A WEDDING TO REMEMBER...2/29/20

A beautiful wedding it was!  Alejandra and Josué, a beautiful couple.  They are young, in love, and will make their way together with the strength of family, and God.  Their surroundings are meager by higher standards.  They have little education and marginal jobs, but hopefully, a strong bond and perseverance.  Marriage is forever, after all!
Pablo preached a short, lovely wedding sermon, and the nuptials were beautiful and traditional.  “For richer, for poorer, In Sickness and in health...til death do us part.  With this ring..    Where you go, I will go...”.    And the satin lasso to bind them together.  Lovely music, a band, surprise mariachis, and vocal music, all Christian, love based.
400 people were accommodated, in a grand tent of tarps and streamers, balloons, tables and chairs, a platform built for the band, at the base of the mountain, near The home of Alejandra.  They literally cut into the side of the mountain to make a level place.
Arrival was interesting!  A drive out of Yax, over the big bridge over the river, and park at the top of a ravine, in a pasture.   A walk DOWN a steep, narrow path, across a creek on 2 planks, and UP the other side, with steep steps carved into the slick dirt.  We all made it, everyone wearing mud boots and hiking shoes.  EVERYTHING...needed to be carried up and down this path.  There is no access for vehicles.
Bread and hot chocolate were served (it was cold..), music played, while we socialized.
1 1/2 hours later, the ceremony began, and the parents, groom, and bride appeared.  She was stunning in a large , hoop skirted satin dress with a long, long train.  The path was laden with fresh pine needles.   The fiesta continued with a meal of barbecue meat, or chicken, served to all.   And ended with a 15 level cake!!
We had a wonderful weekend in Yax, renewing acquaintances, worshiping, and celebrating First Fruits with the whole community.  The ladies prepared a masa-like bean tamale and Atole, for about 100 people.  It was a Tzeltal feast.  We walked about the village and took a wonderful rest In The hammock at Tiburcio’s house before heading home to Ocosingo.