I'm dreaming of a "WHITE" Christmas! It happened on the first Saturday and Sunday in December. We were privileged to help plan another beautiful wedding and baptism of this amazing couple. We had tried to get this couple married at the end of October. Tinashe and Tatenda were incredibly patient as they hit roadblock after roadblock trying to get their official marriage license. Tinashe had gone to the Harare Court Offices four different times until his marriage license was approved. He showed remarkable faith and determination since each time it cost combi travel money and hours off work. We had provided him with a marriage letter for our LDS marriage officer to perform the wedding and passport photos. The first visit the letter wasn't signed by the bishop. The bishop of the GlenView 2nd Ward had recently passed away and the counselor wouldn't sign the letter. Next, we had a member of the stake presidency sign it. Once again Tinashe went to the court only to be turned down because the letter wasn't notarized. Luckily he hadn't paid the $25.00 fee we gave him. Our last couple, the Muchenjes, didn't accept the "bribe" for more money or additional "fee" when they were set for the "taboo" wedding date in November. It's a Shona superstition you shouldn't get married in November or it will bring bad luck to your marriage. Tinashe didn't want a November wedding so he accepted the December 2nd date. Finally, he returned to the court to pick up the final document. With much faith and prayer, it finally worked! We kept our fingers crossed the whole time.
Chanyandura Family, 2023.12.02Bishop Chitiyo saved the day conducting the wedding, 2023.12.02
Saturday, Dec. 2nd, we celebrated with 45+ family members and I got to be the wedding photographer again! We had planned on about 10-20 wedding guests, so I ordered some cheesecake tarts and cookies to serve as refreshments. We were so surprised when lots of relatives continued to arrive at the Harare Town Ward where the wedding was to take place at 2:00 p.m. The Chanyanduras both have big supportive families. Tinashe has 6 siblings and his mother came from Rusape. Tatenda's family also came including her parents and 4 sisters with spouses.
We were a little nervous when the bride and groom didn't show up at 2:00 p.m. the time of the wedding. We had given them money to rent a taxi and for the transport of their parents. About 15-20 minutes late they arrived in a Honda Fit of Bro. Jim's. Bro. Jim is the 1st counselor in the bishopric. He was paid for transport but asked Bruce to drive them home after the wedding. Four little children popped out of the trunk after the long journey from Glenview. Nokatenda jumped out and there was a little 2-3-year-old sound asleep nestled deep in the trunk. I was so worried he'd been asphyxiated! One rear end and all these children would be dead. We see people crammed in trunks and boots of cars throughout Zimbabwe. I wish they would stop this craziness but for 50 cents they need transportation so they pack in as many as possible. We've seen up to 39 people crammed in a van and 16 in a small 2-door Honda Fit. No seatbelts are required but so important for safety!
Bruce and I arrived an hour early to make sure chairs and things were in place. The Chanyanduras didn't arrive until after 2:00 p.m. We were also nervous because the marriage officer, Bro. Ruka, was late in traffic too. Once everyone was seated the marriage officer took another 45 minutes filling out forms. They were getting restless since there were over 10+ children in attendance. We thought he'd take charge but luckily the bishop of the Harare Town Ward, Bsp. Chitiyo, happened to come by. He quickly put together a program and conducted the wedding. We thought we'd just show up and take photos and serve refreshments. We are so appreciative to Bishop Chitiyo, he saved our bacon! 
Tatenda's parents and sister, maid of honor, wedding day, 2023.12.02
Tatenda's parents and sister, maid of honor, wedding day, 2023.12.02
We were so happy the wedding finally took place and the family relative and aunt, who is a pastor, added her own flare and enthusiasm to the ceremony. We loved meeting Tinashe's aunt, the pastor, who gave a speech about Tinashe and introduced his family. They broke out leading in a Shona song and congratulations. What fun we had! Bruce was able to give her a Book of Mormon and teach her a small lesson about the church. It was fun to be part of a Shona wedding and the singing was exceptional. These Africans can sing with their heart and souls! 
Tinashe's relatives, mother, aunt, and sister-in-law have rhythm!
Tinashe's relatives, mother, aunt, and sister-in-law have rhythm! Below: Elders Gahadizkwa and Julius at the Glenview Ward, they'll start reviewing the lessons with the family now they are baptized and prepare the Chanyandura daughters, 2023.12.02
Elder Anderson was able to perform the baptisms for Tinashe and Tatenda Chanyandura on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. He also helped to confirm them as new members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was indeed a "WHITE" Christmas!
On the way home the girls sang some beautiful songs in Shona. Tatenda has a beautiful voice! They tried to teach us the Shona words meaning, "If there wasn't a God, there would be no life." They sang, "Open my eyes, that I might see the danger," all three little girls plus their cousin sang along with the beat.
"Tinochengetwa nani kana musip Jesu
Tinogara nani kana musipo Jesu
Kana musipo tinochengetwa
nani kana mysipo"
We continue to count our blessings for making such wonderful friends in Zimbabwe. We love you Chanyanduras; welcome to the faith! You did it!!!
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