For the wedding this week in Florida USA

I have been asked to go to this wedding or to write something to be read out at the reception. I share it here with you.

For the wedding of Shannon & Erik

Dear Erik,
As an ancient sage in Shannon’s short life it is my pleasure, on this wonderful day, to make known to you the value and worth of the treasure you are taking into your heart.

With Shannon as your life long companion you will never be bored, she is enthusiastic, original and so creative. Her creativity is a real talent ~ even the worst of us can look good in one of her numerous photos.

Shannon has a wonderful sense of humour, which had us laughing, unable to stop, and it wasn’t just her accent! She could be so funny; not about kiwis of course those jokes were insensitive and rude and she is without humour regarding Americans but on all other subjects she was the best!

I found her to be warm, open hearted, emotionally real and sincerely honest; this made her a true people gatherer. In any group of people Shannon shines with her leadership ability and genuine love and acceptance for all, including the wounded and the needy.
These qualities have developed from being spiritually anchored in the deep and hidden truths of God.

• 
  Shannon dreams big dreams and then examines them before God with an open hand, what a priceless quality this is.
• She has hungered and thirsted after righteousness and I see within her a deep infilling, which is usually beyond her age to receive.
• I pray that her marriage will enhance the growth in God, which she has already developed
  Shannon was here for only 3 months, we all fell in love with her and then she never came back. We believe this to be your fault Erik, but we are very forgiving.

However, Erik, on this day I must be honest with you and let you know that in addition, there are some few imperfections, which I am compelled to mention.

Firstly, as I have previously stated she is truly creative. A side affect of this is that it makes her somewhat unpredictable. However, if she is there with you at the ceremony and feastings today………. well, so far so good.

The second point, which is of deep concern to me and the other kiwis with whom she was associated here, is this: with her accent how will her children ever understand her!

Should you be able to overlook these two blemishes, we are sure you will both live
happily ever after.

God be with you both.
With so much love to dear Shannon on this special day,

Elizabeth Brown (on behalf of many kiwis)

PS Has Shannon photographed her own wedding? Thought so!