Reunited

Sarah and I arrived safely in Honiara this afternoon after a very smooth day of traveling.  We left this morning with temperatures in the mid-40s and arrived to temperatures around 90 and super humid, but it was so good to be home.

And my romantic husband and sweet kids made my day even better with their welcome signs.  Team Choate is finally reunited!



Heading Home

 We've weighed our bags and packed our breakfast for in the morning.

 

I'm drinking my afternoon cup of decaf coffee from my favorite kookaburra mug provided by my gracious hostess,

 

because at 3:30 in the morning, we'll be leaving this lovely home and heading back to the Solomon Islands to reunite Team Choate.  We've enjoyed our stay here in Australia, our time has been full of sweet experiences and celebrations.  But it's time to go home...

Wedding Day!

Sarah spent the night with the ladies' half of the bridal party, and I rode down with Naomi's family early Saturday morning. 

 



 

I learned that Australian brides traditionally get ready away from the church and then ride to church in a car decorated with a white ribbon.  When we pulled up, the groomsmen were putting the finishing touches on the car to take Naomi to the church.

 

The ladies were just about ready to go, and they were all so beautiful, shining from the inside beauty that God put into each one.

 



Naomi wore a bluebird pin that belonged to her grandmother - something old, borrowed, and blue!

 

Naomi glowed all day long.

 



A little issue of no car keys delayed the bridal party for a few minutes, but the best man realized the problem and came screeching up to rescue the ladies with the key to the car.

 



Naomi and Matt signed the marriage license in front of the congregation.

 

The father of the bride and the father of the groom each prayed for the couple.

 



 

After the wedding, some luscious food was served,

 



and then the bridal party drove over to a lovely park to begin a full afternoon of picture taking.

 



 

A brand-new baby got passed around and made everybody smile.  He was absolutely precious.

 

The bridal party continued on to a new location for more pictures while the rest of us went back to the church to clean up and get the building ready for Sunday.

 



 

 The amazing ladies at the church had almost finished cleaning up by the time we arrived, so we were able to drive over to the reception site and begin setting up there.

 

 God really blessed throughout the whole day.  Even in the midst of the busy schedule,

 

 

I saw lots of smiles, and we had time for sweet visits and card games, too.

 

Naomi and Matt arrived and we celebrated them again at the reception.  This time, they danced with no blindfolds.  This marriage is more than either of them could have asked for or imagined, and we are so excited for them.

 



 

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever.  Amen!"  Eph. 3:20-21

Wedding Rehearsal

Naomi has been a part of the Choate family for more than four years, and we love her like one of our own.  So how can I express what this weekend meant to me?  By taking lots of pictures...

 



The knife to cut the wedding cake