The Allen's Online Blog

We attended our first Taiwanese wedding yesterday. Actually, it was a mixed American and Taiwanese wedding -- racially, culturally, and linguistically. Phillip was blessed with the experience of leading worship for the service. The ceremony was in English and Chinese, including the vows of the bride and groom. It was held in a church, and was very similar to a traditional American wedding. The reception, however, was anything but traditional... at least, according to American tradition. The reception was held in a beautiful Chinese restaurant built over waterways and filled with red lanterns. The meal consisted of fourteen courses (including plenty of raw fish and other Chinese dishes that I'm not always the first to eat, but some very tasty dishes as well)and lasted for over three hours. According to Taiwanese tradition, the bride changed three times throughout the reception. Each change was thorough; including coordinating jewelry, hair clips, and shoes. It was an amazing experience.
My mom should be grateful that we're not Taiwanese. She would have had to make me four wedding dresses.

Labels: Culture

Wow. I can't believe it's been over a month since we've blogged! Since our last post, we've been to two countries, seen the year pass, and even been to Disneyland. We spent Christmas in Boracay, Philippines. It was beautiful beyond description. It's the only place we've ever been that actually looked better than the post-cards. We stayed for a week, and then planned to return to a responsible week of cleaning and lesson planning, but instead we went to Hong Kong and spent my birthday in Disney. It was a delightful vacation. We returned to a full load of work, as my partner first grade teacher did not return from vacation and it was report card season. (Phillip even had a chance to teach first grade!) Things are beginning to slow down now. Tonight we'll have visitors for the first time since our move.
We've begun the job hunt for the fall. Please keep us in prayer as we seek God's direction for our future. Can't wait to see what He has for us next!