Dear Friends,
We wanted to let you know that our Wedding on 23rd July went really well! All the planning sometimes seemed too much ( there is no such thing as a 'low key' wedding in Singapore!)- but the day itself was wonderful!
Peter's daughters Holly and Gemma made the long trip from USA and Canada and enjoyed a few days relexation in Singapore before the wedding. Peter's best man was Phil Rowe, a close friend from Trinity Theological College days and a fellow vicar. It was great that Phil and his wife Alison were able to be with us.
The day itself began in the morning with the 'Fetching of the Bride'- when the Groom has to earn the right to fetch his Bride! Peter had five 'brothers' who helped him in the tasks set, and Hwee Ping had five 'sisters' whose task was to test the worthiness of the Groom! They were fortunately quite kind and after singing a love song to Hwee Ping, giving some money, singing the hymn 'Great is Thy faithfulness' in Chinese, and writing down 10 ways of faithfully loving Hwee Ping, the door was unlocked and Peter was allowed in the house to fetch his bride!
The service at Zion Bishan Bible Presbyterian Church was a real family occasion- with Hwee Ping's family, Church family and many friends sharing with us. So many people helped in different ways to make the day go well.
After the service we had a tea ceremony when Peter & Hwee Ping serve tea to her elder relatives- this represents her thanks to them and their welcoming Peter into the family.
We then enjoyed an outdoor buffet.
A special treat later was the view from our hotel room balcony of a rehearsal for Singapore National Day with closing fireworks. Yes there were fireworks on our wedding night!
We then managed to have a few days rest in Singapore before travelling back to Phnom Penh.
We will be coming to the UK on 29th August for a months home leave. Peter is looking forward to showing Hwee Ping his country, and background- and of course meeting up with friends. We plan to be at CCAS on Sunday 4th September.
The past few years have been full of changes for both of us. We are very thankful for God's faithfulness in joys and sorrows, and for the prayers,support and encouragement of many people. We are looking forward to returning to Cambodia at the end of September and settling into more of a routine in our lives and ministry. We have been blessed with a lovely
house in Phnom Penh and are looking forward to it becoming home.
Our wedding verse was " Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.." Psalm 103 v 2. Grace and Gratitude was our theme. We are very grateful for God's Grace, shown in many ways, and especially in friendships- thank you for being part of this.
Love, Peter & Hwee Ping.
