Sometimes the Party Comes First!

Forty-eight hours.  That’s how much time we had to pull together a Wedding Reception for four couples and seventy guests.  Sound impossible?  Yeah, at some points it did to us, too!  But, we did it!!

The day was bright and sunny, and not too hot.  With donated paper bell garlands, yellow and white balloons, a recycled paper streamer and pretty gold table cloths, the back area was transformed into a pretty reception venue.

Daisy sharing with the group.

Everything didn’t go as planned.  One of the two couples who were already married had an unexpected appointment and couldn’t make it.  One of our new couples couldn’t get all their paperwork together, and so will need to wait until January to be married. 

We found out late Wednesday afternoon that Nancy couldn’t do the other new couple’s wedding until Friday afternoon.  (More on their ceremony in a later post!)

But, none of that mattered as the couples and their families arrived.  We wanted the reception to be focused on glorifying God, and His work in the lives of these couples.  We also wanted to celebrate their courage in their counter-culture choice to be legally married. 

After Kimberley welcomed everyone and prayed for God’s blessing on the afternoon, Daisy explained how she and Caroline had started helping couples become legally married a few years ago.  God desires that His kingdom comes in El Callejon. 

Fernando encourages the couples.

We believe helping couples commit to each other and their families is important in transforming El Callejon. 

Daisy reminded them that when SI first began ministering in El Callejon, only one couple was legally married.  When she and Caroline suggested marriage to the women, most of them scoffed.  Now several have taken that step, and more are planning to do so. 

After reading I Corinthians 13, Fernando shared words of encouragement with the couples.  (Fernando works with SI as a medical doctor and is also our staff pastor). 

He told them that although a lot of people think marriage is just a piece of paper, it is much more. 

Tona & Censio get glass holding tips from Daisy.

It allows children to see examples of living lives in God’s will.  It also means that the children are ‘legitimized’ which helps them to feel secure and loved.  And, it is a commitment to each other, and your family, saying you will be together in good times and bad.

The couples took turns coming up and learning how to do the champagne glass drink together.  It was a bit difficult, but Daisy was right there to help out! 

Alicia & Alexandri give their glasses a try!

Yoemny & Andre in the traditional U.S.
'cake-cutting' pose.

Toasting the couples. (Elizabeth on far left.)

Elizabeth, the sister-in-law of one of the couples (who’ll be married in January) told the couples that her marriage has been a blessing.  She encouraged them to keep Jesus in the center of their marriage. 

Then it was time for lunch, and what a special lunch it was!  Luz served up big bowls of Sancocho, a Dominican stew with several meats, plantains, potatoes (sweet and white), corn and more, cooked together in a savory broth with garlic, seasonings, cilantro and served with rice. 

Tired, but praising God for His blessings!
(Chelsea, Kimberley, Daisy, Taryn)

After lunch everyone enjoyed cake, which was as delicious as it was pretty!  Lots of pictures followed, and then it was time to go.  Everyone left with full stomachs, and even fuller hearts.

(P.S.  Check back later this weekend, to read about Tona and Censio's marriage ceremony!)