S & D, Married!

(on the plane, Cali-bound!)

We were so excited for June 30, 2012. Because it was our long-awaited trip to California, sure, but more so because it was the wedding weekend of S (aka Arenita!), a dear friend of both of us. S & D's story comes straight out of a fairytale: they met as Maid of Honor and Best Man at the wedding of S's practically-twin sister and D's best college bud. Guy pursued girl relentlessly. Girl made it super hard. Guy kept pursuing. Girl finally gave it a chance. And a beautiful love story formed: one of sacrifice, commitment, prayer, worship, servanthood.

Although we had to watch the story unfold from across the country, I felt such happiness and awe at God's loving plan for my friend Arenita. We'd known each other's weaknesses and struggles through our 4-hour long (yup..) weekly small groups, where we learned to share even the darkest corners of our hearts. Arenita, I love to reflect on what God has brought you through during your years of singlehood, because I can see how its highs and lows has refined your character and strengthened your dependence on God alone, ultimately preparing you for this next phase.

Welcome to marriage! Hubs and I loved having a chance to serve you and D this weekend. As your sister said during our bridesmaids' prayer for you, your wedding day was Day 1 of S & D's worship of our Father. It was truly a God-centered, humbling day of worship. May every day of your marriage bring Him praise and glory!

6.30.12 S & D Wedding, California

Preparations

This is how much we bridesmaids love Arenita: 

Getting fed, manicured, and photographed during some downtime ;)

First Look

How gorgeous is this bride??

Almost There...

It was a precious privilege to pray for Arenita just minutes before she walked down the aisle :)

(Photo credit MJK - thanks, ex-roomie!)

Ceremony and Reception...

Unfortunately, since I was a bridesmaid and Hubby was the videographer, neither of us got any photos on our own camera of the actual ceremony... I guess we'll have to wait for the professional ones to turn up on Facebook!

Congratulations once again!!

A Life-Changing Move

California... Back in elementary school, we briefly lived in La Mirada, California while my parents attended Talbot Seminary at Biola. It was a poignant 3 years for sure, but many of my memories are sadly faded and replaced by more vivid ones from Mongolia, Germany, and adulthood. I hadn't been back since the year we left - 1998 - so you can imagine how ecstatic I was about this trip.

We loved the beaches, the palm trees, the weather, and catching up with old family friends (mine). But I realized something that weekend, as we drove past my family's old apartment and my elementary school. The "me" in California was drastically different from who I have grown up to be. My personality, experiences, dreams, and worldview - none of these were crucially shaped by the years I spent here. What kind of woman would I have become, had we stayed in California? I can't even begin to imagine, because the experiences I had in Mongolia and Germany stand in stark contrast to what I think would have been my experiences as a teenage girl in California.

I might have lived in more comfort, had more opportunities, known what it's like to grow up with the same friends and have a true sense of home. And I'm confident that God would have still made Himself known to me.

But I would never have stepped foot inside a ger (Mongolian yurt); never met our Mongolian friends who lived with much less, yet showed such joy in God; never gone to boarding school with other MKs (Missionary Kids) from Turkey, Mali, Russia, Ghana, you-name-it; never felt the harsh reality of people suffering from pain, poverty, and hopelessness.

What happened in Mongolia, Germany, China, Venezuela, Ithaca - that's what ultimately made me who I am today.

I was heartbroken when I graduated from Escalona Elementary, knowing that I wouldn't be at Huntington(?) Middle School with my friends in the fall. My little 10 year old heart hurt that I couldn't audition for our middle school cheerleading squad, beat Robert at handball every Sunday, have  anymore sleepovers with Ylan. If only I knew what blessings and growth were in store for me! If only I knew how irrevocably the next decade would shape me!

Faithful is our Lord. Faithful in my life.

So, friends, hold onto this promise that God gave His children: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)

Hubs and I don't even know what country we'll be in 15 years from now. But this we know for sure: that the One who saved us and loves us has it all planned out, and it's greater than any future we could build for ourselves.

I, for one, am thankful I never had a chance to become a cheerleader. Who would I have become??