The Wedding: Brunch

The day after the wedding we had a small brunch for family and the bridal party.  Originally I wasn't too excited about this idea but am now so thankful to my mom for talking me into it.  With all the commotion of the wedding we were finally able to sit down and chat.  We didn't feel rushed to keep moving and keep mingling.

The morning after.  We look a tad bit tired.

The brunch is also where we had our second ceremony.  We officially signed the marriage certificate (oops forgot to do that the day before).  Although seemingly simple, I would suggest that LaSalle County put some tabs on that document or something.  A tad bit confusing on who signs where...

Family at the brunch

As with everything at Starved Rock that weekend, the food was awesome.  I forget how nice it is to enjoy breakfast in the states.  Here in Kenya the breakfast menu is just not the same.  We had biscuits and gravy, eggs, french toast, fruit, coffee, orange juice....mmmmm I'm still drooling over it.

Family and Friends at the Brunch

After more goodbyes, Josh and I headed off to the courthouse to have the license certified.  We needed this asap to do all the necessary military paperwork the next day.  Finally we got to head back to my parents and open up some gifts with both sets of parents.

The official paperwork

The next few days flew as we finished up the last of the paperwork, drove Josh's parents to the bus station, packed and prepared to fly back.  Here we are a week or so later back in Kenya and back to work.  Our wedding was such a great day filled with love, family and friends.  We feel so blessed to have had so many people travel from all around the US and the world (Hee came from Germany!) to be with us.  Our only regret is not getting to spent more time with all!

The Wedding: Ceremony & Reception

As I've said before the wedding day was a bit of a blur to me.  I tried to step back and enjoy each and every moment but it was honestly super tough.  We were constantly making the rounds and visiting friends.  Then hitting up the dance floor then stopping for a beverage or two.

Josh and Dave wait patiently for me at the alter

A prayer is said

Lighting the unity candle

The ceremony was by far my favorite part.  I can't even describe the feeling of walking down the aisle on my dad's arm.  I kept thinking, "Oh my gosh.  This is really happening.  Oh my gosh.".  I remember the way Josh looked at me when he said his vows and how I desperately tried not to cry through mine.  Before we knew it, the unity candle was lit and we were Mr. & Mrs!  In all the excitement I totally forgot my bouquet.  Thankfully I had an amazing MOH who carried both up the aisle.  

Trying not to cry during my vows

First kiss as a married couple!

Mr. & Mrs. Joshua Bast

We headed back into the cocktail hour room and were able to greet all of our guests.  Although we didn't originally plan on a receiving line it kind of happened and we were thankful.  It gave us at least one moment to say hello to everyone and give out hugs.  I wish I would have taken out the veil first though.  The hugs were great but people tended to also tug on the tulle.  Not a great combination.  The rest of the cocktail hour we spent making the rounds and saying hi to everyone.  I was lucky to get a drink although I didn't even taste the appetizers.

Our yummy cake

Our "alter"

Then we were on to the reception!  Cutting the cake was an experience with Josh's saber.  The initial cuts went fine but then we couldn't get it out.  Luckily I have a smart husband who proceeded to use the saber to cut the rest of the piece out.  We were kind and didn't smash the cake in each others faces.  More so I avoided Josh's attempts too!  The crying continued with Arthi and Caleb's speeches.  Arthi had me going with all the stories and memories of our time in Michigan.  She had things in there I didn't even remember!  Caleb blessed everyone with his speech bringing the Lord into the day and reminding everyone that we owe Him for it.  We even had an unannounced visitor at the reception when a curious raccoon showed up just outside the window and proceeded to hang out there for most of the night.  Josh's nephew wanted to open the door.  I said, "Let's not." 

Our visitor at the reception

Josh welcomes everyone

After an amazing dinner we were ushered back into the cocktail room for our first dance.  This was the one other moment the entire day where I just felt like it was Josh and I.  I can count the number of times we've slow danced on one hand but it was really nice to have that moment with him.  My dad was brought in for the father/daughter and proceeded to make me bawl.  No dad I don't think this was the moment to look at me the way you did and to say all those nice things.  Yes I was honored but I also probably look lovely in all the photos.  ;-)

Daddy/daughter dance

Where's the garter?

Next Josh got to dance with his mom who was surprised by the upbeat song he chose.  Its one of the sweetest moments as a wife to watch your husband dance with his mom.  I got a great guy!  After a few more specialty dances including the anniversary dance, dollar dance and the bridal party dance the floor was opened.  The kids especially loved to twirl around and around the dance floor with Josh and I.  Our niece Ani was always running up to me whenever I was free to dance.  I'm not sure how well I did with my huge dress but I tried.  

Spinning around the dance floor with Ani

Mom & Dad share a sweet moment

Before we knew it the night was over.  Family was headed home and we were saying goodbye to friends.  Even though it was great to see everyone, its so hard to say hello and goodbye in the course of a day but we are grateful that everyone who came was there.  

The Trip Home

After many teary goodbyes, Josh and I headed to the airport.  My mom was awesome and got us a limo for the ride.  I have only been in a limo a few times and Josh never had so it was a fun experience.  We got to the airport pretty early and had to wait for the ticket office to open up but after getting our boarding passes we were quickly through security and seated in the lounge.

Our flight to Amsterdam was uneventful and we got three seats to ourselves which was nice.  Once there we again made our way to the lounge to freshen up and get some breakfast.  Quickly we were on the plane again and headed to Nairobi.  On this leg Josh got me upgraded to economy comfort.  Its not much different than regular economy but you do get a little bit more leg room and a few more food options.  This leg was the best for us.  I think we slept for most of it, only waking up for food.

In Nairobi, we quickly got two of our bags and then waited an hour for the last.  It never fails there.  The airport system is horrible and you just end up praying that they actually come.  That night we stayed with a friend and got ready to head to Kisumu the next day bright and early.

Again we had some issues at the airport with trying to get me on the flight.  They waited to the last minute to say I could get on and then we had to rush through the airport.  Of course once we were on the flight we waited 20 minutes before taking off.  It never fails.  In the end though I was just happy to be home.  Out of all our trips I think this one went pretty smooth.  I'm looking forward to being back and not traveling for a bit!

The Wedding: Getting Ready

The minute I woke up on Sunday I had butterflies in my stomach.  Its crazy how you prepare for one day for almost a year and then its finally here.  Thankfully the butterflies went away the moment I saw Josh.  I know its tradition for the bride and groom not to see each other but I am so thankful this is one that we broke.  Seeing him, both in the morning and then after we were dressed, was seriously the best thing for me that day.  It calmed my nerves and made me re-focus on what the whole point of the day was, US.

Josh looking great

To save us some hassle, my Aunt Mary offered to drive most of the wedding supplies down to the lodge.  I can't say how much of a help this was as it was crazy enough trying to wrangle all of our personal things.  Josh and I headed down shortly after and settled in at about 11 am to our respective dressing areas.  The hairdressers were already in place and the girls were already getting beautiful when I walked in.

I loved being able to just hang out with the girls, drink mimosas and snack on yummy food before the wedding.  After the girls were done I popped into the chair and they got my hair and make up done.  I think this is when it really hit me because here I was ready to get into the dress, the girls were in their dresses and the photographers/videographers were circling around.

The boys getting ready

Dress time came and luckily it went pretty smoothly.  My dress fit perfectly and we were able to get it on without any major hassles.  After some donning some accessories, I was off to see Josh! We decided to do the first look, like I said above, because one we didn't want to not see each other before walking down and two we wanted to get some photos outside as Starved Rock State Park is so beautiful.

The girls putting on their make-up

Josh looked great in his uniform and we got to take some time just the two of us, taking pictures and filming. Although the cameras were there it really felt like it was just us for a bit.  After getting some of us we brought in the bridal party and family.  I was so impressed how the photographers got everyone in and out.  With large families and little kids this was a relief.  By the time 4 pm rolled around we were just relaxing and getting ready for the ceremony at 5.

My dress ready to be put on

For me this meant pulling the hundred pine needles out of my dress.  During the pictures they had collected in the tulle train and were now sandwiched between the layers.  We even found a few in the bathroom that must have fallen out of the inner layers of the dress.

My beautiful flowers

Pine needles out, hair touch ups, photos complete....It was wedding time!

'Tis the Season

Christmas season is in full swing back in the states although its a little harder to recognize here.  Sure there are signs here and there: Christmas lights are up at the grocery stores, staff is beginning to go on leave, holiday parties are popping up, but it doesn't quite feel real yet.  Yes I do realize that Christmas in Kenya is going to be a little different than Christmas in the states.

Last weekend we went over to a friends house for a white elephant exchange.  Now I've only done a few of these before but I have never seen one as big as this!  We got to indulge in some amazing food and visit with friends we hadn't seen in awhile.  Josh and I even ended up with an awesome (at least we would classify it as) prize.

Just before going to the party we were complaining about the amount of mosquitoes in the house and how hard it was to kill them.  We threw around some ideas but decided to get one of these electric rackets.  Basically its a big tennis racket that has an electric charge.  You swing it through the air and it zaps them!  Awesome right?  Well guess what we got as a present at the party.........a zapping racket!  Funny sometimes how He provides :)

Josh demostrates his mosquito zapping skills

The Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding weekend was a whirlwind and looking back on it now, it all feels like a blur.  Friday all of Josh's family and friends got in and we got to visit with them.  It always blows me away how fast the nieces and nephews grow up.  We also picked up suits and checked in on my engagement ring (that's a whole post in and of itself).

Brianne gives us the highlights

After all wedding errands were finished, Josh's groomsmen had a bachelor's party/night planned for him.  Crazy enough some of the girls ended up crashing the whole event.  I tried to bow out because I mean I'm pretty sure the bride isn't supposed to be at the bachelor's party but the guys were insistent.  In the end it was great to share dinner with them before sneaking out for a cocktail or two of our own.

I believe I was telling my engagement ring drama

Saturday was rehearsal day.  Thankfully we got to sleep in a bit before having to run down to the lodge.  Things got a little hectic when we were running late and then didn't have a room reserved for the actual rehearsal.  At this point though I think we were just happy to be visiting with friends we hadn't seen in awhile and just wanted to get to dinner.  Brianne (wedding planner) got us all lined up and we quickly ran though the gist of things banking on the fact that we could just wing it on Sunday.

Russ and Caleb catch up

My dad practices his duty

Dinner was by far the best part of the day.  It was so nice to sit down with everyone and just relax.  It didn't hurt that the restaurant was amazing.  Not only were the food and drinks to die for but they did such an amazing job accommodating us.  They provided toys for the kids and pretty much kept the back room empty besides us as long as they could.  One of my favorite parts of the night was handing out the gifts to everyone, especially our parents.  It was so neat to see the reactions on the kids and our friends faces.  Our parents were priceless.  We ended up getting them "family tree" like items to symbolize the new make up of the family.  They loved it! (and were already asking when we could add more names to them.  Talk about a subtle hint!)

The dads at the dinner

After the dinner, my bridesmaids, their "others" and us went to get a few drinks and watch the game.  It was great to be able to sit with just them and catch up.  We laughed so hard as they shared "funny Jen" moments.  Apparently I can be a little blunt sometimes...

Arthi and Vik at the dinner

Josh and I headed back to my parents after and crashed.  I think at this point I was still in disbelief that THE day was tomorrow.

New Transportation Laws

Recently the Kenyan government instituted new traffic laws and increased the fines for certain violations.  Police have been taking this seriously and cracking down on all violators.  This of course sparked not so peaceful protesting by most of the public transportation sectors.  Matatu and piki piki drivers took to the streets to protest the new laws.

Frankly I don't see any issues with the new laws.  If they are enforced correctly and without corruption they could really have an impact on the overall safety of Kenya road ways.  Here's an article describing some of the upsets the country has faced due to the public transport strike.  Only in Kenya would workers strike because of better safety...