The Wedding Anniversary Singer

Today I had the distinct honor of singing at the 50th wedding anniversary celebration for the parents of a friend of pastor Kim's who pastors the church that I attend.

It was indeed a surprise when I was approached one Sunday after service and was asked by his friend if I would like to sing a song.

It was held in his multi-purpose center adjacent to his home. He is also a pastor and this facility is where he holds church services. His wife, children, parents and nieces were dressed in very festive traditional garments while he wore a navy western style suit. His appearance is very conservative and humble.
There were many Koreans of course and to my surprise a family of East Indians. (I'm so accustomed to being one of the two foreigners in our group and the only American. The other foreigner is the English speaking minister who is from Ethiopia).

The area where they live has more new home structures as opposed to the many hi rises that are found in my community. There is a definite country feel to it. No corner stores.

The scene was typical of any special buffet style event back home including, caterer, dj, and photographer. The dj also came with an emcee for the presentation portion who also doubled as a Karaoke singer for the dinner entertainment.

There was even a huge piece of meat on a grill as we entered. Looked like a quarter of a hog. I was surprised though to see Korean wine, Soju, on the table, but I guess he knows his people.

The program began with prayer, then I sang, My Tribute, by Andre Crouch. Next pastor Kim gave a sermon, from John 2. Then the presentation of honoree's family,toasting, photo session and so on.

One standout was the game show like songs that peppered the emcee's speaking during the presentation which was rather comical.

There was a poignant moment during the viewing of a video from their eldest son, also a pastor, who lives in the U.S. His three children read a message to their grand-parents, they only speak English then the son read a message to his parents in hangul. Not sure if he was translating the children's message but his mom wept a bit.

The oddity though was how the guest was really noisy during the presentation portion, then many began going back and forth to the buffet during the presentation.

I was trying to stay focused but my American brain was tripping.
I'm thinking isn't there any protocol, and why aren't the caterer folks stopping these impatient guest and shouldn't the honoree's be served first??

Foreign country, different standard.

But I was really annoyed by this. Then once all was finished and the formal announcement came to indulge, the atmosphere took on a high keyed, frenetic, fight for food.

Koreans love to eat.

People were reaching and grabbing hand fulls of plates, plastic cutlery, yes there were forks and spoons, as well as chopsticks.

There was line cutting, and cross contaminating serving spoons, I was so surprised. I almost gave up my space in line to allow those surging behind me to jump ahead.

There was not a lot on the buffet for me as it were but I managed to get salad, rice and fresh and fried vege-spring rolls. It was okay.



As we were leaving we each received a parting gift. I experienced this once before when the church celebrated it's 1st year anniversary which I thought was a nice touch. Except when I opened the gift, to my surprise, it was a towel.

A bit perplexed, I'm thinking. so what's with the hand towel. It's, basic white, embroidered in blue, and dated so of course commemorative, but a towel.

So as I'm being handed the parting gift this evening, my brain reflected back and as I handled the box I think... towel. This one is also commemorative but it's turquoise with a purple design.

Foreign country a different standard.

I'll see how many I collect during my stay.