Shiok International Couple!
There is an Indonesian classic love song sung by the late Chrisye that rings, “To the ends of the earth, you’re the one I yearn for. To the seven seas, my soul await for you. Because I am secure that you are the one for me.” Alan is a man of Indian descent, but Dubai was where he grew up in. The bride’s name is the perfect clue to figuring out the place she calls home; Mutiara is Indonesian for pearl. The inadequate human brains would have not been able to connect these two together. But the Lord is the master of writing love stories. Their separate journeys somehow collided in Singapore. Two souls may be worlds apart, but nothing can separate what the Lord has prepared for them.
There one lesson that we learned most from Alan and Mutiara: being firmly rooted in the body of Christ.
Friends are the family that we choose in this world. It is evident that Alan and Mutiara have found theirs. The common thread that bonds all of them together is the joy of growing together in Christ. Their friends add so much color and flavor throughout their wedding prep journey. A lot of them showed their support by showing up at the basketball court where Alan and Mutiara shot their pre-wedding pictures. Their countless inside jokes definitely brought out extra giggle that burst through captured images. Their wedding was not filled with hired strangers that played romantic music all night. Their friends took the main stage and the dance floor, as they were the main entertainment of the celebration. Life without friends is like eating Hainan Chicken Rice without the oily garlic paste and chili sauce. When all the elements come together, that plate of food is simply very shiok one!
Husband is the priest of the family. Alan demonstrated that flawlessly when he led prayer throughout all the procession on their wedding day. The Lord is their cornerstone and Alan knows Philippians 4:6 says, “Mai Kan Cheong lah! But in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” It is clear to see that the love of God runs through their lives. When Alan first lifted Mutiara’s veil, in much awe he quoted Song of Solomon 4:7, “Chio Bu, you are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” Their love truly knows transcends all language barrier because they are speaking a mightier language that is the Word of God.
