Westpoint Wedding

The wedding of one of our Gambia M.K.s was the real reason we went to Westpoint. This beautiful girl was the oldest MK on our station, and a real example to all the younger children. While she must have been lonely, she never ignored the kids who were younger. She is beautiful, intelligent, talented, and in love with the Lord. She married an army major who graduated from Westpoint; hence, their wedding was at the Westpoint Chapel. Her mother told me she'd always dreamed of a cathedral wedding.

We did not get any photos of the wedding because flash photography was not allowed inside the Chapel, and we couldn't get any pictures to turn out. The wedding was Christ-honoring, and beautiful in every way. Here is everyone waiting for Anna to come out of the Chapel after the ceremony.

The Saber Arch was probably everyone's favorite part of the wedding! Although I think my favorite part was when asked, "Who gives this woman...?", the father of the bride answered: "With great joy and contentment, her mother and I do." I thought that was a really special way to do it.

Most of the pictures are from the reception, which was held in the beautiful Thayer Hotel at Westpoint. There were hor d'oeurves in the garden while the wedding party was off doing their photos, followed by a several course dinner in one of the dining rooms with a view of the Hudson River. The pictures are all of old friends from the Gambia, many of whom we haven't seen in quite a few years. At the right is our matriarch, Aunt Ruth. Next to her is Elise, MK. Next to her is her sister Shawna, MK. Next to Shawna is her husband, Greg. Jeremiah is next to Greg, Duane's chair is empty (taking the picture), then me, and Erika. In the empty seats were Aunt Jayne (short-term to the Gambia) and her daughter, Sarah.

I was most surprised to see this lady! Aunt Diane also came short-term to The Gambia to teach our children. I had completely lost track of her. What a joy to see her again. She did a reading during the wedding ceremony. She is as vivacious, energetic, and bubbly as ever! I don't think she's changed one bit.

Since the bride, Anna, has several sisters, it was quite a large wedding party. ( She also had one cousin in the wedding who is not pictured here). Here are her sisters, all of whom I taught in school in The Gambia. These are not in order of age. This is the second youngest, Clara, who was a freshman at Cedarville this year, just a couple of doors down from Erika. She is so outgoing and loving.

This is the youngest (Jeremiah's age), Emma (Ems). She has certainly changed the most, as she was the littlest when we last saw them. I probably had her the most years in school.

This is Grace, second oldest (Gracie). In our family the famous saying always was "Because Gracie said so." (Usually in answer to how you knew something to be true). Smart, fun, and a very strong leader. She was married last summer to a great guy named Lamar. We regret that we missed their wedding.

This is Julia, 3rd from top or bottom. She and Alesha were in the same grade, and those 2 with Grace were usually in the same classroom. The 3 girls were fast friends and did so many creative things together. I still think of her as "Julsie Bug." She just graduated from Cedarville as a nurse and is starting her first job this week. She was incredibly focused while in the nursing program, but now has a boy friend who is a friend of Grace's husband.

And, finally, we come to Anna and Erik, the beautiful bride and groom. The whole day resounded with their testimonies and their love. They have a wonderful story of how they met.

Here are the parents of the bride, Harry and Jan. Both are medical doctors. During the years we shared overseas, they were outstanding leaders, encouragers, and passionate for the Lord. I have really missed them, and it was a blessing to share this special day with them.

The wedding was elegant and yet there was a simplicity to it which melded so beautifully with the military formality. Every moment was Christ-honoring. If there was a single hitch anywhere, it wasn't noticed by anyone attending! The table decoration was lovely--the card on top read "For our Guests... Every good and perfect gift is from above... Our relationship has been a gift from God and you are too! Lovingly, Anna and Erik." The oldest woman at each table received the centerpiece to take home. An older lady that was flying gave me hers to enjoy. This was the first wedding for my children to attend (other than an African wedding!), and it certainly set the bar high! They enjoyed it as much as we did.