April 2008 E-Update

Angie Velasco

I attended a simple wedding last Sunday. The bride will be 16 years old this July and the groom is 18 years old. The ceremony was held in the unpaved front yard of the groom’s parents. The judge performed a civil ceremony and in less than 20 minutes they were pronounced husband and wife. I don’t know the bride and groom that well. I have befriended the bride’s mom over the last few years as she does my laundry weekly. I do not have a washing machine.

Interestingly, as I reflect on what I witnessed, I am amazed at how different my upbringing, my culture and my perspective are from this couple.

I always thought you are supposed to have some type of education or skills to have a means to live before getting married, but obviously… not for this couple. They will be living with the groom’s parents for an indefinite period of time. He has a job but she does not have any skill, education or training so she will have a lot of time in her hands.

I always thought you are supposed to have your own place to live as a couple but not for this couple. I see many young families who are still living with their in-laws.

I always thought you are not supposed to have sex until after the wedding ceremony but not for this couple. They were living together for three months before this civil ceremony.

I often picture weddings with everyone dressed nicely in their best outfits, especially the bride and the groom. The groom was wearing denims with an ordinary shirt too big for him and the bride was wearing a simple white dress with a bare back, very short and very tight with high heeled sandals. Many of the guests were just wearing casual clothes.

We were served refried beans, rice with green peas and carrots and a dish called “mole” which is considered a special dish here. Everything was served on paper plates, disposable cups, plastic silverware, and of course, with tortillas, beer and coke.

So why do I think the way I do? I realized a lot of how I live reflects what I have been taught. After I became a Christian, I try to do what Scripture says. This is however, radically different than what Mexican society and culture dictates. No wonder I feel out of place many times. Would you pray I reflect the love of Jesus in a culture totally different from what I have learned almost all my life?

Your prayers, love and support sustain me here. Thank you.