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| The Lim family and the Teo family |
It all started way back in 2017 on a nice warm pleasant evening on some plastic chairs in the comfort of Dinesh’s house, our cell group leader house when a group of “michievious” mature men cornered our singleton bachelor a.k.a church worker, Daniel, seated him down and spoke to him at great humorous length on why he should be hitched up with one of the nicest, loveliest, strong character but humorous eligible young woman in our cell group, Loreen. That poor guy blushed, laughed, tried all he could get away from the “mischievous” clutches of the mature men and ladies but somehow, he had to endure all the lengthy and profound input from the older group of people ( men & women ) who bombarded him with their “sales pitch” for the very lovely and very single, Loreen then.
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| The mischievous uncles & aunties |
Looking at his wonderful parents, Bro.Teo & Evelyn, they seemed hopeful and awaited their son’s reaction. They seemed equally perplexed and marveled at how these uncles & aunties weaved, weaned and encouraged their beloved son to brave the courage to ask for a date with Loreen. Before that, it was the “mischievous” ladies who weaved with soothing words, cajoled and persuaded Loreen to give our bachelor fella a chance of his lifetime! Fast forward a few weeks later, Viola! Mamma mia! These two lovely singles hearts finally got together and officially became a couple and they did it very nicely and respectfully while announcing that they are together with all of us. To me, that was truly lovely and I really respected them for the way they handled their relationship. Well, at least, the broken sofa legs in Dinesh‘s house was worth it as something good happened!
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| No running away this time! |
Morphing forward, last Saturday sealed their commitment and their love for one another with the walk down the aisle of Holy matrimony. I couldn’t be happier for the couple, Daniel & Loreen. I guess, for me and SLing who have been their pre-marriage counselors, this was truly a lovely couple to work with. It was a real delight working with them and their level of maturity was marvelous. It was such an enlightening time having a conversation or even resolving issues that may arise and yet there was this clarity in sincerity, love and honesty. That was very important for me.
I am also very respectful towards Daniel’s parents, Teo & Evelyn who had been absolutely the loveliest people and I truly am glad that Daniel is the reflection of their deep love, care and good upbringing and now, Loreen is part of that family hospitality and great love. Last Saturday, The Teo family gained another daughter in Loreen while the Lim family gained a son in Daniel.
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| Communion together.... |
What can I say about Daniel & Loreen? I guess, I can only say that they complimented one another in many many ways. Daniel is the introvert when it comes to his feelings and outer expressions while he is calm, helpful, honest and unconventional when it comes to expressions. He is caring, compassionate and a very loving person. Loreen is robust, outspoken, strong & steady and direct but a mushy at heart and truly a very caring person. She has a beautiful heart and yet sustained a distinct authority of respect and a no-nonsense person. The best part about the both of them is that they are very grounded on the ground and genuinely loving people.
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| Solomon, Daniel, Grace, Teo & Evelyn... |
Coming back to the wedding, that morning, when SLing and I arrived at the hall as I was going to be the MC for their wedding ceremony, I could not help but feel bursting joy and pride to see Daniel in his wedding suit. He looked absolutely smashing and he finally got his hair done for his BIG day!!!!! Yipppeeeeeeeeee! I tell you, this fella is so simple in his ways that he would have just be as he usually is on his wedding day! Thank God someone finally got him to do the hair part! He looked absolutely smashing in his dark blue suit and red/maroon bow tie. Shook his hands, hugged him and told him to be calm and steady. He gave me the thumbs up and he’s ready. Then I saw the lovely parents, Teo & Evelyn – they look smashing together with Loreen’s parent, Richard & Janet Lim. Yup, it was their big day too, right? Both parents looked very good and it was such a lovely sight.
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| So proud of them...... |
Then I had the opportunity to take a peek at the bride before starting the wedding ceremony. Loreen looked absolutely gorgeous, beautiful, radiant and vibrant in her lacey white outfit beside her father, Mr.Richard Lim. Could not help but felt very proud to see her and I told her to be calm and steady. She smiled, hugged me and said she will. I am truly proud of both Daniel & Loreen for taking that step of faith in strengthening their relationship in Holy matrimony. Standing at the rostrum and delivering the order of day and then moving to the side of the wall as the lovely couple do their vows, exchanging of rings and their Unity Sand act together, I couldn’t help being the very proud “outside” father! Hahahahhahaaaa….my own terminology la…. Yeah, SLing later confided in me that she felt like a proud and beaming “outside” mother too seeing both Daniel & Loreen taking their vows and sealing their love covenant with GOD. Yeah, it was their time to shine and glow for their guests. I guess, that’s the marriage magic, right? So, I truly understand the feelings of the parents seeing their children taking their marriage vows together.
I guess, being counselors, SLing and I couldn’t be prouder seeing our “children” ( the lovely couples – Kelvin & Sharon, Alex & JCyn, Stephen & Eunice, Joshua & Jialerq and now, Daniel & Loreen ) making decisions and asserting firm marriage foundations in their daily lives as they embark on their journey from friendship, courting couple, a married couple, parenthood and later on to old age. No one can tell the future, that’s true but you can see the future better when you built your marriage on the firm foundation of trust, love, endurance and lots of patience. You may stumble, fall or even make mistakes along the way but it is always that very foundation of GOD that we must fear and adhere to that we are able to pick up ourselves and move ahead in life.
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| Unity Sand emblem....unique |
I must admit in all honesty that SLing and I are not very good counselors or ever claim to be one. But both of us believe very much in speaking honestly, sharing and going through experiences together. We face our fears and joys together and we stand firm on the very foundation of God.
Sure, there is no sure fixer nor guarantee in your marriage days and ahead but if you believe in the vows you make when you stood there in front of GOD and wed your partner, you will make it through the days.
So, to Daniel & Loreen Teo, my beloved “children”, God bless you both abundantly in your life journey and may you both enjoy the life journey together with much blessings, laughter and smiles.
My advice to all couple out there :- Stay that faith and work that faith. For the singles..........wait for the works of the mischievous uncles & aunties to work their magic again......if they have not kicked the bucket yet,okay?
