Because Hod is a far enough drive away from Hot Springs, we are on our way the day before the wedding, and stay over in a lovely guest house about five minutes from the church. I've mentioned before that Suradet is officiating, so it makes the most sense for us to arrive ahead of time, get our bearings, and even get to see some of the preparations underway.
I truly LOVE how many flowers there are at any special event here, especially a wedding, since the long growing seasons make them so available and affordable. We get settled into our guest house and find some pad Thai for dinner.
That's when Suradet casually asks if I would be willing to offer a prayer at the ceremony. In a culture that highly values participation, it is very common for any visitor to be asked to say something or do something, even at the last minute. So, of course I'd love to pray a blessing over Anachali and Chaichana. Both are newly ordained pastors in the Korean Methodist Church, and are beginning their married life with a strong understanding of their combined call to ministry.
I spend a little time then before bed, writing the prayer out. I want it to be meaningful and solid, and to make sure I am pronouncing things properly. Side Confession: Since the incident that one time with one mistaken word where I said 'poop' instead of 'key,' I'm just a bit leery about these things. Especially for a wedding!
Feeling ready, and a really happy to have been asked, to be honest, I tuck into bed looking forward to sitting in the congregation the next day, ready to do my little part.
We arrive about an hour ahead of the scheduled time, and are quite comfortable waiting in the shade while folks gather.
The Bride is from the Poh Karen tribe, and it is such a happy thing to see all those guests arriving all decked out in tribal finery, climbing out of the back of the truck.
The day is cool and sunny and perfect. Everyone is smiling and enjoying their chit chat. I'm getting the chance to practice some of my Thai as Suradet introduces us to so many of his friends from Bible School and other settings. I find out from someone from the village how to say "prayer" in Poh Karen - An ten ter. I write that down on my little piece of paper with my notes. I've gone over it again, and I'm relaxed and ready, happy to have such a small part in all of this.
However.
About fifteen minutes before the service, Suradet invites me to walk through with him how things will go. He takes me to the entrance. When everything is ready, he will be the first in the procession, he tells me. I am to follow him at a slow pace, and go with him right up on stage where there is a chair set aside for me with all the other pastors who are also in attendance. Like, Oh. I'm now in the procession. Okaaay. Going with this. Sorry Ken, looks like you'll be holding on to my purse, and please won't you take some pictures.
Then, about five minutes before the ceremony, Suradet arrives back to where we had been standing, now wearing the clerical gown of his denomination used for special occasions. And doesn't he have one for me too? Well then. Okay. Still going with the flow.
These things used to throw me a little. I like planning. I like knowing what's coming, as much as is reasonable and possible. But by now I've mellowed, or by now God and Thailand together have helped form me into something less rigid, or by now I am better able to find the fun in the unexpected, or all of the above. And I find myself filled with delight to be sharing this awesome moment of ministry together with Suradet, all decked out and walking down the aisle to begin the celebration of such a beautiful and hope-filled thing as a wedding.
Honestly, the whole time, hearing my name being announced during the procession (that I am a missionary from Canada serving with Ajahn Suradet at New Family Foundation), sitting on the platform facing the congregation, singing old familiar hymns in Thai, being right up in the action as the Bride and Groom say their vows, all the proceedings and everything...that whole time all I could feel was an increasing sense joy that I get to do this, that I get to be here doing this. With Suradet, and with Yupa and Ken too. And all these amazing people who love and live and serve Jesus on the other side of the planet.
When it comes time for the prayer, Anachali and Chaichana get right down on their knees. I'm holding a microphone and my notes, but Suradet indicates that I am also to lay hands on the Bride. It's just a tad awkward as I really do want my notes, and I have to lean over, which makes it all at a weird angle. But we all manage, and there are enough affirming murmurs from the congregation at just the right points to assure me that I am being understood. At least I hope so. I can only ask the Holy Spirit to lay the blessing down on the couple in a way that is meaningful to them. And then, amen.
And then some pictures with all the ordained folks in a row. And then family. And then speeches and thank yous now, not at the reception. And a bit more music. And we all walk out while the children and the women toss flower petals at us all. And a new adventure for two fine humans begins.
Ken receives extra points for eating unidentifiable food at the luncheon, without complaint. It's okay. Yupa found him some Coke, so it was all good. And also, all pictures credits, except of this one where I told him to smile, are due to him. Love that guy.
It's a cup-overflowing kind of day! All this, and heaven too!!!
And it gets better.
We're barely on the way home when we find out that Miki, one of our original girls at Hot Springs is actually also in Hod for the day! We select an Amazon Cafe as rendezvous point, and - oh happy thing! - I get to spent about 20 delightful minutes meeting her little girl for the first time, and finding out how well she's doing.
I'm almost too happy to sleep in the car on the way home. Almost.This trip has been so full of happy already, even without the wedding trip. So all this extra just feels so....extra. So much of the goodness that is described in so many places, but perhaps most famously in Psalm 23. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." I felt followed by it today. And led by it, and surrounded by it, and covered by it today.
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