Singing along to the "George Strait Greatest Hits" CD, Daniel and I did a road trip to Prince Albert on Saturday!  It was cold out and the highway was clear and dry.  Perfect.
We made it to the Baptist Church with half an hour to spare.  As we strode quickly up the front steps, we admired the splendid stone foundation, the grand double wooden doors and stained glass windows.  Inside was just as inspiring, with gorgeously stained woodwork on the posts upholding the balcony and the panels behind the altar.  We were seated by an usher in a pew three rows from the front, gazing up at the array of pipes for an antique pipe organ.
A pianist, violinist and trumpet player arranged themselves to our left and began to play lovely prelude pieces.
Soon, the tempo changed and we turned to see the pastor and a row of handsome gentlemen make their way to the front of the sanctuary.  The musicians began to play a lovely tune as the bridesmaids smiled nervously and stepped carefully to the front.  Then four sweet little girls scattered flower petals from white wicker baskets. Two ring bearers clad in black suits and burgundy ties to match the groomsmen, made their way up quickly and handed over their precious cargo.
The musicians made a hasty transition across the stage/dais to the organ on the right side.  Then a lovely bridal march signaled us all to stand as the bride and her father made the grand entrance. Daniel and I looked from the groom to the bride and back again, smiling at their obvious delight in one another.  The wedding of Tim Giesbrecht to Tammy Siemens was about to begin.
The service was beautiful.  It was obvious this couple wanted nothing more than to serve God and give Him glory with their lives and their marriage.  They shared vows they had written, emphasizing their own frailties but their intention to trust in God to help them be loving and faithful.  Sealed with a kiss, the pastor pronounced them husband and wife.
Daniel and I made an exit to find some lunch!  It would be a few hours until the reception and we couldn't survive on the road snacks we had eaten on the way.  Tim Horton's was a logical choice.  Then with the simple map on the back of the wedding bulletin, we made our way to the Nordale Community Hall to visit before the wedding party would arrive.
Conversation starters were "How do you know Tim and Tammy?" or "Are you relatives or friends of the couple?"  Walter and I knew Tammy as she is an M.K. (missionary kid) of NCEM staff members we have known since our career began under NCEM in 1989.  So we knew Tammy as a young gal, although she wouldn't have really known us or our family personally.   And we know Tim as he came to Regina as an intern through Nipawin Bible College about 8 or 9 years ago.  When we received the invitation to their wedding, we wanted to show our support to them both!  As they had met and now married in their mid-thirties, we knew they had both waited for God's will and timing in finding lifemates.  God had blessed them!
"Where's Walter?"  That was the other topic of conversation.  Or that confused look of folks who kind of recognized me, but couldn't place Daniel...several of the wedding guests knew Walter, or knew of our family, but it had been years since they had seen us.  So rather than be offended, Daniel and I enjoyed the guessing game, or the looks of surprise and acknowledgement of our identities!  Unfortunately, Walter couldn't make it to the wedding because he had a Healing Hearts Ministry Board meeting, that had taken months to finalize a date that worked for the majority of the members!
The meal was tasty and the company was very interesting.  We met a church planting couple who may be a connection for Daniel when he moves up to Saskatoon for his sheet metal courses in March.  Their congregation meets in a theatre downtown; they emphasize small house groups during the week.  Might be a good place to worship and stay connected to God's people while he's away from home.
Speeches were short and fun!  We noticed the deer antlers on the head table, confirming Tim didn't plan to give up his love of hunting!  The other decorations were lovely white tulle and burgundy accents, a pretty winter combination.
As the couple were to cut and serve the cake, Daniel and I made our exit.  We were able to catch the bride and groom to deliver our greetings and congratulations from Healing Hearts and our own family.  Then we drove the four hour journey back to Regina.  It took a little longer as we encountered fog south of Saskatoon.  Thankfully traffic was light and the fog patches were not for a long distance.  I now know every song on the George Strait album, and enjoyed visiting with my son one-on-one, which is a special and rare blessing.
Walter waited up for us and it was good to compare our days' adventures with each other.  It was well after midnight by the time we all settled down to sleep.
Another trip that God clearly guided.