Henna

Back in Turkey now. It's good to be here, but we had such a good week in Qatar. We were so blessed to have many cultural experiences that were not expected.

Two days ago Claudia and I went to a henna party. That's part of the wedding tradition. They have an engagement party, a henna party, and a wedding.

I enter and am by far, the whitest and most western-looking person there. Just smile and look like your grateful to be there. Not hard because I really am thankful. Greet about 10 different ladies. Give them three small kisses all in a row on one cheek. They might give you one more, so just wait with your cheek near theirs just in case you get one more. But, these ladies are not sure what to think of you, and they don't know if you know about the whole kiss greeting, so you're lucky to get one kiss. Not many smiles because, again, they're not sure about you.

It is a little weird, very cool, like a dream, and hard to convince myself that I am really seeing it all. Imagine a courtyard full of ladies, some still dressed in their black outside clothing and some revealing their vibrant party dresses underneath. Some are talking, but most are just sitting in their chairs kinda staring at whatever...probably me. The music is very loud. There are drums, a singer, and a musical scale of 15 notes. In the front is a throne-like area decorated in bright neon green. That is the color of the henna party.

Stand around and wait. Oh, here she comes; find your seat.

She's only 16, but she's looking very grand tonight. She's dressed in all green, bright green, and is covered with gold jewelry. She makes her way to the front and just stands facing everyone, expressionless. One by one ladies come up and throw wads of cash over her. That seems nice. Gifts, right? Nope, all the money goes to the band. But, it's still a tradition so the band might collect 10,000 dollars from the money thrown to the bride.

Then, she makes her way to the throne and sits there. Just sits there for everyone to look at. Still expressionless. She might be nervous. Maybe she's not excited about this arranged marriage. Maybe she doesn't know what else to do.

I'm excited to be here and am over feeling out of place. Trying to tell myself that I'm not watching this on TV. Thankful for some of the differences of this culture, but still aware of the bonds this culture/religion places and will place on this new bride.