Debut

This last weekend was a treat! I traveled to Texas for my sister's engagement/betrothal ceremony. The whole event was beautiful! The people, the clothes, the place. There were over 100 people in attendance, about 90% Indian, the rest Caucasian. It was a fun time. The actual ceremony was neat too- very formal. Really cool. Various people spoke- Scripture readings, songs in English and Malayalam, a short sermon, announcements of the betrothal, acceptance of it, introductions of the immediate and extended families, prayer... it was great. And I "fortunately" got a seat directly in front of the podium- a "front row Joe" if you will. :) (That was not my original seat at the table. My older sister and my aunt had asked to move seats, in which I ended up directly in front. A side note I'd like to add. Remember that for later...)

The Front Table

Family and Friends

Mothers of the Bride and Groom

My Mom and I

The Girl Cousins and I

The Groom's Family

The Bride's Family

This was the first time many of the family members and friends had met my sister and my family. Didn't know anything about us really. Didn't know if I favored art or music, football or baking, teaching or acrobats. Remember, didn't even know my name until I was introduced during the ceremony.

So, as the formal ceremony was coming to an end, there was some extra time before the meal was to be served. Realizing this, the pastor officiating the event asked the guests if anyone wanted to share a song or a thought while we waited. About 10 seconds go by, no one answers. The room (of over 100 people remember) was silent. Then the gentleman looks directly at me, (me, who is directly in front) and says "Rebecca, will you come and share a song with us." Panic struck me. He directly called me out! "What do I do? Is this normal? Can I refuse this? Would that bring shame if I did? Be offensive? Is this a complement?...Do I look like I want to sing?"

So I stalled. And by stalling I mean, stuttering some type of no thank you and looking completely dumbfounded. Then the gentleman says again in front of the whole room, "Rebecca, come and sing a song for us." I panickly looked at Emily, my sister's dear friend, for help. "What do I do?" I mouthed. "I think you have to go," she said nervously.

I stood in shock, willing my feet to move the 3 steps to the poduim. I cannot tell you all the thoughts that went through my head. "Is this really happening?" was one. Then panic struck even more when the realization hit that I have to think of a song! I said a quick, "Lord what do I sing?" I stood behind the podium for a few seconds trying to compose myself and figure out what was going to come out of my mouth... if anything! And as I was standing there, the same kind and thoughtful gentleman who so thoughtfully asked me to sing a song, (asked me, just like we were old buddies, I might add) told me to step closer to the microphone. "Oh dear, here I am, no turning back..." So in front of 100 strangers, I sang the only song that came to my mind.... Amazing Grace. :)

Luckily, after the first line some others in the audience began to join in. Gracious people they were.

I would love to have a picture of what I looked like singing. I believe my eyes were big, that deer-in-a-headlight-type of look. However, it all happened so fast! And my family was so shocked and nervous for me that no one documented the experience. Oh well. The memory is engraved in our heads I guess.

At the time I was mortified, but now I laugh everytime I think about it. The funny thing is the gentleman did not ask anyone else, and no one else volunteered. So, yes, I was the lone soul to sing a song... hmmm. What does that say about my singing? :)

I wish I could have been quick enough to say something like, "Rebecca? No, I'm Katherine. She's Rebecca." but, I was not.

Oh adventure, adventure.

There are two more things that I have to say about this event.

1. I might be forever known in my Indian family as "the girl who sings!" HA! And who knows, there might be an encore at the wedding...

And 2, my sister owes me. Owes me big. :)

My sister and I

Juror 406

...But What You Can Do for Your Country - Part 2

If you remember, I have been on jury duty for the past 4 months. (4 month schedule in the my KY county. Long time you say? Why, yes, it is.) I have been so excited about the potential to serve my country and the adventure and the excitement is brings. Well, I don't know if this was typical or not, but every time I called into the juror hotline it seems that every trial had been "resolved" and did not need a jury. I have been somewhat disappointed with not being called in but once. (and the trial was cancelled.) No trial, no trial, no trial...

However, today was different. There was a trial on December 18th! Yea! Finally what I had been waiting for! My juror number was called and I am to report at 9 am for service.

BUT.... I forgot and was OUT OF TOWN!!! EEK! Not only am I missing out on the opportunity that I have been anticipating for 4 months, 4 MONTHS! But I am also going to be held in contempt for not showing up= paying a fine! BOO!

Rebecca= major disappointment and frustration.

I cannot believe this happened. I have faithfully called the jury voicemail for 4 months, and on the last possible trial date, I forgot!

So, my jury duty responsibility is complete. Maybe next time I will actually be able to serve. :) or at least remember to show up!

Confessions...

You know how sometimes it is hard to make that step in friendship from good acquaintance to friend? I'm great at making acquaintances, but sometimes have a hard time moving into a deeper place of friendship. When I went to college, I was ready to make friends, and make them quickly. My answer? Confessions. "Confessions?" you say? "That is very personable." Yes, it can be. For the past 5 or 6 years I have been sharing "confessions" with some of my now dearest friends. Confessions do not have to be serious or deep, but simply real. Sharing silly things about your life or what you think can bring you closer to a person. The vulnerability allows you to become deeper. In a fun way, not a scary-tell-someone-your-deep-dark-real-secrets-kind of way. And once you get used to sharing little things, it makes it natural to share deep, serious things. Anyway, confessions have been an intricate part of many of my close relationships. So I thought that I would share a few with my internet friends. :)

Here we go...

-I like McDonalds Cheeseburgers. alot. It is a guilty pleasure. I feel like I am being that typical, overweight, unhealthy American eating one. But I love it. I ate one tonight.

-I secretly want to be a Rockette

-I really like it when people just "stop by" my house. I like the surprise. They make me feel loved.

-Sometimes, when I am alone, I pretend I am a Disney Princess and I sing songs from Belle or the Little Mermaid.

-It's December 14th, and I still have a pumpkin on my porch...

So there are a few confessions for now...

Complaining

I must confess, I am a huge complainer. I am a selfish person and often times feel like I "deserve" something. Or I simply am not thankful for what I have... I recently received an email with some of these pictures... they made me think.

When you think your life is hard...

Society is unfair...

Your transportation system isn't up to par...

If you think you suffer in life...

Salary is too low...

When you feel like giving up...

It is so easy to get caught up in having "things" and feeling like I deserve something. When in reality, that is not the case. I really have so much to be thankful for. So many simple and extravagant things to be thankful for... electricity. secure job. bible. coffee maker. internet. socks. freedom. love....... the list really is endless.

November 13th...

I was looking through my personalized calendar tonight... (like I've said before, one of the most amazing gifts I have ever received. Thank you Noelle, and thank you to the many others who helped.) I was reading though some of the fun memories and encouraging verses tonight. I came to November 13th... a good friend had written Isaiah 43:18-19, which says

"Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing..."

The deal is, I believe God has a plan for my life. I trust that He works all things out for good, and the situations, emotions, feelings that I have, and still am experiencing, are not in vain. I see that will happen someday. Someday. I know you don't just wake up and things are different, changed overnight. So what about right now. What does God have for me now, today, tomorrow. In the immediate future. What does His perfect and good plan look like right now. How do I learn to be content in the now. When things are not what I expected, how do I not look at the past. On how I could have changed it, or not dwell to the point of guilt, but forget the things of old. How do I anticipate that God is doing something new in the present... It's easy to think of the future, that God has a plan, but it is hard for me to believe that He is working in the present, when I don't see anything.

I must remember that God does not work the way I think He should. He is doing a new thing, even if I do not understand it or see it. The truth that God is working is just as true as the fact that He has a plan for me, and will work life out to bring Him glory. It's just... harder to believe. But truth is truth. Both are valid and powerful and true. And the more truth I experience, the more trust in God I will have. "Truth breeds trust."

Oh Lord, may my eyes be open that You are at work. That I trust that You are in control, working in my life, that you have not forgotten me.