Wedding was had

So here we are, it is DECEMBER.  Which means the wedding of the century has happened.  Phew. God is good!!!!  

Here is a blog update of basically just photos.  This isn't much of a ministry update as we have taken some holidays to celebrate this beautiful moment with our family.  

Raphael ridding his bike at the wedding venue the day before the wedding.

Mom and I played florists & made the floral arrangements for the wedding.

I later on got assigned to do the boutonnieres...  Maman Gaudreau, thanks for passing down your creative juices and ability to work with flowers...  I had no idea I could do this, but seeing you do this so many times I figured "why not?".

Mike and Jeff being put to work

Everyone was so willing to work to make the reception hall look absolutely magical.

And then the wedding day came!!!!!!!!

Vincent visiting the bride and giving her some cuddles while she gets her hair done.

 Who said makeup and hair was serious business???

Getting ready to do Charlene's makeup.  What a privilege!

How could someone possibly make this lady even more beautiful!?! 

BRIDE

My sister in law Joyce has some mad singing talent and loves Jesus with all her heart.  What a beautiful thing to see her sing at the wedding.

Joyce singing

Foot washing like Jesus, beautiful picture of servant heart.

Brother in-law Randy officiating the wedding.

You may now kiss the bride.

DONE deal :))))))))))

Vincent "crashed" at the wedding...  T'was a long HOT day...

Mani super-size-me version, a.k.a. Mr. Mike looking dapper.

This woman!!!!!  I have no words.  She inspires me.

2 young kids in LOVE

Eating some cake :)

The energy, the dancing, it was ELECTRIC.

Most people enjoyed it, except Raph, who thought it was too loud.

Well...  Vincent did too.

Thank you from the couple.

It was a wonderful celebration.  One we will not soon forget.  Getting to spend this time with family was beyond special.

And before they left, we thought we would throw a little Christmas celebration together!!!  The last 2 Christmas we spent here in SA, so it was really nice to have a family Christmas, even though it was a month early!

Joyce setting up the tree

The kids decorating the tree, with little concept of spacing the ornaments or having 2 of
the same beside each other.  Anyone else with me on this issue???  ;)

Vincent adding the angel to the tree!

This boy is EXCITED!

Decorating Christmas cookies.

It doesn't smell like Christmas until you start making and drinking apple cider!

CHEERS

And who doesn't like some hockey on Christmas day?

We didn't quite have enough sticks...  Sorry Grandpa.

Opening presents: LEGO was a big highlight!

We hope you enjoyed those pictures.  Family is everything and we feel so encouraged and fortified for having spent this time with them. Having them leave and go home is beyond heartbreaking.  The kids enjoyed spending time with their cousins so so much, and are already wondering when we will see them again.  We are all trying to figure out how to live in the moment and trusting God has so much for us this coming year here in South Africa.  And that is what makes the sacrifice of family worth it.

Listening to the Holy Spirit

As many of you know, because Mike didn't get his Visa on time, he was unable to leave to go to Malawi.  And because of that turn of event, we found some an unexpected treasure at a difficult time.  No surprising though, knowing we serve an immensely wise God. 

That week was a school holiday here in South Africa, and like we have done during the previous school holiday, we arranged a week of student ministry.  This time, it was for 3 local churches and a group of 25 teenagers (our other programs work with post high-school students).  We spent time in worship, prayer, and teachings times.  We also got to go out into the community to serve at a disabled center and do some evangelism at a local mall.  

On Friday, the last day, we took the group of young people to the beach and had a braai (BBQ). Myself (Marie-Eve) and the kids got to join and I had the opportunity to visit with one of the teenagers and hear some testimony of her week and... capture it all on video for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

It is really special to know this young lady was encouraged in her faith, together with many of the other students, and that this would probably not have happened had Mike gone to Malawi.  Thank you Lord for unexpected treasures in difficult times.