Wow, Jacob is now back in Africa to get married to Achel! This is such an exciting time for him and I can't wait to find out how it is going. Apparently he landed ok and that is all we know so far. Will keep all posted here as I find out.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Jacob's 120 Cow Dowery Dilema
It has been awhile since I updated the blog, and a lot has happened. While Jacob was in Uganda in 2009, his family arranged for him to marry a Sudanese young woman. He had to go meet her (we will describe the lengths he had to go to do this in another post) and let the family decide if he was worthy of her hand.
Since their initial meeting (when she was underage) she has been attending school in Uganda. She is now about 21 years old. This summer the competion was stron sSo, Jacob had to get an emergency flight over and settle things once and for all. He borrowed 3bulls as more proof he would come through with the payment and went through a tribal ceremony that made them officially married as far as the families are concerned. He was supposed to pay for the cows when he got back but has not been able to get that far ahead while taking care of bills here... now, the family wants/ needs to be paid for these bulls. Two of the bulls are a special omen for a new bride and groom- they are twins with no horns and a certain coloring that make them good luck for a new family. This will ensure good fertility for the family.
This is the way it is done in his tribe. Being a feminist, I had alot of misgivings about purchasing a bride, but I keep reminding myself that western people spend enormous amounts on engagement rings and weddings. It is his tribal way, and who am I to say... Jacob, if nothing else is a true son of Sudan. He is very loyal to his family, tribe and to South Sudan. He has had to explain alot to me, but I trust that he knows "the way". If you see the PBS documentary, "The Lost Boys of the Sudan" you will notice the elder women who are lecturing the boys before they get on planes to come to the US. He says they were telling the kids not to forget the ways of the Dinka, and also to help the rest of the less fortunate folks who were left behind. He took that to heart and that is why he has agreed to taking Sudanese bride. At that point, they didn't even know that some of their family members had survived and were living in refugee camps in Uganda and other parts. (The internet has come so far since then).
Since their initial meeting (when she was underage) she has been attending school in Uganda. She is now about 21 years old. This summer the competion was stron sSo, Jacob had to get an emergency flight over and settle things once and for all. He borrowed 3bulls as more proof he would come through with the payment and went through a tribal ceremony that made them officially married as far as the families are concerned. He was supposed to pay for the cows when he got back but has not been able to get that far ahead while taking care of bills here... now, the family wants/ needs to be paid for these bulls. Two of the bulls are a special omen for a new bride and groom- they are twins with no horns and a certain coloring that make them good luck for a new family. This will ensure good fertility for the family.
This is the way it is done in his tribe. Being a feminist, I had alot of misgivings about purchasing a bride, but I keep reminding myself that western people spend enormous amounts on engagement rings and weddings. It is his tribal way, and who am I to say... Jacob, if nothing else is a true son of Sudan. He is very loyal to his family, tribe and to South Sudan. He has had to explain alot to me, but I trust that he knows "the way". If you see the PBS documentary, "The Lost Boys of the Sudan" you will notice the elder women who are lecturing the boys before they get on planes to come to the US. He says they were telling the kids not to forget the ways of the Dinka, and also to help the rest of the less fortunate folks who were left behind. He took that to heart and that is why he has agreed to taking Sudanese bride. At that point, they didn't even know that some of their family members had survived and were living in refugee camps in Uganda and other parts. (The internet has come so far since then).
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Jacob's Mom's New Home
I literally burst into tears when I saw these pictures of Jacob's Mom in front of her new home. I could tell she was more poised and comfortable, andI hope that means she is eating and living like she was used to before. She was in pain all the time and seemed "puffy" in the first pictures I saw of her. In this picture, I can see where Jacob's bone structure and expression comes from.
The sturdy structure, obviously made by hand directly represents the tenacity and dedication and the concept of one building things one brick at a time is a testament to Jacob and comes directly from the heart. I am so proud of where he has come from and what he has gone through to heal and to help his family in Sudan.
The sturdy structure, obviously made by hand directly represents the tenacity and dedication and the concept of one building things one brick at a time is a testament to Jacob and comes directly from the heart. I am so proud of where he has come from and what he has gone through to heal and to help his family in Sudan.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Jacob's Song by Kevin Joyce
This song was written by Vashon Singer and songwriter (among other things) Kevin Joyce. It is a biographical song about Jacob Acier, a former "Lost Boy of the Sudan".
Now Jacob is a man, and finding his way in the world. Peace to you brother!
Now Jacob is a man, and finding his way in the world. Peace to you brother!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sudanese Speaker on Vashon Island
On August 15, 1:00 p.m. at the Vashon United Methodist Church we will have a Global Student, Barnadas Bol who is Sudanese plus his two student colleagues speak on the current situation in Sudan and their experience as Kenya University students. Barnadas is a cousin of Jacob Acier. He and his fellow students are in the US
Monday, July 26, 2010
180 Cows to go!
As some of you know, Jacob is engaged to a Sudanese woman living in Kenya. He has promised her family a dowery of 200 cows! So far he was able to borrow from his work, and recieved some money from friends to purchase 20 cows. The cows are now in the desert being bred to produce (hopefully) 20 more calves. At this rate, Jacob will be an old man before her family is paid, so we are trying to raise more money for more cows. The cows cost about 300$ each, so if you could contribute anything toward this effort, it would be greatly appreciated. For the bank account number or to mail a check for the cause please contact Jayne- jayne@sistersageherbs.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Jacob Acier Speaks at Olympic View Middle School
You can donate to his education and to help his family at The Bank of America under the name The Jacob Acier Group - Thanks
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