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| Life has been so rich lately and I've realized the importance of sharing it with people you love. Without the company of those you love the most, even the most luxurious things seem banal. As each day brings me moments closer to my deployment, and thus six months of self deprivation, I find myself longing to savor the things which make life so enjoyable- sumptuous meals in the city, glorious sunrises that serve as a canvas for national monuments, hugs and kisses in safe and secure arms. I don't fear my deployment; in fact, in some ways I look forward to it; but I know that as the sand slowly slips through the hourglass of time, so go moments that will never return. So savor life...live it to its fullest...take every moment captive. I've realized recently how much I have allowed myself to miss because of my desire to cling to things I hoped were the best. I'm a desperately stubborn person and I wanted my way to be the right way. How I wish I had given up my "need" to be stubborn long ago. Deep down I always knew that what I thought I wanted wasn't best for me, but I refused to let go. Fear of what the future holds keeps us from change, but we ought to embrace change. We ought to embrace those moments that force us to step out in faith and cause us to lean on God for guidance. Now I look back and think how silly I was to pine for scraps when I could have had feasts. At last the feast has come... | | |
| So much has changed in my life within the past couple of months.
I've let go of the things to which I have clung so dearly and have been
met with ever increasing surprise at that which lies ahead. It's
hard to let go of memories and dreams, but it's so amazing when you
realize how much awaits you- it's that hope combined with the promises
that push each day forward into new excitement and life.
You were right- "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him..."
I'm simply astounded....
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| So after my maniac time of transiting through the Middle East, I hopped
on a plane to go about the duty of being the bridesmaid at my childhood
best friend's wedding. Erica and I have known each other for 18
years, but I never expected that my time to stand in her wedding would
come so soon! I've grown old without even knowing it!!
The week went by so quickly between family reunions, dinners, planning, partying, and manicures, it was such a blur!
Bachelorette Party: (There aren't many pictures because this is a G-rated site and the pictures are a bit PG-13)
We had bra and panty cookies!!! :) And they were homemade by the bridesmaid!!
Taking a swig of NON ALCOHOLIC Sparkling Cider....(look how awful I looked!)
The Rehearsal Dinner:
Erica, JD (the groom), Alex (my partner in crime and best man), and me at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Portland...
The happy couple...
Erica, Christian (my little brother), and me..
Wedding Day, June 24th!!
Cherise and Erica in the dressing room...
The bridal party...
We wanted to surprise the bride and groom with a lovely little limo
ride around the Portland lakes before the reception. This took
much planning, but the couple was excited and very very happy to break
open the champagne on the ride....
Erica's reaction to being married only minutes earlier and finding the limo...
Mr. and Mrs. Huntington..
The fake Mr. and Mrs. Alex Pez !!! Hahaa...of the Pez Empire ;)
The artists who decorated the honeymoon getaway car...
Erica and JD leaving for post-nuptial festivities...
Erica and JD,
Congratulations on your new life together!! I look forward to watching
you grow in love and in marriage...you are truly an example of people
who sought God's will in their marriage...I only hope to be more like
you...
Now make me a flower girl for my future wedding...if you start now,
she'll be about 10 by the time this girl finds someone to marry her!!!
:)
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| These past couple of months have been undoubtedly eventful and three
months later, I'm just finding time to process it. Life gets
crazy like that, I guess. A few weeks before the Middle East went
nuts, I was in Israel. What an awesome experience!! I
stayed mostly in Tel Aviv, but I had the chance to visit Jerusalem,
Massada, and the Dead Sea (which, by the way, totally ruined my
swimsuit) The hotel I stayed in overlooked the Mediterranean and
the beach. I would open my eyes every morning to the sight of
blue waters expanding into the distance, sun worshippers lying on the
warm sand, and those oh so cute Israeli soldiers standing on every
street corner (tee hee). Seriously though, I was living for a
moment in the lap of luxury. I woke up in a super ginormous bed
(I could lie down in every angle and nothing would hang off the bed!!),
my priceless view, and the ever delictible breakfast buffet awaiting me
downstairs. Yes, I was spoiled. :) And guess who was
spotted at our morning breakfast?? That's right, none other than
the Black Eyed Peas...(yay filipinios!)
Anyway, it's a very strange feeling to know that I've been to both
Lebanon and Israel and I have seen both places that have been targeted
in this conflict. I must say that my heart is burdened by the deep
suffering in both places. Pray for peace.
So...less writing, more pictures....here we go...pictures...pre bombing.
Tel Aviv:
Old Yaffa:
Jerusalem:
Pilgrims to Jerusalem:
Where in the world is MirriamGrace??
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We got a new puppy! Her name is Chloe and she's 4 months old! Agh! Soooo adorable!!
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