us out with transporting the large group that was visiting from home, or any other thing that was asked of him.  There were many similarities to the way things are done back home.  When the wedding day come, we headed over to Rameau's house to pick him up, with several of our neighbors dressed in full suits riding along. Rameau was also dressed to the tilt in several fancy layers, complete with white gloves. I'm always amazed at the way they can dress up that way but never complain about being too hot.

When we arrived at the church building, Helene was already there waiting. This in itself was a blessing. We've heard there's a "tradition" that the bride shows up late to her own wedding, so she can make a big entrance for herself when she so chooses. We were glad to see her desire to be humble and keep the whole event simple and Christ-like.

The ceremony included many of the brothers visiting from the States. It began with an introduction from the officiating pastor, then an opening prayer by Dan, and scripture reading by Nate. A friend of Helene was on the program to sing a special solo, but for some reason she announced with hand gestures that it wasn't going to happen. The congregation then sang a beautiful rendition of "How Great Thou Art" in French. Barry shared a sermon that was a perfect mix of love, appropriately enough, and the need for Christ in all our lives. 

The couple exchanged vows while nervously and seriously looking into each other's eyes.  It was evident by their demeanor that this commitment was not something to be taken lightly, and its a good thing.  The large group of youth from ACCF went to the front to sing a couple of songs. In the middle of the first song, the officiating pastor announced over the mic that the couple would sign the marriage certificate while the choir sang. However, since he announced it in Creole, nobody that was singing knew what he said, and the song quickly tapered off into silence.  Several parents tried to signal them to continue singing. After a long minute of looking around wondering what was going on, they began another song while the witnesses came forward to also sign the documents. Denny and James also prayed and offered a word of blessing for the bride and groom.

Signing the Marriage Documents

"Best Man" Dan

The pastor announced the couple officially married, and Mart said a final prayer.  "Before we finish," the pastor said, "there's one more thing we need to do. It is something very important for a wedding in Haiti." The close family members in the front row knew exactly what was about to happen, and they all left their seats to gather around the couple in front, with cameras ready.  After a loud count to three, Rameau and Helene had to exchange their first married kiss in front of everyone.  I never asked them just how they felt about that little tradition.

Leaving together as a married couple.

We all headed over to the tidied up, yet incomplete mission house for a short reception. Several ladies had worked hard to prepare a lovely spread of all kinds of special Haitian food. The bride and groom didn't stay long, but got their food in a take-out box and headed to their new home to enjoy it together.

It sounds as though they've really enjoyed their first week together.  They were gifted with a two night stay at Kaliko, the local beach resort. They returned to work shortly thereafter. Before the wedding, Helene desired to keep her job at the nearby orphanage, knowing she really enjoyed working there. It only took a few days, though, before she was ready to "stay home and take care of her husband" in her words.

Overall, it was a blessing of a day. We are pleased to see them take their commitment to each other seriously and desire to honor God with their lives. Since their home is the next one over from the mission house, we look forward to being able to spend even more time with them soon.