Khmer Weddings

We started our day with our Institute class where we had 19 in attendance, followed by a quick shopping trip and Skype calls to family. We absolutely love talking to our family and it is a true joy to teach these wonderful Cambodian brothers and Sisters.

It must be Wedding Season in Cambodia. Today we had two weddings to attend. Kang Sreynach and Sam Vathanak in Steung Meanchey to the South, and Vanny and Terry in Teul Sanke (Sameth's neighbors) to the North. We consulted with several of our Cambodian friends to try to understand the culture, and how we should appropriately give gifts to the couples.


With two weddings in opposite ends of the city, we had to do some strategic planning for the day. We chose to attend the wedding ceremony in Steung Meanchey at 2:00 pm, then go to Tuol Sanke about 4:00 for the other reception. (This couple were married in August, so it was a housewarming and reception). After making our appearance in the second reception, we made our way South again through heavy traffic to enjoy the reception dinner with the first couple.

With Vanny and Terry (top)
and Sreynach and Vathanak

Weddings her are typically very elaborate. The invitations are elegant. The bride and groom usually change outfits five or six times (or more) during the celebration, each matching, and requiring modifications to the bride's hair style as well. The the day began with a food parade at about 7:00 a.m.  We were teaching our class, so we missed that part. That also meant several of our class missed today to attend the morning activities for the wedding. Please check back later to see photos for the post.

We have now been on our mission for 300 days, where did they go, that means we have completed the equivalent of three days of our seven day mission.