My first Danish - American Wedding

I know a few men who have a firm belief that wedding ceremonies should not last longer than 20 minutes and who would be really uncomfortable with some of the weddings in our body at LHC that last an hour or more with lots of praise and worship as part of the ceremony. Well, they would have really been out of their comfort zone this past weekend at the wedding I attended. Martin -Danish and Lynsey -American got married in Durango Colorado.

Danes love weddings!

They enjoy getting together for days and spending alot of time together before and after as part of the celebration. The wedding ceremony itself (Donny Martin preaches a great mountain wedding service!) was not overly long, about 30 minutes or so and we had the usual visiting and snacking while photos were being taken for another 30-40 minutes. THEN the fun began. The Danish custom (or so I am led to believe) is to have many toasts, skits, photos, sharing, eating, drinking, sharing, toasting, skits, photos, toasts, eating... you are getting the idea. The ceremony began at 3pm and when we finally left at midnight, the dancing had just begun and I am sad to say, the cake still had not been cut. (that could be a whole blog in itself... I do love me some wedding cake) Children ran playing outside, roaming and enjoying the freedom of grownups being occupied, cats carried in rats, the DJ slept on his equipment while waiting, and many words were spoken full of laughter and tears. The event was intended to be experienced as a whole, not in parts. A true celebration of life. Reminded me of what it might have been like when Jesus went to the wedding in Cana in Galilee. I could see the same experiences of people sharing and laughing late into the night and then finding they had run out of wine, Mary went to Jesus...

The Americans were of course uncomfortable with the length, the lack of someone keeping everything running smoothly and of course, they all wanted to eat cake and go home! But, after you had sat and visited and eaten and had a bit to drink and let the time issues go, it became an experience, not just an event. I think we could use a bit more of this in our own American lives, let loose a bit on our controlling natures and live a little. Have us some fun and stay up late.

(then we wouldn't miss out on the cake!)

Sometimes

you just have to focus in on what is important...

The Uss Constitution (or Dean's choice)

On our trip to Boston last month we made a visit to see The USS Constitution, which is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Named after the Constitution of the United States of America by President George Washington, she is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world.

The Uss Constitution which is nicknamed "Old Ironside" because ...well, I know because I took the tour, but if you don't know I am going to make you look it up because it is good for you and I am tired of googling.

Katie and Dean in line.

It was a pretty interesting tour which I probably wouldn't have taken on my own volition, but since I am married to Dean Dawson and this was his choice of activity on the trip, well, off we went.

We did wonder as we stood on the boat listening to the young men and woman who are on active duty in our nation's navy, giving the history of the boat and it's battles, what it actually means to be given this assignment. Is it a "plush" assignment? Is it punishment? They must get tired of telling the same story over and over and over again. I mean really, they could be on a huge ship following other huge ships around North Korea wondering if they were carrying bombs. So.. I googled and looked it up.

thus...

The Constitution's mission today is to promote understanding of the Navy’s role in war and peace through educational outreach, historic demonstration, and active participation in public events. As a fully commissioned US Navy ship, her crew of 60 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year-round and providing free tours. The officers and crew are all active-duty US Navy personnel and the assignment is considered special duty in the Navy.

So, still a bit confused what "Special Duty" means. I mean really, would you want to wear the poochy panted uniform?