Stan's awkward delivery of his announcement brings most of the smiles. He had so eloquently helped negotiate peace in the Middle East, yet he is stammering through the words now, not knowing quite what is proper, nor how to go about saying it, "I know I'm supposed to ask someone's permission. And as ill-equipped as I am at this, I do have some knowledge ---enough to know that I'm supposed to ask Shannon's dad. But since that's not possible, I'm asking all of you."

It just takes him a moment to talk through his nervousness, "I'm asking you ---my community, my support, my loved ones ---permission to court Shannon, with intent to marry."

Shannon likes Stan, but this throws her totally off guard.  Stan had  said he would've asked her dad, but the would've didn't help her much now.  Dad would've insisted that Stan be more discreet.  He would've talked to her privately, and her feelings would've been considered before anyone would've known of Stan's intent.

But now, Shannon's feelings are all over the map.  She doesn't really want to escape.  She just wants time.  And though the idea of courtship is supposed to provide for that very thing, she feels that perhaps Moriah's invitation had already mapped out the better solution.                                                                

Last week, Moriah had once again extended the invitation.  She is to join her parents on another mission trip. And once again she'd invited Shannon to go along.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                  

Shannon was excited, as usual, but though she is twenty-eight years old, she still goes to Mom for advice.  And of course, Mom has her same feelings.   Though she can't tell her she is too young anymore, she voices her wishes that she not go.

Fernye had tried to stay out of it.  Anyone else, she'd be excited for, but this is different.   

Shannon is special, too special to let go anywhere.  Well, not anywhere ---but anywhere where there are uncivilized people  and where unpredictability is a prime consideration.  All considered, it is a fine thing to bring the gospel to far-reaching places.  But let Shannon do some other fine thing ---like marry Stan.

   Shannon hadn't mentioned the trip to Indonesia since last week's   initial excitement.  That's why it takes everyone by surprise now, "Stan, I'm going to be going on the mission trip with Moriah and her parents next week.  Could you please pray for me about that?"                         

   Everyone falls silent.  Shannon feels extremely awkward, "I'm not going away for---forever.  It's only a year commitment."