Wedding Bliss
The larger share of the day was taken up today with the 'Wedding Blessing" of
Ellie, our YSA Rep. We left here a little after nine to make sure that we would get to the ceremony on time. Over hill and dale we traveled in the rain. It was gloriously green, as we made our way through small towns and gently-rolling hills.
The only thing that marred the trip is a very very close call with tragedy. We were traversing 2-way country roads where the speed limit is 60. Often, they are barely wide enough for one car. Oncoming traffic was a very large truck. As we rounded a bend, the truck was barreling along, and not only one, but two cars had decided to pass him! I was sure we were dead. SK exclaimed, braked and swerved to the left, but there was hardly anywhere to go. The first car got past us, then the second veered into his lane in front of the truck just as we passed him. We were both left shaking.
But we arrived in good form, fascinator and all. We even sat in the car for a few minutes to see if anyone else was wearing the fancy little so-called hat. We didn't see any, but it was quite windy, so I carried mine in rather than wear it.
St. Dunstan's Church dominated the little city it resides in, and is surrounded by a large cemetery, with graves both ancient and fairly recent. We had a few moments to spare, so we wandered around...one of my favorite pastimes. What is it about a cemetery that makes you feel like time stands still? It was quiet and peaceful, and nearly shouts the message to me that my father liked to quote, "This too shall pass."
Time is roaring by. I know it won't be long til we are sitting in our family room in Gilbert again. I want so much to make this mission count for something good - really good in our lives. We pray together and I pray in my own prayers for help and guidance about how best we can serve. I am grateful that we can help the YSAs and the young missionaries. We love them all. But I wonder if we can do more.
Back to the Wedding Blessing. It is a magnificent old church with some remaining walls that date back hundreds of years. It was cool in the large high-ceilinged chapel. It was also lovely. The vicar entered in black trousers, shirt and white collar, over which he wore an elaborate floor-length robe or cape. He was probably in his late 40's or early 50's, and he was absolutely delightful.
When he spoke, he was animated and enthusiastic and cheerful. His English and enunciation reminded me of John Cleese. He told a funny story, he asked the congregation to clap for a very nice musical number, he forgot the ring ceremony and then apologized profusely and humorously when he backed up to do that. His blessing on the marriage was wonderful. I'm certain that the whole thing must have been enormously satisfying to the family, none of whom are LDS.
We sat with a little group from our Oxford Ward. Out of about 40 women in attendance, I would say that there were all of 8 women wearing fascinators. Oh well. Bekah and Eliza will enjoy wearing this item.
SK had a lovely conversation with the vicar after it was over. We went out into the churchyard where the bridesmaids were shivering and welcomed the bride and groom just like in Jane Austen!!!
An uneventful ride home ended our wedding adventure for the day. I am going to do some baking now.....we have YSAs coming for dinner tomorrow, Monday and then Christmas day....maybe. There are very few left in town and I want to make sure they know they are so very welcome here. We also want the young missionaries to come over. We live in an area where people love to have them in their homes, but you never know at Christmas.
Ellie, our YSA Rep. We left here a little after nine to make sure that we would get to the ceremony on time. Over hill and dale we traveled in the rain. It was gloriously green, as we made our way through small towns and gently-rolling hills.
The only thing that marred the trip is a very very close call with tragedy. We were traversing 2-way country roads where the speed limit is 60. Often, they are barely wide enough for one car. Oncoming traffic was a very large truck. As we rounded a bend, the truck was barreling along, and not only one, but two cars had decided to pass him! I was sure we were dead. SK exclaimed, braked and swerved to the left, but there was hardly anywhere to go. The first car got past us, then the second veered into his lane in front of the truck just as we passed him. We were both left shaking.
But we arrived in good form, fascinator and all. We even sat in the car for a few minutes to see if anyone else was wearing the fancy little so-called hat. We didn't see any, but it was quite windy, so I carried mine in rather than wear it.
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| If you look very closely, you will see two individuals behind the glass who are ringing the bells to call out congratulations to the blessed couple. |
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| Look at the hood of the car peaking out....it is decorated for the celebrated couple. Also look at that marvelous little thatched roof! |
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| SK...looking very official as he leads the way. |
St. Dunstan's Church dominated the little city it resides in, and is surrounded by a large cemetery, with graves both ancient and fairly recent. We had a few moments to spare, so we wandered around...one of my favorite pastimes. What is it about a cemetery that makes you feel like time stands still? It was quiet and peaceful, and nearly shouts the message to me that my father liked to quote, "This too shall pass."
Time is roaring by. I know it won't be long til we are sitting in our family room in Gilbert again. I want so much to make this mission count for something good - really good in our lives. We pray together and I pray in my own prayers for help and guidance about how best we can serve. I am grateful that we can help the YSAs and the young missionaries. We love them all. But I wonder if we can do more.
Back to the Wedding Blessing. It is a magnificent old church with some remaining walls that date back hundreds of years. It was cool in the large high-ceilinged chapel. It was also lovely. The vicar entered in black trousers, shirt and white collar, over which he wore an elaborate floor-length robe or cape. He was probably in his late 40's or early 50's, and he was absolutely delightful.
When he spoke, he was animated and enthusiastic and cheerful. His English and enunciation reminded me of John Cleese. He told a funny story, he asked the congregation to clap for a very nice musical number, he forgot the ring ceremony and then apologized profusely and humorously when he backed up to do that. His blessing on the marriage was wonderful. I'm certain that the whole thing must have been enormously satisfying to the family, none of whom are LDS.
We sat with a little group from our Oxford Ward. Out of about 40 women in attendance, I would say that there were all of 8 women wearing fascinators. Oh well. Bekah and Eliza will enjoy wearing this item.
SK had a lovely conversation with the vicar after it was over. We went out into the churchyard where the bridesmaids were shivering and welcomed the bride and groom just like in Jane Austen!!!
An uneventful ride home ended our wedding adventure for the day. I am going to do some baking now.....we have YSAs coming for dinner tomorrow, Monday and then Christmas day....maybe. There are very few left in town and I want to make sure they know they are so very welcome here. We also want the young missionaries to come over. We live in an area where people love to have them in their homes, but you never know at Christmas.
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