The Big Day--Alex and Ioana's Wedding

It was again our privilege and honor to be able to host a wedding for 2 of our kids.  Both Alex and Ioana grew up at the orphanage in Peris and graduated from our Transition program this past summer.  They asked us if we would help them to get married the right way.  It was a joy to see them go through the steps of engagement, counseling, and planning for their big day.  Neither of them had ever attended a wedding, so it was a learning experience, but everything turned out beautiful and it was a day that none of us will forget!

The 16th was the cununie, which is the civil ceremony held at the mayor's house. 

 After the cunanie we had a rehersal and decorated.

 

Aug. 17th-- The moment has arrived!  Getting dressed!

 

 Ioana was blessed to have many MOB (Mothers of the Bride)  Jenny and I got to be 2 of them!

Emi and Ruthie were the ring bearer and flower girl.  They actually walked in and did exactly what they were supposed to!  So sweet!!

 The ceremony

 The reception

What is this?  Costel actually taking a good picture!

 

 Receptions during Romanian weddings include games.  This was a version of the Newly wed game--who is more likely to....

 The atmosphere

 Ioana was only really passionate about 2 things about this wedding.  She knew she wanted to marry Alex and she wanted to dance! 

 The cake

 Cheers and Casa de Piatra!  (Casa de Piatra is a Romanian blessing which means, may your house be built on a rock)

Quilt of Memories

I had an idea quite a few years ago, that I wanted to make a t-shirt quilt with some of my H2H t-shirts.  So over the past hand full of years I found them and took them back to Kansas with me.  I started with the oldest shirts.  I asked a woman from my church, Charlotte Smith, to give me some pointers and teach me how to do it.  I made the blocks from the shirts and Charlotte graciously pieced them together for me, since my time in Kansas was short, and had it quilted for me.  The Buhler team that came this summer brought the finished product over for me, and I love it!  It is fun to look back and reminisce about the first years with H2H.  Thanks again Charlotte!