On Saturday we celebrated the engagement ceremony of our dear friend Ai-chan to Jason Kueh. The whole day was such a joyful experience of God’s love poured out onto his children, especially these two precious people as they prepare to reflect Him in their marriage. We were so thankful to get to be a part of the day, and that we will still be in Japan for their wedding in July.
Engagement ceremonies are ceremonies to announce and celebrate a couple’s intention of marriage. In the Christian church it is a worship service including the couple’s “vows” of intention. Eric and I also had an engagement ceremony when we came to visit Japan together the winter that we were engaged. It was nostalgic and special to be at one again.
I had a great morning with two of my closest friends here, Ai and Chi-chan, at the beauty parlor where she had her hair done and her Kimoni put on (Yes, you have to have it professionally put on, or at least put on by someone who is certified in putting them on. It takes a lot of work!)
Beautiful Ai:
Ai-chan wore a beautiful kimono with the long sleeves that indicate she is an unmarried woman. This was the last time she could wear one like that. She looked absolutely stunning in it.
The soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kueh:
During the ceremony:
Stating their intentions of marriage:
They sat with Ai’s parents who came down from Nagoya for the ceremony. It was fun because Jason had a few people planning this and her parents ready to come down a few weeks ago without Ai knowing. When he proposed and she said yes at the beginning of this month, everything was well on the way to being ready for this special day.
The food and decorations were wonderful!
Ai’s parents and her older brother who was also able to make it:
Look at this fun couple! I pray that they have many many years of laughter together!
Some of the cutest girls ever: The Yonemoto sisters and their “adopted sister”:
The Tsuka-Yone-moto families 
Would you pray with us for these dear friends as they prepare for the awesome adventure of marriage. Jason will head back to seminary in Philly at the end of this month, and they will be apart for almost the rest of their engagement. They plan to live in Japan for a bit after they are married in July and then live in the states while Jason finishes school. After that, I believe they hope and plan to be in Japan. Would you pray that God would use them mightily for his kingdom here, especially as they become one and begin their covenant family.
Jason and Ai~ We love you two and are so thrilled for you! Know that you are in our prayers and we look with anticipation to what the Lord will continue to do in and through you, as individuals and as a couple. May he be glorified and you be blessed! “Gambate” these next months of being apart and preparing for your marriage!
SB, thank you SO MUCH for sharing this!! I wish I could have been there….it’s been a while since Ai and I have talked, but she is precious and dear to me. Please give her my love. I hope that when they come to the US we can have the privilege of introducing our husbands to each other! Sweet Ai is one of my favorite people!!!