Friday night and Saturday night we went to Bora and Da's wedding.
On Friday night, they had what they call a Christian wedding. It is more styled like our weddings. Not the same as ours but closer. (Some of it is actually funny)
This first picture is of the 2 kids that were part of the wedding party. I just thought they were cute.
Bora has been a member of the church here since before we came. Da was recently converted.
Bora had asked Rich to give a talk about what the Bible says about marriage and husbands and wives. He, of course, did a great job. Much of the crowd were not Christians so I hope they listened and maybe a seed was planted. They had positioned the podium in front of the bridal party, so I asked Rich what he was going to do. Since he was talking to the bride and groom primarily, he turned sideways to them so he could see them and talk to them. But that meant that I only got a picture of his back as we were seated on the side.
We aren't sure how they select their groomsmen and bridesmaids because it is not their best friends or family members, but maybe we will figure it out sometime. But I took this picture because all 3 of the boys and the girl closest to the camera are our students.
A funny thing, afterwards, when most of the people had gone downstairs to eat, I saw a couple of these boys taking off these rented suits. They had their regular shirt and pants on underneath!!
In keeping with Khmer traditions, they have a time where the parents give a blessing to the children. You can't see Bora because he is on the other side of Da, but they are both kneeling in front of their parents while the fathers give them words of wisdom.
(The man standing in the gray is the photographer. That is another thing here...the photographers are quite intrusive during the ceremony.)
This is us with Bora and Da. As Rich admonished them during the ceremony, we pray that they will be wonderful examples of how a Christian couple act; and others will be able to look to their marriage as what a godly marriage should be.
I said that we also went on Saturday night. This was more like a traditional Khmer wedding without the Buddhist parts. It was in a tent in the street (they totally block off roads for weddings and funerals) in front of Da's parents' house.
This fish and pork is the 3rd and 4th courses. And although you can't see, there is a flame under each dish.
The actual wedding part is done mainly in the morning with the family and very close friends, starting at 6am or 6:30am. The evening part is just a meal and music for all the friends and family.
This is some of our students. The 2 boys in the silver shirts are groomsmen and then SeakChang is our girl student that was one of the bridesmaids. They were all standing together talking just before we left on our motorcycle (yes, riding side saddled with a skirt on), so I took this picture.
Please keep Bora and Da in your prayers that they will live their lives for the Lord.
Much love, Ronda
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