A wedding, A wedding reception, An 80's party & more...

Anna's big day...
A while back I spoke of a mass wedding that was happening at the local church. The devastating part of that wedding was one of our ladies who was supposed to get married found out the night before that her husband would not be released.  We got news that Anna's husband Simon would be released for two weeks before he was stationed in Somalia for two years; we had to make a wedding happen and we had to make it happen fast.

It was such a fun time, Brenda, Remnant Uganda's livelihood programs manager, hosted the bride and a few friends in her home throughout the whole week. The week leading up to the wedding is set apart for mentoring, counseling and getting the bride and groom ready for their big day. The wedding was truly a Remnant Uganda wedding.  Anna and her bridal party got ready at the Remnant compound and the flower girls had old Remnant headbands tied in their hair. It was so fun seeing Anna in her gown and be apart of her big day. Stef and I got to glitter her up and had a sweet moment of prayer with her before she left for the church.

It was a crazy day of course, what wedding days aren't? We first couldn't find the keys to the compound and had to saw off every lock we had, we then didn't have enough seats for the huge group of women so we had to walk the roads of Pece caring chairs we had lent Brenda for the week. Our compound was filled with many women getting their nails painted getting their hair done and getting dressed in their wedding attire. Our Remnant ladies had matching dresses made for Anna's big day, it was so special to be able to just surround her as a family.

When we arrived at the church it was already packed. It was so special that the day was all about Anna and Simon, that they didn't have to share their wedding day with any other couples. God is such a loving God, he gave Anna hope when she should have been crushed and then set aside a day that was only for her, Simon and their marriage together with the Lord. It was such a great day in Gulu, I felt like a proud mother, watching my daughter finally marry her prince charming. I fell in love with Simon that day, he was just so sweet and such a gentlemen, in stead of just saying " I do" he went off on why he is saying it. It was so precious!

The reception was right after the ceremony and we shared a meal with Anna, Simon and all that attended the wedding. It was a beautiful day.

Sean & Kelsey's Ugandan wedding reception...

A few weeks later was the Uganda wedding reception of Sean & Kelsey Galaway. I met this adorable couple my first trip in 2010. The two of them have been working and living in Uganda for the past two years and are both doing amazing work in Gulu. Sean is the country director of Krochet Kids Uganda and Kelsey works for Kwagala Project, an amazing organization that works to "improve the lives of young victims of the commercial sex trade and give them hope for the future."

They got married in the states but so much of their lives is in Uganda they couldn't possibly not celebrate with their Ugandan family. It was such a beautiful day, the reception was hosted at the Krochet Kids compound and the Krochet Kids ladies welcomed all the guest as you walked in, in matching out fits. When Sean and Kelsey arrived all the guests went crazy, they slow marched down the aisle and their joy was just leaking out of them. 

The day was filled with speeches, performances, rain, food, gifts and of course love. It was so great to see such giving and loving people be showered by the people who's lives have brought them to Uganda. 

Kelsey looked beautiful in both her wedding dress as well as her changing dress. Having a changing dress is a Ugandan tradition and she truly looked like a princess. The gift giving ceremony is also part of Uganda tradition. Groups of ladies from Krochet kids began presenting their gifts while singing. The couple ended up getting a goat, some chickens and many other wonderful gifts. 

Even though it rained it was a beautiful day, I even heard that in Africa it is a blessing for it to rain on your wedding day. After seeing such a beautiful reception I definitely want to have a reception in Uganda when I get married. How could I get married and not celebrate with my family here in Uganda? 








80's party...
The same day as the wedding reception the 31bits house ( Stefanie, Emily, Kristin & Amy) were hosting an 80's party. I may have said it before but parties in uganda are the most fun parties ever. They are simple and so much fun. We got fun 80's prom dresses from the local market, put tons and tons of hairspray in out hair and got ready to dance the night away.

The DJ showed up set up the speakers and we were ready for the guests to arrive. The turn out was great and everyone was dancing, we even planned a small flash mob to "push it", I know, pretty awesome. The party was so. much. fun. Loud music, dancing and some Niles, thats all we needed for an amazing night. Some of our Ugandan friends came and really took the dancing to the next level. When power went out we had a little back up but then we all migrated to a local club called BJ's. Everyone went al out in 80's attire and had such a fun time. The first party at the Bits house was a success!

Brian Larsh in Gulu!

On my first trip to Uganda I met Brian Larsh. Brian is such a cool guy and we have been friends every since. For the past couple months Brian had been studying in Spain at a school that focuses on starting a Non-profit and leadership. Brian came to Gulu for a short week to do research for a future organization he has been working on, he also agreed to do video and take photos for Remnant and the ROCKHARBOR Uganda ministry.

It was so fun showing Brian what living in Gulu looks like and opening his eyes to Gulu life. He was a busy guy, meeting with people, going out to different villages, and then hanging out and eating dinner with Stef and I. He spent a full day with us at Remnant and filmed footage for a event we are having October 27th (< Save the date).

It was a short but sweet trip and it was so much fun taking a quick stroll down memory lane being back in Uganda with Brian!









& then there was a 90's party...

The 80's party was such a hit, a 90's party was planned to happen a few weeks later. We went from big shiny dresses to overalls, butterfly clips, floral prints and denim. I had a few inspirations...Clueless and Left eye...

So many things happen here in Gulu, but it is my life. It doesn't feel different or out of the ordinary so I often forget that people don't live the same life. These were just a few of the highlights lately. Thanks for stopping by!

- Mary Joy