We hurried home from Dunedin because that trip happened in the midst of another very important event. There were serious preparations on for a marriage and a baptism and we felt like we had been slacking a little in not being there to help. The wedding was to take place at our home and the baptism was planned for Te Moana Gorge near Geraldine. There was a lot yet to do and little time to do it.
At little surprise to us, the branch had stepped right up to help get things ready. I started getting calls about table clothes and flowers and food etc. as soon as we got back. We had a stressed bride whose wedding dress was not finished (a prime stressor for any bride) and other worries as well. With a little love and attention and a couple of blessings, those things resolved themselves and the feat was on it's way.
The day dawned sunny and clear, if a little chilly. Missionaries, branch members and family started to arrive to set things up. A branch sister brought 3 big pavlovas (the couple's favorite dessert) and bouquets for the bride and bridesmaid. Another sister arrived with two big pans of yummy pudding, Yet another brought the amazing chocolate cake and one more brought a gorgeous table arrangement. Missionaries scurried around setting up chairs and tables and putting paper on them. The guests began to arrive.
The big moment was almost there. The bride came with her brother who would give her away and her daughter who was the maid of honor. She was pretty tense and just a little scared, just the same as any other bride. She was escorted her to the groom and Pres. began the ceremony with a traditional Maori welcome. Just like every wedding, the vows were short and sweet, rings were exchanged and the singing began. We were favored with several songs by various people until the food arrived. They had a big traditional hangi "feast" and everyone enjoyed themselves even when the wind started to blow a gale!
With the weather changing quickly, there was concern about what to do about the baptisms. The bride's friend called and said it was pouring in the gorge (not unusual here) and so they decided to go to the chapel for the baptisms. Fortunately, Pres. had listened to the promptings that said, "Fill the font." He did that so it was all ready though unheated! The font was almost as cold as Te Moana Gorge water. : ) Nevertheless, four people were brought to the waters of baptism. After seven tries, 2 for mom, 3 for daughter and 1 for each of the boys, they all came out of the water fresh and clean. I couldn't see Mom but Ken said she stood at the top of the stairs beaming as her children were each baptized. When she came out, she was shining. She looked like a different person. It was pretty amazing.
We are so fortunate to be able to take part in the new beginnings of this little family. I'm sure God will bless them to carry on doing what they know is right so that we can see them in the temple next November. That is the plan and we will have faith that it will happen.
Happiness.
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