Lives of Contrast: Part 1

Living in the 21st century has provided us with tremendous opportunities of being able to live on the opposite side of the earth from our loved ones, yet continue to be personally involved in the affairs of their lives.

And so, we left our home in Afgh. on Friday, 12 Oct., and arrived the afternoon of 13 Oct. to the comfort of Mom & Pop's home in NY and the pleasant joy of being with Aunt Heide visiting from Germany.

What busy fun those 3 days held: an auspicious visit from a friend, outings with family, and even a trip to The Cheesecake Factory while finalizing items for our winter wardrobe.

By the 17th, we found ourselves basking in the coastal Georgian sun, and soaking up the love and smiles of family & friends, familiar & new, from far & wide. The occasion? A marriage was to commence, families to be united, a celebration to be enjoyed!

A weekend of activities was awaiting. The Bridal Breakfast (above: Grandma, Aunt, Mom, Sisters, Niece & Bride), The Groom's Dinner (below: Groom with Uga's German Chocolate Cake)
Some fun under the Georgian Sun (below: Mike with Eden & Alex),

To the making two people one -

the newlyweds walking the beach.

As quickly as these days past, the pictures serve as a reminder to us that we are connected to a body of people beyond ourselves with whom we have a history, and because of whom we also have a Hope and a glimpse into the future (below: us with Grandparents, the newlyweds, parents, & sister's family).

And so we rejoice in the goodness yet in this world, the grace and answer to prayers that allowed us to participate in these days of being with our many of our family members and friends, and to experience the happiness that is present when love blossoms into marriage.