This past weekend, I went to a traditional Hungarian wedding in the village that I currently call home…Stejeris. Our landlords (a cheerful couple in their fifties) own three houses in the village. The wife also happens to be the minister at the one church in the village. Yes, it's like Little House on the Prairie where everyone attends the same church. It definitely differs from Colorado Springs where there are 194 assemblies and 87 denominations to choose from. Anyway, they invited all eleven of us to their daughter's wedding.
My friend Ruth and I decided to go to the pre-wedding festivities in the family's backyard. Boy, am I glad we did! There were violinists, flowers galore, scrumptious little sponge cakes, Irish potatoes, shots (yes, alcoholic), and guests in outfits that could have been worn to a late nineties prom. Of course, everyone was more dressed up than I. My worn, leather Reefs didn't quite make the cut, but I could care less. Plus, I think everyone knew we were missionaries.
It was picturesque…
The couple was beamingly gorgeous.
After this little meet-and-greet, the bride and groom left in a carriage pulled by two white horses. It was explained that they were going to be civilly married and would return shortly for the ceremony in the church.
And so it was beautiful. Probably my favorite part of the ceremony was the groom. He practically bawled the entire time.It was a perfect picture of the REAL wedding…you know, the one where the Lord will return for His bride…you…and me.
I just love that Jesus is everything I could ever want and need. He is my father, best friend, and He is even my romancer. It's still kind of awkward for me to say, but it's totally true. I love Him more than I could love any guy. This is one thing He's been teaching me this month. I'm seeing my Maker with new eyes. I'm seeing Him for who He is. I yearn for these young girls that I come across to know this love as well…to know their worth in their only TRUE love.
Here are a few of the sweet girls I've come across within these past few weeks…
Timea (7) Has an arrogant father and lives among much darkness in a gypsy village where many of the men are alcoholics. Pray for protection for her little heart. Pray that she would remember that Jesus loves her.
Eda (17) Has a boyfriend named Cocoa (yes, it's hysterical). She is a reserved, warm-hearted young woman. Pray for her protection and that she would not give into lustful desires. Pray that she comes to know her Savior and feels wrapped in His embrace.
Catalina (23) Has three children (yes, she is my age) and lives in a traditional gypsy village. Pray that she would feel dearly loved through her years as a young mother. Pray for restoration in relationship and for assurance that she is still beautiful.
A song that is frequently played amongst my team contains this line…."Won't you dance with me, Oh lover of my soul to the song of all songs. Won't you romance me, Oh lover of my soul to the song of all songs." -Jesus Culture
My heart is overwhelmed with the Father's love for these girls as well as the ones I am yet to meet. I am so thankful that there IS indeed a love that never fails. May it spread; that is my prayer.
