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