Desert Marriage

On March 13th we arrived in the Joshua Tree Spiritual Retreat Center where we stayed the following two nights for our "Day of Rest". The first night we went to see a live performance by "Gene Evaro Jr". This was the first real party night we had on the journey and it was a blast. We got in as they were warming up then ate dinner there.

After we had finished eating we danced long into the night and conversed with the band members long after they had stopped playing. They were pleased that we enjoyed them so much to the extent that many of us bought their CD and asked them to sign it.

The day after was the special occasion we had been waiting for. Our wonderful California State Coordinator Ki Coulson was about to be officially wed to her 11-yr domestic partner, Taylor. Jimmy Betts, our program director married them in a private, low-key ceremony as the rest of us prepared a wedding reception on the campground. Though it was completely informal, both Ki and Taylor bought and wore white dresses and Ki also got a veil. The rest of us were in scrubby desert clothes but that was just the way they wanted it.

Before dinner was served everyone joined hands and Ki and Taylor gave short speeches. They told us that they had chosen us because this march was so historical and so it was only appropriate that they get married on the march since this wedding was historical to them.

Once dinner was served they sat in the center. Once everyone was satisfied, Ki and Taylor were asked to dance. Neither of them knew how to, so they mostly waltzed in a circle. They were soon joined by 10 other people waltzing in solidarity, but also sloppily. It was the most unorthodox wedding celebration I had ever been to but that was what made it so perfect. I felt honored that they had chosen us as the group to celebrate with.