Gaudete Sunday Baptism

Congratulations to Shau'n and Chinwe Ude on the baptism of their little daughter Olandu Charlotte Julia. Olandu, a Nigerian name, means jewel of life. Her godmother Adaeze Oreh is on the left with her daughter Kenne (her husband, being away on business, was unable to be present). I was able to visit the family yesterday evening and it was a joy to be shown the photographs of their traditional and their church wedding, both of which took place on the same day, the church wedding preceeding the traditional. The elaborate ritual of the traditional wedding emphasises the union of two families which must be an extremely supportive structure. Of course, the whole village turns out for the ceremony.