Kitchen Party

In Lusaka, bridal showers or "kitchen parties" are a big deal. This is probably true in other parts of the US also but not really in Bellingham. I've heard a lot about kitchen parties since living here, and every Saturday if you are driving around Lusaka you can see signs hanging for different parties - they are painted letters on a large white sheet and you see them flapping in the breeze all over the place.

But in over two years of living here, I had never actually been invited to a kitchen party before. I think the crowd of Zambians I've gotten to know just aren't doing them so much. That's why I was pretty nervous when my friend Martha not only invited me to her sister's kitchen party, but asked me to be a speaker! Wow, was I in for a party!

Kitchen parties here are as elaborate as any wedding I've ever been to, except only the women are invited. It was catered and had a band as well as an MC and a gospel message. In the picture above you can see the stage in the middle and the bride sat there the whole time with her mentors. Even though it is a huge celebration and you can see that everyone is really enjoying themselves, it is also very serious as a transition for the bride into marriage.

I'm sure it was a day that Evelyn, the bride-to-be will always remember. I was amazed at the generosity of all the guests - her kitchen is going to be totally set up as she begins her life as a wife. Hopefully she learned a couple things from the speakers. The first speaker gave some very good advice about relying on God daily for strength. My topic was just a quick note about managing your household - I spoke on being deliberate about making your home a loving and welcoming place.

Here I am above with Martha Kangwa and her daughter Twapalwa, and Peggy Mlewa. We are all wearing traditional citenge dresses. And don't they look fabulous!