I’m not sure if you understand the significance of going to a wedding is while on the race, but it is literally probably every racers dream to go to a wedding in at least ONE of your countries throughout the 11 months.
We had the opportunity to attend a wedding here in India! We got told “were going to a marriage…. now” we scrambled to get our things together, threw out any thought of trying to look any better than we did in that moment, and all piled into the rickshaw. After about an hour and half ride on top of eachother, we were thrilled when we stretched our way out of the tight space.
Upon arriving, we had no idea where we were going, who was getting married or what was going to take place, but we were beyond ecstatic to find out! We started to walk towards the crowd, as we got closer my heart was booming with excitement… I LOVE LOVE!
We turned the corner to a surprising scene. What we thought would be this beautiful set up, ended up (still being absolutly beautiful) being a stage with the bride and groom on it surrounded by video cameras, light stands, camera men and the largest group of people standing by to witness this interesting photo shoot of a wedding.
We were late (obviously) but we casually walked across the front of the crowd, were given front row seats and it was clear we were instantly the main attraction to this event. Feeling incredibly uncomfortable but flattered in a way, we tried to blend in and just be in the moment with the beautiful couple. We were told when we got to orientation here in India that marriages are usually arranged when they decide they are ready to get married. The really cool part about arranged marriages here are that they aren’t forced, you decide when your ready and your family starts to search for someone who has ALSO declared they felt fit for marriage. They take time to sort through a selection, pick one and go from there. Pretty cool. No wasted time on dating a guy who isn’t ready to settle down when you clearly are!! Well anyways, they were so gracious to welcome us into their day, and I say gracious because we literally crashed this shin dig and stole the show. They even invited us onstage to pray over them, do the traditional blessing with rice and take about a thousand pictures!
The crowd was told that was enough pictures, and we were ushered out of there quicker than we entered and taken to a home behind the wedding. As we walked down, we past these huge pots full of food being prepared to be served to the guests. And when I say huge I mean the largest caldrins I have ever seen…. I instantly pictured that this is exactly what Hansel and Gretel were cooked in! 
As we passed; everyone stared. some stopped us to say hello, give a friendly hug, smile or ask us questions. But what consumed us throughout the afternoon was one question over and over again, “selfie?” The first 2 were really sweet, I felt welcomed and appreciated. Being white in a culture that isn’t exposed to too many people of different cultures that often, it’s to be expected to get a little extra attention. I don’t mind it. When people ask me for a picture or stand at a distance taking pictures I have to remind myself that I have been doing the same thing the last 7 months to them. Constantly snapping pictures, some without permission and others just casually asking them by awkwardly acting out- taking a picture. Today was a little different. It was a whole new level of selfie taking!
Standing in line for the bathroom we got bombarded by people (no wonder our host hides us away in the sanctuary and doesn’t let us hangout outside.) Selfies were being taken all over the yard of this home. People were coming out of every corner of the village to find us. It was so much fun!! Despite the language barrier intervening with full conversations being held, the company was really nice.
Until it got a little overwhelming and more of a distraction for everyone. It got to the point that our host stepped into bodyguard mode and guided us into the house. Once again we were being shut in and out of the outside world. Always for our protection never to be rude! We got inside and were introduced to family members. We found out the wedding was our hosts relatives! We were flattered when we found out we were being served lunch, and not just lunch but a meal with meat! We were getting chicken today!! My stomach started to rumble in that very moment!
During lunch we were watched like hawks. People would come and go, watch us eat, ask for pictures or just stand around us as we sat on the floor with our mouths on fire from the spice! The hosts of the home were so thoughtful and patient with our lack of experience in their culture and served us so well! My mind is blown everywhere we go and are served 10X more than we are ever deserving! After we ate, it was picture time once again!
As we started to leave the home we were once again asked to hide away in a room until the next move. People surrounded our door, continuing to look at us with admiration and we just looked at eachother in awe and gratitude for how blessed we truly are here and where we come from back home.
Our next stop was by far my favorite. We went behind a home and were greeted by a group of people. We took some group pictures and then got to relax for a bit. I was having a great conversation with a lady that really wanted us to stay for the dancing at the party after the wedding. Unfortunately, we were not going to be able to stay. So instead we put some music on and started to dance right then and there! I ended up sitting and talking with some people, when a lady approached me with a plate of food. I tried graciously telling her that we had just eaten but she was very persistent in me eating. I tried again to tell her nicely I was all set, when suddenly her hand was in front of my face with fingers full of food. I tried to dodge when all of a sudden my mouth was opened and I was being fed a good size portion of rice. Here in India you eat with your right hand, doesn’t matter what you are eating, utensils are not used. So, she wanted to share. I will never forget the look on my hosts face the moment we locked eyes with spicy rice being shoveled into my mouth by a complete stranger. He looked horrified and then laughed and hurried over to tell her no more! Rice spewed down my face and the lady next to me didn’t hesitate to grab my white head scarf and continue to wipe my face clean. It took a while for me to be able to swallow through the laughter and shock of what just happened. I turned to the lady and thanked her before looking back at my team with tears in my eyes trying not to spit it out from laughing so hard with a mouth full.
I think our hosts had enough and everyone was a little overwhelmed so we ended up leaving. Upon announcing we were heading home, he made sure to tell us “no selfies, just go!” I felt awful walking by these people tgat just wanted acknowledgment, but I made sure to smile and make them feel noticed… the best I could. I’m nowhere near being a celebrity but I feel their pain of having no personal space or boundaries. Being pulled here and there, pictures, questions and zero privacy! I have a new found appreciation for what they go through BUT I also see the importance of making people feel seen! While waiting in the rickshaw to leave we were again surrounded asked to take selfies. We were all crammed in and I felt bad saying no, so I would smile from inside! If they could figure it out, I was just sitting there anyways! Everyone was so sweet and it was the least I could do.
I don’t think I have ever taken so many selfies before in my life, I know I won’t see half of them but I am honestly honored to be asked for one. I am here to spread the word of Jesus and if taking a selfie reminds these people why I was here in the first place, then yes I will take a selfie. Even if they aren’t believers they will know I was here to share my beliefs, show love and grace and live life with them. Maybe just maybe one day that will spark an interest to find out more about this Jesus fella and why he brought the goofy group of Americans to their home! If I can at least get that possible thought eventually possibly happening out of all these selfies, I’ll be happy.
When was the last time you were able to talk about Jesus and take a couple selfies?! I challenge you to do so if you haven’t.
Today was a blessed day, it certainly helped to take me out of the victim circle slump I had briefly allowed myself to slip into and back into the happy, grateful and passionate person I like to be! Love has a way of moving people. Reminding people of what’s important while were here on earth and that is to love one another, spread the word of Jesus and FAMILY!
And for others, obviously the momento of a selfie! ??
