A Bridal Rant about DIY Projects

I didn't think my first post back after a brief hiatus would be about bridal projects, but that's a big chunk of my world right now.

Questions are always swimming in my head: What do I need to follow up on? To whom do I owe a call or email?  What appointment is next? Where's the receipt for that?  Do I owe anyone money, my signature or my first child? Who still hasn't RSVP'ed?

I'll be the first to admit that thus far the planning hasn't been that stressful. God has been either a) Merciful or b) Equipped me with the attitude that "eh.. it'll fall into place".  Perhaps it's a little bit of both.

I've definitely learned to pick my battles and also prioritize. One area those necessary skills come into play is regarding those lovely "Do It Yourself" aka DIY projects. I think anyone who has planned an event has run into his/her fair share of DIY projects, but what I've found with weddings is that DIY projects can save you HUGE bucks. What is it about the wedding industry that the moment you say you're going to need something for a wedding dollar signs start lighting up in neon and alarms go off?  Also, prices automatically jump 25-50% of what they would be for the same piece of paper NOT featured in a wedding. Thats all to say that some projects made from scratch can really save some cash.

Mike and I have already done some DIY projects together (and look, folks, we survived and are still getting married!). When it came to our invitations we decided to design them ourselves and get them printed at Kinkos. It saved us about $100-150 going that route. Also, we're designing and assembling our own centerpieces and ceremony programs. These projects aren't yet done, so here's hoping we're still having a wedding in three weeks.

DIY projects are a fantastic way to save money, but I also learned last night that one should always listen to that little voice that says, "hey, you've got some skills, but maybe you should outsource this one." Cuz that voice wasn't talking to me anymore at 12:30 this morning. It was just laughing at me.

Mom and I decided that we would create my fascinator and also use her existing, super long and plain veil to make a shorter, more embellished veil. The average store-bought fascinator runs about $75-$200. Veils start at about $50 and can run you into bankruptcy. Our thinking was that I could save minimally anywhere from $100-300 just by working on these items ourselves.

Two projects and two women. Seems like a balanced equation, eh?

We decided to start with the fascinator. It's smaller and obviously the easier project. Right?  Here are some pictures of the beginning of our night, which started about 7 PM. Notice the fresh smiles. Can you see the joy and lightness in us? There's anticipation with what's to come and a "we can do this" air about us.

We started with a simple comb. It sparkled with crystals, but didn't have too much to offer beyond that. I'd bought lace, feathers and more crystals with which to embellish the comb. Our tools were spread before us and we began our preliminary exam. We cut lace, folded it and twisted it into different positions. We threaded it through crystals and let it just serve as a backdrop. We arranged feathers, hid feather stems and fluffed them as best we could. We tried lace alone, feathers alone and then put them together. We did this for over an hour. When we were done with our preliminary assessment, we concluded that we'd move on to the veil and that we'd have to come back to the fascinator. The comb is still lying unglued, unaltered and in its original state on the table. DIY Project 1, Two Women zero.

The veil. It was worn by my mom in her wedding almost 40 years ago. In it's original state it was about 15 feet long. It's the perfect shade for my gown. No longer white, the veil pairs nicely with my ivory gown. The first problem: Towards the top of the veil there were some snags and holes. It needed to be cut and reattached to the comb so that an unblemished part of the veil could be used. The second problem: It was too plain. Crystal embellishments needed to be added to the edges of the newly cut veil in order to make the it sparkle more and match the embellishments on my dress. Essentially, we were taking a 15 foot long veil and making it a two foot long veil with added personality.

We started work on the veil at about 9:30. We measured, cut and resewed the veil onto the original comb. This part of the process took about 45 minutes. As I was sewing the veil onto the comb, I recall telling mom that perhaps this was a project that should have been outsourced. We hadn't even started adding embellishments and we had already been working on it just under an hour. Next came the personality. Tiny beads and crystals longed to married to the veil.

Mom and I decided we'd go with glue rather than sew the beads and crystals. About 10 minutes in, my finger tips were sticky with semi-dried glue and I was having more luck sticking the embellishments to myself rather than the veil. Glue dots were on the surface all around me and only about 12 beads were actually sticking to the veil. I looked up from the veil at mom and she laughed. She knew the "what the heck are we doing?" look in my eyes. So, we changed course. Mom discovered that the glue pen I was using had a handy suction cup on the back that would pick up the beads and place them into the glue. It was a small miracle and a really ingenious concept. No more sticky fingers! Then, we also used some tweezers to place smaller beads into the glue. We were really rolling then...

This delicate placement and replacement of beads and crystals went for another TWO hours. At 12:30 AM, we'd finished the first round of embellishments. At this point, I still want to do another round of crystals, but at 12:30 AM we decided that round 2 could happen at a later date. We were at a good stopping point and still had hair on our heads, so we called it "paused" for the time being. DIY Project 1, Two Women 1. 

Below is a picture of the veil after we cut and resewed it.
I forgot to take a picture after the embellishments were added.

In summary, I've learned that not all projects are worth the endeavors in hopes of pocketing some money. I've yet to decide what to do about my fascinator. It may not make it to that stage. The comb may remain a comb. And it would be the prettiest comb I ever laid eyes on.

How to Say Good-bye?

It's the eve of my last day in DC.  For the past month people have asked me, "are you ready?"  Perhaps I should take my own advice and read my post prior to this one!

Truth be told, it's slowly hitting me.  I've really enjoyed the past two weeks.  Being unemployed has allowed me some more time for reflection (not to mention packing!).  I've taken in the city and appreciated it a bit more.  And what a beautiful time of year to do so.

I remember that it was around this time of year six years ago when I first fell in love with DC.  Completely head over heels for it.  I was visiting Mallory over St. Patrick's day weekend and was struck by the people, energy and beauty here.  Spring in DC is a wonderland.  There are so many blossoms, fragrances and colors to behold.  It really is magical.  Between the cherry blossoms, hyacinths, daffodils, irises, roses and tulips my eyes and nose are fully engaged... and that's just the tip of the iceberg.  Plus all of the patios are flooded with people, their dogs and delicious foods inspired from countries all over the world. The tapestry of people here is beautiful.

DC introduced me to Ethiopian, tapas and proper German food.  I learned how to confidently navigate public transportation.  I also learned the balancing act of living in group houses.  That's one thing I won't miss- group houses! :)

I know the layout of Capitol Hill like the back of my hand and I will never take for granted the runs and walks I've done down the Mall.  I'll miss the midnight strolls to the Capitol.  Prayers on its steps and at the Lincoln Memorial are moments that I'll store in my heart.

What a delight the past six years have been.  God has stretched me and I've truly grown into my own skin.  I've met so many amazing people; they've changed my life and I'm grateful to each them.  I'm excited about the friendships I've made here and can't wait to see them evolve long after I leave.

I've been reminded of the treasures in my life as I've tried to squeeze in as many "dates" with friends as possible over the past few weeks.  Yesterday was such a treat as well since Mallory and Martha threw me a going away party.  I saw old friends and new ones and each person reminded me of why I love it here.  Sure, DC has the food and the places, but people are what really make a place home.  This has been home for six years.  It's hard to leave home and I don't know that I'm "ready", but I'm willing.

I know that the next chapter will be just as exciting as this one.  Just as I've been stretched and have grown here, there's still plenty of growing to do.

But tonight is for this chapter.  So, with tenderness and some sadness, I bid my favorite city adieu.  Thanks for the smiles, dances, laughs, tears, crazy bus rides, friendships and growing pains.  To say it was an adventure would diminish my experience.

It was a life-saver and changer.  For that, I will always be grateful.

"Ready" is Relative

On day two of our time in Thailand, we read a familiar passage of scripture, but it was only after talking about it did I see it with fresh eyes.  I shared this devotional thought in our team meeting today at work and I'll share it here as well.

In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus takes time to heal the ten lepers.  These are folks who have been banished by society and left to (literally) rot until their deaths.  They've contracted a disease without a cure.  Yet Jesus takes pity on them, see potential in them and heals them.

In verse 14 he tells them to show themselves to the priest.  It's in GOING to the priest that the lepers are healed.  They step out in faith and follow Christ's instructions.  Jesus could have just healed them; it was done over and over before in scripture.  But he didn't.  He told them to go.

It was in the going, the act and and answer to his call that they were healed.

It's later in the same story that we see one return.  One of the ten.  When Jesus questions what happened to the others he's met with silence from the healed leper who returned.  But Jesus doesn't stop there.  He recognizes the glory given to him and sees the thanksgiving and makes the healed leper well.  He takes up the healing a notch and touches the leper's soul.... thus, making him well.

We can each be healed, but God calls us back and wants the glory.  It's by glorifying Him and recognizing His power that we are truly made well.

So, what's to learn?

One- we don't have to be ready and prepared.  We just have to go.  It's in the going that God heals us, blesses us and reveals his magnificent plan.

Two - when it's all done, it's up to us to return the glory and recognize the power in His plan.  It's only then that we're made well.

Are you ready?

I hope not.  Just go.  You'll be surprised at what's in store.

Love in the Red Light District

It could be easily argued that Valentine’s Day is one of the most commercialized days of expressing “love”.  You know the kind of love that’s in boxes of chocolates, around the necks of teddy bears and in candied hearts.  We often get caught up in the love-fest, buried under these outward and materialized moments, while forgetting that it’s a matter of the heart.

What is love?  One of the best quotes about love is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

So, what do we do with it?  Advice was given by a man who knew no stranger and turned away no one.  Jesus told us to, “love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (1 John 13:34,35).”
Tonight our team broke into pairs and took love to the red light district (specifically Nana Plaza) of Bangkok.  The goal of each team was to be present with the girls there: listen to them, offer kind words & smiles and shower them with love.

My partner, Megan S., and I did just that.  Well, and God. :)  We sat at the Pretty Lady bar and spoke with a young woman whom I’ll call Bin.  Bin is only 25 and has been working at the bar for a month.   She recently lost her job (a job that was her passion for two years) as a travel agent due to the recent floods in Thailand.  The agency where she worked tanked.  At the suggestion of a friend, Bin started working at the bar.  Here in Thailand, a girl can make about 7000 bahts a month in a bar compared to the average 300-400 bahts as a farmer.  She’s working so she can send her little brother to college and support her parents who are farmers in a province hours north of Bangkok.  Bin is the only daughter and in Thai culture the daughter is expected to provide financial security for her parents and additional immediate family.

Bin is young woman with aspirations to start back in the travel business as soon as she’s able.  She expressed faith that one of her friends currently working at an agency will be able to bring her onboard once Bin learns more English.  Bin’s eyes still have hope in them unlike some of the girls whose eyes are stormy, sad and have seen too much.  She sits across from Meghan and me in her 3/4 length Mickey Mouse shirt and jean shorts.  When she giggles, she covers her mouth and leans back on her stool.  She’s real and so is her story.

But sometimes faith and hope run short.  It’s said that love never does though. It never fails.  Of faith, hope and love, love is the greatest.  And thank God for that.  I hope that the love Meghan and I poured out on Bin tonight will be a love that lasts forever in her heart.  May it be a special Valentine memory that she’ll carry with her (along with the teddy bear we gave her) if faith and hope expire.

Despite our shortfalls, there’s a God who loves us no matter what.  We each fall short on our own, but He reaches out and always waits for us.  If there’s any sure argument, it’s that He’s the ultimate Valentine.

Thailand- Days One and Two

It's been a hectic two days as our team has been adjusting to Thailand and specifically Bangkok.  Our trip will take place in a trimester of locations: the first being Bangkok for four days, followed by a more remote village to the north west for three days and then the trip will conclude with two more days in Bangkok.

Since arriving, we've been playing tourists and getting a feel for Bangkok.  Tomorrow we begin our more hardcore field work where we'll be going to The Well and having orientation about it.  Then we'll be going into the brothels and bars to tell the girls about The Well and Christ.

BUT.... that's tomorrow.

Yesterday and today we've been adjusting to time zones, new places and new faces!  I should begin with our hotel.  Its beautiful!  Its style is truly after the name, because it's a fusion of Thai and middle eastern.  There are beautiful colors everywhere.  One of my favorite features is this wall of notes in the lobby.  Past guests have written comments in dozens of languages and they have posted them for current guests to see.  Along with the comments are pictures and cards.  It's really creative and an effective way of marketing.

On day one, we had a wonderful breakfast, supplied by our hotel, and then followed it with team devotional time where we looked at Matthew 10, a passage in which Christ sent his disciples out with tangible tips for traversing their fields.  Tips such as giving freely, accepting hospitality and being "shrewd as snakes, but harmless as doves".

After team devotions and prayer, we went to Ancient Siam, a park in Bangkok that's shaped like Thailand and has all of the provinces represented with a replica of something significant and unique to that province.  We each rented a bike and rode around the HUGE park to explore a taste of Thailand.  It was really fun and much needed after 25+ hours of traveling in a plane the previous night.  We had lunch out there in the replica of the Floating Market.  My first lunch in Thailand was pad thai- a must have Thai dish!  It was delicious and set the tone for meals to follow.

After Ancient Siam, we came back to the area near the hotel and most of us went out for massages, which was the next best thing for my body after a 25+ hour plane ride.  An hour long tissue massage, including tip, was about $14.  What??!  Can I bring those prices home with me??  After the massage a smaller group of ladies and I took the metro a couple stops to a road recommended by our hotel concierge.  All the locals go there and for good reason. The street is lined with food vendors and their carts.  It's Anthony Bordain style!  I had a soup dish of dry noodles (meaning: no broth and drained, but seasoned) with fish and shrimp balls.  On the side was a fresh smoothie of pineapple, strawberries and banana.  For dessert we visited a third cart (the smoothie was from the second cart) where we bought mango sticky rice, which is a very common dessert that's amazing!

After gorging, we returned back to our hotel and crashed.

Day Two: Our team devotional covered Luke 17:11-19, where Jesus heals the ten lepers.  I'd heard the story a lot, but was given a new nugget today. The healing began when the lepers left Christ and started walking.  Meaning, we don't have to be "ready" before going out into what we've been called to do.  We just have to go!  In our going, Christ prepares us and heals us.

After devotions, we went to Cori's house, who is a leader at The Well.  Several of the women who work and are being helped by The Well were gracious hosts and prepared us a delicious feast for lunch!      After lunch, we went to church, which kind of reminded me of NCC.  The church meets in a hotel since they are small and growing.  I'll have to write more about the message in a separate post because it deserves its own post.  The message was awesome and the music brought me to tears.  The music was sung in different languages for the different audience members there.  Words were on an overhead in all the languages so people could follow along to the music and sing.  It was spirit lifting to hear the different tongues and languages singing.  All were different, yet all were praising God.  I couldn't help but wonder what Jesus was thinking.  He had to have been smiling.

After the service we fellowshipped with the parishioners and pastors, which was fun.  Then, we boarded taxis and headed across town to dinner... an elaborate outdoor buffet, which was under a HUGE tent.  On each table, the server placed a small fire.  Patrons of the buffet had to pile up their plates with cooked and non-cooked foods they wanted.  Non-cooked meats were added to the fires and cooked in front of their tenders.  It was kind of like fondu, but way cooler.  We were there for hours just eating and table hopping amongst our group to meet more people.  The night was topped of with karaoke, where some of our group members sang.  A couple folks even sang a duet in honor of Whitney Houston.

And that was the end of day two.  Tomorrow begins early with our first trip to The Well.  We'll do orientation and then go out from there.  I'm pretty excited and also a bit nervous about what God's called our team to do.  But I'm hopeful and praying for brokenness and a softening of spirit, both of which I hope begin with me...