Planning a Cross-Cultural Wedding

With less then three weeks to our wedding, Alpha and I have been busy and going a little crazy pulling all the details together for the big day. Alpha came to Dhaka for two weeks to help with the little details, like invitations... One of the biggest challenges with wedding planning here is getting used to Bengali time. In America we would have everything done months in advance. Here... we booked out venue last week.

I did get my dress back for the tailor a few days ago and it fits perfectly now! Thank you Bangladesh for your amazing tailoring skills! It is all coming together and I know the day will come fast and be amazing.

Alpha has the most amazing family that has dedicated their time and energy to making our wedding perfect. I was able to spend a day with some of his uncles and cousins as we booked the venue and met about other details. I am so excited to become a part of the Christ centered family. I am so thankful to each of them for being so helpful and gracious as I continue to learn this new culture.

Lunch with family

Its like a family reunion

Alpha is leading worship at a conference March 1st to 4th in a village a few hours from his hometown. I must admit I really miss him after having him here for two weeks. Please pray for the conference, the Christians and Non-Christians attending, the leaders and Alpha. They are out is the sticks with no electricity so Alpha has been using his mobile phone sparingly allowing the battery to last as long as possible. Just a few more days and then we are together for life!

Alpha is front in the blue checkers

Alpha is front row second from the left

A German Christmas and a Bengali New Year

This post is old and I didn't realize it has been sitting in my 'drafts' for two months! So here it is:

It was a much need break for students and the heat.... Well sort of. I was able to spend Christmas in Germany with my parents and 'enjoy' the cold weather and even some snow! My little brother came for the last few days I was in country and it was wonderful to be able to spend some time with him.

We were able to go to the Christmas market, see the Berlin wall memorial and go to Poland for my wedding shower! My mom put together a somewhat surprise wedding shower for me with all of my "aunties" I grew up with when I had lived in Czech years ago. Here are some pictures from my trip:

After the longest layover in Turkey I was finally back in the tropics to spend New Years with my Fiance. It was laid-back and relaxing, a wonderful way to start to an exciting new year. I was also able to spend a few days in Khulna and watch Alpha lead worship at his church. I love watching my husband-to-be doing what he loves.

After our three week vacation it was time to get back to work. I am now the EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher at Grace International School and have 16 students with different levels of English I am helping one on one through out the week. It was been wonderful getting to know the primary students and I look forward to helping them improve their English and thrive in their classes.