When we first started planning our big day, Jamie told me to get a binder and print out these checklists from http://www.theknot.com/. I thought she was crazy! I was thinking, "What do I need with a whole notebook?" "Those lists are forever long, they don't pertain to our wedding." Oh how I was wrong. Once I printed those babies out- I was immediately hooked on the planning.
The ceremony will be held outside, weather permitting. Can't you just imagine the fall colors and beautiful leaves!
This is the inside of the barn. The picture isn't very big, sorry about that. Just imagine this with ivory table cloths. Joe at Black Fox Farms places all of the fall decorations from his nursery. This is all included in the price. We don't have to do any decorations! Aren't we lucky?!
Tuxes: We haven't went and picked out the exact tux just yet. We are planning to do that next week. We've been extremely busy. Here is our inspiration though. The tuxes will be black, with a Vintage Bronze vest and tie. Most people think I'm crazy for having brown and black, but things change, and I think it's very elegant.
Since I've mentioned the number of girls I'm having... I'll just introduce the bridal party in another post.I haven't written a single thing since my last night in Thailand. Wow, it feels like forever since I was there. I still think about my experience just about every day. I don't talk about the trip that much, because I have a hard time discussing it. It was such an amazing time that I'll never do the trip justice with my words. The thing I miss the most about Thailand are the children. Those children are a true gift from God, and I miss them terribly.
There is something I have to look foward to: student teaching, wedding festivities, our wedding, honeymoon, then graduation! Whew, it's about to get busy around here! We've been extremely busy with working during the day, and then working to improve the house too.
Here is the new plan. I plan on to continue my blog. It might end up just being me that reads it, but hey, that's ok. I'll be able to look back at all of the posts and smile.
People
The people here are so sweet, kind, and gentle. It's unbelieveable. I haven't met a snooty person here yet (other than other tourists). When I've got my hair washed, they gently comb out my hair. I'm used to my hair being pulled not so gently (I'm not talking about just mom, but I'm not even gentle with my own hair). The kids were brought up in this nature too. The atmostphere is so laid back.
Traveling
This trip had a lot of firsts for me. I have experienced the left side driving before, but nothing compares to the driving here. I don't think there are any rules other than : Don't Hit Anyone. The cars are constantly swerving in and out. You can pass on the outside of the road if you want. I always felt like we were going to run a car off the road or something, but we never did. People would graciously move out of our way (see what I mean by gentle). If we decided to do that in America fingers would be thrown and cuss words would be flying.
Feet
You take your shoes off everywhere. You take them off before you walk into some stores, homes, and schools. It was definitely something I had to adjust to. I'm used to walking around everywhere with shoes, but not here.
Service
I think Thai people have a bone in their body that is called service. The people are constantly serving others. There are massages everywhere because people are true servants. People are always doing things for others. When we were at the orphanage, the older boys would shelter or help out the younger boys that were shy at first. It was a humbling experience to see the older boys serving the younger ones not because they must have service hours to graduate, or that they were told to. They just did. It's that simple. Service.
I want to thank everyone that has been reading this blog. I've really enjoyed writing it. I hope everyone was able to experience the wonderful things along with me. I thought I would just write this blog to keep as my journal for class as a grade, but it's definitely become more than just a grade. I've enjoyed being able to capture the moments to be able to share with so many people!
I would also like to thank everyone that has prayed for us and for our wonderful safety. We truly had a great time, and many don't want to leave. We've been blessed beyond belief. I would like to ask everyone to continue to pray for the country of Thailand, because they are a Buddhist nation. Pray for the sweet sweet children at the orphanage and their futures. Please continue to pray for us as we have another 24 hours just traveling, until we get home. Pray for those in my group that have to continue to travel home after we land in Chattanooga... some are driving to Ohio, Texas, Arizona the day after we get back.
While- I'm on the "thank you" kick, I need to give a shout out to Ryan and Mom! I know they have worked their hineys off while I've been gone. For those of you that don't know, Ryan and I got a house before I left so they have been painting and more (they want give me details). Thank you so much for all of your hard work. I love both you so much! What would I do without you?! Mom- I owe you a hand massage :) Promise. Also- there have been others that have helped and I want to thank them too for their time and effort. I so appreciate your work and love for Ryan and I. I'm so excited... and I can't wait to see the house! I know it looks amazing!
Day 14:
Our Last Day... bittersweet.
I wake up to the feelings of happiness, sadness, comfort, excitement, anxious, humbled, grateful, love all because I'm leaving today. I honestly don't know how to feel. I'm excited to come home and see everyone! I have missed everyone tremendously. Then, I'm sad that we are leaving, because I have made some memories with this group of people, and the orphanage that will be forever embedded into my soul. I could see myself living here, if my family was with me. This side of the world is so different but different can be good right?! I know, once I'm home I'll be happy and there is still God's work to be done in Cleveland, TN too... but I know I'll constantly think back to those precious children at the orphanage.
We went to Tiger Kingdom today to play with the tigers. I definitely got into a cage with the "Big Cats." The tigers are beautiful animals. I do believe the tigers were sedated, because they never moved, they just slept.... so it's not as risky as it sounds at first. I had a better experience with tigers than with stingrays... how does that happen?!
I'm back at the hotel right now while everyone is packing and getting their hair did at the beauty shop across the street. I had mine done this morning before Tiger Kingdom. And of course, it was wonderful as always... the hair washing is truly the best. I'm already packed and ready to go except the minor little things... I just thought I would share the rest of my trip with everyone!
