Til Death Do They Part

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of attending the wedding ceremony of two of my co-workers. It was a beautiful experience. I was very humble that they decided to share it with me and the other foreign teachers. When I pulled up to the reception, the first person I saw was the bride. Her English name is Jenny. She looked absolutely beautiful. Her dress was stunning, and her hair and make up flawless. It almost brought a tear to my eye, but I rushed up to her and gave her a big hug. All the other teachers (Chinese and Foreign)  were gathered around greeting and taking pictures. I caught a glimpse of Jackal, the groom. He was running around making sure everything was in order. As we took our seats, Coke, Sprite, Wine, Expensive Chinese Liquor, Pumpkin Seeds, and cigarettes were placed on each table's Lazy Susan. There were at least 100 people in attendance. As the ceremony began, the Groom stepped onto the red carpet holding his brides flowers. And then the Bride begins to walk down the red carpet. She stops under a canopy in the back. the Groom walks back to meet her and present her with her flowers. He falls to one knee. Then the both of them walk to the front as flowers and confetti are thrown in the air over their head. Fireworks are going off outside. It is 12 o'clock in the afternoon so you can't see them, but I think the point is just the sound. Once the couple is at the front, words of encouragement are given by selected individuals... including our manager. They exchange rings and kisses; and then their is a toast! Everyone claps and cheers as the Groom pics up a red suit case and takes his bride upstairs to their wedding suite. While we waited for them to return, food was served. A lot of food!!! And in wonderful Chinese tradition..lol... they started with the Foreigners!!! Each lazy susan was stacked 3 serving plates high with every type of meat possible. This includes turtle in the Shell!!! (yuck). Me, personally, I stuck to what I know. Chicken, Shrimp, Crab, and beef. There was also two soups, rice balls stuffed with pork, veggies, Chinese dinner rolls, and cupcakes with no icing. When the couple returned, the Bride was now wearing a red dress. Which is very symbolic to the "change". Hence, why they went into the hotel room with a red suitcase. The couple went to every table and toasted with them. Soon after, in the same manner they arrived, all of the Chinese guest left. It was if they all came together and are now were leaving together. In true foreigner fashion, we stayed! lol. We took pics with the bride and groom, and then we left.

I can imagine that this is every Chinese girls dream. Their entire families dream for that matter. It is expected for young people to finish university, get engaged, be married, and start their family at the age of 25. First, let me say, that I have met some Chinese girls who say they would love to get married, but not now. They have things they must accomplish. They are concerned about getting their lives together before starting a family. On the other hand, there are other girls... Who are so caught up in their traditions of mating that they pretty much do not care who the guy is as long as he puts a ring on it. Many have told me that they would like to grow up to be a house wife. I have met a few that would do anything for a man to say they love them. Which makes them easy targets for some foreign men. The real concern is that it is not love. Their culture has become so concern with continuing the family line that love is not a reason for marriage anymore. I do understand that their are many societies that hold that same standard, and many times love has very little to do with it. However, it was so good to see a couple like Jackal and Jenny. They actually love each other. So far it is evident that they will spend the rest of their lives together happily. This is something that many people can not say. It isn't that they grow apart, but they were never there to begin with. I know to most of the world marriage based on love is a fairy tale. However, I have seen the results of marriage with love as the foundation. My parents and My grandparents (The Grundys) are good examples of the absolute joy that comes from love. So, as I experience this culture of people and their ways, I notice the importance they put on getting married, and having a child. It was good to see that love could still be involved.

Jackal works three jobs, and Jenny works at the school full time. They paid for every bit of the wedding themselves, and no expense was spared. The only thing that was not paid for upfront was the cost Jackal had to pay to get into Jenny's family's home to find her shoes. He had to bribe the person at the door to let him to look for the shoes so that he could take his bride with him. She couldn't leave without her shoes of course. I think that is an adorable tradition. He said it cost him 500 RMBs. I told Jenny he should still be at the door! lol. They will vacation near the Yellow Mountains for a little over a week. I am sure their wedding cost a fortune, but they will not regret spendingit. As of now, I can say that they may stay together forever, and be happy about it.

So, anyway, enough mushy stuff! lol Appreciate your love ones, love yourselves, love others, and keep your heart open to receive the love of others.

Thanks a bunch for your comments and your prayers. Stay tuned for my next blog....THE BUS!!!!

LOVE YA!