Upon reaching the mosque, we saw many men waiting for us in front of it. Haniza, K. Ros and Sha were shown to a room at the back - a young boy became our guide. In the room, there were other Malaysian women already there - K. Mas and K. Linda, and about 10 small children. Kevin and Halim had a tougher time as they're weren't sure which of the men they should talk to regarding the marriage. After a small adventure in regards to logistics and finding the identity of the Imam to marry us, they both managed to gather all the necessary people.
Once we were all gathered in the room where the women are, I realized we're in the classroom of the Islamic Centre Stockton. The small tables that you see in the picture is actually study desks for kids. Imam Basem who is the younger Imam of the two looked at the group of women sitting at the back and asked, "Who is the bride?". I smiled and shot my hand up like a school girl, "Me!". He made a little smile that seemed to laugh at me and beckoned me forward. I found out later that he always smile like he finds humor in everything which adds to his friendliness. I asked him where should I sit when I came forward, and he told me to sit beside Kevin which surprised me a little as in Malaysia the bride usually sits quite far from the groom, but I did so without comment. I settled myself to enjoy the differences between the wedding ceremony here compared to back home.
