MR. & MRS.

Well, it certainly has been a long time since I last wrote on this blog. To be honest, I wrote, but didn't post them. I came home from Kenya in March and life changed when Rick Wise asked me to be his wife!! And now......we are HUSBAND and WIFE! On August 27th, we said "I do" in front of many of our family and friends. Having been a bridesmaid in 11 weddings, singing in around 40, and attending at least 20 others, I thought I knew what to expect, but the day came and it FELT so different.

We knew that there were people all over the world praying, and we are incredibly thankful to those of you were praying for us as we committed our lives to one another. I know that there were a group of churches in Romania gathering specifically for that purpose and we felt your prayers. I was overwhelmed as I walked down the aisle with my dad and suddenly people were clapping and cheering. I had never seen such a thing. I turned to my dad and said, "what do we do now?" He calmly replied, "walk to the dot" (the sticker dot that was placed on the floor to let us know where to stand). I love how practical and calm my dad appeared. I was given away by a man who has known me and loved me for years, to another man who I am confident will do the same. We worshipped, and it was beautiful...to hear the sound of so many voices worshipping God together. I was AMAZED at the goodness of God's presence as Doug and Phil shared. Everything felt so personal and we felt so loved! Now we are man and wife and we look back on that day with such gratitude! We are so thankful for:

• my mom and dad for all their help in planning and helping so many details come together for the day
• our families (Rick and Jan, Joy, Jason, Jada, Bryan, Sara, Addie, Nora, Peter, Julianna, Jeremiah) who celebrated each step of the way and stood by us on our wedding day
• Lisa, Jess, Stephen and Dave....you are like family which is why we had you by our sides
• Heather Muffley who is the BEST BEST BEST wedding coordinator ever. I am blessed to call you friend and so thankful for your help
• the romanian church for praying
• Doug and Phil for how well you put together the things you shared
• Steve and Brian for leading us in worship
• Dave and Emily for singing and playing at the reception
• Beth Windom for all you did along the way (dress shopping, shower planning, flower making, being a listening ear, etc)
• Janell, Erin, and Steph for flying from so far away to "be there"
• Aunt Kay and Uncle Glenn for opening their home and preparing a beautiful and delicious rehearsal dinner for us
• Carmen and Davids for opening your Creamery for the bridal party to enjoy your handmade ice cream and take some fun photos......we will give you business for many years to come
• Lauren Fisher for helping with some of the hidden details that became visible the day of
• Kesh Witmer for making our cake
• those who planned and attended our bridal showers, bachelorette and bachelor parties....we felt so loved and honored
• John and Marty for giving us a honeymoon house!
• Mike and Sherry for doing our premarital and preparing us for marriage.....we learned so much and thank you for the hours you spent with us.
• Emanuele and Wendy for the financial counseling....you were so helpful
• TO ALL WHO CAME and CELEBRATED this incredible day in our lives

The list really could go on and on, but I have work to do. So, for now let me say THANK YOU! We have been overwhelmed with how thoughtful, generous, supportive, and encouraging people have been toward us. The attention felt like too much at times, but we know it was because of people's love for us.

We will continue to post more as we journey though the mystery of marriage together. Life is peaceful and full of joy (and a bit too much laundry) but we are thrilled to be traveling through life together now.

More to come later.........