Then They Became One

The girls giggled with excitement as they got on their beautiful princess like dresses, sparkly shoes and painted their nails.  The day they have been counting down since last November has finally arrived!  Their beloved piano teacher, Rebecca and her prince were getting married and our family was blessed to be a part of their special day.

It was a beautiful ceremony filled with joy, love and God’s word.  To watch their relationship grow from the first phone call, to traveling back and forth from California visiting each other, to Jonathan proposing to Rebecca, through wedding planning and through the big day was an exceptional experience  and a memory we will treasure forever.  To watch 2 young people fall in love within the safety of their family and close friends gives me hope that love and marriage can thrive the way God intended.  The worlds way of finding ‘the one’ has no boundaries and rarely are parents and family involved in such an intimate way.  Again… this was NOT an arranged marriage!

Their vows were beautiful and they sought the wisdom of the Lord on what to pledge to each other.  The pastor who performed the ceremony (the groom’s uncle) did an amazing job of keeping the focus on Jesus and called on the bride and groom to keep Jesus at the center of their marriage.  Both the bride and groom have had this exampled for them as they grew up from their own parents.  It’s amazing what can be passed on from generation to generation….. both good and bad.  Jonathan and Rebecca’s marriage won’t be perfect and they will have ups and downs but I have no doubt that they will work hard to seek the Lord together.

DSCF0471 Girls walking down isle DSCF0486 DSCF0491 DSCF0494 Jonathan and Natasha Jonathan and Mikayla Jonathan and Alex Jonathan and Rebecca IMG_5180

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I Miss Them!

Can I just say that I miss my family!

Phil and the girls are doing well.  I only have a few pictures to share at the bottom of the post.  Today they spent the day in Finland doing some sort of team building stuff.  Phil shared a bit with me about how challenging the border crossing was in both directions.  They will be in Vyborg for a few more days then they will head to Vladimir.

The main conference was last Friday and Saturday and it was considered a success.  With 200 families (more then double the amount of families from last years conference) and 160 children they were busting at the seams of the hall they rented.  The group is giving 2 more conferences in Vyborg and Vladimir but those are on a much smaller scale.

Only 8 more sleeps!  Enjoy a few pictures…. not all are Russia related!

Just because... she's so stinkin cute!

Just because… she’s so stinkin cute!

Alex and I on our way to a wedding shower.

Alex and I on our way to a wedding shower.

Their first day in St. Petersburg.

Their first day in St. Petersburg.

Just me and my cutie.

Just me and my cutie.

On the train.

On the train.

After a long day on the train, a little can napping waiting for tea.

After a long day on the train, a little cat napping waiting for tea.

Waiting at the train station.

Waiting at the train station.

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Natasha, Mikayla and Davidson girls somewhere.. not sure where!

Natasha, Mikayla and Davidson girls somewhere.. not sure where!