Our Wedding Day...

The 18th was a busy day. I woke up Clark David Jeffries and ended the day Datu Hihimanawen, which means the compassionate one. Kerry tribal name is Bai Maayun-ayun, which means supportive wife. Kerry and I were officially adopted into the Matigsalug tribe by Datu Ali from the Paquibato District of the tribe. A humbling honor. We knelt on a woven reed mat while the assembled tribe members were addressed. The tropical sun hammered our heads, as a white chicken was waved over our heads in a tribal ritual. I tried to remain somber as I kept picturing the irritated chicken pooping on my head. As the ceremony concluded beaded necklaces were buttoned around our neck signifying adoption. We were quickly surrounded by the Matigsalug people dressed in red beaded outfits cheering, shaking our hands, hugging and welcoming us. We were then brought our own formal tribal wear and dressed with the help of many people. (I personally think I would've chosen clothes better suited to a tropical environment, they were hot!)

Then came the surprise of the day for Kerry. Last year I had planned with Pio a 15th wedding anniversary celebration. Kerry was whisked away by the tribal women to don beaded necklaces earrings and headgear. I was taken to the entrance to the "church" and was not allowed to enter until I had proof of payment for a wife. Pastor Jamie came with my ceremonial horse and I was allowed to cut the cord blocking the door and enter. After walking through a gauntlet of tribal children I was seated on a banana leaf and waited for my bride. She entered with an entourage of women in their finest covering her with a flowered cloth. She was seated beside me and prayed over. A white chicken, symbolizing holiness, was waved in front of us. They spread its wings as they waved it in the air in front of us. We were told to feed each other a handful of rice, of course. During the cheering that followed the remaining bowlful of rice was devoured by rushing kids. This was to bless us with many children.

We then rose and were escorted to the front of the church, both with our entourage and covered with cloth. We were seated facing the crowd and our "fathers" sat down to discuss the brideprice. They took their jobs very seriously. Datu Buaya acting as my father looked especially serious. After a few minutes the price of 2 horses was agreed upon. (a bargain in my humble opinion) We then were given marital advice by our fathers and again asked to feed each other rice(of course). At this point I whispered to Kerry that I would prefer wedding cake. This time after the rice was eaten the remaining rice was eaten by adults and had to be completely gone to bless our union. A kiss is forbidden during the ceremony, so our marriage ceremony was completed by banging our heads together, another tradition in which I prefer the American version. We were then surrounded by smiling faces and bombarded by hands to shake and bodies to hug.