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The road to marriage may be full of bumps, twists and turns in any culture. Recently we've had some interesting e-mails with a young Tanzanian friend who shares his experiences in arranging his own marriage. "Thanks for your prayers for the new marriage that is expected to take place a few months to come. I am very happy and I thank God that I have been accepted by Jenita's parents and family. The meeting took place as it was arranged." This young man has known the young woman for several years; I think they met in secondary school. Since then, he has completed his university education and has been employed for about one year. The young man and his representative traveled some distance to meet the young woman's family and to negotiate the traditional bride price. "When one goes to his girl friend's family or parents for a bride price, he must have a representative for it is taboo for an expected son in law to talk directly to his expected in laws... He did it well and at last we had a meeting at which both families were involved in conversation." They agreed on the bride price and our young friend was able to make the payment. Now he is able to sit with his fiancee and they will set a wedding date. "I thank God who has enabled me to pay the bride price. Pray that he begins with us from the start of our journey to the end. God be praised."

The groom to be and his successful negotiator. Happy smiles all around.


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