Over the Christmas holiday I got to travel back to Texas for my niece's engagement ceremony. The ceremony's symbolism and intention is rooted in honoring the bride's family. It is very similar to wedding tea ceremony in its elements of bringing gifts and serving the teas to the relatives. 

The most favorite moment of the ceremony as an auntie was when my sister guided my niece to the families.  To me this was the moment I feel that my sister presented her over to the future-in-laws. 

Since both families are Christian, the key emphasis is introducing both families, getting their blessing of the engagement and the promise that the families would pray for the couple and their marriage.

I'm so glad that my niece and her fiance were able to honor her parents wishes, and especially have the setting to see both families be introduced to one another. And especially I am so proud how God honoring and prayerful both have been in their courtship and relationship.  So happy for them, and look forward to seeing them get married.  

Women's Soccer - USA vs Brazil