Hello all :)
After almost 4 weeks in Cambodia promising to write a blog, it's finally here! Esther and I arrived in Cambodia on 14th Dec to a buzz of excitement leading up to the P2P activities and the Bible School, as well as the recent announcement of Jonno and Ren's engagement! How exciting!! So less than a week into our trip we were on a bus at 4am with most of the dormers, Jonno's family, and a few people who had arrived for P2P, to the province of Kampot to share in the celebration of a traditional Khmer engagement party.
The party was held at in Ren’s village, at her house. All her family, plus all the neighbours, were there to greet us when we arrived – the hospitality of all the Cambodians is beautiful. The ceremony was full of colour, smiles, music, at least 4 costume changes, fruit, food and many cultures coming together to celebrate the love of two people. The costumes were incredible! So ornate and detailed, with jewels and ribbon and silk - both Jonno and Ren looked amazing! Ren honestly looked like a porcelain doll; Jonno looked in love :)
Most of the official part of the ceremony, plus all the paparazzi!, took place inside Ren’s house which wasn’t quite big enough to fit the huge number of guests in so we all took turns filing through to watch the photo shoot, the sharing of fruit, the exchanging of rings, and to see each of them walk out in all their different costumes! One of Ren’s dresses was a full on white wedding gown with veil and all – goooorgeous! And completely unheard of in Australia!!!
We ate and were merry, and for those of us who had not been in Cambodia for very long, it gave us a really good opportunity to get to know the dormers as well as the people we would be going on P2P with.
After lunch, we all went on a hike (and yes, it was a hike!) through the rugged mountain ranges (maybe I’m just being poetic now...) to a waterfall/waterhole for a swim. Everyone just jumped in, in their clothes – it was such a hot day! After much laughing and splashing and fun, we embarked on the journey back out of the jungle! Then all aboard the bus for the 4 hour trip back to Phnom Penh.
After almost 4 weeks in Cambodia promising to write a blog, it's finally here! Esther and I arrived in Cambodia on 14th Dec to a buzz of excitement leading up to the P2P activities and the Bible School, as well as the recent announcement of Jonno and Ren's engagement! How exciting!! So less than a week into our trip we were on a bus at 4am with most of the dormers, Jonno's family, and a few people who had arrived for P2P, to the province of Kampot to share in the celebration of a traditional Khmer engagement party.
The party was held at in Ren’s village, at her house. All her family, plus all the neighbours, were there to greet us when we arrived – the hospitality of all the Cambodians is beautiful. The ceremony was full of colour, smiles, music, at least 4 costume changes, fruit, food and many cultures coming together to celebrate the love of two people. The costumes were incredible! So ornate and detailed, with jewels and ribbon and silk - both Jonno and Ren looked amazing! Ren honestly looked like a porcelain doll; Jonno looked in love :)
Most of the official part of the ceremony, plus all the paparazzi!, took place inside Ren’s house which wasn’t quite big enough to fit the huge number of guests in so we all took turns filing through to watch the photo shoot, the sharing of fruit, the exchanging of rings, and to see each of them walk out in all their different costumes! One of Ren’s dresses was a full on white wedding gown with veil and all – goooorgeous! And completely unheard of in Australia!!!
We ate and were merry, and for those of us who had not been in Cambodia for very long, it gave us a really good opportunity to get to know the dormers as well as the people we would be going on P2P with.
After lunch, we all went on a hike (and yes, it was a hike!) through the rugged mountain ranges (maybe I’m just being poetic now...) to a waterfall/waterhole for a swim. Everyone just jumped in, in their clothes – it was such a hot day! After much laughing and splashing and fun, we embarked on the journey back out of the jungle! Then all aboard the bus for the 4 hour trip back to Phnom Penh.A fantastic day all round!!
Congratulations Jonno and Ren, and we pray God blesses you both as you prepare for your life together in His service.
~ Emily :)
Congratulations Jonno and Ren, and we pray God blesses you both as you prepare for your life together in His service.
~ Emily :)
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