Another SoWis Adventure

This past weekend I was able to visit friends and attend a wedding. Such visits are always too short, and yet so much can happen in two days that it makes the heart full. I made it for Courtney's graduation party on Friday night. I'm so proud of her accomplishments... she's a dedicated person, with a gift for children. I know she'll impact the lives of the children she teaches in a very positive and permanent way. I was thankful to be able to spend some time with her family and her boyfriend, Estu, who is from Indonesia. I also met some of her very cool friends, and we had an epic evening of playing instruments and making the night festive!

I was also able to visit with Christopher, who's back from Uganda, ...but only for a short time. He'll be off to work for NOAA and leaves for basic training at the end of July I believe. I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say that he has an adventurous streak. I'm sure he'll enjoy tracking weather and chasing hurricanes. Speaking of which, did you know that it's national hurricane preparedness week? ;)

The tulips in the Dunn's front lawn never cease to catch my eye.... or a shot from my camera.

Estu and Courtney during a walk to Starbucks. ;)

These pretty things look like poppies to me.... but I'm not sure.

Estu said this tree would make a good photograph. He's a photographer himself... and he was right about the tree.

Estu is headed back to Indonesia tomorrow and during the last few weeks has been looking for things made in the U.S.A to take home to his family as presents. Alas, most everything seems to come from foreign countries, especially China. I snapped this picture because he discovered the coffee grounds were from Indonesia. Maybe I should move there.... since they can actually grow coffee!!!! ;) Hehe

Courtney & Estu... trying to decide on who would get which cake pop. ;)

 Estu had a graduation ceremony the day after Courtney's. It's a nice photo of the two of them.

Since I missed the ceremony, Court sent me a cap & gown photo. :)

Sadly Courtney's actual graduation ceremony was at the same time on Saturday as my friend Amanda's wedding. Therefore, I reluctantly hopped in my car an zipped over to the wedding (only an hour from Courtney's which was nice!). The weather was cold and cloudy but the warmth of friends at the wedding made everything cheery again! I was able to witness a beautiful, God-centered wedding as Amanda married Justin. What a rare thing to witness and in spite of the frigid wind, rain and even SNOW, it was a beautiful, heart-warming wedding. PLUS.... it was a bonus because I was able to visit with my favorite Gitto family! Katie, Laura and Rachel are so dynamic, and unique and their company is so encouraging and fun!

Amanda's daddy walks her down the isle.

Amanda and Justin. You'd never guess the weather was bitterly cold by those smiles on their faces.

We witnessed their first kiss.... a precious moment, indeed.

Mr. & Mrs. Becker!

The Gitto family.... taking up a whole row! I love this family to pieces!

Laura was looking lovely, of course. She can make a grey dress come alive with excitement!

Katie and I were able to spend a good deal of time visiting that evening and the next morning. This girl inspires me with her humility and servants heart. A lot of people tell her she's perfect, which frustrates her greatly. She says in return, "...but I'm not perfect. I'm a sinner just like everyone else."

The park where the wedding was held was lovely. Bridges, water... quite picturesque.

The three Gitto sisters: Rachel, Laura and Katie. Everyone assumes Rachel and Laura are twins but actually Katie is Laura's twin. Rachel is the younger of the three.

Overall, it was a wonderful visit. I'm already counting down the days 'till I can go back. Visiting with friends can be dangerous as it makes you start to wonder why you have to work and for what purposes you're really living your life. It's true that we must work all the days of our life and enjoy the portion we've been given (Ecc. 3:22), but honestly I'd rather be broke and spend time with the people that I love that spend my days toiling away to put a penny in the pig. *sigh* ....it's these moments that teach us to find a balance. Anyway, I'm just glad my old Honda made it there and back without any breakdowns!! I have so much to be thankful for. Until next time...